New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern United States. It is bordered by the state of New York to the north; by Pennsylvania to the west; by Delaware and Delaware Bay to the south; and by the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It is the most densely populated state, and its metropolitan area is one of the most populous in the country. New Jersey has many coastal beaches and is a popular tourist destination, as well as being a center for shipping, industry, and agriculture.
New Jersey was inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years before the first Europeans settled here in the 16th century. The land was part of the Dutch colony of New Netherlands, and small trading colonies sprang up here. The New Jersey Constitution says:
The State of New Jersey is governed by a Governor and a general assembly, with the executive and legislative branch of government separate from each other. The Governor, who is a member of the political party with the most votes in the general assembly, appoints judges of the Superior Court and other state officers. Judges serve for an initial seven-year term and can be reappointed until age 70.
In the past, New Jersey had a system of self-government based on townships, with elected officials known as freeholders. This was replaced by the present system of county government in 1857, wherein each of 21 counties has a Board of Chosen County Commissioners. The Commissioners, who are chosen by referendum in each county, may consist of three, five, seven, or nine members.
Aside from its natural beauty, New Jersey is famous for its food. Its cuisine has been influenced by New York City, and is characterized by dishes such as Taylor Ham (pork roll), sloppy joe sandwiches, tomato pie, salt water taffy, and Texas wieners. The state’s music scene has produced such well-known performers as U.S. President Grover Cleveland, singer Frank Sinatra, and writer Judy Blume.
Because of its location at the heart of the Eastern North American population belt, New Jersey’s economy is primarily service-based, with the logistics, warehousing, and supply chain management industries all having significant presences here. It is also an important manufacturing state, with many pharmaceutical and chemical companies headquartered here. Other notable manufacturers are medical devices, electronics and communications equipment, and apparel.