Pennsylvania
The Keystone State
Quick Stats
Map
Seal & Motto
"Virtue, Liberty, and Independence"
Additional Information
Reflects the founding values of the Commonwealth and its central role in establishing the American republic.
Adopted 1875.
Population Growth
Overview
Pennsylvania, the 'Keystone State,' holds the cornerstone of American identity. The nation was born in Philadelphia, the Union was saved at Gettysburg, and the Industrial Revolution was powered by Pittsburgh's steel furnaces. Today, this fifth-largest state blends historic grandeur with a thriving tech economy, world-class healthcare, and the timeless traditions of Pennsylvania Dutch country.
Historical Significance
Pennsylvania officially joined the Union on December 12, 1787, as the 2nd state. It is the birthplace of American democracy — the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia in 1776, the Constitution was written there in 1787, and the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 ensured the Union's survival and forever changed the course of human history.
Top Cities & Hubs
Philadelphia
Population: ~1.6MThe "Birthplace of America" and sixth-largest U.S. city, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, a world-renowned art museum, Ivy League Penn, and the legendary Philly cheesesteak.
Pittsburgh
Population: ~300,000The "Steel City," dramatically transformed from its industrial past into a nationally celebrated hub for technology, robotics research (Carnegie Mellon), and a world-class healthcare system.
Allentown
Population: ~125,000A major industrial and commercial city in the Lehigh Valley, the state's third-largest city and a hub for healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics with a rich Pennsylvania Dutch heritage.
Erie
Population: ~95,000Pennsylvania's only port on the Great Lakes, a city of great natural beauty on the shores of Lake Erie, featuring Presque Isle State Park and a revitalizing manufacturing and tourism economy.
Reading
Population: ~95,000A historically significant city in Berks County, once home to important railroad infrastructure and now transforming through a growing arts scene and outlet shopping destination.
Key Landmarks & Economy
Did You Know?
- Pennsylvania is the Snack Food Capital of the World, producing over 80% of America's pretzels and a vast majority of the nation's potato chips in its Snyder's and Herr's factories.
- Groundhog Day is celebrated every February 2nd in Punxsutawney, where Phil the groundhog has been "predicting" the weather since 1887 in a tradition drawing 40,000+ visitors.
- The first computer built in America, ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), was created at the University of Pennsylvania in 1945, weighing 30 tons and filling an entire room.