Welcome to Pennsylvania
"The Keystone State" Founded by Quaker William Penn in 1681 as the Province of Pennsylvania, the Keystone State was originally meant to serve as a haven from the religious intolerance found in the other colonies. Over the years, Pennsylvania became home to several marginalized religious groups, such as the Amish and Mennonites. The Pennsylvania Dutch, actually the descendents of Germanic peoples who practice various religious traditions, began migrating to the area in the 18th century. Today the group numbers about 85,000. Many of these groups lead traditional, historical lifestyles, eschewing technology and modern conveniences, and their way of life has proven a potent tourist draw for the state. Most Pennsylvanians, on the other hand, are as modern as they come. The state boasts five major urban manufacturing centers, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the latter city once being the center of the American steel industry. Today, Pittsburgh, like much of the state, has a diversified economy featuring large banking, high-tech, and service sectors. Philadelphia, with its surrounding area, has the fourth highest gross domestic product among U.S. cities and is home to the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and communications giant Comcast. When they aren't working in modern jobs, most Pennsylvanians like to obsess about sports—especially football and hockey—but during the winter months, they usually choose to do so inside. January lows average a bone-chilling 25° Fahrenheit. State Name: Pennsylvania State Nickname: "The Keystone State," "The Quaker State"  State Motto: "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence"  Name for Residents: Pennsylvanian Abbreviation: PA Time Zone: Eastern, GMT/UTC -5 / -4 (Daylight Savings Time) Capital City: Harrisburg Date of Statehood: December 12, 1787 Statehood Rank: 2nd State Area: 46,055 square miles (119,283 km²) Area Rank: 33 of 50 Number of Counties: 67 State Population: 12,448,279 (2008 estimate) Largest Cities:     Philadelphia - 1,449,634 (2008)     Pittsburgh - 312,819 (2008)     Allentown - 108,900 (2008) Major Rivers:     Susquehanna River - Length: 444 mi (715 km)     Delaware River - Length: 360 mi (579 km)     Schuylkill River - Length: 130 mi (209 km) Highest Point: Mount Davis, 3,213 ft (979 m) Lowest Point: Delaware River (sea level) Bordering States and Countries:     New York (North)     New Jersey (East)     Delaware (Southeast)     Maryland (Southeast)     West Virginia (Southwest)     Ohio (West) Record High Temperature:     111°F (44°C)     July 10, 1936 at Phoenixville Record Low Temperature:     -42°F (-41°C)     January 5, 1904 at Smethport
	Pennsylvania State Flag Pennsylvania State Seal Pennsylvania Location Map Pennsylvania
	Author: World Trade Press