Ranking as the wealthiest state in the U.S., New Jersey also has the highest median household income and the highest per capita income for women. A few of the other fascinating titles New Jersey possesses include, the state with the most scientists and engineers, the state with the most horses per square mile and the state with the most diners. This small state is home to a surprising amount of diversity, from its people to its attractions to its claims to fame.
      The "Garden State" is home to over 8.7 million people and is the 10th most populous state. Approximately 64 percent of New Jersey's residents are considered non-Hispanic Caucasians, while African-American and Hispanic residents each account for 15 percent. It is considered one of the most religiously and ethnically diverse states, and is home to the second largest Jewish population, the second largest Indian-American population, the third largest Italian-American population and the second largest Muslim population by percent.
      New Jersey is largely composed of New York City suburbs, although South Jersey is considered to be within Philadelphia's general sphere of influence. While the most densely populated state in the U.S., New Jersey possesses much natural beauty, including many major rivers, miles of shoreline and many parks, nature reserves and recreational areas. The state also possesses a temperate climate, although tropical cyclones have been known to hit its shores and Nor-easter storms have been known to dump several feet of snow on its residents during winter months.

Did You Know...

State Nickname: The Garden State State Capital: Trenton State Flower: Violet State Bird: Eastern Goldfinch

      New Jersey traditionally has a strong economy, as the site of the largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the world, as well as one of the top 10 most visited states in the nation. Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the state include Johnson & Johnson, AT&T, Medco Health Solutions, Prudential Financial and Lucent Technologies.

The state is also famous for its industrial businesses, especially its abundance of oil refineries. Other large industries include agriculture (the state is known as the blueberry capital of the world and also produces eggplant, cranberries, seafood and dairy products), pharmaceuticals, printing and publishing, electronics and manufacturing equipment. This diverse economy results in a generally low unemployment rate and a high level of per capita income.
Another factor of New Jersey's stable economy is its well-educated labor pool. The public education system in the state is considered among the best in the nation and the state's students consistently earn the highest average scores in advanced placement testing. There are 36 colleges and universities in New Jersey, as well as 19 county colleges. Princeton University, located in Princeton, is the nation's fourth-oldest university and is one of eight Ivy League universities. The university has played a prominent role in everything from academic research to literature to athletics. Other excellent universities include Rutgers and New Jersey Institute of Technology.
      Transportation options are abundant in the state, from the nation's seventh most busy airport, Newark Liberty International Airport to the famous New Jersey Turnpike. New Jersey also has extensive public transportation options, including three light rail systems and many bus and train lines that crisscross the state and reach surrounding states.

      As with everything else, New Jersey has nothing but variety in its attractions, which contributes to its over $30 billion annual revenue from tourism. From one of the largest theme parks in the world, Six Flags Great Adventure, which is also home to the largest wild safari outside of Africa and the world's tallest, fastest rollercoaster, to "America's Favorite Playground," Atlantic City, New Jersey has something to entertain everyone. History buffs can check out the state's many historic sites, including Morristown National Historic Park, which was part of the region known as the Military Capital of the Revolution and countless historic lighthouses in the Shore Region.
      Sports in New Jersey are also a great attraction, whether it is fishing in one of the more than 4,000 lakes, rivers and streams or the Atlantic Ocean, golfing at one of over 200 public and private courses or attending a professional sports game or the legendary Meadowlands Racetrack
      New Jersey's millions of residents will quickly tell you that the best thing about the state is its variety. From people to sports to attractions to economy to education, the name of the game in this Mid-Atlantic state is diversity.