Capital: Harrisburg
Population: 12,440,621
Total Area: 46,055 square miles
Top Industry: Manufacturing

The Pennsylvania Economy
Manufacturing is very important to the economy of Pennsylvania. Plastic, machinery, and paper are some of the state’s most manufactured products. While the steel manufacturing industry has slowed down over the years, it is still very important in certain areas of the state. Agriculture is also important to Pennsylvania’s economy, with such products including mushrooms, Christmas trees, sod, and horse production.

Pennsylvania Interstates
I-80

This interstate runs across the United States from the east coast to the west coast. It enters eastern Pennsylvania near Stroudsburg, and western Pennsylvania near Sharon. While I-80 mostly runs through rural Pennsylvania, it runs near some cities with significant populations, including DuBois, Hazleton, and Stroudsburg. I-80 runs in an east-west direction through the center of the state. Starting in 2007, the state of Pennsylvania began adding tolls and truck climbing lanes to I-80. Actual toll collection is slated to begin in 2010. 

I-76

This interstate is perhaps the most important, and most used, in the state of Pennsylvania. It runs through the cities of Philadelphia, Reading, Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and New Castle.  The interstate is also commonly referred to as the Pennsylvania Turnpike. I-76 has many toll booths and truck drivers who frequent the interstate may want to purchase a commercial E-Z Pass (an automated pass designed for frequent toll road users).

I-99

While it has not yet been completed, I-99 runs through central Pennsylvania, connecting I-76 and I-80. When the interstate is complete, it will begin in Maryland and end New York.

I-79

I-79 runs north and south along the western edge of the state, from Lake Erie in the north to Mt. Morris in the south, where it continues into West Virginia. Meadville, New Castle, Pittsburgh, and Washington are all near I-79.  The interstate also intersects with I-76 just north of Pittsburgh.

I-83

Beginning in Baltimore, Maryland, I-83 continues to the south-central region of Pennsylvania, past York to the Harrisburg area, where it connects to I-76 and I-81.