Gulfkusten

Gulfkusten, or the Gulf Coast, is a coastal region along the southern rim of the Gulf of Mexico, extending roughly from the western coast of Florida through Texas. It encompasses portions of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. The area features a mix of barrier islands, marshes, estuaries, and urbanized coastal cities. The climate is predominantly subtropical to tropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters; the region is vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly during the late summer and early autumn.

Historically inhabited by Indigenous peoples before European contact, the Gulfkusten saw development tied to fishing, trade, and, later, oil and shipping. It developed into a global petrochemical and port corridor in the 20th century, with major cities such as Houston, New Orleans, Mobile, Gulfport, Tampa, and the bayous of Louisiana and Mississippi shaping its economy and culture.

Economy and infrastructure: Energy production and refining, petrochemicals, fishing and seafood processing, tourism, and logistics. Notable ports include the Port of Houston, Port of New Orleans, Port of Mobile, and Port of Tampa.

Environment: The region contains critical wetlands and estuaries that provide biodiversity and storm protection but have suffered from coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and the Gulf of Mexico dead zone; restoration programs aim to reduce damage from storms and preserve habitats.

Culture and society: The Gulfkusten is culturally diverse, with Cajun, Creole, and Southern influences, distinctive cuisine, music, and festivals, including Mardi Gras-related traditions in Louisiana and coastal fishing communities in Mississippi and Alabama.