Pennsylvania: State Flag, Bird and Facts
Pennsylvania picked the ruffed grouse as its state bird and the mountain laurel as its state flower.
- Capital
- Harrisburg
- Nickname
- Quaker State; Keystone State
- State bird
- Ruffed grouse
- State flower
- Mountain laurel
- State tree
- Eastern hemlock
- Admitted
- December 12, 1787
- Population
- 13,002,700 (2020 census)
- Motto
- Virtue, liberty, and independence
- Region
- Northeast
- Area
- 119,283 km² (46,055 sq mi)
- Highest point
- Mount Davis (3,213 ft)
- Borders
- Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, West Virginia
About Pennsylvania
Officially a commonwealth, Pennsylvania had over 13 million residents in the 2020 census, the fifth most of any state. Its southern border with Maryland forms the Mason and Dixon line. Philadelphia is the largest city and leads the biggest metro area, while Greater Pittsburgh ranks second. Harrisburg, the capital, sits between the two. Lake Erie touches the northwest corner.
The Appalachian Mountains cut through the middle of the state, and the Allegheny and Pocono mountains cover much of the northeast. About 59% of the land is forest. The Keystone State nickname once appeared on license plates, and Quaker State is another official name. The flag is simple to describe: the state coat of arms set on a blue field. Pennsylvania became a state in 1787.
Did you know?
- Mount Davis is the highest point in Pennsylvania, at 3,213 feet.
- The eastern hemlock is Pennsylvania's official state tree.
- Philadelphia is the sixth-most populous city in the United States.
Questions about Pennsylvania
What does the Pennsylvania flag look like?
It shows the state coat of arms on a blue field.
When did Pennsylvania become a state?
Pennsylvania ratified the Constitution on December 12, 1787.
Sources
- Wikidata Q1400, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Pennsylvania, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Flag of Pennsylvania, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.