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New Jersey became the 3^rd state on Dec 18th 1787. New Jersey is commonly known as the Garden state which is a reference to how much the state has to offer especially to states like New York and Pennsylvania.

Origin of state's name: New Jersey got its name from the Island of Jersey.

Population: The population of New Jersey is in excess of 8.4 million people and growing based on the government census of 2000.

Capital city: The capital city of New Jersey is Trenton and the state is surrounded by other states including New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and by the Atlantic Ocean.

Driving

Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, Driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/

Economy: New Jersey is considered to be an industrial state however New Jersey also has a lot of fertile land where nursery stock is grown and farming communities abound.

Food and beverage processing as well as chemical and computer production are also key contributors to the states economy. There are also large quantities of oil stored in New Jersey.

State Flower: The state flower is the Violet or Viola sororia which has beautiful delicate flowers which are naturally enough violet in color.

State Bird: The state bird is the American Goldfinch which is very similar in appearance and habit to the European version of the same name. The Goldfinch is also the state bird of Iowa and Washington. The American Goldfinch is known for its hardy nature and its distinctly colored plumage.

State Song: The state song is "I'm from New Jersey" by R. Mascara. This lively song sings the praises of the diversity of the state including references to Atlantic City, Wildwood and the mountains, lakes and parks.

State Motto: The state motto is liberty and prosperity.

New Jersey – Interesting Facts

• Elizabeth New Jersey is considered to be one of the biggest seaports in the US.
• New Jersey is famous for its diners and has more than any other state.
• New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the US.
• Atlantic City has the distinction of having its streets used in the board game Monopoly®.
• The first almost complete dinosaur skeleton was found in New Jersey in the early 19^th century.
  

Many famous people were born and raised in New Jersey and many famous people call Nevada their home today. This includes actors, athletes, authors, politicians and entertainers. Arguable the most famous was the twice elected US President, Grover Cleveland who was president from 1885-1889 and from 1893- 1897. He was both the 22^nd president and the 24^th president. Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen are current residents as is Whitney Houston. Frank Sinatra was born and raised in Hoboken, New Jersey and Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson are both natives.