New Jersey is a densely populated state bordered by the densely populated city of New York in the northeast, Pennsylvania across the Delaware River to the west, and Delaware and Delaware Bay to the south. The state’s geographic regions include the Delaware Water Gap, with low hills and pine forests, the coastal plain with sandy beaches, the
hilly piedmont in the north, and the sandstone and granite hills of the Watchung Mountains in the northwest. The state’s most famous town, Atlantic City, is a popular resort destination with its casinos and famed Boardwalk.
Before Europeans settled in the area, Native Americans inhabited the land that is now New Jersey. The dominant tribe was the Lenape, whose people lived in the region for more than 13,000 years. Europeans began settling the region in the 1630s. In the ensuing American Revolution, New Jersey was a battleground, with significant sites at Trenton and Princeton. After the war, New Jersey became a center of industrial innovation. The state’s fertile lands and relative religious tolerance drew people from diverse backgrounds to its shoreline, which soon was dotted with towns and cities.
The state’s political structure is unique, with a governor and lieutenant governor elected together on a ticket to serve as the state’s executive branch. The governor appoints the entire executive cabinet and judges of the Supreme and Superior Courts. The state’s capital is Trenton, and its most populous city is Newark. New Jersey is also a hub for higher education, with the Ivy League Princeton University and Rutgers University.
In the mid- to late nineteenth century, New Jersey ushered in progressive economic and social reforms. The state constitution of 1947 strengthened the office of the governor and streamlined the complex judicial system. The state passed laws requiring desegregation in schools and the National Guard – progressive steps that came before the Civil Rights Movement.
New Jersey’s legacy of industrial innovation was reflected in its manufacturing sector, where firms produced everything from ceramics to chemicals and plastics. In addition, the state’s rich natural resources helped spur the development of its tourism industry.
In more recent times, the state has become a leader in pharmaceuticals, information technology, and biotechnology. New Jersey also has a large service economy, with many thriving industries such as finance, banking, and insurance.
The state’s nickname, “The Garden State,” reflects its lush farmland and gardens, which contribute to the state’s vibrant culture. In addition, the state has a variety of distinct slang that is derived from its many cultural and ethnic groups. For example, the phrase “fuggedaboutit” is a classic Jersey term that means to ignore or disbelieve something. This and other slang have contributed to the state’s reputation as a place where people aren’t afraid to speak their minds.