New Jersey is a densely populated state in the Northeast, bordered on the west by Pennsylvania and Delaware across the Delaware River, on the north by Hudson River and New York City, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the south by Delaware Bay. The state’s capital is Trenton. New Jersey has a lot to offer, from the iconic Statue of Liberty to the beaches of Cape May and Asbury Park.
The New Jersey Turnpike has made it fast and easy to get around, while the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and River Line have helped revitalize urban areas. New Jersey also is a leading center for information and technology companies, with such giants as Apple, Google, Johnson & Johnson, and Merck headquartered there.
With its central location, New Jersey is part of the Northeast Megalopolis, a region that includes Boston and Baltimore to the north; Washington, D.C. to the south; and Philadelphia to the southwest. In addition, New York City is just across the Hudson River from Newark.
New Jersey’s landforms vary considerably, from the flat Coastal Plain to the narrow, winding valleys of the Piedmont and the Appalachian Mountains in the northwest. The ridge and valley formations are cut by rivers and streams, creating a diverse habitat for wildlife. The state has a humid continental climate, with cool spring and autumn temperatures and mild summers. The winters are cold, with occasional snow or ice.
The population of New Jersey is concentrated in urban areas, with two of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas — the New York Metropolitan Area and the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area — surrounding the state. The state’s many historic sites are an important part of its tourism economy, and the state has several national parks and other recreational areas that attract visitors.
A diverse mix of people has made a strong contribution to New Jersey’s culture. The state was home to a large number of immigrants, and the first Miss America pageant was held there in 1921. The state abolished slavery on February 15, 1804, six years before the Civil War began, and was the last northern state to do so. It was the first to pass laws ensuring that all public schools were funded equitably, and it passed a law giving equal rights for gay couples before other states.
The state has experienced a shift away from industrial activity, with old factories being closed and huge suburban shopping centers replacing downtown department stores. This has resulted in the decline of the urban white population and the growth of the African American and Hispanic populations. As a result, the state is predominantly Democratic. However, in recent years, some rural and suburban communities have become more Republican. This has led to a state government that is divided between the parties. Despite this, the state remains an economic powerhouse, ranking second in per capita income among all US states. It is one of the most literate and well-educated states, with a high percentage of adults having completed some form of higher education.