Known as the Garden State for its abundant produce, New Jersey is located at the center of the Northeast megalopolis and borders New York City on the north and northeast; Pennsylvania across Delaware Bay and the Delaware River on the west; and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. The state’s diverse landscapes include a Coastal Plain of low hills, pine forests, and salt marshes; the 20-mile-wide Piedmont region with its rolling hills and narrow valleys; and the mountainous Kittatinny Mountains in the northwest.
The state is rich in granite, sand, and gravel for mining, and is a leader in seafood production, particularly clams harvested off the coast. It is home to many important industries, including pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, as well as a high-tech industry based on electronics, chemicals, plastics, and advanced materials. New Jersey is also a popular tourist destination, with its historic cities, picturesque beaches, and recreational attractions, such as the Liberty State Park, which includes the landmark Statue of Liberty; the Great Falls National Historical Park, the largest waterfall in the United States; and the Battleship New Jersey, where Admiral William T. Vanderbilt commanded the Union fleet during World War I.
New Jersey’s fertile lands and tolerant religious policies attracted more settlers than any other colony, doubling its population by the time of the American Revolution. Its unique location between the British capital in New York and the rebel headquarters in Philadelphia made it a battleground of the war for independence, with more than 600 Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes fought here.
More than 560,000 New Jerseyans served in the armed forces during World War II, and its economy boomed with the production of crucial wartime materials and equipment. Many factories won the coveted Army-Navy “E” Award for excellence. The state has long been a magnet for artists and entertainers, from U.S. President Grover Cleveland to jazz legend Ray Charles and hard rock band Bon Jovi, whose frontman Jon Bon Jovi hails from Sayreville.
The state’s food scene reflects its history and innovation, with iconic dishes such as Trenton-style thin crust pizza, taylor ham sandwiches, disco fries, and saltwater taffy showcasing the area’s distinctive culinary flair. The famous board game Monopoly was inspired by Atlantic City, and the state’s film industry is a major draw for visitors from across the nation. New Jerseyans are also known for their passion for professional and collegiate sports teams, with six NFL, two Major League Soccer, and two NBA teams representing the state. The state’s nickname, the Garden State, is often used to refer to its beautiful landscape, thriving cultural scene, and strong sense of community. New Jersey is the most densely populated U.S. state, with an average of about 260 people per square mile. Its 21 counties are governed by elected officials called freeholders, who must be a registered voter in their county to serve. Freeholders are chosen by district and may serve up to seven years in office.