South Carolina - The Palmetto State
Capital: Columbia | Abbreviation: SC | Region: Southeast | Population: 5.2 million
Quick Facts
| Population | 5,190,705 |
| Area | 32,020 sq mi (82,933 km²) |
| Population Rank | 23rd |
| Area Rank | 40th |
| Capital | Columbia |
| Largest City | Charleston (151K) |
| Statehood | May 23, 1788 (8th state) |
| Time Zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4) |
| Nickname | The Palmetto State |
Interactive Map
🔴 Columbia (Capital)
About South Carolina
South Carolina is a southeastern state with a population of 5.2 million, making it the twenty-third most populous state. The state capital is Columbia, located in the center of the state. Charleston is the largest city with 151,000 residents and a metropolitan area of 800,000, known worldwide for its historic architecture, culture, and cuisine. South Carolina was one of the original Thirteen Colonies and the eighth state to ratify the Constitution on May 23, 1788.
South Carolina has a complex and pivotal role in American history. It was the first state to secede from the Union (December 20, 1860), and the Civil War began at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor on April 12, 1861. The state's economy was historically built on plantation agriculture, particularly rice and cotton, worked by enslaved people. Today, South Carolina has transformed into a diverse economy with manufacturing (especially automotive - BMW, Volvo, Boeing), tourism, agriculture, and a rapidly growing population.
South Carolina offers 187 miles of Atlantic coastline featuring popular beach destinations like Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Charleston beaches. The state is known for Southern hospitality, Gullah Geechee culture on the Sea Islands, championship golf courses, and rich culinary traditions. The Lowcountry cuisine features shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and boiled peanuts. Charleston has become one of America's top tourist destinations and culinary capitals.
Geography & Climate
South Carolina features three distinct geographic regions:
- Blue Ridge Mountains: Far northwest corner, highest elevations, waterfalls
- Piedmont: Central region, rolling hills, Greenville-Spartanburg area
- Coastal Plain: Largest region, low-lying, beaches, Sea Islands, Charleston
- Atlantic Coast: 187 miles of coastline, beaches, salt marshes
- Sea Islands: Barrier islands including Hilton Head, unique Gullah culture
- Climate: Humid subtropical, hot humid summers, mild winters, hurricane season
Major Cities
Charleston
Population: 151,613
Metro: 800K
Known For: Historic city, architecture, cuisine, Fort Sumter, tourism, culture
Columbia
Population: 137,300
Metro: 838K
Known For: State capital, University of South Carolina, geographic center, government
North Charleston
Population: 115,382
Known For: Boeing aircraft assembly, port, industry, Charleston metro
Mount Pleasant
Population: 91,684
Known For: Charleston suburb, Patriots Point, beaches, rapid growth
Rock Hill
Population: 75,048
Known For: Charlotte metro area, Winthrop University, textile heritage
Greenville
Population: 70,720
Metro: 920K
Known For: Upstate hub, revitalized downtown, Falls Park, BMW nearby
Civil War History
South Carolina was at the center of the American Civil War:
- First to Secede: South Carolina was first state to secede from Union (December 20, 1860)
- Fort Sumter: Civil War began when Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor (April 12, 1861)
- Secession Convention: Held in Charleston, issued Declaration of Immediate Causes for secession
- Sherman's March: Union General Sherman marched through South Carolina (1865), burning Columbia
- Reconstruction: Federal troops occupied state during Reconstruction era (1865-1877)
- Confederate Capital: Charleston was major Confederate port before Union blockade
- Legacy: Civil War sites, forts, and battlefields are major historical attractions today
Economy & Industry
South Carolina has transformed into a manufacturing and tourism powerhouse:
- Automotive Manufacturing: BMW (Spartanburg), Volvo (Charleston), Mercedes-Benz Vans, extensive supplier network
- Aerospace: Boeing 787 Dreamliner final assembly in North Charleston, largest industrial investment in state history
- Port of Charleston: Major container port, fourth busiest on East Coast, imports/exports
- Tourism: Beaches (Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head), Charleston, golf courses - $24 billion industry
- Textiles: Historic industry, some manufacturers remain, Michelin tire headquarters
- Agriculture: Peaches, tobacco, soybeans, cotton, poultry, forestry products
- Military: Numerous military bases including Parris Island Marine Corps training, Fort Jackson Army base
Charleston - America's Favorite City
Charleston is consistently ranked among America's best cities:
Historic Architecture
Charleston's historic district features pristine 18th and 19th-century architecture with colorful antebellum houses, churches with distinctive steeples, cobblestone streets, and gas-lit lanes. The city survived the Civil War relatively intact, preserving its architectural heritage. Rainbow Row features 13 colorful historic houses along the waterfront.
Culinary Capital
- Award-winning restaurants and chefs
- Lowcountry cuisine: shrimp & grits, she-crab soup
- Fresh seafood from local waters
- Charleston Restaurant Week major event
- James Beard Award-winning chefs
Beaches & Coastal Tourism
South Carolina's 187-mile coastline offers diverse beach destinations:
- Myrtle Beach: 60-mile Grand Strand, most visited beach in South Carolina, boardwalk, golf, entertainment
- Hilton Head Island: Upscale resort destination, championship golf, tennis, beaches, bike paths
- Charleston Beaches: Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island - local favorites
- Kiawah Island: Luxury resort, world-class golf, Ocean Course
- Pawleys Island: Quiet beach community, "arrogantly shabby" charm
- Edisto Beach: Laid-back family beach, shell collecting
Interesting Facts
- First state to secede from Union, starting the Civil War
- Civil War began at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor (1861)
- State tree is palmetto, which protected Fort Moultrie from British cannonballs (1776)
- Charleston was wealthiest city in colonies before Revolutionary War
- Myrtle Beach area has over 100 golf courses
- State dance is the shag, beach music tradition
- Gullah Geechee culture preserved on Sea Islands
- South Carolina barbecue features mustard-based sauce unique to state
- Parris Island trains all female Marine Corps recruits and male recruits east of Mississippi
- First Tea Farm in North America on Wadmalaw Island
- Angel Oak tree near Charleston is estimated 400-500 years old
- Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston is major arts festival
- State produces more peaches than Georgia in some years
- First battle of Revolutionary War in the South at Sullivan's Island (1776)
Neighboring States
Also borders: Atlantic Ocean (East)
Compare South Carolina
See how South Carolina compares to other states in population, economy, and more.
Compare South Carolina