New Orleans is located along the Mississippi River in the southwestern section of Louisiana. Its population stood at 390193 according to recent estimates carried to in 2019, making it the most populous city in the state. New Orleans serves as an important port and is considered a significant economic hub for the Gulf Coast of the country. The city is renowned for its unique Creole cuisine, dialect, and music. Some of its festivals have put the city on the map as a city with a rich cultural background. For instance, the most notable festival is the Mardi Gras, which runs for two weeks.