- **Date of Independence:** July 4, 1776 (as part of the original 13 colonies declaring independence from Britain) - **Date of Annexation to [[United States of America (USA)]]:** December 18, 1787 (3rd state to ratify the Constitution) - **Population (2025):** 9.5 million - **GDP (2025):** $850 billion - **Largest City:** Newark (305,000) - **State Capital:** Trenton (89,000) - **Historical Note:** Known as the "Garden State" and "Crossroads of the Revolution" due to pivotal Revolutionary War battles fought there. Despite being the 4th smallest state, it ranks 11th in population, making it the most densely populated state. Famous for being the birthplace of baseball, the boardwalk, and drive-in movies. Home to the highest concentration of scientists and engineers in the U.S., making it a pharmaceutical and technology hub.