New Jersey

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State in the Middle Atlantic region of the USA, bordered to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, with the Hudson River forming a natural boundary to the northeast and north, beyond which lies New York State; the Delaware River borders to the south, and Delaware Bay and the state of Delaware lie beyond it; bordered to the west by Pennsylvania; area 19,210 sq km/7,417 sq mi; population (2000) 8,414,400; capital Trenton. It is named after an early landowner's birthplace, the English Channel Island of Jersey. Its nickname derives from its historical role as an important agricultural region serving New York. The fifth smallest US state, New Jersey lies largely in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, a region of rich soil. The Atlantic coastline is sandy and the Jersey shore extends for about 200 km/125 mi. Formerly a manufacturing and agricultural state, the New Jersey economy is dominated by tourism, finance, insurance, and construction. It is the leading US producer of chemicals; other important manufactured products are printed materials, photographic equipment, electronic and electrical equipment, cars, and aircraft parts. Agricultural products include vegetables, eggs, peaches, and blueberries. The largest city is Newark. Other cities and metropolitan areas include Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Edison Township, Woodbridge Township, Dover Township, Hamilton, and Camden. The region was originally home to the Delaware American Indians; it was colonized by the Dutch and then ceded to England before becoming one of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state saw much fighting during the American Revolution. New Jersey entered the Union in 1787 as the third US state.

The red disc, set towards the hoist, recalls the fight for independence. Green represents Islam, fertility, and the country's youth. Effective date: 25 January 1972. >>