# South Carolina

> state of the United States of America

**Wikidata**: [Q1456](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1456)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Carolina)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/south-carolina

## Summary
South Carolina is a state of the United States of America, located primarily in North America. It is the 45th state, admitted to the Union on May 23, 1788, and is known as the "Palmetto State." The state has a rich history, diverse geography, and significant cultural and economic influence.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: State of South Carolina
- **Form of Government**: Federal presidential constitutional republic
- **Admission to the Union**: May 23, 1788
- **Capital**: Columbia (since 1786)
- **Population**: 4,625,364 (2010 census)
- **Area**: 30,109 square miles (78,000 km²)
- **Coordinates**: Geographic center at 34°N, -81°W
- **Borders**: North Carolina (north), Georgia (south), Tennessee (west)
- **Currency**: United States dollar (USD)
- **Calling Code**: +1
- **Internet TLD**: .sc.us
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: SC, Alpha-3: SC, Numeric: 45
- **Motto**: "Dum spiro spero" (While I breathe, I hope)
- **Anthem**: "Carolina" (unofficial)
- **Flag**: Palmetto tree on a blue field
- **Coat of Arms**: Seal of South Carolina
- **Demonym**: South Carolinian
- **Official Language**: English (de facto)
- **Time Zones**: Eastern Time Zone (UTC−5)
- **Driving Side**: Right
- **Emergency Number**: 911
- **Highest Point**: Sassafras Mountain, 3,560 feet (1,085 m)
- **Lowest Point**: Atlantic Ocean, 0 feet (0 m)
- **Coastline**: 280 miles (450 km)
- **Median Income**: $35,384 (2020)
- **Per Capita Income**: $35,384 (2020)
- **Human Development Index (HDI)**: 0.921 (2021, "Very High")
- **Inequality-Adjusted HDI**: 0.819 (2021)
- **Life Expectancy**: 77 years (2022)
- **Birth Rate**: 11 per 1,000 (2022)
- **Death Rate**: 9.8 per 1,000 (2022)
- **Suicide Rate**: 14.5 per 100,000 (2019)
- **Gini Coefficient**: 47.7 (2011)
- **Literacy Rate**: 99.4% (1979)
- **Urban Population**: 276,895,219 (2022)
- **Rural Population**: 56,376,192 (2022)
- **Number of Households**: 122,354,219 (2020)
- **Head of State & Government**: President (currently Donald Trump, since January 20, 2025)
- **Legislative Body**: South Carolina General Assembly (bicameral: Senate, House of Representatives)
- **Judicial Authority**: Supreme Court of South Carolina
- **Central Bank**: Federal Reserve System (since 1913)
- **Aircraft Registration Prefix**: N
- **Mobile Country Codes**: 310, 311, 312, 313, 316
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 338, 366, 367, 368, 369
- **Licence Plate Code**: SC (since 1952)
- **Top-Level Internet Domain**: .sc.us
- **Sitelink Count**: 216 (Wikipedia links)

## FAQs
**What type of government does South Carolina have?**
South Carolina is a federal presidential constitutional republic. It operates under a system of checks and balances among three co-equal branches: executive (Governor), legislative (General Assembly), and judicial (Supreme Court). The state government shares sovereignty with the federal government.

**What is the current population and demographic profile?**
As of the 2010 census, the population of South Carolina was 4,625,364. The population is majority urban (81.5% in 2022). The largest ethnic groups are White Americans (72.4% in 2010), African Americans (12.6%), Asian Americans (4.8%), and Native Americans (1.1%). The median age is 38.2 years (2020).

**What are the key economic indicators?**
South Carolina has a diverse economy, with major sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The state's GDP was $28.75 trillion in 2024. The Gini coefficient was 47.7 in 2011, indicating significant income inequality. The unemployment rate was 6.7% in December 2013, and the per capita personal income was $35,384 in 2020.

**What international organizations is South Carolina a member of?**
South Carolina is a founding member of the United Nations (1945) and a permanent member of its Security Council. It belongs to NATO (1949), the Organization of American States (1948), the World Trade Organization (1995), the G7, the G20, APEC, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. It is also part of numerous security alliances like AUKUS and Five Eyes.

**What is South Carolina's human development status?**
South Carolina has a "Very High" Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.921 (2021), ranking it among the top 20 globally. Its Inequality-Adjusted HDI is 0.819 (2021). Life expectancy at birth was 77 years in 2022.

**What are the major geographic features?**
South Carolina spans the southeastern United States, including the Atlantic coast, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Piedmont region. It has diverse geography: major mountain ranges (Blue Ridge, Appalachians), large river systems (Santee, Congaree), and varied climates. The total area is 30,109 square miles, with a coastline of 280 miles.

**How is South Carolina administratively divided?**
South Carolina is composed of 46 counties, the capital city of Columbia, and various incorporated and unincorporated communities. Each county has its own government and constitution. The state has a unique administrative structure, including the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.

**What is the significance of South Carolina in global affairs?**
South Carolina is a significant state within the United States, with a rich history and cultural influence. It is known for its contributions to the American Revolution, its role in the Civil Rights Movement, and its diverse economy. The state plays a central role in international institutions and sets precedents in democracy, human rights, and environmental policy.

## Why It Matters
South Carolina matters as a state with a rich history and significant cultural and economic influence. Its contributions to the American Revolution, its role in the Civil Rights Movement, and its diverse economy make it a critical part of the United States. The state's unique administrative structure and its contributions to international institutions make it a significant player in global affairs. South Carolina's diverse geography and varied climates make it a unique and fascinating place to live and visit.

## Notable For
- **Historical Significance**: South Carolina was the first state to ratify the United States Constitution and played a significant role in the American Revolution.
- **Cultural Influence**: South Carolina is known for its rich history, diverse geography, and significant cultural influence. It is home to numerous historical sites, including the Charleston Historic District and the Fort Sumter National Monument.
- **Economic Diversity**: South Carolina has a diverse economy, with major sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The state's GDP was $28.75 trillion in 2024.
- **Natural Wonders**: South Carolina is home to numerous natural wonders, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Congaree National Park, and the Santee National Wildlife Refuge.
- **Culinary Delights**: South Carolina is known for its unique culinary traditions, including the famous Lowcountry boil, shrimp and grits, and sweet tea.
- **Sports and Recreation**: South Carolina is a popular destination for sports and recreation, with major leagues and teams including the Carolina Panthers, the Charleston RiverDogs, and the South Carolina Gamecocks.
- **Education and Research**: South Carolina is home to numerous prestigious universities and research institutions, including the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and the Medical University of South Carolina.
- **Environmental Stewardship**: South Carolina is committed to environmental stewardship, with numerous national parks, wildlife refuges, and conservation efforts.
- **Tourism and Hospitality**: South Carolina is a popular destination for tourism and hospitality, with numerous attractions, accommodations, and dining options.
- **Innovation and Technology**: South Carolina is a hub for innovation and technology, with numerous startups, research institutions, and tech companies.

## Body

### Overview and Status
South Carolina is a state of the United States of America, located primarily in North America. It is the 45th state, admitted to the Union on May 23, 1788, and is known as the "Palmetto State." The state has a rich history, diverse geography, and significant cultural and economic influence.

### Location and Geography
South Carolina is located in the southeastern United States, bordered by North Carolina to the north, Georgia to the south, and Tennessee to the west. The state has a diverse geography, including the Atlantic coast, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Piedmont region. The total area of South Carolina is 30,109 square miles, with a coastline of 280 miles.

### Population and Demographics
As of the 2010 census, the population of South Carolina was 4,625,364. The population is majority urban (81.5% in 2022). The largest ethnic groups are White Americans (72.4% in 2010), African Americans (12.6%), Asian Americans (4.8%), and Native Americans (1.1%). The median age is 38.2 years (2020).

### Economy and Industry
South Carolina has a diverse economy, with major sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The state's GDP was $28.75 trillion in 2024. The Gini coefficient was 47.7 in 2011, indicating significant income inequality. The unemployment rate was 6.7% in December 2013, and the per capita personal income was $35,384 in 2020.

### Government and Politics
South Carolina is a federal presidential constitutional republic. It operates under a system of checks and balances among three co-equal branches: executive (Governor), legislative (General Assembly), and judicial (Supreme Court). The state government shares sovereignty with the federal government.

### Education and Research
South Carolina is home to numerous prestigious universities and research institutions, including the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and the Medical University of South Carolina. The state is also a hub for innovation and technology, with numerous startups, research institutions, and tech companies.

### Culture and Tourism
South Carolina is known for its rich history, diverse geography, and significant cultural influence. It is home to numerous historical sites, including the Charleston Historic District and the Fort Sumter National Monument. The state is also a popular destination for tourism and hospitality, with numerous attractions, accommodations, and dining options.

### Environment and Conservation
South Carolina is committed to environmental stewardship, with numerous national parks, wildlife refuges, and conservation efforts. The state is home to numerous natural wonders, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Congaree National Park, and the Santee National Wildlife Refuge.

### Sports and Recreation
South Carolina is a popular destination for sports and recreation, with major leagues and teams including the Carolina Panthers, the Charleston RiverDogs, and the South Carolina Gamecocks. The state is also known for its unique culinary traditions, including the famous Lowcountry boil, shrimp and grits, and sweet tea.

### Historical and Regulatory Context
South Carolina has a rich history, with significant contributions to the American Revolution, the Civil Rights Movement, and the United States Constitution. The state has a unique administrative structure, including the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, and is committed to environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.

### Digital Presence and Media
South Carolina has a significant digital presence and media landscape, with numerous websites, social media platforms, and digital media outlets. The state is also home to numerous international news outlets, including CNN, The New York Times, and Reuters.

### Classifications and Memberships
South Carolina is a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations, NATO, the Organization of American States, the World Trade Organization, the G7, the G20, APEC, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. The state is also part of numerous security alliances, including AUKUS and Five Eyes.

### Geographic and Demographic Reach
South Carolina has a diverse and multicultural population, with significant populations from every continent. The state is also home to numerous natural wonders, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Congaree National Park, and the Santee National Wildlife Refuge.

### Identity, Outreach, and Media
South Carolina has a unique and diverse cultural identity, with significant contributions to the American Revolution, the Civil Rights Movement, and the United States Constitution. The state is also known for its rich history, diverse geography, and significant cultural influence.

### Identifiers and Registries
South Carolina has numerous identifiers and registries, including the GRID ID `grid.451247.1`, ROR ID `05vc7qy59`, and ISNI `0000000403674086`. The state is also recognized globally under various identifiers, including the Library of Congress Authority ID `no2007112912` and the Open Funder Registry ID `100011663`.

### Athletics and Identity
South Carolina is home to numerous athletic programs and identities, including the Carolina Panthers, the Charleston RiverDogs, and the South Carolina Gamecocks. The state is also known for its unique culinary traditions, including the famous Lowcountry boil, shrimp and grits, and sweet tea.

### Miscellaneous
South Carolina has a rich and diverse history, with significant contributions to the American Revolution, the Civil Rights Movement, and the United States Constitution. The state is also known for its diverse geography, significant cultural influence, and unique administrative structure.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Columbia-South-Carolina)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. FIPS 10-4
7. MusicBrainz
8. 2010 United States Census
9. [2010 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0100000US%241600000&y=2010&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29)
10. [Population Estimates Program](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html)
11. [2020 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Populations%20and%20People&g=0100000US,%241600000&y=2020)
12. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Detailed%20Tables)
13. GeoNames
14. BBC Things
15. Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names
16. United States Summary: 2010, Population and Housing Unit Counts, 2000 Census of Population and Housing
17. [Source](https://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Tourism-g28961-South_Carolina-Vacations.html)
18. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
19. Google Maps
20. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Income%20and%20Poverty&g=0100000US,%241600000&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1902)
21. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
22. [Source](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/studentpage/coolstuff/colors.shtml)
23. [Source](https://www.minimum-wage.org/wage-by-state)
24. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Karolina-Poludniowa;3920670.html)
25. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
26. Golden
27. KBpedia
28. [Source](https://github.com/opencivicdata/ocd-division-ids/blob/1be9a1a8e83af5274515fca52cc7875d75174129/identifiers/country-us/states.csv)
29. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno
30. museum-digital
31. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)