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Politics & World • US States

New Jersey

New Jersey is a state in the northeastern United States and one of the original 13 states.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

New Jersey is a state in the northeastern United States and one of the original 13 states. It is known as the Garden State, has its capital in Trenton, and is the most densely populated U.S. state. New Jersey was the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and has major cities including Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson.

Geography

New Jersey is a relatively small state with a long Atlantic coastline and varied regions including shore, pinelands, and urban corridors. It is bordered by New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.

History

The area was inhabited by Indigenous peoples before European colonization and later settled by Dutch and Swedish traders. New Jersey became the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and played an important role in the American Revolution.

Government and administration

New Jersey is a U.S. state with Trenton as its capital and 21 counties. Its current governor is Phil Murphy.

Economy and society

New Jersey has a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, finance, biotechnology, logistics, tourism, and higher education. It is also one of the most populous and densely settled states in the country.

Key facts

  • New Jersey is located on the Atlantic coast in the northeastern United States.
  • It was admitted to the Union on December 18, 1787, as the third U.S. state.
  • The state is the most densely populated in the United States.
  • Its nickname, the Garden State, reflects its historical agricultural productivity.
  • Trenton is the state capital, while Newark is the largest city.
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Canadian context

New Jersey is relevant to Canadian readers as a major U.S. Atlantic coast state with close economic, travel, and transport connections to the Northeast corridor, including links to New York and the broader cross-border economy.

Frequently asked questions

What is New Jersey?
New Jersey is a state in the northeastern United States and one of the original 13 states.
What is the capital of New Jersey?
The capital of New Jersey is Trenton.
What is the largest city in New Jersey?
The largest city in New Jersey is Newark.
When did New Jersey become a state?
New Jersey became the third U.S. state on December 18, 1787.
Why is New Jersey called the Garden State?
The nickname reflects the state’s historical agricultural fertility and productivity.

References

  1. National Geographic Kidshttps://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/new-jersey
    Supports: Statehood, nickname, borders, and general geography
  2. Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/summary/New-Jersey
    Supports: Capital, population, area, borders, history, and general overview
  3. U.S. Census Bureauhttps://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/new-jersey-anniversary.html
    Supports: Statehood anniversary, third state, largest city, and nickname
  4. HRSAhttps://mchb.tvisdata.hrsa.gov/Narratives/Overview/d29b54e8-73a4-4723-9930-8845999b9537
    Supports: Area, population density, and county urbanization
  5. State of New Jerseyhttps://www.nj.gov/nj/faqs/topics/facts/index.shtml
    Supports: State motto and official state facts