State of the SE United States. It is bordered by North Carolina (N), the Atlantic Ocean (SE), and Georgia (SW).

Area, 31,055 sq mi (80,432 sq km).
Pop. (2000) 4,012,012, a 15.1% increase since the 1990 census.
Capital and largest city, Columbia. 
Mottos, Dum Spiro Spero [While I Breathe, I Hope] and Animis Opibusque Parati [Prepared in Mind and Resources].
State bird, Carolina wren.
State flower, Carolina jessamine.
State tree, palmetto.

South Carolina is roughly triangular in shape. The long, even coast lined with beautiful sand beaches on the “Grand Strand” north of Georgetown becomes generally marshy to the south and is sliced by a network of rivers and creeks, creating a maze of inlets and the famous Sea Islands . The coastal climate is humid subtropical, with long, hot summers and short, mild winters. In this area are found cypress swamps, moss-hung oaks, beautiful flowering gardens, antebellum plantations, and the historic seaports of Georgetown, Beaufort, and Charleston, the latter a major tourist attraction and one of the chief ports of entry in the Southeast.

Vacationers are attracted to Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, to the Sea Island resorts, and to Charleston's stately homes and gardens. The state's historical places of interest include Fort Sumter National Monument, Kings Mountain National Military Park, and Cowpens National Battlefield. Columbia is the capital and the largest city; Charleston and Greenville are other major cities.

In agriculture, tobacco and soybeans now rival cotton as South Carolina's chief crops. Broiler chickens and cattle are economically important, and peanuts, pecans, sweet potatoes, and peaches are grown in abundance. Fishing is a major commercial enterprise; the chief catches are blue crabs and shrimp. Military bases and nuclear facilities are important to the economy, and the tourist industry today ranks as the state's chief source of income.

Columbia is our state capital. Situated in the middle of our beautiful state, Columbia is a short drive from both the mountains and the beach. As with many growing cities, Columbia is surrounded by a network of suburbs, all of which have enjoyed a good deal of expansion in recent years.

Attractions in the Columbia area include our state of the art Colonial Center where everything from sporting events to music concerts featuring Elton John take place. The arena features 18,000 seats, 41 luxury boxes, 4 entertainment suites, and the Frank McGuire club, a full service hospitality room with a capacity of 300.

Being the state capital, Columbia is also home to the govenor of South Carolina. The govenor's mansion is a historic complex of buildings which are open for public tours throughout the year. Recent renovation has made the tours even more spectacular. During the holidays, the mansion is decorated with festive lights and garland from certain time periods. The tours are both educational and entertaining.

One of Columbia's newwest attractions isEdVenture Children's museum. EdVenture is an unparalleled 67,000-square-feet of turbo-charged learning and fun - the biggest children's museum in the South. It was designed for children 12 and younger; perfect for families, teachers, caregivers, and the child in you. Featuring 8 spectacular galleries, two unique resource centers, oh, yeah, and the world's largest child. 

Another new attraction to Columbia is the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, a dazzling 142,500 square foot facility located in the posh Vista area of downtown Columbia. The facilties include sate-of-the art meeting rooms, versital ballrooms, an exhibit hall, catering facilities, and even grand terraces. With lodging and dining so close, the center is a convenient walk for most visitors.

Columbia is also home to the arts. The Koger center, located downtown is home to the South Carolina philharmonic, and the Columbia City Ballet. It has also hosted Broadway plays, including Cats. Performaces of operas, including The Life of Figaro have been performed there as well. Year round performances and events are a wonderful activity for everyone.

Lake Murray, a 78 square mile lake is a short drive from downtown and features lake front living in several Midlands counties. The lake was made in 1930 and recent work to reinforce the dam ensures that it will be around for much longer. Lake living is a lifestyle of many Midlands residents. During the spring, the lake is home to numerous fishing tournaments. Holiday events are put on by the Lake Murray community year round. Whether you live on the lake or enjoy it on occassion, it is a definate benefit to living in Columbia. 

Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina and it's plethora of college sports. William's Brice Stadium is located near the fair grounds in downtown Columbia and is home to the university's football team. Carolina annually ranks among the nation's leaders in attendance and Gamecock fans are regarded as some of the most loyal in the country. Over the last 5 years, Carolina has sold out all it's home games prior to the start of the season. Although it was originally built in 1984, numerous additions and renovations over the years increaseded the capacity to 80,250 and have given the stadium a reputation as one of the top facilities in the U.S. Along with football, Columbia is home to USC's mens and womens basketball programs (Colonial Center), USC's nationally ranked baseball team, as well as many other sports, such as soccer and track and field. If there's a sport you like, we have it.

USC does not feature a hockey team. However, Columbia is home to the Columbia Inferno, an ECHL team that has given locals a lot of pleasure. Founded in 1988, the ECHL was pleased to expand into Columbia in recent years. The Inferno founded a group for kids known as "The Tiger Cubs". It features regular meetings where kids can interact with players as well as special events for children at the games.

*Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, Copyright (c) 2003. **Merrilyn Hall Realty, Inc., Copyright (c) 2005.