Explore this Pennsylvania map to know everything you want to know about the second state of the US. Learn about this state’s location in the United States of America along with its geography, time zones, area codes, zip codes, flag, and seal. Also, learn about its history, major cities, national parks, trails, capital, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and many more.

About Pennsylvania

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is the 2nd state in the United States. It is among the first 13 colonies that went on to create the United States. On December 12, 1787, it was admitted to the Union. Harrisburg is Pennsylvania’s capital. Philadelphia is the largest city and Delaware Valley is the largest metro-urban area. 

This State has no official language. Over 90% of the population speaks English. Spanish is spoken by around 4% of Pennsylvania’s population. The other languages spoken here are German, Chinese, and Italian. In the US, Pennsylvania is the 10th most populous State. 

The US state of Pennsylvania has many nicknames, such as:

• Keystone State
• Quaker State

“Virtue, Liberty and Independence” is the motto of the state. Check Key Facts of Pennsylvania to learn more about this US state. 

Pennsylvania Flag 

The flag of Pennsylvania was adopted on June 13, 1907. The design of the flag includes a dark blue background along with the state’s coat of arms placed at the center. Design of the coat of arms features:

• • A shield
  • A North American bald eagle sits over the shield. It symbolizes loyalty of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the USA. 
  • Two horses flank the shield
  • Symbols that represent the strengths of the state can be seen in the shield’s design:
    • Ship: The ship is carrying state commerce to different parts of the world. 
    • Clay-Red Plough: It represents rich natural resources of Pennsylvania. 
    • Three Golden Sheaves Of Wheat: It represents the fertile lands along with rich thought and action of humans in the state. 

• An Olive Branch And Cornstalk Cross Limbs are located beneath the shield and represent peace and prosperity. 
• Festooned below is the State Motto “Virtue, Liberty and Independence.”

Pennsylvania State Symbols

The official seal of Pennsylvania is called the “Great Seal of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” In 1791, the Pennsylvania General Assembly authorized the seal. When used with any document, it acts as an authenticity symbol that verifies:

• Proclamations
• Commissions and 
• Other papers of state as official and legal

This emblem is also used to proclaim new law enacted through its use. The design of the official seal of Pennsylvania features:

• The seal’s frontal side consists of a shield’s image. It features:
  • Image of a Ship In Full Sail: It symbolizes the importance of commerce.
  • A Plow: It symbolizes the importance of labor and perseverance.
  • Three Sheaves Of Wheat: It symbolizes the importance of agriculture.
• A Stalk of Indian corn as well as an Olive Branch: These symbols can be seen on either side of the shield. They represent the recognition of Pennsylvania’s past as well as hopes for the future. 
• Image of an eagle can be seen at the top of the shield. It symbolizes sovereignty of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 
• The words “Seal of the State of Pennsylvania” is written in the seal’s outer ring. 
• The Great Seal of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s counterseal or reverse side features:
  • Image of Lady Liberty that is seen dominating a lion (which symbolizes tyranny).
  • The words “Both Can’t Survive” is written across the top in an outer circular ring surrounding the seal’s central image. The words are a warning sign that reminds people and statesmen that both liberty and tyranny can’t survive together. 

Learn more exciting aspects of the State from Pennsylvania Facts & Trivia.

Pennsylvania History

In the current region of Pennsylvania state, artifacts of at least 19,400 years old were found. During the last glacial period, at least 15,000 years, the first settlement of the Native Americans used to live here. Some of the Native American tribes that used to live here include Lenape, Oneida, Seneca, Erie, and Susquehannocks. 

The first European settlers who came in the Pennsylvania region were the Swedes. 

On Tinicum Island, Governor Johan Printz of the New Sweden colony established his capital in 1643. Trading posts were established by the Dutch in 1647. In 1650, New Netherland’s governor, Peter Stuyvesant, seized New Sweden. Till 1664, the Dutch maintained control over the region. In the name of the Duke of York, the British seized all of New Netherland. 

The British colony of Pennsylvania was founded by a member of the Quakers (a Christian group), Englishman William Penn, in 1681. Many German immigrants such as Amish, Mennonites, and Quakers moved here. The Pennsylvania Dutch are their descendants. During the French and Indian War during 1754-1763, both the British and French fought for control of Pennsylvania. Though the British won the war, they incurred heavy debt. To recover the money, they taxed the colonists. This angered the colonists, which ultimately led to 1775’s Revolutionary War. 

The second Continental Congress was held by Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia in 1775 and decided to go to war with Britain. The Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson during this time. Across the Delaware River, the Continental Army was led by George Washington. In Pennsylvania’s Bucks County, the colonial forces made an important victory. After the war ended, Pennsylvania became the second state of the United States in 1787. 

During the American Civil War, the Union was supported by Pennsylvania. In 1863, at the state’s Gettysburg, many important battles took place. An important victory was won by the Union forces in this state.

Pennsylvania Geography

Pennsylvania is spread across a total area of 46,055 sq mi (119,283 sq km), where 44,816.61 sq mi (116,074 sq km) is land area and 1,239 sq mi (3,208 sq km) is water area. It is the 33rd largest state in the United States in terms of size. 

Mt. Davis is the highest elevation point at 3,213 feet (979.3 m). At sea level, the Delaware River is the lowest point of the state. 1,100 feet (335.3 m) above sea level is the average elevation. Susquehanna River, Allegheny River, Ohio River, and Delaware River are the major rivers in Pennsylvania. In the state, Lake Erie is the major lake. 

Pennsylvania has six distinct landforms:

• Atlantic Coastal Plain Province: This is a flat and low lying region having narrow valleys. Streams cut these valleys. The USA’s first urban wildlife refuge, Tinicum Marsh, is situated in this geographical region. The Atlantic Coastal Plain Province is situated in Pennsylvania’s extreme southeast. 

1. Piedmont Province: This terrain features rolling hills, caves, tower-shaped rocks, ridges, and sinkholes. It is situated at the Atlantic Coastal Plain’s western part. 
2. New England Province: This landform includes ridges as well as steeply sloped hills. It is situated in the Piedmont Province’s northeast region.
3. Ridge and Valley Province: You’ll find a part of the Appalachian Mountains in this geographical province. Around half of this landform is forested. It is situated in the farther west. 
4. Appalachian Plateaus Province: It is situated in Catskill mountain and Pocono mountain as well as Allegheny National Forest. Appalachian Plateaus Province is spread across western and central parts of Pennsylvania. 
5. Central Lowland Province: This geographical region includes glacier-created low ridges. You’ll find this landform in Pennsylvania’s extreme northeast. Check this Pennsylvania Topographic Map to learn more.

Learn about the location of mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, the state capital, state boundary, ocean, and neighboring states from this Physical Map of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Location

Pennsylvania Location Map shows the exact location of the US state of Pennsylvania on the United States map. This map shows the US state’s boundaries, neighboring countries, and oceans. 

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is spread across the northeastern, mid-atlantic, and Appalachian regions of the USA. It shares its border with:

• New York (in the north)
• New Jersey (in the east)
• Delaware (in the southeast)
• Maryland (in the south)
• West Virginia (in the southwest)
• Ohio (in the west)
• Lake Erie  (in the northwest) 
• Ontario Province in Canada (in the northwest)

Pennsylvania’s precise location is 39°43′ to 42°16′ N Latitude and 74°41′ to 80°31′ W Longitude. Check the Pennsylvania Longitude and Latitude Map to learn more about the location.

Pennsylvania Counties 

Pennsylvania has 67 counties. Lycoming County is the largest county, having a total area of 1,244 sq mi (3,222 sq km). Montour County is the smallest county, having a total area of 132 sq mi (342 sq km). Check the Pennsylvania County Map to learn more about the location and boundaries of different counties in the State. 

Pennsylvania Area Codes

The US State of Pennsylvania has 14 area codes: 

• 215
• 223
• 267
• 272
• 412
• 445
• 484
• 570
• 582
• 610
• 717
• 724
• 814
• 878

The Pennsylvania Area Codes Map helps you locate a particular area code. You can also use it to learn more about the area code boundary, county and state boundaries, and state capital. 

Pennsylvania Zip Codes

There are 1,792 active zip codes in Pennsylvania. Some of the best zip codes to live in the state include 19003, 15228, 19087, 19004, 19096, 19066, and many more. You can locate a particular zip code’s location, boundary, state boundary, and state capital with the help of the Pennsylvania Zip Codes Map. 

Pennsylvania Major Cities

Learn about the State’s major cities from this Pennsylvania cities map. It also helps you to know the exact location of the state capital, other cities, state boundaries, neighboring states and oceans, and many more. 

Some of Pennsylvania’s most prominent cities are Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Reading, Erie, Allentown, Pittsburgh, and many more. Check out the Pennsylvania Cities Map for more details.

Pennsylvania Airports

The busiest airports in Pennsylvania are Philadelphia International Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, Harrisburg International Airport, etc. Check the location of different airports in the State on the Pennsylvania Airports Map. This map also shows Pennsylvania’s state and country boundaries, cities, the state capital, neighboring states, and oceans.

Pennsylvania National Park and Trails

Pennsylvania has nineteen national parks. Around 5,520,861 visitors visit these national parks annually. Major national parks in the State are Valley Forge National Historical Park, Gettysburg National Military Park, Independence National Historical Park, and others.

In Pennsylvania, you can enjoy 3,069 recreational trails (hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and other adventurous trails). Mount Minsi through Appalachian Trail, Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop, Ricketts Glen Falls Loop, etc., are some of the most popular trails in Pennsylvania. 

Check out the National Parks in Pennsylvania Map to get a clear idea about the locations of different national parks, monuments, preserves, etc.

Pennsylvania Climate 

The climatic condition in Pennsylvania is categorized as humid continental. Seasonal temperatures vary significantly in this climate. The prevailing winds from the west also affect the temperature. The average temperature in January hovers around 28 °F (−2 °C). The average temperature in July hovers around 70 °F (21 °C). The growing season in Pennsylvania ranges from 90-days in the north-central part to around 200 days in the southeast part of the state. The annual precipitation in Pennsylvania hovers around 40 inches (1,000 mm).

Pennsylvania Time Zones

The time zone in Pennsylvania is UTC−05:00 (Eastern). Its Summer (DST) time zone is UTC−04:00 (EDT).

Pennsylvania Education

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) is the public university system in the US state of Pennsylvania. The US state of Pennsylvania also funds the Commonwealth System of Higher Education. It is an organizing body of the four state-related schools in Pennsylvania. The notable university of Pennsylvania is the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, etc.

FAQs on Pennsylvania

FAQ #1: What Time Zone Is Pennsylvania? 

Ans: The time zone in Pennsylvania is UTC−05:00 (Eastern). Its Summer (DST) time zone is UTC−04:00 (EDT).

FAQ #2: Where Is Pennsylvania?

Ans: Pennsylvania is spread across the northeastern, mid-atlantic, and Appalachian regions of the USA. 

FAQ #3: What Is The Capital Of Pennsylvania?

Ans: Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania. 

FAQ #4: What Is Pennsylvania Known For?

Ans: Pennsylvania is known for being the Chocolate Capital (Pennsylvania’s Hershey) of the country, one of the 13 original colonies of the USA, Liberty Bell, Philadelphia’s delicious Cheesesteak Sandwich, Independence Hall, Gettysburg, and many more. 

FAQ #5: How Many People Live In Pennsylvania?

Ans: The population of Pennsylvania is estimated to be 12.91 million in 2022, making it the fifth most populous state in the USA. 

FAQ #6: Is Pennsylvania a Red State?

Ans: In the US Presidential Election since 1976, Democratic Party (the Blues) has won 8-times (1976, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2020) and the Republican Party (the Reds) has won 4-times (1980, 1984, 1988, and 2016). Hence, it can be said that Pennsylvania is not a red state but a blue state. 

FAQ #7: Who Founded Pennsylvania?

Ans: The Province of Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn along with his fellow Quakers. 

FAQ #8: Where Is Philadelphia Pennsylvania?

Ans: Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania, is located in the south-western part of the state. 

FAQ #9: Who Is The Governor Of Pennsylvania?

Ans: Democratic Party’s Tom Wolf is the Governor of Pennsylvania. He assumed the office as the 47th Governor of Pennsylvania on January 20, 2015. Check Pennsylvania Governors List.

FAQ #10: What Growing Zone Is Pennsylvania?

Ans: Pennsylvania’s planting growing zone ranges from 5b to 7a.