Area, 7,836 sq mi (20,295 sq km).
Pop. (2000) 8,414,350, an 8.9% increase since the 1990 census.
Capital, Trenton.
Largest city, Newark.
Nickname, Garden State.
Motto, Liberty and Prosperity.
State bird, Eastern goldfinch.
State flower, purple violet.
State tree, red oak.
Only four states are smaller in size than New Jersey, yet New Jersey ranks ninth in the nation in population and has the highest population density of any U.S. state; facts owing in part to its proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia but also indicative of its economic importance. New Jersey is a major industrial center, an important transportation corridor and terminus, and a long-established playground for summer vacationers.
The state is noted for its output of pharmaceuticals and chemicals, 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 the establishment in 1876 of Thomas Edison's research facility in Menlo Park. Color televison, the videotape recorder, and the liquid crystal display were invented in New Jersey corporate research labs.
Northwestern New Jersey - the Highlands
While New Jersey is “Shore to Please” with some of the finest beaches on the east coast, the northwestern counties of Sussex, Morris and Warren are higher in elevation and home to many beautiful lakes, rivers, streams and parks. Boating, swimming, fishing, skiing, skating, hiking, and hunting are enjoyed throughout the year. Attractions include the Delaware River National Recreation Area, Lake Hopatcong (NJ's largest), Lake Mohawk, Stokes State Forest, High Point State Park, Wallkill River Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, Mountain Creek and Vernon Valley Ski Resorts, the Sterling Zinc Mine Museum and many others. This area is a golfer's delight with many outstanding golf courses both public and private. There are many fine schools and institutions of higher learning as well as excellent hospitals, shopping centers, malls and restaurants. Interstate and state highways as well as bus and rail service will help get you to New York, Newark, Atlantic City and Philadelphia. Northwest NJ is a great place to call home!
*Information from Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition