South Carolina

South Carolina is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It is bordered to the north by North Carolina, to the southeast by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the southwest by Georgia across the Savannah River. South Carolina is the 40th most extensive and 23rd most populous U.S. state with a recorded population of 5,124,712 according to the 2020 census.

History

South Carolina was the eighth state to ratify the United States Constitution on May 23, 1788. South Carolina became the first state to vote to secede from the Union on December 20, 1860, but was restored to the United States during reconstruction after the American Civil War.

Geography

South Carolina is composed of five geographic areas, or physiographic provinces, from the eastern Atlantic coastal plain to the western mountains. Major landforms include beaches, "barrier islands", salt marsh, sand hills, rolling piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Economy

South Carolina's economy is diverse with a gross state product of $213.6 billion in 2017. Major industries include automotive, aerospace and aviation, biotechnology and life sciences, manufacturing, and tourism.

Education

South Carolina has a diverse education system with public and private schools, including a range of colleges and universities. Public schools are managed by the South Carolina Department of Education.

Culture

South Carolina culture blends together its European and African heritage, seen in its food, music, arts, and festivals like the Spoleto Festival USA.

Government and Politics

South Carolina's government is organized into three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. The state's current governor is Henry McMaster. South Carolina is known for its politically conservative nature.

See Also

• List of Governors of South Carolina
• South Carolina General Assembly
• South Carolina Supreme Court