Columbia is the capital of the U.S. state of South Carolina and the second-most populous city in the state. With an estimated population of 147,035 in 2025, [6] it is the principal city of the Columbia metropolitan area, the second-largest metropolitan area in South Carolina, with an estimated population of 879,918 in 2025. [5] Columbia serves as the county seat of Richland County, while. South Carolina is the 40th-largest and 23rd-most populous U.S. state with a population of 5,373,555 [1]. The state capital, the city of Columbia, serves as the central hub of political and economic activity. South Carolina, constituent state of the U.S., one of the 13 original colonies. Shaped like an inverted triangle, it is bounded on the north by North Carolina, on the southeast by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the southwest by Georgia. Columbia, located in the center of the state, is the capital and largest city. Living in South Carolina is easier with clear guides Beaches, sports, schools, government and everyday life across the state, explained in plain language. From all-star academics to A-list student experiences, the University of South Carolina is the place to launch your next chapter. South Carolina (/ ˌkærəˈlaɪnə / ⓘ KARR-ə-LY-nə) is a state in the Southeastern, South Atlantic and Deep South regions of the United States. It borders North Carolina to the north and northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, and Georgia to the west and south across the Savannah River. Move Here Register your vehicle, obtain a South Carolina driver’s license, register to vote or find tax information for SC residents. Information on South Carolina's economy, government, culture, state map and flag, major cities, points of interest, famous residents, state motto, symbols, nicknames. South Carolina is a state in the southeast United States. Its capital city is Columbia which with 137,300 people is the largest city in South Carolina by population. Explore the official tourism site of SC & discover all the rich history, sandy beaches & family attractions a South Carolina vacation has to offer.