Pennsylvania State Geography

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State Geography:

So you want to know about Pennsylvania? Here are some highlights! Also check out the links to other sites about Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania State Facts

Population (1994): 12,052,000 (5th in size)

State size: 45,308 square miles (33rd in size)

State Capital: Harrisburg (named after John Harris who established a trading post at the site)

Major cities: Allentown, Erie, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh

Admission to union: The 2nd State

Date entered the union: December 12, 1787

Origin of state name: Named after William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. "Sylvania" comes from the Latin word for woods or forest.

Nicknames: The Keystone State

Bordering states: New York, New Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia and Ohio

State bird: Ruffed Grouse

State flower: Mountain Laurel

State tree: Eastern Hemlock

Motto: Virtue, Liberty and Independence

Geographic Landmarks	Top of Page
The Liberty Bell is located in Philadelphia.

Points of Interest	Top of Page

Major Industries	Top of Page
Pennsylvania is a leading iron and steel producer. Other industries include cattle farming, and manufacturing of food products, machinery, chemicals, car parts and truck parts.

Historical Highlights	Top of Page
Early settlers included the Dutch, Swedes and British. William Penn founded the state for the Society of Friends or Quakers, becoming known as the "Quaker State." Later settlers included German, Scottish, Irish and French.

Population and Culture	Top of Page

Climate	Top of Page

Interesting Tidbits	Top of Page

Pennsylvania State Flag

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