| State of the SE United States. It is bordered by North Carolina (N), the Atlantic Ocean (SE), and Georgia (SW). Area, 31,055 sq mi (80,432 sq km).
Pop. (2000) 4,012,012, a 15.1% increase since the 1990 census.
Capital and largest city, Columbia.
Mottos, Dum Spiro Spero [While I Breathe, I Hope] and Animis Opibusque Parati [Prepared in Mind and Resources].
State bird, Carolina wren.
State flower, Carolina jessamine.
State tree, palmetto. Climate
South Carolina attracts retirees from around the nation because of its excellent mild climate. Spring comes early -- a breath-taking floral display of dogwoods, azaleas and magnolias.  Summers are long and the color changes of autumn normally take place in late October and November. When the leaves finally drop in December, a mild winter is on its way. Average temperature in January is 55'F and 59'F in February. Average winter low is 34'F. Columbia's climate allows for outdoor activities year round.
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 Recreation & Attractions
Greater Columbia has much to offer in family recreation. Lake Murray, a 50,000-acre lake northwest of Columbia with 500 miles of shoreline, offers opportunities for fishing, skiing and sailing.  The city and county park systems provide a variety of sports and recreational activities to all residents. Golfers enjoy challenging play on six private and ten public courses. Outstanding spectator sports include University of South Carolina Gamecock athletics, Capital City Bombers Baseball, and Wildewood polo. Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden, named as one of the nation's ten best zoos by the U.S. Humane Society, features natural habitat exhibits of over 2,000 birds and animals. Columbia's surrounding areas also offer major events and attractions. The state's leading tourist attraction is the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of sugar-sand beaches. Just 20 miles east of Columbia is Camden, site of a Revolutionary War battle and home of the Carolina Cup, one of America's oldest steeplechase events.  For the car racing enthusiast, nearby Darlington offers the lure of the TranSouth 500 and the Heinz Southern 500, both NASCAR sanctioned events. Nearby Augusta offers the Masters Golf Tournament and Hilton Head Island, famed for its beaches, hosts the MCI Heritage Golf Classic and the Family Circle Tennis Tournament. For the tourist, historic Charleston is a must see. Each spring, global attention focuses on this lovely seaside city, home of the internationally acclaimed Spoleto Festival USA, dubbed the world's most comprehensive arts extravaganza.
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| Education
From elementary schools that teach Russian and Japanese to the University of South Carolina, whose international business program has been ranked no. 1 in the nation, Columbia's schools are on the cutting edge. Low pupil/teacher ratio and individualized programs have helped to contribute to the 23 private schools. Nine institutions of higher learning call Columbia home. | |
| Health Care
Columbia has five major hospitals offering diversified medical care and wellness services and programs to the community. The doctor-to-patient ratio is roughly twice the national average. | |
 ARTS
Over 100 cultural organizations entertain and educate the community including the South Carolina Philharmonic, Southeastern Regional Opera, Columbia City Ballet and twelve live theater groups. Museums offer history, art and star-gazing and include the South Carolina State Museum, the Columbia Museum of Art and Gibbes Planetarium. | |
| Shopping 
The Congaree Vista, a restored turn-of-the-century area near downtown Columbia, offers a unique collection of shops filled with antiques, oriental rugs, jewelry, original artwork, handmade furniture and collebibles. Five Points, Devine Street/Shandon and Forest Acres are also home to upscale and unique stores and galleries. There are six enclosed malls and major department stores include Dillard's, Parisian, Rich's, J.C.Penney, and Sears. | |  | Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors® Incorporated
Advertising/Marketing Dept
1022 Calhoun Street, Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 779-6000 or 1-800-673-9357
©1999. All rights reserved. | |
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