Pennsylvania was central to American independence — the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were both signed in Philadelphia. It also hosts the Liberty Bell and Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Geography & climate
Pennsylvania lies in the Northeast of the United States, set at approximately 40.6°N, 77.2°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 119,283 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Philadelphia, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 13M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Pennsylvania was admitted to the Union in 1787 as the 2nd state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
Pennsylvania is nicknamed “The Keystone State”, with the state motto Virtue, Liberty, and Independence. The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Pennsylvania is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Pennsylvania.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Pennsylvania offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Pennsylvania can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | PA | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Harrisburg | — |
| Largest city | Philadelphia | — |
| US region | Northeast | — |
| Population | 13M | people |
| Area | 119,283 | km² |
| Statehood | 1787 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 2 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Keystone State | — |
| Motto | Virtue, Liberty, and Independence | — |
| Latitude | 40.6 | degrees |
| Longitude | -77.2 | degrees |
Did you know?
Hershey, Pennsylvania has streetlamps shaped like Hershey's Kisses and streets named Cocoa Avenue and Chocolate Avenue.
