Newark

Newark (pop. 1,824,321), largest city of New Jersey and the seat of Essex County. Eight miles (13 km) west of Manhattan, Newark is a major transportation, commercial, and industrial center. The port was opened during World War I and became one of the nation's major shipbuilding centers. Industries now include chemicals, alcoholic beverages, automobile parts, electrical equipment, foodstuffs, and paints. Newark also ranks as the third-largest insurance center in the nation, with some 19 companies. Since the 1930s, however, Newark's economic and population growth rates have declined because of urban poverty and decay. Newark is the site of several universities, including Newark Campus of Rutgers University. The huge waterfront development of Port Newark is run by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, as is Newark Airport, one of New York City's three major air terminals.

See also: New Jersey.