Population: 3.5 million

Land area: 31,113 square miles

Highest Point: Sassafras Mountain at 3,548 feet

Settled: First settled by the Spanish in 1566 and later became an English Colony

State History: South Carolina became the eighth state to ratify the Constitution

Capital: Columbia

Physical Features: South Carolina has a diverse geography that stretches from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest corner southeast to the Atlantic Ocean. The further east one moves, the flatter the land becomes. Elevation ranges 3,548 feet at Sasafrass Mountain to sea level. 830 square miles of the state are covered by water, including several rivers and lakes.

Climate: South Carolina�s climate is relatively temperate. The average temperature varies substantially across the state. During the winter months, the average temperature ranges from the mid-30s in the mountains to approximately 50 degree F near the southern coast. Summer average temperatures range from the low 70s to near 80 degrees. Rainfall varies across the state with the heaviest rain occurring in the northwest and the least rain falling in the central part of the state.

Motto: Dum Spiro Spero (While I breathe I hope)

State Flower: Yellow Jessamine

State Bird: Carolina Wren

State Tree: Palmetto Tree

State Songs: Carolina and South Carolina on my Mind

State Dance: The Shag

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Media Contact: Melissa Williams +1 803-734-0193 mwilliams@scprt.com