Facts About New Jersey

Welcome to the wonderful world of New Jersey! New Jersey is a state located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is bordered by New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Atlantic Ocean. New Jersey is the fourth smallest state in the United States and is known for its diverse population, beautiful beaches, and rich history.

Geography

Location

New Jersey is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is bordered by New York to the north and northeast, Pennsylvania to the west, Delaware to the southwest, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The state is approximately 48 miles wide and 150 miles long. It is the 11th smallest state in the United States and the 4th most densely populated.

Size

New Jersey is the 11th smallest state in the United States, covering an area of 8,722 square miles. It is the 4th smallest state in terms of total area, but the 11th most populous state. The state is divided into 21 counties and contains 565 municipalities.

Climate

New Jersey has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 80°F, while the average temperature in the winter is around 35°F. The state receives an average of 44 inches of precipitation per year, with the most precipitation occurring in the summer months. Snowfall can vary from year to year, but typically ranges from 10-20 inches per year.

History

Pre-Colonial Period

Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century, the area now known as New Jersey was inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Lenape, Susquehannock, and Powhatan. These tribes were largely nomadic, relying on hunting and gathering for sustenance, and living in small, mobile villages. They also engaged in trade with other tribes, exchanging goods such as animal hides, tools, and weapons. The Lenape were the most populous of these tribes, and their influence can still be seen in the names of many of the state's rivers, such as the Passaic and the Raritan.

Colonial Period

The first European settlers to arrive in New Jersey were Dutch and Swedish colonists in the early 17th century. They established several trading posts and settlements, most notably the town of New Amsterdam (now known as Newark). The British soon followed, and by the mid-1700s, the area was firmly under British control. This period saw the establishment of many of the state's major cities, such as Trenton, Princeton, and Camden.

Statehood

New Jersey was one of the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Britain in 1776. It was the third state to ratify the United States Constitution in 1787, and officially became a state in 1788. During the Revolutionary War, New Jersey was the site of several major battles, including the Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Monmouth. After the war, the state experienced a period of rapid growth and industrialization, becoming a major center for manufacturing and transportation.

Demographics

Population

New Jersey is the 11th most populous state in the United States, with an estimated population of 8,882,190 as of 2019. This is an increase of 0.6% from the previous year. New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country, with an average of 1,210 people per square mile. The population is spread out across the state, with the most populous cities being Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Edison.

Ethnicity

New Jersey is a diverse state, with a population that is made up of various ethnicities. The largest ethnic group in the state is White, accounting for 65.4% of the population. The next largest group is Hispanic or Latino, making up 19.1% of the population. African Americans make up 14.9% of the population, while Asians make up 8.2%. Other ethnicities make up the remaining 2.4% of the population.

Religion

New Jersey is a religiously diverse state, with a variety of religious beliefs represented. The largest religious group in the state is Christian, accounting for 57.9% of the population. The next largest group is Jewish, making up 8.2% of the population. Other religious groups in the state include Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Unaffiliated, which make up 4.3%, 1.3%, 0.7%, and 27.6% of the population respectively.

Economy

Major Industries

New Jersey is home to a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, biotechnology, finance, and tourism. The state is home to many Fortune 500 companies, such as Johnson & Johnson, Prudential Financial, and Merck & Co. New Jersey has also become a hub for the financial services industry, with many banks and financial institutions based in the state. Additionally, the state is home to a number of manufacturing companies, such as Honeywell and Campbell Soup Company.

Taxation

New Jersey has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 1.4% to 8.97%. The state also has a sales tax of 6.625%, as well as a corporate income tax of 9%. Additionally, New Jersey has a variety of other taxes, such as a gas tax, estate tax, and inheritance tax.

Tourism

New Jersey is a popular tourist destination, with many attractions, such as the Jersey Shore, Atlantic City, and the Delaware Water Gap. The state is also home to a number of historical sites, such as the Liberty Bell, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Additionally, New Jersey has a number of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The state is also home to a variety of museums, such as the Newark Museum, the New Jersey State Museum, and the Liberty Science Center. Finally, New Jersey is home to a number of amusement parks, such as Six Flags Great Adventure and Wildwood.

Culture

Music

New Jersey has a rich music history, with many genres having originated in the state. One of the most famous genres is Jersey Shore Sound, which is a blend of rock, doo-wop, and R&B. It was popularized in the 1950s and 1960s by artists such as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and Bruce Springsteen. Jersey Shore Sound has been influential in the development of other genres, such as punk and hip-hop. Other popular genres from New Jersey include jazz, blues, and folk music.

Cuisine

New Jersey is known for its diverse cuisine, which has been influenced by its location between New York City and Philadelphia. Some of the most popular dishes are pork roll, Taylor ham, and Italian-American cuisine. Pork roll is a processed pork product that is served as a sandwich or on its own. Taylor ham is a type of pork roll that is typically served as a breakfast sandwich. Italian-American cuisine is popular throughout the state, with dishes such as pizza, pasta, and calzones.

Sports

New Jersey is home to several professional sports teams, including the New Jersey Devils (NHL), the New York Giants and Jets (NFL), and the Brooklyn Nets (NBA). The state also has a number of minor league teams, including the Trenton Thunder (baseball), the Trenton Titans (hockey), and the New Jersey Jackals (baseball). The state is also home to several college sports teams, including Rutgers University, Princeton University, and Seton Hall University.