New Jersey has long been a popular place to live for both retirees and families. It is one of the wealthiest states and offers residents easy access to the metropolitan areas of New York City and Philadelphia. It also has more than 900 lakes and rivers, 127 miles of picture-perfect Atlantic coastline with quaint resort towns and beaches, and a wide variety of state parks. In addition, its high-quality public schools regularly rank among the best in the nation.
Located in the Northeast corner of the United States, new jersey is a large, densely populated state with more than 130 miles of ocean coast. It is bordered by the states of Pennsylvania and Delaware, as well as by the Hudson River and New York City.
The state’s name derives from the Dutch word for “sunny pastureland.” It was first settled by the Dutch in 1664, and later became part of the British colonies. The land was given to two proprietors, Lord John Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, who sold it at low prices to settlers who were granted religious and political freedom. New Jersey became the fourth American colony to adopt a constitution in 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain.
In the 1800s, New Jersey’s economy grew rapidly. Many industrial companies opened their factories in the state, and its population doubled between 1900 and 1930. This growth was accelerated by the inventions of such famous people as Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The state was also a leader in the entertainment industry, with stars such as Fatty Arbuckle, Mary Pickford, and Pearl White revolutionizing movies.
Today, New Jersey is a diverse state with many opportunities for employment and recreation. It is the fifth most populous state and home to major ports, airports, and rail lines, as well as the nation’s busiest financial district, Wall Street. New Jersey is a leading manufacturing and research state, as well as the largest producer of pharmaceuticals in the world. The state’s top employers include pharmaceutical and medical companies, insurance and finance firms, and electronics manufacturers.
As a result, it is no surprise that the state’s residents are happy. It ranked fifth in WalletHub’s recent study of the happiest states, with a high score in emotional and physical well-being, work environment, community, and environmental quality. It also has the lowest suicide rates and divorce rates in the country.
The flag of new jersey features a buff background, which was the color of the uniforms worn by General George Washington’s troops in the Revolutionary War. In the center is a shield featuring three plows and the goddesses of liberty, agriculture, and health. The words “LIBERTY AND PROSPERITY” are inscribed on the shield.