Inhabited originally by the Lenni~Lenape,
the first European settlements in the area were established by
the Swedes and Dutch in the early 1600s.
The region became a territory of England in 1664.
The State's name was taken from Jersey, the largest of the
English Channel Islands.
New Jersey was one of the 13 colonies that revolted against
British rule during the American Revolution.
The New Jersey Constitution was passed July 2, 1776.
New Jersey
is bordered on the north
by New York, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean,
on the southwest
by Delaware, and on the west
by Pennsylvania.
Parts of New Jersey lie within the sprawling metropolitan
areas of New York City
and Philadelphia.
New Jersey's population is estimated at 8.8 million people.
It is the most densely populated state in the nation,
at 1.2 thousand residents per mile²
(453 per km²), although the density varies widely across the state.
WEATHER
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware River,
most of New Jersey has a moderate climate
with cold winters and warm, humid summers.
Winter temperatures are slightly colder and summer temperatures
slightly milder in the north~western hills than in the rest of the state.
The average mean temperature is 53 ° F (12 ° C),
ranging from 31 ° F (–1 ° C) in January to 75 ° F (24 ° C) in July.
The record high temperature is 110 ° F (43 ° C).
The record low is –34 ° F (–37 ° C).
Precipitation is plentiful, averaging 46 in (117 cm) annually;
snowfall totals about 16 in (41 cm).
In Atlantic City,
annual precipitation is about 40 cm (103 cm).
Occasional hurricanes and violent spring storms have damaged
beachfront property over the years, and floods along
New Jersey rivers can happen.
A serious drought occurs about once every 15 years.
ECONOMY
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
promotes a vibrant business environment and economic prosperity through vision,
expertise and innovative solutions.
The organization links the state’s local and
regional chambers on issues of importance through
its grassroots legislative network.
New Jersey
is a major industrial center, an important transportation corridor
and terminus, and a long~established playground for summer vacations.
The state is noted for its output of chemicals and pharmaceuticals,
machinery, and a host of other products, including electronic equipment,
printed materials, and processed foods.
New Jersey
has been a leader in industrial research and development since 1876.
Telecommunications and bio~technology are major industries in the state.
A tremendous transportation system moves products and a huge volume of
interstate traffic through the state.
Busy highways are part of a network of toll roads and freeways.
The extensive transportation network also serves to maintain
New Jersey's well~known
vacation industry, reaching ocean beaches, inland lakes,
forests, and mountain resort areas.
Atlantic City, a casino gambling center, is the
largest visitor destination in the state.
In addition to manufacturing, transportation, and tourism,
New Jersey is a leading state in agricultural income per acre.
The soil is extremely fertile and supports a
variety of crops, most notably potatoes, corn, hay, peaches,
cranberries, blueberries, tomatoes, and asparagus.
Dairy, eggs, and poultry are also produced.
SCHOOLS
The New Jersey State Board of Education
establishes policy and provides leadership in the development of
exceptional learning opportunities for New Jersey’s public school
students for the purpose of enabling them to obtain a superior education.
The Board has 13 members who are appointed by
the Governor with the advice and consent of the
New Jersey State Senate.
The State Board sets the rules needed to implement state education law.
Such rules cover the supervision and governance of
New Jersey's 2500 public schools,
which serve over 1 million students.
A major function of the State Board is the consideration and
adoption of administrative code which contains the rules for
implementing education laws.
For more details please contact the
New Jersey Department of Education.
HOSPITALITY
From the sizzling nightlife and world~class casino gaming of
Atlantic City to storybook
Victorian Inns,
New Jersey's magnificent
destinations can be found in any direction.
See a sunrise over 127 miles of incredible Atlantic coastline.
Unmatched white sand beaches boast beautiful barrier islands and
bays dotted with majestic lighthouses, fishing villages and scenic views.
From swimmers to snorkelers, surfers and sport fishing, our beaches
aren't just ideal for sunbathers.
Saltwater recreation is plentiful, spanning sailing,
dolphin & whale watching, kayak and canoe tours.
Savor the breathtaking vista from a hot~air balloon or
paddle through vast waterways.
New Jersey’s rich blend of history, unique geography,
activities and entertaining opportunities provide
residents and tourists alike with something to suit every taste,
whim and pleasure.
Journey through heritage trails that wind through
New Jersey's remarkable history.
Explore diverse geography, through rolling farmland,
bustling cities, mountain meadows, and pristine rivers.
Tap into the rich history that all Americans share.
The mosaic of parks found throughout the state preserve the land,
heritage and artifacts which date back to pre~Colonial and
Revolutionary War times.
New Jersey is a treasure trove
of historic places just waiting to be explored.
Be transported back in time to retrace George Washington's
footsteps along the "Crossroads of the American Revolution",
where hundreds of battles were fought.
Marvel at the inventions in Thomas Edison's laboratory,
or stand on Ellis Island and
be amazed by the immigrant experience.
Thrill seekers can satisfy their adrenaline rush at amusement parks
located all over the state.
Be sure to visit Six Flags, the nation's largest seasonal theme park.
Luxurious hotels and casino resorts are brimming with top~name
talent, world~class dining, premium shopping,
entertaining attractions and more.
Stay, play and be pampered at one of Atlantic City's
11 extraordinary hotels and casino resorts.
Gazing at the stars in a sleeping bag amidst a
peaceful lake or in the sheltered walls of a cabin in the woods,
New Jersey's natural, picturesque landscapes offer some of the
most exciting camping experiences.
When the snow begins to fall, outdoor enthusiasts
can enjoy cross~country skiing, snow~boarding, snow~mobiling and snow tubing.
For more details please contact
New Jersey State Tourism.
NEWS