Basic Information
New Jersey, located in the northeastern United States, is known for its diverse landscapes and rich history.
Capital
- Trenton
Largest City
- Newark
Area
- 8,729 sq mi
Population
- 9.29 million (2020)
Demographics
New Jersey's population is highly diverse, reflecting a mix of cultures and ethnicities.
Ethnic Composition
- White:54.6%
- Hispanic:21.6%
- African American:13.7%
- Asian:10.3%
Languages
- English:67.3%
- Spanish:16.9%
- Other:15.8%
Age Distribution
- Under 18:21.6%
- 18-64:63.8%
- 65+:14.6%
Population Growth
- Annual Rate:0.3%
- Natural Increase:30,000
- Migration:10,000
Economy
New Jersey's economy is driven by diverse sectors, including pharmaceuticals, finance, and technology.
GDP
- $680 billion (2022)
Major Industries
- Pharmaceuticals
- Finance
- Telecommunications
- Logistics
Employment Rate
- Employed:95.8%
- Unemployment:4.2%
Major Companies
- Johnson & Johnson
- Prudential Financial
- Verizon
- Merck & Co.
Climate
New Jersey has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters, varying slightly across the state.
Northern New Jersey
- Avg. Summer:85°F
- Avg. Winter:30°F
- Rainfall:45 inches/year
Central New Jersey
- Avg. Summer:86°F
- Avg. Winter:32°F
- Rainfall:46 inches/year
Southern New Jersey
- Avg. Summer:87°F
- Avg. Winter:34°F
- Rainfall:47 inches/year
Visiting New Jersey
New Jersey offers a variety of attractions, from historical sites to beautiful beaches, making it a diverse destination for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring:April-June
- Fall:September-November
- Peak Season:July-August
Transportation
- Major Airports:3
- Train Routes:NJ Transit, Amtrak
- Highway System:39,000 miles
Accommodation
- Hotels:6,000+
- Camping Sites:5,000+
- Average Hotel Rate:$140/night
Tourist Information
- Visitor Centers:20+
- Tourism Website:Visit NJ
- Info Hotline:1-800-VISITNJ
Popular Attractions
New Jersey's attractions range from significant historical landmarks to beautiful natural landscapes.
Historical Sites
- Princeton Battlefield State Park
- Ellis Island (partially)
- Cape May Historic District
- Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Natural Landmarks
- Delaware Water Gap
- Jersey Shore Beaches
- Pine Barrens
- High Point State Park
Entertainment
- Atlantic City Boardwalk
- Six Flags Great Adventure
- New Jersey Performing Arts Center
- Meadowlands Sports Complex
Cities
- Newark
- Jersey City
- Atlantic City
- Hoboken
History
New Jersey's history is marked by early Native American settlements, European colonization, the American Revolution, and industrial growth.
Early History
- Native Peoples:10,000+ years
- Dutch Settlement:1614
- English Colony:1664
18th Century
- American Revolution:1775-1783
- Statehood:1787
- Early Industrialization
19th Century
- Industrial Growth
- Immigration Boom
- Railroad Expansion
20th Century
- World War Impact
- Suburban Development
- Technological Innovation
Recent History
- Economic Diversification
- Environmental Conservation
- Cultural Growth
State Symbols
New Jersey has adopted various official state symbols that represent its natural and cultural heritage.
State Animals
-
State Animal:Horse
-
State Bird:Eastern Goldfinch
-
State Fish:Brook Trout
-
State Insect:Honeybee
State Plants
-
State Flower:Violet
-
State Tree:Red Oak
Cultural Symbols
-
State Colors:Buff and Jersey Blue
-
State Song:"Born to Run" (unofficial)
-
State Motto:"Liberty and Prosperity"
Other Symbols
-
State Dinosaur:Hadrosaurus foulkii
State Facts
Interesting and unique facts about New Jersey that showcase its distinctive character and achievements.
Geographic Facts
-
Highest Point:High Point (1,803 ft)
-
Longest River:Delaware River
-
Largest Lake:Lake Hopatcong
-
Coastline Length:130 miles
Records & Rankings
- Most densely populated state
- Significant role in the American Revolution
- Home to many pharmaceutical companies
Notable Firsts
- First organized baseball game (Hoboken)
- Invention of the light bulb (Menlo Park)
- First drive-in movie theater (Camden)
Unique Features
- Known for its diners
- Extensive boardwalks along the Jersey Shore
- Diverse cultural influences
Government & Politics
New Jersey has a constitutionally mandated structure encompassing Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.
Governor
- Phil Murphy (as of 2021)
Legislature
- Bicameral:State Senate and General Assembly
Political Trends
- Historically Democratic in recent decades
Key Political Issues
- Property Taxes
- Education Funding
- Environmental Protection
- Transportation Infrastructure
Time Zones
New Jersey observes Eastern Time Zone (ET), with daylight saving time observed.
Standard Time
- Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC -5)
Daylight Saving
- Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC -4)
Education
New Jersey has a public education system that includes K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities.
Major Public Systems
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Montclair State University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
Notable Private Institutions
- Princeton University
- Seton Hall University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
K-12 System
- Public school system with local control
Key Educational Initiatives
- STEM education focus
- Early childhood education programs
- College affordability initiatives
Culture & Festivals
New Jersey's cultural scene is rich with music, arts, and festivals celebrating its diversity.
Major Festivals
- Sea.Hear.Now Festival
- New Jersey State Fair
- Atlantic City Airshow
- Various cultural festivals in urban areas
Music & Arts
- New Jersey Performing Arts Center
- Count Basie Center for the Arts
- Various local art walks and events
Regional Traditions
- Jersey Shore culture
- Diner culture
- Local farmers markets
Sports & Teams
New Jersey has a strong sports culture, with professional teams and significant local interest.
NHL Teams
- New Jersey Devils
MLS Teams
- New York Red Bulls (partially based in NJ)
Minor League Teams
- Trenton Thunder (baseball)
- Jersey BlueClaws (baseball)
- Various local sports teams
Notable Sporting Events
- Major golf tournaments
- Horse racing events
- Various college sports events
Cuisine & Local Specialties
New Jersey cuisine features fresh seafood, Italian-American dishes, and local specialties.
Signature Dishes
- Jersey Tomatoes
- Saltwater Taffy
- Pork Roll (Taylor Ham)
- Italian-American cuisine
Seafood
- Fresh Jersey Shore seafood
- Oysters, clams, and fish dishes
Agricultural Products
- Blueberries, Cranberries, Peaches, Asparagus
- Various locally grown vegetables
Local Markets
- Farmers markets in major cities
- Local food festivals
Infrastructure
New Jersey's infrastructure includes extensive transportation networks, ports, and energy systems.
Highway System
- Extensive network of state and interstate highways
Public Transportation
- NJ Transit (rail and bus services)
- PATH trains to New York City
- Regional airports and Amtrak services
Major Ports
- Port of New York and New Jersey (significant for shipping)
- Various inland waterway systems
Energy & Utilities
- Mix of natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy
- Water and sewage systems managed by local governments
Notable Historical Figures
New Jersey has produced many influential figures in history, arts, and sciences.
Historical Leaders
- Thomas Edison (inventor)
- Albert Einstein (scientist)
- Walt Whitman (poet)
Music & Arts
- Bruce Springsteen (musician)
- Frank Sinatra (singer)
- Meryl Streep (actress)
Political Figures
- Grover Cleveland (former U.S. President)
- Aaron Burr (former U.S. Vice President)
- Cory Booker (U.S. Senator)
State Government Services
New Jersey provides a range of public services through various state agencies.
Health Services
- Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare
Social Services
- Food assistance, welfare programs
Environmental Agencies
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Parks & Recreation
- State parks and recreational areas
- Wildlife management and conservation
Key Historical Documents & Landmarks
Historic documents and sites reflect New Jersey's journey through statehood and significant historical events.
State Constitution
- Original 1776 Constitution
- Current constitution with amendments
Historical Sites
- Princeton Battlefield State Park
- Trenton Barracks
- Cape May Historic District
Archival Repositories
- New Jersey State Archives
- Rutgers University Libraries
Environmental Initiatives
New Jersey focuses on conservation and management of its natural resources.
Conservation Programs
- Pine Barrens preservation
- Coastal management and protection
Air and Water Quality
- Monitoring and regulation of emissions
- Water resource management
Renewable Energy
- Offshore wind projects
- Solar energy initiatives
Major Events & Conferences
New Jersey hosts various events and conferences that highlight its culture and industries.
Music Events
- Sea.Hear.Now Festival
- Various local music festivals
Cultural Events
- New Jersey State Fair
- Atlantic City Airshow
- Various cultural festivals in urban areas
Sports Events
- Major golf tournaments
- Horse racing events
- Various college sports events
Trade Shows
- Pharmaceutical industry conferences
- Various industry-specific conferences