The nation's first oil well was dug at Titusville in the year 1859, and the mining coal and iron ore led to the development of the state's steel industry. More recently Pennsylvania's industry has diversified, although the state still leads the country in the production of specialty steel. The Retail trade, service, and manufacturing sectors provide the most jobs; Pennsylvania is the leader in production of pharmaceuticals and chemicals, food products, and electronic equipment.

Pennsylvania's 58,000 farms (occupying nearly 8 million acres) are the backbone of the state's economy, producing a wide range and variety of crops. Leading commodities are dairy products, calves and cattle, mushrooms, greenhouse and nursery products, eggs and poultry, a variety of fruits, maple syrup, sweet corn, potatoes, and Christmas trees.

Area: 45,333 sq mi (117,412 sq km)
Pop: (2000) 12,281,054, a 3.4% increase since the 1990 census
Capital: Harrisburg, Largest city, Philadelphia
Statehood: Dec. 12, 1787 (2d of the original 13 states to ratify the Constitution)
Highest pt.: Mt. Davis, 3,213 ft (980 m); lowest pt., sea level
Nickname: Keystone State
Motto: Virtue, Liberty, and Independence
State bird: Ruffed grouse
State flower: Mountain laurel
State tree: Hemlock
Abbr., Pa.; PA