Why Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida Are Called the Gulf States

These five states are collectively termed the Gulf States because they all border the Gulf of Mexico.

The Gulf of Mexico is a large ocean basin bounded by:

• North: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida
• South: Mexico
• East: Florida (extends to Straits of Florida)

Economic & Environmental Importance

• Major oil and natural gas production
• Critical shipping lanes
• Tourism (beaches, fishing, recreation)
• Rich marine ecosystems