Mississippi became the 20th state of the United States in 1817. It joined the Confederacy during the Civil War (1861-1865) and maintained an agriculture-based economy until the early 20th century after the Reconstruction era.

However, in 1927, a major flood of the Mississippi River inundated many areas, significantly impacting the state's economy and society. In the 1960s, the civil rights movement was actively pursued, and in 1964, a law prohibiting racial discrimination in public places was passed.

Demographics

The population of Mississippi is approximately 2,949,965 (as of 2020), with a population density of 23.73 people/km². The major racial composition is 59.1% White, 37.8% Black, 3.4% Hispanic, and 1.1% Asian.

Median Income

Mississippi has the lowest median household income in the United States. This is due to the characteristics of the state's economic structure and industrial base, with many residents engaged in agriculture and low-wage industries. This income level affects various socioeconomic indicators such as education, healthcare, and housing in the state.

The history, demographics, and economic characteristics of Mississippi play a significant role in shaping the state's culture and social structure.