One of the Middle Atlantic states of the United States. It is bordered by New Jersey, across the Delaware River, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Lake Erie and New York. Area, 45,333 sq mi (117,412 sq km). Pop. (2000) 12,281,054, a 3.4% increase since the 1990 census. Capital, Harrisburg. Largest city, Philadelphia.  Visitor Information, visitpa Nickname, Keystone State. Motto, Virtue, Liberty, and Independence. State bird, Ruffed grouse. State flower, Mountain Laurel. State tree, Hemlock. The Philadelphia metropolitan area boasts a rich history as the location for the founding of the United States. Many famous land marks such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are open to visitors throughout the year. The city also has many shopping opportunities including Reading Terminal Market and The Italian Market. If the arts are your thing, you can see international art shows at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, take in a Broadway show at the Merriam Theater, or a musical performance at the Kimmel Center or at the Academy of Music. Family activities range from a trip to the Philadelphia Zoo to an interactive experience at the Please Touch Museum. Bucks and Montgomery counties also provide a variety of attractions for all ages and interests. Parks for recreation and education, Valley Forge for example, provide large stretches of protected countryside. Gardens and nurseries abound for the gardening enthusiasts. Check out Longwood Gardens, the Dupont family estate, and some of our local nurseries, Bucks Country Nursery, Bountiful Acres and Rhoads Gardens. For shoping you can visit one of the largest US Malls, King of Prussia, or go country with Peddlers Village or New Hope.   Doylestown, the birthplace of James Michener and the county seat of Bucks County, is a wonderful town enjoyed by the locals as well as being a visitor magnet. Doylestown features the Michener Art Museum and Tile Works, an amazing public library, great shops, a wonderful array of restaurants and enjoyable parks. Doylestown also offers great accessibility with trains to Philadelphia, a bus line to New York and major road links.