Portal:Pennsylvania (state)

Pennsylvania, officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a state located in the Northeastern United States, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Great Lakes region. It is bordered by Delaware to the southeast, Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, Lake Erie and the Canadian province of Ontario to the northwest, New York to the north, and New Jersey to the east. Pennsylvania is the 33rd-largest state by area and the 5th-most populous state according to the most recent official U.S. Census count in 2020. It is also the 9th-most densely populated of the 50 states. The state's capital and its 10th largest city is Harrisburg.

Pennsylvania has 67 counties, with the city of Philadelphia, the largest city in the state, serving as the economic and cultural anchor of the larger Delaware Valley metropolitan area. Pennsylvania's history of human habitation extends to thousands of years before the foundation of the Commonwealth in 1681, with the Quaker William Penn being granted the land by Charles II of England as a place for religious freedom. Since its founding, Pennsylvania has been a crucial center of industry, culture, and governance in the United States. During the American Revolution, it was the site of major events such as the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States in Philadelphia.

Geography

Pennsylvania is characterized by its diverse topography, which includes wide stretches of farmland, national forests, and mountains. The Appalachian Mountains run through the middle of the state. The state has a significant shoreline along Lake Erie and more than 120 state parks, with the most famous being the Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg and the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia.

Economy

The state's economy is diverse, encompassing major sectors such as manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and tourism. Pennsylvania is also home to the headquarters of 50 Fortune 500 companies. The state is a major producer of steel, coal, and natural gas, contributing significantly to the nation's energy sector.

Culture

Pennsylvania's cultural contributions are numerous, including the founding of the United States' first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo. The state is known for its sports teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pennsylvania also has a rich tradition in the arts, with institutions such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh.

Education

The state is home to numerous prestigious universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution, and the Pennsylvania State University. Pennsylvania's education system also includes a wide range of public and private institutions, offering diverse opportunities for higher education and research.

Government and Politics

Pennsylvania operates under a mixed government system, with a governor as the state's chief executive and a bicameral legislature consisting of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania Senate. The state has a significant role in national politics, often being a key swing state in presidential elections.

Transportation

The state has a comprehensive transportation network that includes major highways, railroads, and airports. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation oversees the state's transportation infrastructure, facilitating movement within and beyond its borders.

See Also

• History of Pennsylvania
• Geography of Pennsylvania
• Demographics of Pennsylvania
• Economy of Pennsylvania
• Culture of Pennsylvania
• Education in Pennsylvania
• Government of Pennsylvania

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