New Jersey is the most densely populated US state, sitting between usa-state/new-york/" data-it-autolink="1">New York and Philadelphia, with a 209 km Atlantic coastline of beaches, boardwalks, and the iconic Atlantic City.
Geography & climate
New Jersey lies in the Northeast of the United States, set at approximately 40°N, 74.5°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 22,591 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in New Jersey all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of New Jersey is Trenton, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Newark, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 9.3M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
New Jersey was admitted to the Union in 1787 as the 3rd state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
New Jersey is nicknamed “The Garden State”, with the state motto Liberty and Prosperity. The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of New Jersey is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in New Jersey.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, New Jersey offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across New Jersey can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | NJ | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Trenton | — |
| Largest city | Newark | — |
| US region | Northeast | — |
| Population | 9.3M | people |
| Area | 22,591 | km² |
| Statehood | 1787 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 3 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Garden State | — |
| Motto | Liberty and Prosperity | — |
| Latitude | 40 | degrees |
| Longitude | -74.5 | degrees |
Did you know?
New Jersey has more diners than any other state — over 600 — and is sometimes called the Diner Capital of the World.
