About Philidelphia, Pennsylvania (courtesy of Wikipedia)

Philadelphia, colloquially referred to as Philly, and known as The City of Brotherly Love ("brotherly love" from philos "loving" and adelphos "brother") is the fifth most populous city in the United States and the largest in population and area in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The population of Philadelphia (at the 2000 census) was 1,517,550. According to the 2005 U.S. Census estimates, the city had a population of 1,463,281. Philadelphia is the second-largest city on the U.S. East Coast (after New York City), and a major commercial, education, and cultural center for the nation.

The Philadelphia metropolitan area is the fourth largest in the U.S. by the current official definition, with some 5.823 million people.

Philadelphia is one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in the United States. During part of the 18th century, the city was the second capital and most populous city of the United States, and the second largest English speaking city in the world after London. At that time, it eclipsed Boston and New York City in political and social importance, with Benjamin Franklin playing an extraordinary role in Philadelphia's rise.

Philadelphia contains many national historical sites that relate to the founding of the United States. Independence National Historical Park is the center of these historical landmarks. Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell are the city's most famous attractions. Other historic sites include homes for Edgar Allan Poe and Betsy Ross and early government buildings like the First and Second Banks of the United States.

The city contains many museums such as the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Rodin Museum, the largest collection of work by Auguste Rodin outside of France. The city’s major art museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, is one of the largest art museums in the United States and features the steps made popular by the film Rocky. Philadelphia's major science museums include the Franklin Institute, which contains the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, and the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. History museums include the National Constitution Center and Eastern State Penitentiary. Philadelphia is home to the United States' first zoo and hospital.

Areas such as South Street and Old City have a vibrant night life. The Avenue of the Arts in Center City contains many restaurants and theaters, such as the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts which is home to the Philadelphia Orchestra.

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