Some Things To Be Proud Of – And Not So Proud Of – About New Jersey

There is plenty to be proud of about the Garden State. And despite all the jokes, there are plenty of things that make us special, and some not so special things too.

Just a few minutes at the 50states.com website will have you feeling proud, and also shaking your head at some New Jersey facts. First, we start with the things we love.

We are the home of the diners, with more than any other state in the country. The other states don't know what they're missing. We also top the list of most malls. We also stake claim to an awesome celebrity list (you know the names) and we're home to the first baseball game and the first drive-in theater and so many Thomas Edison inventions.

And now some not so great distinctions. We have the highest population density in the nation, which is 13 times the national average. North Jersey is the car theft capital of the world. And with 108 toxic waste dumps, we rank #1 in the nation.

We also have the most dense systems of highways and rails in the nation, and outside of Middle East countries, we have the largest petroleum containment area in the world.

And let's remember, we have over 50 resort towns and cities.  Plus we have Snooki.