New Jersey - The Garden State
Capital: Trenton | Abbreviation: NJ | Region: Northeast | Population: 9.3 million
Quick Facts
| Population | 9,288,994 |
| Area | 8,723 sq mi (22,591 km²) |
| Population Rank | 11th |
| Area Rank | 47th (4th smallest) |
| Capital | Trenton |
| Largest City | Newark (311K) |
| Statehood | December 18, 1787 (3rd state) |
| Time Zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4) |
| Nickname | The Garden State |
Interactive Map
🔴 Trenton (Capital)
About New Jersey
New Jersey is a northeastern state with a population of 9.3 million, making it the eleventh-most populous state despite being the fourth smallest by area. This makes New Jersey the most densely populated state in the nation with over 1,200 people per square mile. The state capital is Trenton, while Newark is the largest city. New Jersey is strategically located between New York City and Philadelphia, two of America's largest metropolitan areas, giving it the nickname "Crossroads of the East."
New Jersey was one of the original Thirteen Colonies and the third state to ratify the US Constitution on December 18, 1787. The state played a crucial role in the American Revolution, with more Revolutionary War battles fought in New Jersey than any other state - including the pivotal Battle of Trenton (1776) and Battle of Monmouth (1778). George Washington crossed the Delaware River from Pennsylvania to New Jersey for his famous surprise attack on Trenton.
New Jersey has a highly diversified economy ranking among the top states in median household income. The state is home to major pharmaceutical companies (Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb), telecommunications, finance, and technology sectors. Despite its "Garden State" nickname, New Jersey is highly urbanized in the north and central regions, though it does have significant agricultural production in cranberries, blueberries, and vegetables. The Jersey Shore, stretching 130 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, is a major tourist destination.
Geography & Climate
New Jersey features diverse geography despite its small size:
- Atlantic Coastal Plain: Southern region with flat terrain, beaches, Pine Barrens
- Piedmont: Central region with rolling hills, most populated area
- Highlands: Northwest region with hills, forests, lakes
- Ridge and Valley: Northwest corner with Appalachian ridges
- Jersey Shore: 130 miles of Atlantic coastline, beaches, boardwalks
- Climate: Humid subtropical in south, humid continental in north, four seasons
Major Cities
Newark
Population: 311,549
Metro: Part of NY metro
Known For: Newark Airport, port, Prudential Center, universities, transportation hub
Jersey City
Population: 292,449
Known For: Hudson River waterfront, views of Manhattan, diverse population, PATH trains
Paterson
Population: 159,732
Known For: Great Falls, industrial heritage, silk industry history, diverse immigrant communities
Elizabeth
Population: 137,298
Known For: Port Elizabeth, manufacturing, diverse population
Edison
Population: 107,588
Known For: Named after Thomas Edison, diverse community, suburban development
Trenton
Population: 90,871
Known For: State capital, "Trenton Makes, The World Takes" bridge sign, historic importance
Revolutionary War History
New Jersey was nicknamed "Crossroads of the Revolution" due to its strategic importance:
- Battle of Trenton (1776): Washington crossed Delaware River on Christmas night, surprised Hessian forces, crucial victory that revived American morale
- Battle of Princeton (1777): American victory shortly after Trenton, further boosting patriot confidence
- Battle of Monmouth (1778): Longest single-day battle of the war, fought in scorching heat
- Most Battles: Nearly 100 Revolutionary War battles fought in New Jersey, more than any other state
- Washington's Headquarters: Morristown served as winter encampment 1777 and 1779-1780
- Crossing the Delaware: Iconic moment in American history occurred at Washington Crossing
Economy & Industry
New Jersey has a robust, diversified economy with key sectors:
- Pharmaceuticals: Major hub for pharmaceutical and biotech companies - Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis
- Finance: Banking, insurance, financial services, hedge funds
- Transportation & Logistics: Major ports (Newark/Elizabeth), Newark Airport, extensive rail and highway networks
- Telecommunications: Verizon and other telecom companies have significant presence
- Technology: Growing tech sector, data centers, research facilities
- Agriculture: Despite urbanization, leads nation in blueberries and cranberries, fresh vegetables, nursery products
- Tourism: Jersey Shore beaches, Atlantic City casinos, historic sites, Liberty State Park
Innovation & Firsts
New Jersey has been home to numerous inventions and innovations:
Thomas Edison's Laboratory
Thomas Edison's laboratory in Menlo Park (now Edison) is where he invented the phonograph (1877) and practical incandescent light bulb (1879). He held over 1,000 patents and revolutionized modern life. His later laboratory in West Orange continued this legacy of innovation.
Other NJ Innovations
- First organized baseball game (Hoboken, 1846)
- First submarine (Holland I, 1878)
- First motion picture (Edison, 1891)
- First boardwalk (Atlantic City, 1870)
- Condensed soup (Campbell's, Camden)
Interesting Facts
- Most densely populated state in the US (1,200+ people per square mile)
- More diners than any other state - "Diner Capital of the World"
- Atlantic City has street names that inspired Monopoly game board
- First drive-in movie theater opened in Camden (1933)
- Statue of Liberty is technically in New Jersey waters (Ellis Island too)
- Salt water taffy was invented in Atlantic City (1880s)
- Princeton University (founded 1746) is one of oldest universities in US
- Jersey Shore attracts millions of tourists annually to beaches and boardwalks
- Pine Barrens cover 1.1 million acres of protected wilderness
- High Point is state's highest elevation at 1,803 feet
- Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra, Jon Bon Jovi from New Jersey
- Campbell's Soup headquarters in Camden since 1869
- First intercollegiate football game (Rutgers vs Princeton, 1869)
- Six Flags Great Adventure is one of largest theme parks in world
Neighboring States
Also borders: Atlantic Ocean (East & Southeast)
Compare New Jersey
See how New Jersey compares to other states in population, economy, and more.
Compare New Jersey