Key Facts
- Per Capita Real GDP
- $35,153 Rank: 28/50 (2007)
- Population
- 12,448,300 Rank: 6/50 (2008)
- Per Capita Personal Income
- $36,680 Rank: 18/50 (2006)
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.80% Rank: 30/50 (2008)
- Business Tax Climate Index
- Rank: 27/50 (2008)
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Pennsylvania: Introduction
Pennsylvania rose to a position of prominence in early American history when the city of Philadelphia was chosen to be the nation’s first capital. This decision was largely the result of the city's central position to the original 13 colonies. Pennsylvania’s centrality both geographically and politically was the basis for the official nickname, the “Keystone State”.
Pennsylvania’s abundant deposits of coal and petroleum provided for an exceedingly strong energy sector, and helped the state to become the nation’s leading producer of energy by 1920. Thanks in part to this thriving energy industry, the city of Pittsburgh also became the nation’s leader in steel production in the early 20th century. The Great Depression had disastrous effects on the steel industry however, and sparked rampant unemployment throughout the state. Mining and agriculture also began to shrink in the mid-20th century, bringing about the proliferation of a steadily growing service sector.
Today, Pennsylvania is home to thriving real estate, financial services and tourism industries. The state’s abundance of nature and historical sites has helped it become one of the nation’s top tourist destinations. Pennsylvania also boasts a strong manufacturing sector that includes the production of metals, machinery, food, and paper. While the steel industry is not as prominent as it once was, steel is still one of the state’s top exports and a critical component of the economy.
