The city of Philadelphia is the fifth most populated city in the United States. The largest city in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia also acts as the commercial, cultural and educational heart of the Delaware Valley. One of America’s oldest and most historically influential cities, Philadelphia has collected numerous nicknames over the decades: Philly, The City of Brotherly Love, The Birthplace of America, Cradle of Liberty, Quaker City, The City of Neighborhoods and The Illadelph.
Philadelphians embrace their diversity—the city brings together university professors, college students, athletes, musicians, lawmakers, high-tech, blue-collar and white-collar workers. Natives from Philly can be distinguished by their distinct accent, one of the best-studied dialects of American English, but you will also encounter people from across the country as well as from countries around the world. Philadelphia reversed its trend of population loss at the beginning of the 21st century and has been slowly yet steadily growing.
This may be due in part to Philly’s strong economy. Home to the Pennsylvania Railroad, the city sees a good deal of transportation but is also involved in manufacturing, oil refining, food processing, health care and biotechnology as well as financial services, including the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and several Fortune 500 companies. Several of the city’s high-ranking universities specialize in research that benefits these industries.
Philly is not all about work, however. Tourism is a major sector of the economy, and visitors to the city will find a wide variety of entertainment. As you walk through the streets, admiring the eclectic architecture that dates from the 18th century to present times, you can enjoy some of the unique sights, historical markers, upscale shopping and indulge in some of the delicious food from high-class cuisine to the traditional Philly cheesesteaks, soft pretzels and Hoagies sold by street vendors.
