Pennsylvania - The Keystone State
Capital: Harrisburg | Abbreviation: PA | Region: Northeast | Population: 13.0 million
Quick Facts
| Population | 12,972,008 |
| Area | 46,054 sq mi (119,280 km²) |
| Population Rank | 5th |
| Area Rank | 33rd |
| Capital | Harrisburg |
| Largest City | Philadelphia (1.6M) |
| Statehood | December 12, 1787 (2nd state) |
| Time Zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4) |
| Nickname | The Keystone State |
Interactive Map
🔴 Harrisburg (Capital)
About Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is located in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, with a population of nearly 13 million making it the fifth-most populous state. The state capital is Harrisburg, while Philadelphia is the largest city with 1.6 million residents and a metropolitan area of 6.2 million. Pittsburgh, the second-largest city, anchors western Pennsylvania with 302,000 residents and a metro area of 2.4 million.
Pennsylvania earned the nickname "Keystone State" because of its central location among the original thirteen colonies and its crucial role in the founding of the United States. Philadelphia served as the nation's capital from 1790-1800 and was where both the Declaration of Independence (1776) and US Constitution (1787) were signed. The state played a vital role in the American Revolution and Civil War, including the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.
The state's economy is diverse, ranking 6th nationally in GDP. Major industries include finance, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, education, and technology. Pennsylvania is home to more Fortune 500 companies than any state except New York, California, and Texas. The state is known for its Amish communities in Lancaster County, Hershey chocolate, steel industry legacy in Pittsburgh, and historic Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Geography & Climate
Pennsylvania features diverse geography across its 46,000 square miles:
- Appalachian Mountains: Run diagonally across the state
- Pocono Mountains: Northeast region, popular recreation area
- Allegheny Plateau: Western region with rivers and valleys
- Great Lakes: 44 miles of Lake Erie shoreline in northwest
- Delaware River: Forms eastern border with New Jersey
- Climate: Humid continental with four distinct seasons
Major Cities
Philadelphia
Population: 1,603,797
Metro: 6.2M
Known For: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, birthplace of America, universities, museums, cheesesteaks
Pittsburgh
Population: 302,971
Metro: 2.4M
Known For: Steel industry legacy, three rivers, tech hub, sports teams, universities, bridges
Allentown
Population: 125,845
Metro: 865K
Known For: Lehigh Valley, manufacturing, Billy Joel song
Reading
Population: 95,112
Known For: Railroad history, outlet shopping, diverse population
Erie
Population: 94,831
Known For: Lake Erie port, beaches, Presque Isle State Park
Harrisburg
Population: 50,135
Metro: 591K
Known For: State capital, Susquehanna River, government
Revolutionary History
Pennsylvania was absolutely central to the founding of the United States:
- Independence Hall: Birthplace of America where Declaration of Independence (1776) and Constitution (1787) were signed
- Liberty Bell: Iconic symbol of American independence in Philadelphia
- Valley Forge: Site of Continental Army's winter encampment (1777-1778) under George Washington
- National Capital: Philadelphia served as US capital 1790-1800
- Battle of Gettysburg: Turning point of the Civil War (1863), site of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address
- Continental Congress: First and Second Continental Congresses met in Philadelphia
Economy & Industry
Pennsylvania has a strong, diversified economy:
- Healthcare: Major medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, health insurance
- Finance: Philadelphia is major banking center, insurance hub
- Manufacturing: Steel industry legacy, food processing, machinery
- Agriculture: Mushrooms, dairy, corn, livestock; Amish farming traditions
- Technology: Growing tech sector in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia
- Energy: Natural gas (Marcellus Shale), nuclear power, coal legacy
- Tourism: Historic sites, Hersheypark, Poconos, Gettysburg
Interesting Facts
- Second state to ratify the Constitution (1787)
- Pennsylvania means "Penn's Woods" after William Penn
- Hershey is the "Chocolate Capital of the World"
- First computer (ENIAC) built at University of Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh has more bridges than Venice (446)
- First oil well drilled in Titusville (1859)
- Groundhog Day celebrated in Punxsutawney
- Lancaster County has large Amish population
- Crayola crayons made in Easton since 1903
- Little League World Series held in Williamsport
- Philadelphia cheesesteaks are world-famous
- State has 121 state parks
- Three Mile Island nuclear incident occurred here (1979)
- Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia where first flag sewn