Greater Louisiana

**Greater Louisiana,** or simply **Louisiana,** is a state of The Commonwealth of America and Neo-Europe. The largest by area, it borders Nordican America and the Federal Republic of America to the east and GUISS America to the west.

## Demographics

### Ethnicities

Louisiana is quite a diverse state. Just shy of 50% are white, mainly of various European descent over the past few centuries, 39% are black (most of which are African-American and/or Creole/Cajun), 4% are Hispanic, 2% are Native American (though as a culture it is nonexistent) and the rest are others, such as Arabs, Indians and Persians. However, this measurement of ethnicity is not the most accurate, with this state having more ethnic mixing than most. For example, 25% of the population claim some creole heritage and over 35% claim partial Native American heritage. Furthermore, most African-Americans have some white descent, and the same can be said about white people with black descent. Therefore, these statistics are rather arbitrary.

### Languages

**Anglisch** is the most widely spoken language, is the official language of government as well as the state's lingua franca. However, in reality several major dialects are used among the self-designated ethnic groups. In the more western and northern regions, the most common dialect of Anglisch is **Ameriksch,** which is comparatively close to Britannian Angllisch, with the largest distinction in the pronunciation and some vocabulary. In the south along the coast and in Louisiana proper, a Creole-based dialect known as **Kreolsch** is spoken; while still considered a dialect of Anglisch, it takes a lot of its vocabulary from Louisiana Creole as well as French (the two languages form a sort of continuum based on the extent of the influence of Anglisch). Among some African Americans, **Ebonisch** is spoken; again, this has some creole influence and other than some specific vocabulary, is easy enough to understand by standard-Anglisch speakers.

Louisiana Creole is still spoken and some forms are still considered distinct enough from Anglisch.

French is also used as a secondary lingua-franca, unofficially.

Some Native American languages have survived, but speakers are only in their several hundreds, and is declining every year despite efforts to reduce this.

### Religion

Religion holds a moderate influence in the state. **Christianity** (of various denominations) is practiced by around 46%, or roughly 63 million, of the population.

**Mormons,** mainly **Latter Day Saints,** make up a significant minority of Greater Louisianians, at around 13%, or 17 million. Historically, they would reside further west in North America, but when GUISS started to strengthen its hold in their regions, including the traditional Mormon state of Utah, and began persecuting religious practioners, especially the controversial Latter Day Saints, Neo-Europe negotiated with GUISS to allow them access to Louisiana. Reluctantly, they accepted, and the **Second Mormon Exodus** occurred (they were given little choice - either renounce their faith or be forcibly exiled) in the 2060s. The vast majority agreed to relocate, and although they scattered throughout Louisiana, the Department of Nebraska in particular has a significant Mormon population and was officially declared the new Mormon seat of power to replace Utah. After some persuasion, the city of **Lincoln** was renamed **Brigham** and was colloquially known as 'New Salt Lake.' To this day, Mormons have survived in part due to their comparatively strong beliefs and larger families to keep the faith alive (also why the total number of Latter Day Saints in America has increased when compared to USA before its collapse).

## Culture

### Cuisine

Creole and Cajun cuisines have played a significant part on the food, with dishes like Gumbo, Jambalaya and po-boys all considered traditional meals. Another large influence is Mexican cuisine, especially in the Department of Texas.

Typical 'American' foods also remain common, from hamburgers to hotdogs to biscuits and gravy.