| One of the Middle Atlantic states of the United States. It is bordered by New Jersey, across the Delaware River, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, and Lake Erie and New York).
Area, 45,333 sq mi (117,412 sq km).
Pop. (2000) 12,281,054, a 3.4% increase since the 1990 census.
Capital, Harrisburg.
Largest city, Philadelphia.
Nickname, Keystone State.
Motto, Virtue, Liberty, and Independence.
State bird, ruffed grouse.
State flower, mountain laurel.
State tree, hemlock. 
The Pittsburgh and Philadelphia metropolitan areas, situated at opposite ends of the state and dominating the commercial and industrial life of their regions, present startling contrasts in production and culture. Agriculture is concentrated in the fertile counties of the southeast, and prized farmlands lie in the Great Appalachian Valley, rich with limestone soils; here the Pennsylvania Dutch farmer built a culture that is identified with the bountiful agrarian life. Principal agricultural products include dairy products, cattle, hay, corn, wheat, oats, mushrooms, poultry, potatoes, and fruit. The great forests and lush vegetation that once covered the entire state were transformed during the Carboniferous period into deposits of anthracite coal in the northeast and extensive bituminous beds in the west. Large areas of woodland remain and, in some isolated sections, have retained an almost primitive wildness. Of the many historic sites and parks that have been preserved, those under federal ownership include Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Gettysburg National Military Park, and Independence and Valley Forge national historical parks. Harrisburg, the state capital, is located between the metropolitan areas of Philadelphia, the largest city, and Pittsburgh. Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, Copyright (c) 2003. Work in Pennsylvania 
According to the World Bank, Pennsylvania has the 17th largest economy in the world with $450 billion in gross domestic product. The commonwealth is home to vibrant, mature industries and has cultivated a business climate that helps innovative, entrepreneurial business thrive. Pennsylvania’s location, talent, quality of life and nationally recognized business-friendly tax code are just a few factors that contribute to its success. More than 6 million Pennsylvanians are part of its highly skilled, well-educated workforce – 82 percent have at least a high school degree and 24 percent hold bachelor’s degrees or higher. More than 500,000 Pennsylvanians own their own businesses. The commonwealth has many ways that it helps people start, keep or grow businesses in Pennsylvania. It also helps hard-working Pennsylvanians connect to hot industries, upgrade their skills and—in times of trouble—find help while they work to get their careers back on track. And, as a major economic engine in the region, Pennsylvania offers a host of opportunities for doing business with state government; full-time employment, vendor opportunities and bidding for contracts are only a few.
Additional Resources
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Outdoor Recreation 
With more than 4.5 million acres of public land, 117 state parks, 83,000 miles of streams and rivers and 4,000 inland lakes and ponds covering 160,000 acres Pennsylvania’s great outdoors offer a wealth of recreational opportunities, like hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and more. In addition to outdoor activities, there’s also an abundance of wildlife to learn about and enjoy. Several state agencies work to preserve and protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources, including the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the state’s Game and Fish and Boat Commissions. |
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