Economy

Though small in size, New Jersey is a major industrial and commercial state. Roughly 90 per cent of the work force is engaged in manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, services, government, and transportation. New Jersey's proximity to New York City and Philadelphia helps the state's economy.

Service industries are the most important part of the state's economy. Finance, insurance, and real estate is the leading service industry. Northern New Jersey is one of the nation's leading centers of commercial real estate.

Community, business, and personal services ranks second among the state's service industries. It includes such businesses as private health care, hotels and casinos, and private research laboratories. Atlantic City has many hotels and casinos.

Northern New Jersey is one of the country's leading centers for the wholesale trade of chemicals and machinery. The Newark-Elizabethtown port is a major U.S. port for international trade.

New Jersey is a major manufacturing state. Most of the manufacturing is done in two sections of the state. The principal area consists of the counties of the northeast, which are part of the New York City metropolitan area. Leading centers there include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. The second manufacturing complex extends along the Delaware River roughly from Trenton to south of Camden, mostly in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

The making of chemicals is the state's leading manufacturing activity. Pharmaceuticals are the most valuable types of chemicals made in the state. By value, New Jersey usually ranks among the top states in the production of chemicals. Personal care products also make up an important part of New Jersey's chemical industry.

Food processing ranks second to the making of chemicals in overall significance. Food processors in the New York City and Philadelphia areas draw products from many parts of the world for processing.

The manufacture of computer and electronic products is also a large industry in New Jersey. Other industries of major significance include the making of industrial machinery, fabricated metal products, petroleum products, rubber and plastic products, and printed materials.

New Jersey has many facilities for industrial research and development. They include some of the nation's outstanding research laboratories.

Although farms take up only about a sixth of New Jersey's land area, agriculture is important. Greenhouse and nursery products are New Jersey's most valuable source of agricultural income. Millions of roses are grown in the state yearly.

Milk is also a valuable source of farm income. Dairying and the raising of hay and other feeds predominate in the northern counties, where much of the land is hilly. Other areas produce mostly truck crops, particularly sweet corn, peppers, and lettuce. Fruits as well as vegetables are produced in the southern counties. Peaches, apples, blueberries, and cranberries are the leading fruit crops. Much of the farm production goes to commercial canners and freezers.

Fishing and mining are of little importance in the overall economy, but are significant in some localities.

Commercial fishing is carried on along the coast and in some river estuaries. By value, shellfish—especially clams, scallops, and crabs—make up the greater part of the catch. Menhaden, used for the production of industrial oil and meal, are caught and processed in large amounts. Edible fish caught include flounder, lobster, and mackerel.

By value, stone, sand, and gravel account for most of the mineral production in New Jersey. Granite and traprock are the chief stones quarried. Greensand marl, clay, and peat are also mined.

Tourism is a major industry. The state offers numerous seaside resorts, miles of sandy beaches, sport fishing, and legalized gambling. Legalized gambling, begun in the late 1970's, is the main attraction in Atlantic City. Other tourist centers include Cape May and Ocean City. The mountains and lakes of the northwest also attract many visitors.

Transportation facilities are highly developed and carry an exceptionally large volume of traffic. The corridor linking New York City and Philadelphia is one of the busiest transportation routes in the nation.

The highway system includes the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, the Atlantic City Expressway, and several Interstate routes. The turnpike and the parkway run virtually the length of the state, converging in the New York metropolitan area.

Railway freight service is provided by many rail lines. Passenger service is provided by Amtrak and by commuter railways in the areas adjoining New York City and Philadelphia.

Shipping in New Jersey is heaviest through ports at Newark and Elizabeth. There are also port facilities at several locations along the Delaware River.

Numerous bridges and tunnels connect New Jersey and New York. A number of bridges also link the Camden area and Philadelphia.

Newark International Airport is the leading commercial airport in New Jersey. Air service is also provided at Atlantic City and Trenton.