New Jersey, located at the center of the Northeast megalopolis, has long been a center for industrial innovation. From Thomas Edison’s laboratories to pharmaceutical giants, the state’s businesses have shaped advancements in technology and medicine. The state is also a popular tourist destination for Atlantic City’s famous boardwalk, iconic casinos, and entertainment scene.
New Jersey’s political climate is dominated by its large Democratic population. Since the 1970s, Democratic governors have presided over the state, which has a long history of progressive economic, social, and political reform. The state is the most densely populated in the United States, with all of its counties considered urban.
The area that became New Jersey was occupied by Native American tribes including the Lenape and Munsee (or Minsi). After the region was discovered by European explorers, Dutch, Swedish, and English colonists set up settlements. These early settlers were diverse in ethnic and religious beliefs, with New England Congregationalists sharing territory with Scots Presbyterians and English Quakers.
Over the centuries, the state’s economy grew as more land was cleared and commercial farming developed. New Jersey’s coastal areas served as major ports of entry for goods bound for New York City and Philadelphia. Throughout the state, residents have long been known for their hard work ethic and stoic perseverance.
Following World War II, New Jersey enjoyed unprecedented prosperity for many. Affordable housing developments, federally backed mortgages, and cutting-edge transportation systems enabled suburban expansion. However, discriminatory practices like restrictive covenants and redlining contributed to inequality for some of the state’s African American residents. In addition, African American war veterans received less than their white counterparts when it came to accessing GI Bill benefits.
In recent decades, New Jersey’s burgeoning immigrant community has made the state more culturally diverse. While immigrants from Europe have historically accounted for the largest percentage of New Jersey’s population, arrivals from Central and South America, Asia, and Africa have added to the state’s rich diversity.
New Jersey has produced a number of well-known musicians, from the hard rock band Bon Jovi (from Sayreville) to singer Whitney Houston (from Newark). In addition, the state’s sports teams have gained national recognition. The New Jersey Devils, Newark Nets, and New Jersey Giants have competed successfully in the NBA and NHL. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford hosts two NFL teams, and the state is the only one to have six teams from the major professional sports leagues. The state is also home to the PGA’s Liberty National Golf Course, which hosted the 2016 PGA Championship. New Jersey is a Democratic stronghold, with Democrats controlling both houses of the state legislature and the entire state government. The state’s political culture is reflected in its sports and music, which have become a part of the state’s identity.