U.S. States - MCQ Academy

Pennsylvania is one of the most historically important states in the United States, but its significance goes well beyond Philadelphia, the American Revolution, and the steel mills of Pittsburgh. The state crosses several major geographic regions, connects the Atlantic side of the country with the Appalachian interior and Lake Erie, and has a large, diversified modern economy.

Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania, while Philadelphia is its largest city. Pennsylvania was the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, on December 12, 1787. Its history includes William Penn’s colonial settlement, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitutional Convention, Valley Forge, the Battle of Gettysburg, coal and steel production, and the growth of major cities and industries.

This Pennsylvania facts guide covers the state’s capital, major cities, population, geography, climate, economy, GDP, history, landmarks, state symbols, and other information useful for students, teachers, quiz learners, and general readers.

Quick Facts About Pennsylvania

Fact	Information
State name	Pennsylvania
Traditional designation	Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Postal abbreviation	PA
Capital	Harrisburg
Largest city	Philadelphia
U.S. Census region	Northeast
U.S. Census division	Middle Atlantic
Statehood	December 12, 1787
Statehood order	2nd
Total area	About 46,054 square miles
Land area	44,742.27 square miles in the 2020 Census geographic data
Population	13,059,432 – U.S. Census Bureau estimate for July 1, 2025
Population rank	5th among the states – Vintage 2025 estimates
2020 population density	290.6 people per square mile
Counties	67
Nickname	The Keystone State
Motto	Virtue, Liberty and Independence
State bird	Ruffed grouse
State flower	Mountain laurel
State tree	Eastern hemlock
State animal	White-tailed deer
State fish	Brook trout
Highest point	Mount Davis – 3,213 feet above sea level
Major rivers	Delaware, Susquehanna, Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio
Time zone	Eastern Time

The words “state” and “commonwealth” do not give Pennsylvania different legal status from other U.S. states. “Commonwealth” is a traditional designation also used by Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Virginia.

California is a state of contrasts. Snow-covered mountains rise above dry deserts, rich farmland stretches through the Central Valley, and a long Pacific coastline connects major cities with some of the busiest trade routes in the world. It is home to Hollywood, Silicon Valley, Yosemite, Death Valley, giant redwoods, productive farms, major universities, and nearly 40 million people.

California is also one of the most important states in the United States by population and economic output. Sacramento is the state capital, while Los Angeles is its largest city. California’s economy reaches far beyond entertainment and technology: agriculture, manufacturing, international trade, tourism, professional services, life sciences, transportation, and many other industries all play major roles.

This guide covers the essential facts about California, including its capital, major cities, geography, population, economy, GDP, history, landmarks, state symbols, and useful facts for students.

Tag: U.S. States

Pennsylvania Facts: Capital, Major Cities, Geography & Economy

Quick Facts About Pennsylvania

California Facts: Capital, Major Cities, Geography & Economy