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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a state in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pennsylvania is a state in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. It is one of the original 13 colonies, became the second U.S. state in 1787, and has Harrisburg as its capital and Philadelphia as its largest city.

Geography

Pennsylvania is a rectangular state in the Middle Atlantic region with borders on six states and Lake Erie. The Appalachian Mountains run through the state, and its major cities and river systems have shaped settlement and transportation.

History

Pennsylvania was founded as a colony in 1681 by William Penn. The state name means “Penn’s woods” and was created to honor his father. It later became one of the original states of the United States and played an important role in the American Revolution and early U.S. national history.

Government and population

Pennsylvania is a U.S. state with a capital in Harrisburg and a large population concentrated in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas. It is commonly described as one of the most populous states in the country. The state has 67 counties.

Economy and culture

Pennsylvania has long been associated with manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and food production. The state is also known for historic sites, universities, and distinctive regional communities such as the Amish and Mennonite populations.

Key facts

  • Pennsylvania is bordered by New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, and Ohio, and also meets Lake Erie in the northwest.
  • It was admitted to the Union on December 12, 1787, as the second U.S. state.
  • The state capital is Harrisburg, while Philadelphia is the largest city.
  • Pennsylvania is commonly called the Keystone State.
  • The state name means “Penn’s woods” and was created by William Penn to honor his father.
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Canadian context

Pennsylvania is relevant to Canadian readers through cross-border trade, travel, and its proximity to Ontario and Quebec via the northeastern U.S. region, though it does not border Canada directly.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is a U.S. state in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the country.
What is the capital of Pennsylvania?
Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania.
What is the largest city in Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city.
When did Pennsylvania become a state?
Pennsylvania became the second U.S. state on December 12, 1787.
Why is Pennsylvania called the Keystone State?
The nickname refers to the state’s central location and historical importance among the original colonies.

References

  1. National Geographic Kidshttps://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/pennsylvania
    Supports: Name origin and borders
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/place/Pennsylvania-state
    Supports: State status, geography, capital, nickname
  3. The Fact Filehttps://thefactfile.org/pennsylvania-facts/
    Supports: Statehood date, capital, counties
  4. Enchanted Learninghttps://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/pennsylvania/
    Supports: Capital, largest city, abbreviation, nickname, counties
  5. U.S. Census Bureauhttps://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCENSUS/bulletins/37fa11a
    Supports: Largest city and state anniversary
  6. FactRetrieverhttps://www.factretriever.com/pennsylvania-facts
    Supports: Name meaning, nickname, historical notes