Pennsylvania 2014
The capital city of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg. Located on the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg is the state’s ninth-largest city with a population of 48,904. The city has an active arts community and hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. It also serves as a hub for transportation, with Amtrak and Greyhound providing service to other parts of the state and country.
According to countryaah.com, the largest city in Pennsylvania is Philadelphia. With a population of 1,584,064, it is the fifth-largest city in the United States. Philadelphia has a rich cultural heritage and is home to many historical sites such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center. It also boasts many attractions such as museums, art galleries, theaters, parks and restaurants that attract millions of visitors each year. Additionally, Philadelphia is considered one of America’s most walkable cities with its extensive grid system making it easy to get around on foot or bike.
Politics of Pennsylvania in 2014
In 2014, Pennsylvania was in the midst of a highly contested election season. The Democrats had the majority in the state legislature and were looking to hold onto their stronghold on the governor’s office. Incumbent Governor Tom Corbett was running for reelection against Democratic challenger Tom Wolf. Wolf ran on a platform of increased education funding and pension reform, while Corbett campaigned on his record of job creation and economic growth. The race was a close one, with both candidates making strong arguments for why they were the best choice for Pennsylvania voters.
The gubernatorial race wasn’t the only important political event in 2014. In April, Pennsylvania held its first open primary since 2003, allowing voters to select candidates from any party without having to declare their party affiliation beforehand. This new system allowed for more competitive elections in many races across the state. Additionally, there were several hotly contested Congressional races throughout the state that year as well.
During this election season there was also much debate surrounding various social issues such as gun control and same-sex marriage that divided both parties along ideological lines. Despite these differences, both sides were able to come together at times in order to pass legislation such as a bill that provided tax credits for businesses that hired veterans or those with disabilities and another bill that expanded health care coverage options for low-income families.
Overall, 2014 was an exciting year politically in Pennsylvania as candidates from all parties fought hard to gain support from voters across the state leading up to Election Day.
Population of Pennsylvania in 2014
In 2014, according to beautyphoon, the population of Pennsylvania was estimated to be 12,787,209. The state was the sixth most populous in the nation and had a population density of 284 people per square mile. The largest city in the state was Philadelphia with a population of 1,560,297. Pittsburgh was the second largest city at 305,704. Other major cities included Allentown (118,032), Erie (98,593), Reading (88,082), and Scranton (76,089).
Pennsylvania’s population has grown steadily over the years due to a combination of natural growth and migration from other states and countries. In 2014 alone there were an estimated 88,000 new residents who had moved into Pennsylvania from other states. The majority of these individuals were from New York (21%), followed by New Jersey (13%), Maryland (10%), Ohio (9%), and California (8%).
Pennsylvania’s population is also quite diverse in terms of age and ethnicity. Over 18% of Pennsylvania’s population is under 18 years old while another 15% are over 65 years old. In terms of race or ethnicity, 77% are White/Caucasian; 10% African American; 5% Hispanic/Latino; 3% Asian; 1% Native American or Pacific Islander; and 4% other races or two or more races combined.
The economic impact of Pennsylvania’s growing population is significant as well. In 2014 it was estimated that Pennsylvanians earned $603 billion in total personal income which placed it fifth among all US states for total personal income earned that year. Additionally, Pennsylvanians paid $43 billion in state taxes which helped fund important programs such as education and infrastructure improvements throughout the state.
Economy of Pennsylvania in 2014
According to ablogtophone, the economy of Pennsylvania in 2014 was strong and growing. The state was the sixth largest economy in the US with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $621 billion, representing an increase of 4.5% from 2013. This growth was driven by a number of factors such as an increase in exports, personal income growth, and continued job creation.
The state’s unemployment rate also saw improvement in 2014, dropping to 5.7%, the lowest level since 2008 and below the national average of 6.2%. This was largely due to an increase in job creation with over 80,000 new jobs created throughout the year. The majority of these jobs were created in the private sector with notable gains seen in education and health services (14%), professional and business services (11%), leisure and hospitality (9%), construction (8%), financial activities (7%), and manufacturing (6%).
Pennsylvania’s economy is also quite diverse with a variety of industries contributing to its Overall, success. Manufacturing has long been one of the state’s primary economic drivers accounting for 15% of its GDP while other major industries include finance, insurance, real estate, rental & leasing; professional & business services; education & health services; trade & transportation; leisure & hospitality; construction; information technology; energy & utilities; and government.
In terms of exports, Pennsylvania shipped $41 billion worth of goods abroad which placed it fifth among all US states for total exports that year. Major export categories included chemicals ($7.1 billion), machinery ($4 billion), transportation equipment ($3 billion), electronic equipment ($2 billion), food products ($1 billion). Additionally, Pennsylvania exported $8 million worth of services which included finance/insurance/real estate services as well as travel/tourism-related services.
Events Held in Pennsylvania in 2014
Pennsylvania is a state rich in culture, history, and entertainment. Throughout the year, there are many events held throughout the state that draw in visitors from near and far.
In 2014, one of the most popular events was the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA). This event was held from April 3rd to May 4th and featured over 100 performances and exhibitions highlighting all forms of art – theater, dance, music, visual art, and more. Events were held at various venues around Philadelphia including The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and The Barnes Foundation.
The annual Pennsylvania State Fair was another major event that took place in 2014. This 11-day event was held from August 7th to August 17th at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg. It featured many attractions such as carnival rides, live entertainment acts, agricultural exhibits, livestock shows and auctions. The fair also included an array of food vendors offering both traditional fair food as well as more exotic offerings.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s annual Three Rivers Arts Festival was another popular event in 2014. This 10-day festival ran from June 6th to June 15th along Pittsburgh’s historic riverfronts and featured a variety of art exhibits ranging from visual arts to live performances such as music concerts and theater shows. Other highlights included a crafts market with over 100 vendors selling handmade items such as jewelry and clothing; a variety of food vendors; interactive activities such as face painting; and educational programming on topics related to arts & culture.
Finally, an event not to be missed is Lights On. Philly which takes place each December in Philadelphia’s historic district. This free holiday celebration features over 300 illuminated displays including giant snowflakes suspended above Market Street, light projections on buildings throughout town center square; musical performances; ice skating rinks; outdoor markets with unique gift ideas; Santa Claus appearances; fireworks displays; children’s activities; street performers; strolling carolers; ice sculptures – all adding up to an unforgettable holiday experience for visitors of all ages.
