New Jersey is a densely populated state in the United States, bordered to the north and northeast by New York; on the east by the Hudson River and the Delaware River; on the south by the Atlantic Ocean; and on the west by Pennsylvania. It is a state with varied geological features, including mountains, forests, and coastal beaches. Its landscape is also marked by rivers, creeks, and wetlands. The state capital is Trenton. New Jersey is one of the most populous states, and its governor is a prominent political figure in the United States.
Native American people occupied the territory of modern-day New Jersey for more than six millennia. The Lenape, who called the land “scheyichbi,” or “the place where the sun shines down,” were the first inhabitants of the region. The Lenape lived in matrilineal clans based on common female ancestors. In the 17th century European settlers arrived, establishing colonies along the Hudson and Raritan rivers and the coast.
The Dutch and English colonists engaged in trade with the Indigenous people of the area, exchanging European goods for furs and other natural resources. But warfare, disease, and forced migration impacted the population of the Native Americans. By the end of the 17th century the number of Indigenous people in the region declined sharply.
In the nineteenth century, northern New Jersey shifted from its agrarian roots to become a center of industry and urbanization. In the eastern part of the state, railroads opened new opportunities for trade and transportation. The capital city, Trenton, became a national center of commerce and government. New Jersey’s natural beauty enticed tourists, leading to the development of many popular beaches, such as Atlantic City and Cape May.
During the 20th century, the state became a magnet for new residents seeking opportunity and a better life. As in the past, the state’s immigrants brought rich cultural traditions — including religion, languages, foods, and customs — to New Jersey.
The state is home to the largest group of Fortune 500 companies in the United States, and has a highly educated workforce. It is also a hub for financial and technological services, including its world-renowned transportation systems, research centers, and pharmaceutical industries.
Among the state’s most famous citizens are Grover Cleveland (the only president born in New Jersey), author Judy Blume, and singer Frank Sinatra. At Washington Crossing State Park in Trenton, visitors can see where George Washington and the Continental Army defeated Hessian soldiers in the Battle of Trenton during the Revolutionary War. The park is a National Historic Landmark. The capital of the state is the city of Trenton, and its governor is Phil Murphy. The state’s legislative branch is the bicameral New Jersey General Assembly. The executive branch is the office of the governor, who appoints members to the Executive and Supreme Courts and signs bills passed by the legislature into law. The legislative and judicial branches are governed by the Constitution of New Jersey.