Population: ~9.3 million (2023 estimate) — 11th most populous state
Area: 8,722 sq mi (22,591 km²) — 47th largest state
Seal of New Jersey
Geography
Location: Situated in the Mid-Atlantic region, New Jersey is bordered by New York to the north and east, Pennsylvania to the west, Delaware to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Major Landforms:
Atlantic Coastal Plain: Sandy beaches, salt marshes, and barrier islands along the Jersey Shore.
Piedmont Region: Rolling hills and urban centers like Newark and Jersey City.
Highlands and Appalachian Valley: Forested areas, lakes, and part of the Appalachian Trail.
Pine Barrens: A unique ecological region of pine forests and wetlands.
Climate: New Jersey experiences a humid subtropical climate in the southern regions and a humid continental climate in the north. Summers are warm and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall.
Flag of New Jersey
Economy
GDP (2023): ~$800 billion — 8th largest state economy in the U.S.
Major Industries:
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology: Home to major pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson and Merck.
Finance and Insurance: Proximity to New York City makes New Jersey a hub for financial services.
Manufacturing: Chemicals, machinery, and electronics are key products.
Transportation and Logistics: Its strategic location includes access to the Port of Newark, one of the busiest in the U.S.
Tourism: The Jersey Shore, Atlantic City, and historical landmarks attract millions annually.
Major Exports: Chemicals, machinery, electronic equipment, and agricultural products.
Demographics
Diversity: New Jersey is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse states in the U.S.
Ethnic Breakdown:
White: 55%
Hispanic/Latino: 21%
Black/African American: 15%
Asian: 11%
Other: 8%
Languages: English is the primary language, with Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, and Tagalog also widely spoken.
Religions: Predominantly Christian (Catholic and Protestant), with significant Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist communities.
History
Indigenous Peoples: Lenape tribes inhabited the region before European colonization.
Colonial Era: Settled by the Dutch and Swedes in the early 1600s, later taken by the English and named after the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel.
Revolutionary War: New Jersey was a key battleground during the American Revolution, hosting pivotal events like the Battle of Trenton.
Industrial Growth: During the 19th and 20th centuries, New Jersey became a leader in manufacturing, railroads, and innovation.
Modern Development: Known for its suburban lifestyle, proximity to major cities, and diverse economy.
Culture and Landmarks
The Jersey Shore: Famous for its beaches, boardwalks, and seaside towns like Asbury Park and Cape May.
Atlantic City: Known for its casinos, nightlife, and the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Liberty State Park: Offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Thomas Edison National Historical Park: A tribute to the famous inventor’s labs in West Orange.
Princeton University: One of the nation’s most prestigious Ivy League institutions.
Great Falls of the Passaic River: A majestic waterfall and National Historic Landmark in Paterson.
Pine Barrens: Known for its biodiversity and folklore, including the legend of the Jersey Devil.
Famous People from New Jersey
Frank Sinatra: Legendary singer and actor, born in Hoboken.
Bruce Springsteen: Iconic rock musician, known as “The Boss.”
Whitney Houston: World-renowned singer and actress, raised in East Orange.
Jon Bon Jovi: Rock musician and founder of Bon Jovi, from Sayreville.
Thomas Edison: Inventor of the phonograph and electric light bulb, worked extensively in New Jersey.
Meryl Streep: Acclaimed actress, born in Summit.
Fun Facts
New Jersey has the most diners in the world and is known as the “Diner Capital of the World.”
The first-ever baseball game was played in Hoboken in 1846.
Atlantic City inspired the streets and properties in the board game Monopoly.
New Jersey is the only state where all its counties are classified as metropolitan areas.
The state boasts over 130 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
The iconic saltwater taffy originated in Atlantic City in the late 19th century.
