New Jersey is a densely populated state in the Northeast United States. It is bordered on the north and northeast by New York City; on the west by Pennsylvania across the Delaware River and Delaware Bay; and on the south and east by the Atlantic Ocean. The state is a part of the Northeast megalopolis and is a major transportation hub. It is home to the world’s busiest port, a major financial center, several top-ranked universities and medical schools, and an array of top-notch research facilities. It is also the birthplace of many modern inventions, including FM radio, phonographs, transistors, the cultivated blueberry, saltwater taffy, and the drive-in movie. The state is also famous for its beaches and boardwalks.
The earliest European settlers of the state, the Dutch and English, interacted with Native Americans in the Lenape nation through fur trade. As colonial settlement continued, conflicts between Lenape and colonists and the continuing forced displacement of Indigenous people shaped a broader state culture of diversity. These changes included diversity in faith, gender, race, and ethnicity, as well as a tradition of representative self-government.
In the 19th century, New Jersey became a leader in the American Industrial Revolution, with its burgeoning manufacturing sector and a large population of immigrants. During the American Civil War, the state provided troops and resources in support of the Union Army. After the war, New Jersey saw suburbanization, made possible by affordable housing developments and federally backed mortgages. However, racial inequality continued to be exacerbated by restrictive covenants and redlining practices.
Today, New Jersey is one of the most densely populated and fastest growing states in the country. The state has a diverse economy and is home to major international corporations, including pharmaceutical and insurance companies. In addition, it is the third most popular tourist destination in the United States. Its rich history has resulted in a wide range of cultural institutions, such as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Newark Symphony.
New Jersey is home to professional sports teams in the National Football League, Major League Baseball, and the NHL. It is also the birthplace of rock band Bon Jovi, whose song “Livin’ on a Prayer” is dedicated to the state. The state is also known for its many historic sites, such as the Liberty Bell and the Newark Museum. The New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton is the oldest government building in the United States still in use for its original purpose. In addition, the state has an extensive system of parks and recreation areas that provide opportunities for outdoor activities. New Jersey is often referred to as the Garden State. Its nickname stems from its long tradition of farming, but it is also known for its abundance of forests and wildlife. The state is also home to the nation’s most diversified collection of archaeological, natural, and cultural heritage resources.