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 chemicals and pharmaceuticals, machinery, and a host of other products, including electronic equipment, printed materials, and processed foods. Bayonne is the terminus of pipelines originating in Texas and Oklahoma, and there are oil refineries at Linden and Carteret . The long history of heavy industry in New Jersey has left the state with the largest inventory of U.S. Superfund sites, and industrial cleanup is an important issue in its cities.
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. Today telecommunications and biotechnology are major industries in the state, and the area near Princeton has developed into a notable high-tech center.
The Jersey Shore
The irresistible lure of the Jersey Shore is a natural landscape of beauty, enchanting blue skies, refreshing breezes and 127 miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches, making it one of the most desired vacation destinations on the East Coast.
Whether it’s Sandy Hook, Cape May or one of the diverse shore areas in between, New Jersey's beaches offer a world of surprises along its exceptional stretch of coastline, beautiful barrier islands and breezy bays. You'll find world-famous resorts, an abundance of historical sites, legacies and breathtaking scenery. With dozens of fun-filled towns to choose fun, you’ll see why visitors, residents, families and day-trippers have flocked here for generations.
No matter what part of the Jersey Shore you lay your beach blanket on, your journey is sure to be brimming with excitement and adventure or if you prefer, relaxation and tranquility. So, what are you waiting for? A wealth of wonders awaits you!
In the Spotlight: Atlantic City
Featuring gaming casinos, spas, world-class entertainment, nightlife, fine dining, ocean/beach, boardwalk, golf, attractions, fishing, and shopping, Atlantic City guarantees fast-paced excitement and non-stop activities. Year round, day or night, whatever your interests are, Atlantic City's got it.
The Atlantic City Convention Center:
500,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space
45 meeting rooms - state of the art technology for voice, data and video communications
1,400 space indoor parking garage
29 loading docks
Restaurant and lounge
Easily accessible by air, New Jersey Transit, rail or road
Within a day's drive of 1/3 of America's population
Phone 609 449-2000 - Fax 609 449-2090
Atlantic City Hotels:
Borgata, Harrahs, Trump Marina, Showboat, Trump Taj Mahal, Resorts, Sands, Ballys, Ceasars, Trump Plaza, Tropicana, Atlantic City Hilton.
Atlantic City Aquarium:
Marine science education attraction featurning aquariums, touch tanks, interactive exhibits, meeting, special events, birthday parties and group tours.
Phone 609 348-2880 - Fax 609 345-4002
*Partial Information from Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition and New Jersey Tourism - Jersey Shore