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Located in the Southeast region of the U.S., South Carolina ranks 40th in total area among the states,
at 32,007 square miles (82,898 square kilometers or 8,289,775 hectares). The state contains 30,111
square miles (77,987 square kilometers or 7,798,713 hectares) of land, whereas 1,896 square miles
(4,911 square kilometers or 491,062 hectares) are covered by water. South Carolina shares borders
with North Carolina to the north, Georgia to the south and west, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean
to the east.
South Carolina is divided geographically into three land areas: the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the
Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge region. Most of South Carolina is covered by the Atlantic Coastal Plain,
also called the Low Country, which extends from the Atlantic Ocean westward. The inland portion,
called the Inner Coastal Plain, is distinguished by hillier land and rich soil, whereas the Outer
Coastal Plain is flat and swampy, with several rivers. Other features of the region include the Pine
Barrens, made of forested land, sand hills, cypress, mossy oaks, and a coast of excellent beaches and
the Sea Islands. The Piedmont region is comprised of rolling hills separated from the Low Country by
the "fall line" of rivers bound for the Atlantic. The Blue Ridge region of northwestern
South Carolina is part of the Blue Ridge extending from Pennsylvania to Georgia, and contains more
rugged, forested, low mountains. The state’s highest point is Sassafras Mountain, at 3,560 feet (1,085 meters) above sea level. Major rivers in
the state include the Pee Dee, Santee, Wateree, Black, Congaree, Savannah, and Edisto Rivers. Major
lakes include Lake Moultrie, Lake Greenwood, and Lake Marion.
South Carolina experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers are long and hot, with high
humidity, whereas winters are short and mild. Temperatures vary across the state, with coastal areas
tending to be warmer. The state receives some protection from cold air by way of North Carolina’s
Appalachian Mountains. The average temperature for Columbia in January is 44 degrees F (6.7 degrees C),
whereas July averages around 81 degrees F (27.2 degrees C). South Carolina receives plentiful
rainfall across the state, particularly in spring and summer, ranging from 38 inches (96.5 centimeters)
annually in the central part of the state to 52 inches (132 centimeters) annually in the upper
Piedmont. Snowfall and sleet occur infrequently, averaging 2 inches (5.1 centimeters) per year.
South Carolina is vulnerable to Atlantic hurricanes and tropical weather systems, which can occur
between June and November.
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