Nestled between the majestic Great Lakes and the bustling Mid-Atlantic coast, Pennsylvania is a true American marvel. Boasting over 13 million inhabitants, it's the fifth-most populous state in the US, offering a harmonious blend of kaleidoscopic landscapes - from the shimmering Lake Erie to the vast Appalachian and Allegheny mountains. Roaming the verdant forests covering most of the state or navigating its numerous rivers, the echoes of Colonial America resonate in every corner.

Founded by the visionary William Penn in 1681, Pennsylvania’s rich history is intertwined with the very founding of the United States. It was the epicentre of revolutionary missives at the First and Second Continental Congress leading to the Declaration of Independence. Its fields soaked with the blood of valorous men at Gettysburg, dictating a turning point in the Civil War. Its cities pioneering the manufacturing domino effect that shaped modern infrastructure.

Pennsylvania also offers a treasure trove of cultural "firsts." It is home to the first library, social club, hospital, and medical school among others. Its capital Philadelphia, raised in the crucible of Independence, smacks of historical settings sprinkled with prestigious institutions like the University of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s ethnic and religious diversity foster an impressive multicoloured quilt of traditions and festivals. From early inhabitation by Native American tribes to the present day diversity where a third of the population spoke German at the time of the Constitution’s ratification, Pennsylvania truly is a depiction of America’s melting pot.