Facts About Pennsylvania

Welcome to the article "Facts About Pennsylvania"! Pennsylvania is a state located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is the 33rd-largest state by area, and the 6th-most populous state according to the most recent U.S. Census. Pennsylvania is home to many major cities, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Erie. The state is also known for its rich history, having played a pivotal role in the founding of the United States. Pennsylvania was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States in 1776. It was also the second state to ratify the United States Constitution. Pennsylvania is home to many historical sites, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Geography

Location

Pennsylvania is located in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is bordered by New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, and Ohio. Pennsylvania is the 33rd largest state in the US, and the 5th most populous. It is the 9th most densely populated state in the US.

Major Cities

Pennsylvania is home to several major cities, including Philadelphia, the state's largest city and the 5th most populous city in the US. Pittsburgh is the state's second largest city, and the 26th most populous city in the US. Other major cities in Pennsylvania include Allentown, Erie, Reading, and Scranton.

Climate

Pennsylvania has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. The average temperature in the state ranges from the mid-30s in winter to the mid-70s in summer. Pennsylvania experiences an average of 44 inches of rain and 48 inches of snow each year. The highest recorded temperature in the state was 111 degrees Fahrenheit, and the lowest was -42 degrees Fahrenheit.

Economy

Pennsylvania is a major economic powerhouse in the United States, with a diverse range of industries and a strong tax base. A variety of industries are responsible for the state's economic success, including manufacturing, agriculture, technology, and energy. Manufacturing is the largest sector, accounting for nearly 20% of the state's GDP. Pennsylvania is home to some of the largest companies in the world, including Hershey, PPG Industries, and Alcoa. Agriculture is also a major contributor to the state's economy, with dairy, poultry, and livestock production providing a significant portion of the state's agricultural output.

Major Industries

In addition to manufacturing and agriculture, Pennsylvania is also home to a thriving technology sector. The state is home to several major technology companies, including Microsoft, Oracle, and Google. The state also has a strong presence in the energy sector, with several major energy companies operating in the state, including Exelon and PECO. Pennsylvania is also home to several major universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Penn State University, which are major contributors to the state's economy.

Taxation

Pennsylvania has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 3.07% to 3.07% for residents and 3.07% to 4.07% for non-residents. The state also has a sales tax of 6%, as well as a variety of other taxes, including a corporate net income tax, a capital stock and foreign franchise tax, and a realty transfer tax. The state also has a variety of tax credits and incentives for businesses, including the Keystone Innovation Zone Tax Credit and the Keystone Opportunity Zone Tax Credit. Additionally, the state has a variety of tax exemptions for certain industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.

Demographics

Population

Pennsylvania is the sixth most populous state in the United States, with an estimated population of 12,801,989 as of July 2019. It is the 33rd largest state in the country, covering an area of 44,817 square miles. Pennsylvania is the 9th most densely populated state in the country, with a population density of 286 people per square mile. The population of Pennsylvania is growing at a steady rate, with an estimated growth of 0.6% between 2018 and 2019.

Ethnicity

Pennsylvania is a diverse state, with a population that is made up of a variety of ethnicities. The largest ethnic group in Pennsylvania is non-Hispanic White, which makes up 81.7% of the population. The second largest ethnic group is Hispanic or Latino, which makes up 11.3% of the population. Other ethnic groups in Pennsylvania include African American (6.7%), Asian (2.6%), and Native American (0.4%).

Religion

The religious makeup of Pennsylvania is varied. The largest religious group in the state is Christianity, which makes up 63.7% of the population. The second largest religious group is non-religious, which makes up 22.2% of the population. Other religious groups in Pennsylvania include Judaism (2.2%), Islam (1.1%), and Hinduism (0.5%).

Culture

Music

Pennsylvania has a rich musical history, with many genres of music having been developed in the state. One of the most famous genres of music to come out of Pennsylvania is the Philadelphia soul sound, which was popularized in the 1960s and 70s. This genre of music was a combination of soul, funk, and R&B, and was made famous by artists such as The O’Jays and The Spinners. Pennsylvania is also known for its contributions to the punk rock movement, with bands such as The Dead Milkmen and The Dead Kennedys having been formed in the state. Pennsylvania has also been home to many famous jazz musicians, such as John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie.

Cuisine

Pennsylvania is home to a variety of different cuisines, with many of them having been influenced by the state’s diverse population. Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine is one of the most popular types of food in the state, with dishes such as chicken pot pie, shoofly pie, and chow-chow being staples of the cuisine. Pennsylvania is also known for its Italian-American cuisine, with dishes such as pizza, hoagies, and stromboli being popular in the state. Pennsylvania is also known for its German-American cuisine, with dishes such as sauerbraten and pierogies being popular in the state.

Sports

Pennsylvania is home to a variety of professional and collegiate sports teams. The Philadelphia Eagles, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Philadelphia Phillies are all professional teams that are based in the state. The University of Pennsylvania and Penn State University both have highly successful college football teams, with both teams having won multiple national championships. Pennsylvania is also home to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are a professional hockey team that has won multiple Stanley Cup championships. Pennsylvania is also home to a variety of minor league baseball teams, including the Reading Fightin Phils, the Harrisburg Senators, and the Altoona Curve.