USA South Carolina | North America

South Carolina is located in the Southeastern United States, bordering North Carolina to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, and Georgia to the southwest across the Savannah River. The state is geographically defined by the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest, the Piedmont plateau, and the expansive Atlantic Coastal Plain (Lowcountry). The capital city is Columbia.

History & Culture

South Carolina was one of the original 13 colonies and the first state to secede from the Union in 1860, marking the beginning of the Civil War. Its culture is a blend of Southern traditionalism and the unique Gullah-Geechee heritage of the coastal islands. Primary religious affiliations are Protestant (approx. 66%) and Catholic (10%). Independence Day (July 4) is the primary national holiday. Social etiquette emphasizes "Southern hospitality," traditional decorum, and a standardized 18–25% tipping expectation.

Language & Communication

The official language is English. English proficiency is universal. Spanish is the second most common language (approx. 5%). The Gullah dialect, an English-based creole with strong West African influences, is spoken by descendant communities along the coastal Lowcountry.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 5.4 million, with a 67% urban and 33% rural distribution. Top three export commodities are transportation equipment (automotive/aerospace), chemicals, and plastics/rubber products. GDP per capita is approximately $65,000 USD. The economy is driven by advanced manufacturing (BMW, Boeing, Michelin), tourism, and agriculture (poultry, greenhouse products, and cotton). In 2026, real GDP growth is projected at 1.4%, supported by a $9 billion investment in digital infrastructure.

Visa & Entry Policy

Effective January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998, visa issuance is suspended or restricted for nationals of 39 countries to enhance security vetting. Citizens of most EU nations and the UK still require an ESTA for stays up to 90 days. Other international travelers require a B1/B2 visa. There is no Visa on Arrival system. Customs enforcement at Charleston International (CHS) is strict regarding agricultural products.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Card payments and mobile "tap-to-pay" are universal. Cash is used primarily for small tips or at rural roadside stands. ATM availability is high, with dense networks in regional bank branches like SouthState and national chains.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is dominated by the Interstate Highway System (I-26, I-95, I-20, I-85). Amtrak provides rail service via the "Silver Star," "Silver Meteor," and "Palmetto" lines. Domestic and international aviation is anchored by Charleston International (CHS), Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP), and Columbia Metropolitan (CAE). Long-distance bus transit is provided by Greyhound and Southeastern Stages.

Digital Infrastructure

Major mobile network providers are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. 5G coverage is comprehensive in the Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville-Spartanburg corridors. 2026 marks a major expansion of Google's cloud and AI infrastructure in Berkeley and Dorchester counties. Signal strength is inconsistent in the remote sections of the Francis Marion National Forest and the Blue Ridge foothills.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is predominantly humid subtropical, featuring four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are very hot and humid; winters (December–February) are mild. The state is prone to tropical storm and hurricane impacts from June to November. For the 2025–2026 winter, La Niña conditions have led to below-normal precipitation and expanding drought across the state.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required for entry. Specific environmental risks include extreme summer heat, coastal flooding/hurricanes, and tick-borne illnesses in wooded areas. The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

The Lowcountry (Tourism/Maritime/Aerospace): Hub city is Charleston.

The Upstate (Manufacturing/Tech): Hub city is Greenville.

The Midlands (Government/Education): Hub city is Columbia.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: $2.15 USD

1 Domestic Beer: $6.00 USD

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): $45.00 USD

Facts & Legends

The "Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp" is a prominent local cryptid first reported in Lee County in 1988, described as a 7-foot-tall bipedal reptilian creature. Historically, South Carolina is the birthplace of sweet tea and home to the "Angel Oak" on John’s Island, estimated to be one of the oldest living organisms east of the Mississippi River. Additionally, the cabbage palmetto on the state flag commemorates the 1776 victory at Fort Moultrie, where the spongy palmetto logs successfully repelled British cannonballs.