The Philadelphia metropolitan area, also known as the Delaware Valley, is a major four-state region in the Northeastern U.S. centered on Philadelphia, boasting a combined statistical area population of 7.379 million (2020) and a GDP exceeding $557 billion. Historically, it is celebrated as "The Birthplace of America," where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1789, and it served as the nation's first capital until 1800. Today, it is a powerhouse in academia and biotechnology, nicknamed "Cellicon Valley" for its pioneering immunotherapies, and is home to the Ivy League's University of Pennsylvania alongside numerous other top universities. Culturally, the region is known for its distinct Philadelphia English dialect, its unique local cuisine, and a devoted sports culture centered on five professional teams. Spanning southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, northern Delaware, and parts of Maryland, it includes major hubs like Camden, Wilmington, and Atlantic City.