U.S. States Bordering the Gulf of Mexico

Five States Share the Gulf Coastline

The Gulf of Mexico borders five U.S. states, forming the nation's "Third Coast" with distinct cultural, economic, and ecological characteristics.

The Five States (East to West)

1. Florida — Panhandle to Keys (~770 mi Gulf coast)
2. Alabama — Short but vital coast (~60 mi), Mobile Bay
3. Mississippi — ~70 mi, barrier islands, Gulf Islands National Seashore
4. Louisiana — ~397 mi, Mississippi Delta, vast wetlands
5. Texas — ~367 mi, Padre Island, Galveston Bay

Shared Significance

• Economy: Ports (Houston, New Orleans, Mobile), oil/gas, fishing, tourism
• Ecology: Estuaries, marshes, barrier islands, migratory bird pathways
• Hazards: Hurricane vulnerability, coastal erosion, dead zones
• Culture: Distinct Gulf Coast cuisine, music, traditions blending Southern, Caribbean, Latino influences

International Context

The Gulf also borders Mexico (6 states) and Cuba, making it a semi-enclosed international sea with shared resources and environmental challenges.