Higher Education  

South Carolina has 34 colleges and universities, as well as 26 two-year and community colleges. The University of South Carolina has campuses at Columbia (main campus), Spartanburg, Aiken, Salkehatchie, Beaufort, Lancaster, and Sumter. Other public institutions include The Citadel, in Columbia; Clemson University, in Clemson; Coastal Carolina University, in Conway; College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina, both in Charleston; Francis Marion University, in Florence; Lander University, in Greenwood; South Carolina State University, in Orangeburg; and Winthrop University, in Rock Hill. Private institutions include Allen University, in Columbia; Anderson College, in Anderson; Benedict College, in Columbia; Bob Jones University, in Greenville; Charleston Southern University, in Charleston; Coker College, in Hartsville; Columbia College, in Columbia; Converse College, in Spartanburg; Furman University, in Greenville; Morris College, in Sumter; Newberry College, in Newberry; North Greenville College, in Tigerville; Southern Wesleyan University, in Central; Voorhees College, in Denmark; and Wofford College, in Spartanburg.

Geography

South Carolina occupies an area of 80,583 square kilometers. The state's three main regions are the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge. Covering the eastern two-thirds of South Carolina, the Atlantic Coastal Plain consists of the Outer Coastal Plain and the Inner Coastal Plain. The Outer Coastal Plain is mostly swamp land, while the Inner Coastal Plain has both forested land and sandy hills. Part of a long band of gentle hills, the Piedmont contains hard rock beneath its soil. In the northwest corner of South Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains region includes Sassafras Mountain, the state's highest point. The state's major rivers include the Santee, the Pee Dee, and the Savannah. Important cities are Columbia (capital), Charleston, North Charleston, Greenville, and Spartanburg. South Carolina's population is over 3.7 million.

Climate

The climate of South Carolina varies from subtropical along the coast to temperate in the northwest. South Carolina's coastal region has an average January temperature of 10.5° C and an average July temperature of 27° C. In the northern part of the state, temperatures average 5° C in January and 22° C in July. Charleston, in the southeast part of the state, receives an average annual rainfall of 132 cm, while Columbia, in the center of the state, receives an average of 127 cm.

Cultural Profile

South Carolina's museums include the Charleston Museum, the Gibbes Art Gallery, and the South Carolina Historical Society, all in Charleston; the South Carolina State Museum, the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Museum, and the Columbia Museum of Art, all in Columbia; and the Lexington Country Museum, near Lexington.

Among South Carolina's performing arts organizations are symphony orchestras in Columbia, Greenville, and Charleston. Several cities boast chamber music groups and choral societies. In Charleston, Spoleto Festival USA. is an annual festival featuring music, dance, and theater. Many of South Carolina's colleges and universities stage a variety of musical, theatrical, and dance performances each year.

Recreation

South Carolina has two national forests: Francis Marion Forest and Sumter National Forest. In addition, the state has two state forests and over forty-seven state parks and historical areas. Camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing are just a few of the state's popular outdoor activities. Some interesting places to visit in South Carolina include Fort Sumter National Monument; Carowinds, in York County; Cypress Gardens, near Charleston; Hilton Head Island, on the Atlantic coast; Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, near Charleston; and Pawleys Island.

Interesting Facts

The danced called "the Charleston" got its name from Charleston, South Carolina. In 1861, the American Civil War began with an attack on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. Famous South Carolinians include Mary McLeod Bethune (educator), Thomas Green Clemson (engineer and educator), Pat Conroy (writer), Joe Frazier (boxer), Dizzy Gillespie (jazz musician), Andrew Jackson (seventh president of the US), Jesse Jackson (minister and civil-rights leader), Eartha Kitt (entertainer), Mary Simms Oliphant (historian), Peggy Parish (writer), and Jim Rice (professional baseball player).