Philadelphia
History
Philadelphia, colloquially known as Philly, is the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania, and the sixth-most populous U.S. city. The city's history goes back to its founding by William Penn, an English Quaker, in 1682 to serve as capital of the Pennsylvania Colony.
Philadelphia played an instrumental role in the American Revolution as a meeting place for the Founding Fathers of the United States, who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 at the Second Continental Congress, and the Constitution at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787. Several other key events occurred in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War including the First Continental Congress, the preservation of the Liberty Bell, the Battle of Germantown, and the Siege of Fort Mifflin.
Geography
Philadelphia is located at the confluence of the Delaware River and the Schuylkill River. The city encompasses 142.71 square miles (369.62 km2), of which 134.18 square miles (347.52 km2) is land and 8.53 square miles (22.09 km2) (6%), is water. The city's geographical features include the Fairmount Park system, which is one of the largest urban park systems in the world.
Climate
Philadelphia has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by hot, muggy summers and mild to cold winters. The city's average annual temperature is 53.4 °F (11.9 °C), with the coldest month being January and the warmest July.
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 1,603,797, making it the sixth-most populous city in the United States. The racial makeup of the city was 41.3% African American, 36.7% White, 14.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian American, and 0.7% from other races.
Economy
Philadelphia's economy is diverse with sectors such as information technology, manufacturing, oil refining, food processing, health care and biotechnology, tourism and financial services. The city is home to the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and several Fortune 500 companies.
Education
Philadelphia is home to many renowned educational institutions. The University of Pennsylvania, a member of the Ivy League, is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the country. Other notable institutions include Temple University, Drexel University, and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Culture
Philadelphia is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene. The city is home to many museums, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. The city is also known for its cuisine, particularly the Philadelphia cheesesteak and soft pretzel.
Sports
Philadelphia has a passionate sports culture, with a dedicated fanbase for its major professional sports teams: the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), the Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), and the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL). The city also hosts the annual Penn Relays, one of the oldest and largest track and field events in the U.S.