The majority of the early settlers in New Jersey were English, many of whom were Puritans seeking religious freedom from the Church of England. Other settlers came from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as well as from other parts of Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden.
The colony also included a small population of African slaves, who were brought to New Jersey by the Dutch in the 17th century. The population of New Jersey grew rapidly in the 18th century, as new settlers arrived from both Europe and other colonies in America.
By the time of the American Revolution in 1776, New Jersey was a diverse colony with a population of over 150,000 people. The state's population continued to grow in the 19th and 20th centuries, and today New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in the United States.
