New Orleans is pronounced 'New OR-linz' or 'New Or-LEE-uhnz' in American English, with many speakers of the Southern dialect (rare in the city) calling it 'New Or-LEENS'. French La Nouvelle-Orl'eans, pronounced in standard accent is a major United States port city and historically the largest city in the state of Louisiana.
New Orleans is located in southeastern Louisiana along the Mississippi River. The city is bordered by Lake Pontchartrain to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the east. It is named after Philippe II, Duke of Orl'eans, Regent of France, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. New Orleans is known for its multicultural heritage as well as its music and cuisine. It is considered the birthplace of Jazz.
Its status as a world-famous tourist destination is due in part to its architecture, music, cuisine, its annual Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and other celebrations and festivals. It has been called the "most unique city in America".
