I chose to do my individual project on Pennsylvania because I've lived here my whole life. Through this essay I hope to gain more knowledge about Pennsylvania's economy, geography, government, and other leisure activities that can be experienced in the state. Pennsylvania lies completely within the humid continental zone but its weather differs by elevation. The lower elevations experience warmer longer growing seasons while the higher elevation experience cooler seasons. Some common trees in the state are Maple, Walnut, Oak and Pine trees. Some common animals native to the area include the White-Tailed Deer, Black Bear, Red/Gray Fox, opossums and raccoons. Pennsylvania was named after Admiral William Penn, the father of the founder of Pennsylvania. .
Pennsylvania is called The Keystone State because it lies in the middle of the original thirteen colonies and has played a large role in the development of the United States. It borders the states of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, and Ohio. A keystone is an architectural term for the wedge shaped piece in the center of an arch that holds the other pieces together (WES 2013). The state animal is the White-Tailed Deer, state bird is the Ruffed Grouse, state fish is the Brooke Trout, state flower is the Mountain Laurel and the state tree is the Hemlock. The Capital of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg and as of 2011 has a population of about 46,000 people. Harrisburg's economy consists of government, manufacturing positions and food service positions. Harrisburg is also home to the Pennsylvania Farm Show, which is the largest free indoor agriculture exposition in the United States. Only ten miles east of Harrisburg lies the city of Hershey; home to the famous Hershey's Chocolate Company. Pennsylvania is only the 33rd largest state by land mass with an area of 46,055 square miles. But according to the 2010 census, Pennsylvania's population ranks sixth in the United States with a population of 12,702,379 people (PHMC).