Nickname: Palmetto State
Area: 30 207 sq.mi. (78 235.8 km2)
Highest point: Sassafras 3 560 ft. (1 085.1 m)
Population: 3 863 900
Capital: Columbia
Largest city: Columbia

South Carolina was separated from North Carolina in 1729. The majority of its territory is a flatland. Its historical significance is hidden in the fact that it was the first to declare its independence from the Union during the civil war between 1861 and 1865, and joined the slave-holding states of the South. Nowadays it’s primarily famous for its magnificent coastal line. The coastal cities are equally good for being of the beach, windsurfing or boating. The largest cities in the internal parts of the state are Greenville and Spartanburg in the North, the capital, Columbia in the middle, and Charleston, Georgetown and Myrtle Beach along its coast line.

Photo: Country, South Carolina, USA, flickr.com, by Martin LaBar

The capital of the state is Columbia. It is the center of administration and education. It is the home of the Columbia International University. The building of the State House (Capitol) is very nice. It’s worth to visit the South Carolina State Museum, which introduces the history industry and culture of the state. The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Museum is an exhibition about the military history of the state.

Photo: State Capitol, Columbia, South Carolina, USA, flickr.com, by jimbowen0306

The coastal cities are mainly about beaches, relaxation and tourism; however they have a little more to show than just the giant hotels and beaches. The first city we come across when heading from North to South is Myrtle Beach, which was a popular holiday resort for decades. It is full of casinos, hotels and amusement parks. The famous Brookgreen Gardens lies quite close to here, which is an open-air gallery of 500 statues from more than 250 artists.

Photo: Myrtle Beach, Columbia, South Carolina, USA, flickr.com, by Mr. Guybrarian

Georgetown was once the center of rice production, which we can get to know in its Rice Museum.

Photo: Georgetown, South Carolina, USA, flickr.com, by jimmywayne22

The largest coastal city is Charleston, which looks back on a long history. It’s got wonderful old houses that are definitely worth to visit. Go and find the South Carolina Aquarium, where you may meet the most various creatures of the ocean.

Photo: Charleston, Columbia, South Carolina, USA, flickr.com, by jimmywayne22

The Hilton Head Island is located in the Southern part of the state. It is the precious stone of South Carolina. Several thousands of tourists visit its luxurious hotels – like Hyatt and Hilton - to recover their strengths each year.

Photo: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA, flickr.com, by terren in Virginia