Louisiana State Penitentiary

Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly known as Angola, is a maximum-security prison located in Angola, Louisiana. It is the largest prison in the United States and primarily houses male inmates. Originally a plantation, it has a reputation for severe conditions and a high inmate population serving long sentences, often for violent crimes. Angola offers various rehabilitation programs, including vocational training and agricultural work. Despite its harsh reputation, it also focuses on reducing recidivism through education and reentry assistance, reflecting ongoing discussions about criminal justice reform and inmate rehabilitation in the U.S.