Map of South Carolina
The state of South Carolina is located in the the Southeastern United States. It borders North Carolina to the north, Georgia to the southwest, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast.
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About the map:
This map of South Carolina State shows the state borders, Atlantic Ocean, islands, states, state capital, county borders, counties, county seats and important cities.
County seats are indicated by a red circle, white circles indicate cities, and the capital of South Carolina 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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South Carolina State Maps
Other Maps of South Carolina
South Carolina State Profile
The Great Seal of the State of South Carolina |
Flag of South Carolina |
| Capital: | Columbia |
| Largest city: | Charleston |
| Largest metropolitan area: | Greenville |
| Largest county by population: | Greenville County |
| Largest county by area: | Charleston County |
| Area: | 32,020 sq mi (82,933 km2) |
| Population (2023): | 5,373,555[1] |
| Density: | 170.27/sq mi (65.74/km2) |
| Dimensions: |
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| Latitude: | 32°02′ N to 35°13′ N |
| Longitude: | 78°32′ W to 83°21′ W |
| Elevation: |
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| Official language: |
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| Religion (2021):[2] |
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| Racial/ethnic groups (2023):[1] |
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| Median household income (2022): | $63,623[1] |
| USPS abbreviation: | SC |
| ISO 3166 code: | US-SC |
| Time zone: | UTC–05:00 (Eastern) Summer (DST) UTC–04:00 (EDT) |
| The Official Website of the State of South Carolina: | sc.gov |
About the State of South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Southeastern United States. It borders North Carolina to the north, Georgia to the southwest, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. The state has a total area of 32,020 square miles (82,932 km2), ranking 40th in size among U.S. states. South Carolina's population reached 5,373,555 (2023 census), making it the 23rd most populous state.
Columbia serves as the state capital and largest city, with a population of 137,541 (2020). Other major cities include Charleston (150,227), North Charleston (114,852), and Greenville (70,720).
South Carolina's economy relies on manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. Major industries include automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and textiles. BMW operates its largest North American manufacturing facility in Spartanburg. The state produces significant agricultural products, including peaches, tobacco, and soybeans. The service sector, particularly tourism, contributes substantially to the state economy.
The state's coastal region, known as the Grand Strand, includes Myrtle Beach, a major tourist destination attracting over 19 million visitors annually. Charleston's historic district features well-preserved colonial and antebellum architecture. Notable attractions include:
- Hilton Head Island - renowned for golf courses and beaches
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- Caesars Head State Park
- Congaree National Park
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
South Carolina maintains a diverse economic base with significant military presence, including eight major military installations. The Port of Charleston ranks among the top ten busiest container ports in the United States. The state's climate and coastal location contribute to its strong tourism sector, which generates approximately $24 billion annually.
Brief History
South Carolina's history spans from Native American settlements to European colonization and modern statehood. Spanish explorers first arrived in 1521, followed by English settlers who established Charles Town (now Charleston) in 1670. The colony flourished through rice and indigo cultivation, relying heavily on enslaved labor.
South Carolina played significant roles in the American Revolution and became the eighth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1788. The state led the Confederate secession in 1860 and witnessed the first shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter in 1861.
The post-Civil War era brought Reconstruction, followed by Jim Crow laws and agricultural dominance. The 20th century marked transitions from agricultural to industrial economies, civil rights movements, and economic diversification. Today, South Carolina maintains strong manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture sectors, with major corporations like BMW establishing facilities in the state.
Major cities in South Carolina
- Charleston
- Columbia
- North Charleston
- Mount Pleasant
- Rock Hill
- Greenville
- Summerville
- Goose Creek
- Greer
- Sumter
- Florence
- Myrtle Beach
- Spartanburg
- Hilton Head Island
- Bluffton
- Fort Mill
- Aiken
- Anderson
- Mauldin
- Conway
Counties in South Carolina
There are 46 counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina.
List of counties in South CarolinaSouth Carolina County Map
Geography of South Carolina
South Carolina occupies 32,020 square miles in the southeastern United States, with the Atlantic Ocean forming its eastern border. The state divides into three distinct geographical regions: the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest, the Piedmont Plateau in the central region, and the Atlantic Coastal Plain in the southeast.
The Blue Ridge Mountains reach elevations up to 3,560 feet at Sassafras Mountain, the state's highest point. The Piedmont features rolling hills and valleys, while the Coastal Plain encompasses nearly half the state with its flat, sandy terrain and numerous swamps.
South Carolina exhibits a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 85-95°F (29-35°C), while winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F (-1-10°C). The state receives approximately 45-50 inches of annual rainfall, with the mountains receiving the highest precipitation. Coastal areas experience periodic hurricanes and tropical storms, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November.
Below you will find a list of the largest lakes, the longest rivers, and the highest mountains in South Carolina.
Major Rivers in South Carolina
- Savannah River - 301 mi (484 km)
- Great Pee Dee River - 232 mi (373 km)
- Broad River - 150 mi (241 km)
- Saluda River - 145 mi (233 km)
- Santee River - 143 mi (230 km)
- Wateree River - 140 mi (225 km)
- Congaree River - 140 mi (225 km)
- Little Pee Dee River - 116 mi (187 km)
- Edisto River - 113 mi (182 km)
- Black River - 105 mi (169 km)
- Lynches River - 102 mi (164 km)
- Waccamaw River - 98 mi (158 km)
- North Fork Edisto River - 87 mi (140 km)
- South Fork Edisto River - 85 mi (137 km)
- Little River - 75 mi (121 km)
- Tyger River - 68 mi (109 km)
- Enoree River - 65 mi (105 km)
- Pacolet River - 50 mi (80 km)
- Ashley River - 30 mi (48 km)
- Cooper River - 30 mi (48 km)
Major Lakes in South Carolina
- Lake Marion - 110 sq mi (285 km2)
- Lake Strom Thurmond - 71 sq mi (184 km2)
- Lake Murray - 50 sq mi (130 km2)
- Lake Hartwell - 56 sq mi (145 km2)
- Lake Moultrie - 60 sq mi (155 km2)
- Lake Keowee - 26 sq mi (67 km2)
- Lake Wateree - 21 sq mi (54 km2)
- Lake Wylie - 13 sq mi (34 km2)
- Lake Greenwood - 11.4 sq mi (29.5 km2)
- Lake Jocassee - 7.5 sq mi (19.4 km2)
- Richard B. Russell Lake - 6.8 sq mi (17.6 km2)
- Lake Robinson - 2.2 sq mi (5.7 km2)
- Lake William C. Bowen - 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km2)
- Lake Blalock - 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km2)
The Highest Mountains in South Carolina
- Sassafras Mountain - 3,554 ft (1,084 m)
- Pinnacle Mountain - 3,415 ft (1,041 m)
- Caesars Head - 3,208 ft (978 m)
- Hogback Mountain - 3,189 ft (972 m)
- Glassy Mountain - 3,175 ft (968 m)
- Table Rock - 3,124 ft (952 m)
- Paris Mountain - 2,054 ft (626 m)
- Kings Mountain - 1,705 ft (520 m)
- Stone Mountain - 1,686 ft (514 m)
- Crowders Mountain - 1,625 ft (495 m)
- Whiteside Mountain - 1,520 ft (463 m)
- Glassey Mountain - 1,490 ft (454 m)
- Bald Rock - 1,480 ft (451 m)
- Rocky Mountain - 1,395 ft (425 m)
- Sulphur Springs Mountain - 1,380 ft (421 m)
- Rich Mountain - 1,340 ft (408 m)
- Boone Mountain - 1,325 ft (404 m)
- Long Mountain - 1,310 ft (399 m)
- Brushy Mountain - 1,280 ft (390 m)
- Little Mountain - 1,213 ft (370 m)
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References
1. ^ QuickFacts South Carolina. U.S. Census Bureau.2. ^ "American Values Atlas: Religious Tradition in South Carolina". Public Religion Research Institute.