Map of Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania is located in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions of the United States. Pennsylvania shares borders with New York to the north, New Jersey to the east, Delaware to the southeast, Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, and Lake Erie and the Canadian province of Ontario to the northwest.

About the map:

This map of Pennsylvania State shows the state borders, states, state capital, lakes, county borders, counties, county seats and important cities.

County seats are indicated by a red circle, white circles indicate cities, and the capital of Pennsylvania is indicated by a star in the red circle. The larger the city in terms of population, the larger the circle on the map and the larger the font of the city name.

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Key Facts:

The Great Seal of the State of Pennsylvania	Flag of Pennsylvania
Capital:	Harrisburg
Largest city:	Philadelphia
Largest metropolitan area:	Philadelphia
Largest county by population:	Philadelphia County
Largest county by area:	Lycoming County
Area:	46,055 sq mi (119,283 km2)
Population (2024):	13,078,751[1]
Density:	292/sq mi (112.7/km2)
Dimensions:	Length 170 mi (273 km) 283 mi (455 km)
Latitude:	39°43′ to 42°16′ N
Longitude:	74°41′ to 80°31′ W
Elevation:	Highest elevation (Mount Davis) - 3,212 ft (979 m) Lowest elevation (Delaware River) - 0 ft (0 m)
Official language:	None
Religion (2024):	39% - Protestantism 22% - Catholicism 2% - Jewish 1% - Muslim 1% - Hindu 30% - Unaffiliated 5% - other religions
Racial/ethnic groups (2023):[1]	73.8% White 8.4% Hispanic or Latino 10.3% Black or African American 2.49% Two or more races 3.67% Asian
Median household income (2023):	$73,800[1]
USPS abbreviation:	PA
ISO 3166 code:	US-PA
Time zone:	UTC–05:00 (Eastern) Summer (DST) UTC–04:00 (EDT)
The Official Website of the State of Pennsylvania:	www.pa.gov

About the State of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, occupies a significant position in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions of the United States. The state spans approximately 46,055 square miles (119,283 square kilometers), making it the 33rd-largest state by area. Pennsylvania shares borders with New York to the north, New Jersey to the east, Delaware to the southeast, Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, and Lake Erie and the Canadian province of Ontario to the northwest. As of 2023, approximately 13 million people reside in Pennsylvania, ranking it as the fifth-most populous state in the nation.

Where is the state of Pennsylvania in the United States of America?

Harrisburg serves as the state capital, while Philadelphia stands as the largest city with over 1.6 million residents. Pittsburgh, the second-largest city, functions as a major economic and cultural center in western Pennsylvania. Other significant urban areas include Allentown, Reading, and Erie.

Pennsylvania's economy demonstrates considerable diversity across multiple sectors. The state maintains strong manufacturing industries, particularly in steel production, machinery, and food processing. Philadelphia hosts numerous financial institutions and pharmaceutical companies, while Pittsburgh has transformed from a steel-producing hub into a center for technology, healthcare, and education. Agriculture contributes substantially to the economy, with Pennsylvania ranking among the top states for mushroom production, dairy products, and poultry. The Marcellus Shale formation has established Pennsylvania as a leading natural gas producer in recent years.

Tourism generates significant revenue for Pennsylvania, as visitors explore numerous historical and natural attractions. Independence Hall in Philadelphia attracts millions of tourists who view the birthplace of American democracy. The Liberty Bell, also located in Philadelphia, represents an iconic symbol of American independence. Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the site of the Civil War's most decisive battle. Valley Forge National Historical Park commemorates the Continental Army's 1777-1778 winter encampment. Natural attractions include the Pocono Mountains, which offer year-round recreational activities, and Ricketts Glen State Park, famous for its 22 named waterfalls. Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural masterpiece, draws architecture enthusiasts worldwide. The Hershey's Chocolate World attraction and Pennsylvania Dutch Country in Lancaster County also remain popular destinations for domestic and international visitors.

Brief History

William Penn founded Pennsylvania in 1681 after King Charles II granted him a charter to settle debts owed to Penn's father. Penn established the colony as a haven for religious freedom, particularly for Quakers who faced persecution in England. He negotiated peacefully with the Lenape tribes and designed Philadelphia on a grid pattern that later influenced American urban planning.

The colony prospered through agriculture, trade, and iron production during the eighteenth century. Pennsylvania played a crucial role in American independence when the Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia and delegates signed the Declaration of Independence there in 1776. The Constitutional Convention later met in the same city in 1787, where framers drafted the United States Constitution.

The nineteenth century brought rapid industrialization. Coal mining in the northeast and steel production in Pittsburgh transformed Pennsylvania into an economic powerhouse. The state witnessed significant Civil War action, culminating in the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, which marked a turning point in the conflict.

Immigration waves brought diverse populations to Pennsylvania's growing cities and industrial centers. Workers from Italy, Poland, Ireland, and Eastern Europe arrived seeking employment in mines, mills, and factories.

The twentieth century saw Pennsylvania maintain its industrial prominence through both World Wars, though manufacturing declined significantly after 1970. The state diversified its economy, developing sectors in healthcare, education, technology, and finance. Today Pennsylvania ranks among the most populous American states, balancing its historical heritage with modern economic development.

Major cities in Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh
• Lancaster
• Warren
• Reading

• Carbondale
• Erie
• Harrisburg
• Uniontown
• Chester

• Corry
• Meadville
• Scranton
• Titusville
• Williamsport

• Allentown
• Altoona
• Franklin
• New Castle
• Lock Haven

Counties in Pennsylvania

There are 67 counties in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.

List of counties in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania County Map

Geography of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania encompasses approximately 46,055 square miles and features diverse topographical characteristics that define its physical landscape. The Appalachian Mountains dominate the state's central region, with the Allegheny and Pocono Mountains forming prominent highland areas. The state's highest point, Mount Davis, reaches 3,213 feet above sea level in the southern portion of the state.

Seven distinct physiographic provinces characterize Pennsylvania's terrain. The Atlantic Coastal Plain occupies a small southeastern corner, while the Piedmont Plateau extends across the southeast with rolling hills and fertile valleys. The Ridge and Valley region creates a series of parallel mountain ridges and agricultural valleys through the central areas. The Allegheny Plateau, which covers approximately half the state's territory, dominates the western and northern regions with its dissected uplands and deep valleys.

Major river systems drain the state through three primary watersheds. The Delaware River forms the eastern boundary, the Susquehanna River flows through the central region, and the Ohio River system drains western areas. These waterways carved numerous valleys and created rich bottomlands throughout the territory.

Pennsylvania experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Average temperatures range from 24°F in January to 73°F in July, though significant variations occur across elevation gradients. Annual precipitation measures between 38 and 48 inches statewide, with snowfall accumulations varying from 20 inches in southeastern areas to over 100 inches in northwestern counties near Lake Erie. The lake effect significantly influences weather patterns in the Erie region, producing heavy snow and moderating temperatures. The growing season extends approximately 150 to 180 days in most areas, though mountainous regions experience shorter periods. These climatic conditions support diverse ecosystems and agricultural activities throughout the state.

Below you will find a list of the largest lakes and the longest rivers in Pennsylvania.

Major Rivers in Pennsylvania

Major Lakes in Pennsylvania

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References

1. ^ QuickFacts Pennsylvania. U.S. Census Bureau.