Free Vector map of the state of Pennsylvania, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.
Free, royalty-free, unlimited use.
The map is intended for editing, media, presentations.
File format SVG, PDF and Adobe Illustrator, Simplified version
Map in layers, fully vector, editable.
See also: detailed vector map of the state of Pennsylvania
Download vector map in archive:
https://vectormap.net/wp-content/uploads/free_maps_states_cities_2024/map_vector_us_state_pennsylvania_free_simple_ai.ai.zip
https://vectormap.net/wp-content/uploads/free_maps_states_cities_2024/map_vector_us_state_pennsylvania_free_simple_ai_pdf.pdf.zip
https://vectormap.net/wp-content/uploads/free_maps_states_cities_2024/map_vector_us_state_pennsylvania_free_simple_ai_svg.svg.zip
Free Vector map of the state of Pennsylvania, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.
Pennsylvania is a diverse state located in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is bordered by New York to the north, New Jersey and Delaware to the east, Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, and Lake Erie to the northwest. Here is a detailed geographic description of Pennsylvania:
General Location
- Region: Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States.
- Coordinates: Approximately 40°N latitude and 77°W longitude.
- Borders:
- North: New York.
- East: New Jersey and Delaware.
- South: Maryland and West Virginia.
- West: Ohio.
Size and Area
- Total Area: 46,000 square miles (119,280 square kilometers).
- Land Area: 44,742 square miles (115,883 square kilometers).
- Water Area: 1,258 square miles (3,257 square kilometers).
- Population: Approximately 12.9 million (as of 2023), making it the 5th most populous state in the U.S.
Major Geographic Features
1. Mountain Ranges
- Appalachian Mountains: A major mountain chain that runs through the center of Pennsylvania from southwest to northeast. It is divided into several subranges:
- Allegheny Mountains: Located in the western part of the state, this mountain range includes Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania at 3,213 feet (978 meters).
- Pocono Mountains: Located in the northeastern part of the state, this range is known for its tourism, skiing resorts, and scenic views.
- Blue Ridge Mountains: A southern subrange of the Appalachians, running through the southeastern part of the state.
- Ridge-and-Valley Region: Between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains, characterized by a series of ridges and valleys. The Shenandoah Valley is a notable part of this region.
2. Rivers and Waterways
- Delaware River: Forms part of Pennsylvania’s eastern border with New Jersey, flowing southward into Delaware Bay.
- Susquehanna River: One of the longest rivers in the U.S., running through the center of the state, from New York into the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.
- Ohio River: Forms part of Pennsylvania’s western border, flowing through Pittsburgh where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers converge.
- Monongahela River: A major tributary of the Ohio River, flowing through Pittsburgh and its suburbs.
- Schuylkill River: Flows through Philadelphia and is a significant waterway in the southeastern part of the state.
3. Lakes and Reservoirs
- Lake Erie: Located in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania, it forms part of the state’s northern border. It is the fourth-largest of the Great Lakes and the only one entirely located in the United States.
- Pymatuning Lake: A large reservoir on the border between Pennsylvania and Ohio, primarily used for recreation and wildlife.
- Raystown Lake: A man-made reservoir in central Pennsylvania, popular for boating, fishing, and camping.
4. Forests and Woodlands
- Pennsylvania is known for its vast forested areas, particularly in the central and northern regions. The state has several large national forests:
- Allegheny National Forest: Located in the northwestern part of the state, this forest offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and fishing.
- Buchanan State Forest: Located in the southern part of the state, known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities.
5. Valleys and Plains
- Great Valley: A fertile valley running from the Delaware River westward through Pennsylvania’s southeastern region, including areas like Lancaster and Chester counties.
- Lebanon Valley: A small but important agricultural region located between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachians.
Climate
- Type: Pennsylvania experiences a mix of continental and humid subtropical climates, with regional variations due to its diverse geography.
- Northern and Western Pennsylvania: Continental climate, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. This area receives significant snowfall, particularly in the Allegheny Mountains and other elevated regions.
- Southeastern Pennsylvania: This region, including Philadelphia, has a more humid subtropical climate, with milder winters and hotter, more humid summers.
- Central Pennsylvania: This area has a transitional climate, experiencing a mixture of weather patterns from both the north and south, with cold winters and warm summers.
- Precipitation: Pennsylvania experiences moderate to high rainfall, averaging around 40-50 inches annually, with wetter conditions in the mountains and drier areas in the western part of the state.
- Snowfall: The state experiences significant snowfall, particularly in the central and western parts of the state and in the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains.
Natural Resources
- Coal: Pennsylvania is historically known for its coal mining industry, particularly in the Anthracite Coal Region in the northeastern part of the state and the Bituminous Coal Region in the west.
- Timber: Pennsylvania has an abundance of hardwood forests, producing timber for the furniture and paper industries.
- Natural Gas and Oil: The state has significant reserves of natural gas, particularly in the Marcellus Shale formation in the northwestern and central regions.
- Agriculture: Pennsylvania is an important agricultural state, producing dairy, mushrooms, apples, and corn. The Lancaster County area is particularly famous for its farming culture and Amish communities.
Major Urban Areas
- Philadelphia:
- The largest city in Pennsylvania and the 6th largest city in the United States. Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Philadelphia is historically significant and a major center for culture, education, and healthcare.
- Pittsburgh:
- Located in the western part of the state, Pittsburgh is known for its steel industry heritage, its location at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, and its vibrant arts and technology sectors.
- Allentown:
- Situated in the eastern part of the state, Allentown is part of the Lehigh Valley, an important industrial and manufacturing hub.
- Harrisburg:
- The capital of Pennsylvania, located along the Susquehanna River in the central part of the state. Harrisburg is a major political and administrative center.
- Scranton:
- Located in the northeastern part of the state, Scranton was historically a coal mining and industrial city. It is now part of the larger Wilkes-Barre-Scranton metropolitan area.
Transportation Geography
- Highways:
- Interstate 76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike): A major east-west highway running from the Ohio border to New Jersey, passing through the central and southern parts of the state.
- Interstate 95: Runs along the eastern edge of the state, connecting Philadelphia to the rest of the Northeast.
- Interstate 80: Runs across the northern part of the state, connecting the western and eastern regions of Pennsylvania.
- Interstate 81: Runs from the Maryland border through Harrisburg and northward to New York.
- Rail:
- Amtrak provides intercity rail service, with the Northeast Corridor providing service between Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and New York City.
- Pennsylvania Railroad was historically one of the most significant railroads in the U.S., and freight rail still plays an important role in the state’s economy.
- Airports:
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): The primary airport serving the state, located in Philadelphia.
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT): Serving the western part of the state.
- Several smaller airports serve other cities across the state, including Harrisburg, Allentown, and Erie.
- Ports:
- Port of Philadelphia: A major deep-water port for shipping and transportation.
- Port of Pittsburgh: An inland port on the Ohio River, serving as a vital hub for cargo transportation.
Recreational and Cultural Attractions
- National and State Parks:
- Allegheny National Forest: Located in the northwestern part of the state, offering outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and boating.
- Poconos: A popular vacation destination, particularly for skiing, hiking, and resort activities.
- Ricketts Glen State Park: Known for its waterfalls and hiking trails in the northeastern part of the state.
- Historical Sites:
- Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
- Gettysburg National Military Park: The site of the pivotal Civil War battle.
- Amusement Parks:
- Hersheypark in Hershey, known for its candy-themed attractions.
- Dorney Park in Allentown, featuring rides and water attractions.
Author: Kirill Shrayber, Ph.D.