Mississippi is a southern U.S. state with the Mississippi River to its west, the state of Alabama to its east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Its Mississippi Delta region is considered the birthplace of blues music, honored at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale. Also in the region is the Vicksburg National Military Park, preserving the site of a critical Civil War battle. Abbreviation: MS Capital: Jackson Temperature: 68 degrees, mostly cloudy Time: 1:00 (CST, 1 hour behind us) Nickname: It is nicknamed The  “Magnolia State”  because of the abundance of magnolia flowers and trees in the state. Population: 2.95 million (PA 12.8) Size: 48,430 sq mi (PA 46,000) Cost of living:  $32,336 (PA $49,040) Minimum wage: $7.25 (PA $7.25) Statehood: December 10, 1817 State Flag:  Mississippi’s state flag features a white magnolia blossom encircled by one gold star, 20 white stars, and the words “In God We Trust”. Stripes of red, gold, and blue are also featured....