New Jersey

| Attribute | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | Official Name | State of New Jersey | | Common Name | New Jersey | | Native Name(s) | Scheyichbi (Lenape) | | Nicknames | The Garden State, The Crossroads of the Revolution | | Motto | Liberty and Prosperity | | Geographic Level | State | | Country | United States | | State/Province | New Jersey | | Capital | Trenton | | Government Type | State Government (Democratic Republic) | | Date Founded | December 18, 1787 (3rd state to ratify the Constitution) | | Time Zone | Eastern Time (EST/EDT) | | Latitude | 38.92° N to 41.35° N | | Longitude | 73.90° W to 75.56° W | | Elevation | Sea level to 1,803 ft (550 m) | | Total Area | 8,722 sq mi (22,591 km²) | | Population | ~9.26 million | | Population Density | ~1,263 per sq mi (highest in the US) | | ZIP/Postal Codes | 07000–08999 | | Area Codes | 201, 551, 609, 640, 732, 848, 856, 862, 908, 973 | | Official Languages | English (de facto) | | Currency | United States Dollar (USD) | | Demonym | New Jerseyan |

Nestled in the heart of the bustling Northeast Corridor, New Jersey is a vibrant, densely packed tapestry of history, industry, and natural beauty. Though it is the fourth-smallest state by land area, it boasts the highest population density in the United States, acting as an economic and cultural bridge between the major metropolises of New York City and Philadelphia. From its sprawling suburban communities to its revitalized urban centers along the Hudson River, New Jersey pulses with an energy that is distinctly its own.

The state is affectionately known as "The Garden State," a nod to its surprisingly robust agricultural roots that continue to thrive today. New Jersey is world-renowned for its 130 miles of Atlantic coastline, affectionately called "The Jersey Shore," which serves as a premier summer destination offering iconic boardwalks, pristine beaches, and rich maritime heritage. It is also celebrated as the diner capital of the world and a historic engine of innovation, famously serving as the home base for Thomas Edison's laboratory in Menlo Park.

Beyond its pop-culture fame and coastal charm, New Jersey matters profoundly on a global scale. It is a powerhouse in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, a major hub for international logistics via the Port of New York and New Jersey, and home to some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world. Whether traversing the rugged Kittatinny Mountains in the north or the unique, sandy ecosystems of the Pine Barrens in the south, visitors and residents alike find a state defined by remarkable contrasts and enduring resilience.

New Jersey's history begins with the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans, who lived in the region they called Scheyichbi for thousands of years before European contact. In the early 17th century, the Dutch and Swedes became the first Europeans to settle the area, establishing outposts for the fur trade. By 1664, the English seized control of the region, dividing it into East and West Jersey before uniting it as a single royal colony in 1702.

During the American Revolutionary War, New Jersey earned the moniker "Crossroads of the Revolution." Due to its strategic location between New York and Philadelphia, more battles and skirmishes were fought on New Jersey soil than in any other state. Critical engagements, including the Battles of Trenton, Princeton, and Monmouth, were turning points that revived the Continental Army under General George Washington, who spent more winter encampments in New Jersey than anywhere else.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, New Jersey became an industrial titan. Cities like Paterson (the first planned industrial city in the U.S., founded by Alexander Hamilton), Newark, and Trenton manufactured everything from silk and locomotives to ceramics and steel. Thomas Edison’s laboratories in Menlo Park and West Orange cemented the state's reputation as a center of modern invention, birthing the phonograph and the practical incandescent light bulb.

Post-World War II, New Jersey transformed into a largely suburban state, fueled by returning veterans, highway expansion, and the rise of the automobile. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a shift from heavy manufacturing to a service and technology-based economy. Today, the state continues to evolve, balancing its rich historical legacy with a rapidly diversifying population and a modern, innovation-driven economy.

New Jersey features a remarkably diverse physical geography for a state of its size. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Delaware River and Pennsylvania to the west, New York to the north and northeast, and the Delaware Bay to the south.

The state is typically divided into four distinct physiographic provinces. The Ridge and Valley Appalachian Province in the northwest features rugged ridges and valleys, including the Kittatinny Mountains. Just southeast of this lies the Highlands, a region characterized by flat-topped ridges, deep valleys, and numerous lakes. The Piedmont region spans the central part of the state; it is characterized by rolling hills and is home to the state's largest cities and most densely populated suburbs.

The largest region is the Atlantic Coastal Plain, which covers the entire southern and eastern half of the state. This area is relatively flat and sandy, featuring the globally unique Pine Barrens—a massive, heavily forested ecosystem recognized as an international biosphere reserve. The Coastal Plain also contains the state's famous coastal barrier islands and estuarine marshlands.

New Jersey's topography slopes generally from the higher, rugged elevations in the northwest to the flat, sea-level coastal plains in the southeast. The highest point in the state is High Point, located in the Kittatinny Mountains of Sussex County, reaching an elevation of 1,803 feet (550 meters) above sea level.

From the northwest mountains, the land descends into the Highlands, which typically range from 600 to 1,500 feet in elevation. The central Piedmont region is characterized by gently rolling terrain, generally sitting between 100 and 400 feet above sea level, punctuated by the dramatic basalt cliffs of the Palisades which rise steeply along the western bank of the Hudson River.

The lowest point in the state is at sea level along the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The southern half of the state, comprising the Atlantic Coastal Plain, is exceptionally flat, rarely exceeding 100 feet in elevation, and is defined by its extensive pine forests, sandy soil, tidal marshes, and barrier islands.

New Jersey experiences two distinct climate zones due to its geography. The southern, central, and eastern parts of the state have a humid subtropical climate (Köppen classification: Cfa), while the northwestern portion features a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfa or Dfb) due to its higher elevation.

Summers across the state are typically hot and humid, with average July highs ranging from the low to mid-80s °F (27–30 °C), though temperatures frequently exceed 90 °F. Winters are generally cold, with average January lows in the 20s °F (-6 to -2 °C). The northwestern region tends to be significantly cooler year-round and receives substantially more snowfall—averaging over 40 inches annually—compared to the southern coastal areas, which may see less than 15 inches.

Precipitation is well-distributed throughout the year, averaging 40 to 50 inches annually. New Jersey is susceptible to various natural disasters, including severe winter storms (Nor'easters), summer thunderstorms, and coastal flooding. While rare, the state is also vulnerable to tropical systems and hurricanes, the most devastating in recent memory being Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The best times to visit are typically during the mild, pleasant seasons of spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October).

New Jersey is home to approximately 9.26 million residents, making it the 11th most populous state in the U.S. Its defining demographic characteristic is its population density; averaging roughly 1,263 people per square mile, it is the most densely populated state in the nation.

The state boasts an incredibly diverse population. According to recent census data, the demographic breakdown is approximately 53% non-Hispanic White, 21% Hispanic or Latino, 15% Black or African American, and 10% Asian. New Jersey has some of the highest concentrations of Indian Americans, Korean Americans, and Italian Americans in the country.

New Jersey residents are highly educated, consistently ranking among the top U.S. states for the percentage of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. This high level of education translates into a robust workforce and one of the highest median household incomes in the United States. A variety of faiths are practiced freely here, with Catholicism being the largest single religious group, alongside substantial Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu communities.

New Jersey operates under a state constitution adopted in 1947, providing for a tripartite system of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.

The executive branch is led by the Governor, who is considered one of the most powerful state chief executives in the nation due to extensive appointment powers and veto authority. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected jointly to four-year terms.

The legislative branch consists of a bicameral New Jersey Legislature: the Senate (40 members) and the General Assembly (80 members). The state is divided into 40 legislative districts, with each district electing one Senator and two Assembly members.

The judicial branch is headed by the New Jersey Supreme Court, comprising a Chief Justice and six Associate Justices appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. New Jersey is heavily represented in national politics, sending 12 representatives to the U.S. House of Representatives and two members to the U.S. Senate. The state is broadly known for robust public services, particularly in funding public education.

New Jersey commands a powerful, multifaceted economy with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) consistently exceeding $700 billion, ranking it among the top 10 state economies in the U.S. The state benefits enormously from its strategic geographic location between the financial hub of New York City and the historical and commercial center of Philadelphia.

The workforce is highly skilled, driving innovation in sectors like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, information technology, and finance. New Jersey has one of the highest median household incomes in the nation, frequently surpassing $96,000 annually. However, this wealth is juxtaposed with a notably high cost of living, driven by high property values, substantial property taxes, and regional transportation costs.

Major employers include multinational corporations headquartered in the state, massive healthcare networks, and higher education institutions. The economic future of New Jersey is heavily invested in clean energy—specifically offshore wind—advanced manufacturing, and maintaining its dominance in life sciences and global logistics.

* Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals: Often dubbed the "Medicine Chest of the World," NJ is home to giants like Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and numerous biotech startups. * Transportation & Logistics: Fueled by the Port of New York and New Jersey (the busiest port on the East Coast) and Newark Liberty International Airport, distribution and warehousing are massive drivers. * Financial Services: A critical backup and satellite hub for Wall Street, with major operations for banks, insurance companies (like Prudential), and fintech firms. * Technology & Telecommunications: Historic home to Bell Labs, the state remains a leader in telecom, software, and data centers. * Tourism: The "Jersey Shore," Atlantic City casinos, and state parks generate tens of billions in economic impact annually. * Advanced Manufacturing: Transitioned from heavy industry to specialized manufacturing, including chemicals, food processing, and electronics. * Agriculture: High-yield farming specializing in cranberries, blueberries, tomatoes, and nursery stock, maintaining its "Garden State" legacy.

Despite its status as the most densely populated state, New Jersey proudly maintains its "Garden State" moniker through highly efficient and profitable agricultural operations. Farmland covers roughly 15% of the state's total land area, primarily concentrated in the southern and western regions.

New Jersey is a national leader in the production of several key crops. It consistently ranks in the top ten nationwide for blueberries, cranberries, peaches, tomatoes, and bell peppers. The sandy, acidic soils of the Pine Barrens in South Jersey are particularly world-renowned for blueberry and cranberry cultivation.

Beyond fruits and vegetables, the nursery, greenhouse, and sod industries represent the largest sector of New Jersey's agricultural economy by revenue. Livestock, dairy, and poultry farming are smaller but remain present, particularly in the northwestern counties. The state has also seen a rise in organic farming, agritourism, and farm-to-table initiatives, supported by an affluent, health-conscious local consumer base.

The New Jersey housing market is characterized by high demand, high property values, and some of the highest property taxes in the United States. The proximity to New York City and Philadelphia makes the state highly desirable for commuters, keeping inventory tight and prices elevated.

Housing types vary drastically by region. The urban centers near New York (like Jersey City, Hoboken, and Newark) feature a mix of high-rise luxury apartments, historic brownstones, and dense multi-family homes. The vast suburban rings stretching across central and northern New Jersey are dominated by single-family homes, ranging from post-war tract housing to sprawling luxury estates. In the southern and northwestern parts of the state, housing is generally more spread out and marginally more affordable.

Average home prices frequently exceed the national average, often sitting above $450,000, with upscale commuter towns seeing median prices well over $1 million. Rental costs are correspondingly high, particularly in transit-oriented developments along the Northeast Corridor train lines. Affordable housing remains an ongoing policy challenge, with the state government frequently mandating municipalities to provide lower-income housing quotas.

* Gateway Region: The urban northeast corner (Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken) known for dense populations, skyline views of NYC, and immense cultural diversity. * Skylands Region: The rugged, scenic northwest corner, known for mountains, lakes, state parks, and a more rural, relaxed pace of life. * Central Jersey: The hotly debated middle region of the state; a hub of academia (Princeton, Rutgers) and suburban commuter towns along the Northeast Corridor. * Delaware River Region: The western flank of South Jersey bordering Philadelphia, featuring historic towns (Camden, Cherry Hill) and agricultural expanses. * Shore Region: The northern and central Atlantic coast, famous for historic boardwalks (Asbury Park, Point Pleasant) and bustling summer tourism. * Greater Atlantic City & Southern Shore: The southern coastal tip, home to the casino resorts of Atlantic City, the Victorian charm of Cape May, and serene beach communities.

New Jersey features one of the most comprehensive and heavily utilized transportation networks in the world. The state is crisscrossed by major arteries, most notably the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) and the Garden State Parkway, which serve as the vital north-south spines for commercial and passenger traffic. Other major interstates include I-80, I-78, and I-287.

Public transit is dominated by NJ Transit, which operates the nation’s largest statewide public transportation system. It provides extensive commuter rail service connecting New Jersey to Penn Station in New York City and 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, alongside a massive network of local and interstate buses, and light rail systems (Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, Newark Light Rail, and the River LINE).

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. and a major global gateway. The Port of New York and New Jersey, with massive container terminals in Elizabeth and Newark, is the primary maritime hub of the Eastern Seaboard. Additionally, the state boasts a growing network of bicycle lanes and multi-use trails, alongside rapidly expanding EV charging infrastructure.

New Jersey's infrastructure is highly developed, supporting its dense population and massive commercial base. The electrical grid is managed by the regional transmission organization PJM Interconnection, with power distributed by major utilities like PSE&G, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), and Atlantic City Electric. The state is a leader in solar energy adoption and is heavily investing in offshore wind projects off the Atlantic coast.

Water and sewer infrastructure is robust, managed by a mix of municipal authorities and private companies like New Jersey American Water. While reliable, some legacy systems in older industrial cities face challenges with aging pipes and combined sewer overflows during heavy rains.

Telecommunications and internet connectivity in New Jersey are among the best in the nation. The state boasts exceptionally high broadband penetration, with gigabit fiber-optic connections available in many municipalities, alongside near-universal 5G cellular coverage, making it an ideal environment for tech enterprises and remote work.

New Jersey is nationally celebrated for its exceptional education systems. Its public K-12 school districts frequently rank among the top three in the United States for student achievement and graduation rates, supported by high local property taxes and robust state funding.

In higher education, the state is anchored by Princeton University, a world-renowned Ivy League institution known for its research and historic campus. Rutgers University, the state university system with main campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden, is a major public research powerhouse.

Other notable institutions include: * New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT): A leading STEM-focused public university in Newark. * Stevens Institute of Technology: A premier private engineering school in Hoboken. * The College of New Jersey (TCNJ): Highly regarded for its undergraduate teaching and public liberal arts curriculum. * Montclair State University: The second-largest university in the state, known for its diverse academic programs.

The state also features a robust network of 18 county community colleges and highly specialized vocational-technical high schools, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled graduates for the modern workforce.

New Jersey boasts a robust, highly rated healthcare network anchored by major regional health systems, university teaching hospitals, and specialized clinics.

* Major Health Systems: Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health are the state's largest networks, operating numerous hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient facilities. * Top-Ranked Hospitals: Morristown Medical Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, and Valley Hospital consistently rank among the highest-performing medical centers in the tri-state area. * Specialized Care: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick is the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. * Life Sciences Hub: The state is a global center for pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, significantly contributing to local medical research, clinical trials, and public health innovation.

Emergency response in New Jersey is highly organized and coordinated at the municipal, county, and state levels.

* Emergency Number: 911 (Voice and Text-to-911 are available statewide). * Law Enforcement: The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) operates statewide, patrolling major highways, managing marine law enforcement, and assisting local municipalities. Local and county police departments handle daily community law enforcement. * Fire & EMS: The state relies on a mix of career and volunteer fire departments and emergency medical services. In many suburban and rural towns, volunteer squads are the backbone of local emergency response. * Disaster Management: The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) coordinates responses to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, nor'easters, and flooding, often working alongside FEMA.

New Jersey's economy is highly diversified, driven by its strategic location between New York City and Philadelphia, a highly educated workforce, and vital infrastructure.

* Key Industries: Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, financial services, information technology, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. * Logistics & Trade: The Port of New York and New Jersey (with major facilities in Newark and Elizabeth) is the busiest port on the East Coast, driving a massive warehousing and supply-chain sector. * Business Districts: Major corporate and financial hubs are located in Jersey City (the Newport and Exchange Place areas are often dubbed "Wall Street West"), Newark, and the Route 1 corridor stretching through Princeton and New Brunswick.

New Jersey's culinary landscape is famously diverse, deeply influenced by its rich agricultural roots and generations of immigrant histories.

* Diner Culture: Often celebrated as the "Diner Capital of the World," New Jersey is home to hundreds of classic, chrome-clad diners serving varied menus 24/7. * Signature Foods: The state is fiercely proud of its regional specialties, including the iconic Taylor Ham (or Pork Roll, depending on whether you are in North or South Jersey), Atlantic City salt water taffy, and Trenton tomato pie. * Italian-American Heritage: New Jersey is renowned for exceptional pizza, bagels, and Italian delis, heavily clustered in the northern and central parts of the state. * Global Cuisine: Areas like Edison and Iselin offer incredible South Asian cuisine, while Newark's Ironbound district is famous worldwide for its Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian restaurants.

From important early-American historic landmarks to sprawling coastal resorts, tourism is a massive economic driver for New Jersey.

* The Jersey Shore: 130 miles of Atlantic coastline featuring iconic boardwalks, quiet seaside towns, and vibrant summer communities like Seaside Heights, Ocean City, and Wildwood. * Atlantic City: Known globally for its casinos, historic wooden boardwalk, and entertainment venues. * Historic Cape May: Famous for its meticulously preserved Victorian architecture and designation as a National Historic Landmark City. * Monuments & History: Liberty State Park in Jersey City offers unmatched views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. The Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange preserves the famed inventor’s home and laboratory.

Residents and visitors enjoy four distinct seasons of outdoor recreation across varied terrains.

* Summer Sports: Surfing, swimming, and deep-sea fishing are deeply ingrained in the coastal culture. * Hiking & Biking: The Appalachian Trail runs through the state's rugged northwest corner. The Delaware and Raritan (D&R) Canal State Park offers miles of flat, scenic trails perfect for cycling and jogging. * Winter Sports: Mountain Creek in Vernon offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. * Golf: The state features hundreds of golf courses and has a rich golf history, regularly hosting major PGA and LPGA championships at storied venues like Baltusrol Golf Club.

Despite being the most densely populated US state, New Jersey has vast swaths of protected wilderness and state parks.

* The Pine Barrens: The Pinelands National Reserve spans over a million acres of unique biosphere, known for sandy trails, rare orchids, cedar creeks, and the folklore of the Jersey Devil. * State Parks: High Point State Park offers sweeping views from the highest elevation in the state. Island Beach State Park preserves one of the Atlantic coast's last undeveloped barrier beaches. * Waterfalls: Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park protects a spectacular 77-foot waterfall on the Passaic River, which was crucial to America's early industrial revolution. * Wildlife: Coastal regions, particularly Cape May Point, are internationally recognized hotspots for birdwatching during the spring and fall migrations.

Water defines much of New Jersey's geography, borders, and recreational life.

* Borders: The state is bounded by the Delaware River to the west, the Hudson River to the northeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south. * Lakes: Lake Hopatcong is the state's largest freshwater lake, highly popular for motorized boating, sailing, and fishing. * Bays and Estuaries: Barnegat Bay and the Delaware Bay are critical aquatic ecosystems for marine life, commercial fishing, and recreational crabbing. * Rivers: The Passaic, Raritan, and Hackensack rivers are major internal waterways with rich industrial histories that are currently seeing significant environmental restoration and renewed recreational use.

New Jersey fosters a vibrant arts scene, bridging community theaters with world-class performing arts centers.

* Venues: The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark and the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn are premier destinations for theater, symphony, and dance. * Museums: The Newark Museum of Art offers extensive global collections, while Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton provides an expansive and whimsical outdoor contemporary art experience. * Music Heritage: Asbury Park is legendary for its rock-and-roll history, serving as the launching pad for iconic acts like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi.

New Jersey is home to an extraordinarily diverse religious landscape, reflecting its role as a historic and modern gateway for immigrants.

* Christianity: The Catholic Church is the largest single denomination, reflecting historic Italian, Irish, Polish, and Hispanic immigration. A wide variety of Protestant and Orthodox denominations are also deeply represented. * Judaism: The state has one of the highest percentages of Jewish residents in the US, with significant, vibrant communities in Lakewood, Teaneck, and Cherry Hill. * Islam & Hinduism: Central Jersey features rapidly growing Muslim and Hindu populations, home to numerous prominent mosques and magnificent Hindu temples, most notably the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, one of the largest Hindu temples in the world.

New Jersey has a passionate sports culture, hosting prominent professional franchises and historic collegiate athletic programs.

* Professional Teams: * NHL: The New Jersey Devils play at the Prudential Center in Newark. * NFL: The New York Giants and New York Jets both headquarter and play their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. * Soccer (MLS / NWSL): The New York Red Bulls play at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, which is also home to NJ/NY Gotham FC. * Collegiate Athletics: The Rutgers University Scarlet Knights (NCAA Division I, Big Ten Conference) and the Princeton University Tigers (Ivy League) are the state's highest-profile athletic programs.

Community gatherings, cultural festivals, and large-scale seasonal events fill the New Jersey calendar year-round.

* State Fairs: The New Jersey State Fair (Sussex County Farm and Horse Show) celebrates the state's rich agricultural heritage. * Festivals: Notable events include the Cape May Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning, and numerous local seafood and Italian street festivals. * Airshows: The annual Atlantic City Airshow draws hundreds of thousands of spectators to the beaches and boardwalk. * Music: The Sea.Hear.Now festival in Asbury Park brings major music acts and surf culture to the oceanfront.

New Jersey residents consume a mix of dedicated local media alongside major broadcasts from neighboring New York City and Philadelphia.

* Newspapers: *The Star-Ledger* is the largest statewide paper. Regional dailies like *The Record* (North Jersey) and *The Courier-Post* (South Jersey) are also prominent. * Digital News: NJ.com is the primary digital news hub for the state. * Television: News 12 New Jersey provides 24-hour local cable news. NJ PBS is the state's public television network. * Radio: New Jersey 101.5 (WKXW) is the most prominent statewide commercial talk radio station. WBGO in Newark is a world-renowned public radio station dedicated to jazz.

New Jersey has been the birthplace or long-time home of a staggering number of prominent figures across all disciplines:

* Thomas Edison: Prolific inventor who developed the phonograph and practical incandescent light bulb in his New Jersey labs. * Albert Einstein: Nobel-winning physicist who spent his later years at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. * Bruce Springsteen: Iconic rock musician widely celebrated as "The Boss." * Frank Sinatra: Legendary singer, actor, and cultural icon born in Hoboken. * Meryl Streep: Academy Award-winning actress raised in Bernardsville. * Jon Bon Jovi: Philanthropist and frontman of the rock band Bon Jovi. * Queen Latifah: Rapper, actress, and singer born in Newark. * Shaquille O'Neal: Hall of Fame NBA player and media personality born in Newark.

New Jersey serves as the corporate headquarters for many Fortune 500 companies, particularly excelling in pharmaceuticals, finance, and food manufacturing.

* Johnson & Johnson: A global healthcare and pharmaceutical giant headquartered in New Brunswick. * Merck & Co.: Major pharmaceutical and life sciences company based in Rahway. * Prudential Financial: A Fortune 500 insurance and investment firm headquartered in Newark. * Campbell Soup Company: Iconic American food company headquartered in Camden. * Goya Foods: The largest Hispanic-owned food company in the US, headquartered in Jersey City. * Audible: The Amazon-owned audiobook and podcast giant is based in Newark. * Panasonic North America: Headquartered in a state-of-the-art facility in downtown Newark.

While cities generally pair with sister cities, New Jersey has established state-level diplomatic, economic, and cultural partnerships with several international regions:

* Fukui Prefecture, Japan * Zhejiang Province, China * Taiwan (Sister State Relationship) * Puglia, Italy (Economic and cultural partnership)