[2] South Jersey is known for containing the unique ecoregion known as the Pine Barrens, which remains largely undisturbed despite its location within the Northeastern megalopolis.

[3][4] South Jersey is defined geographically as the area below I-195 that includes the state's lower seven counties: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem, and occasionally an eighth, Ocean.

[9] Much of the Atlantic Plain is covered by pine and oak-pine forests and salt marshes and is underlain by poorly consolidated sedimentary formations from the Cretaceous, Tertiary, and Quaternary ages that dip seaward.

The Outer Lowlands is dominated by coastal estuaries, swamplands, and barrier islands near the Atlantic Ocean and is generally infertile.

Commercial farming in the Pine Barrens is limited to plants that thrive in its nutrient-poor soil, generally restricted to acidic fruits.

[12] In the Pine Barrens, cranberries and blueberries are cultivated in lowland bogs that have accumulated depths of organic matter.

[18][19] In April 2015, an NJ.com poll with 90,000 respondents asked readers to identify the communities in North, Central, and South Jersey.

[20] Camden, located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, has historically been considered the economic hub of South Jersey.

For decades following World War II, Camden suffered a prolonged economic decline and high crime rate due to the loss of its manufacturing base and the outflow of middle-class residents to the suburbs.

[21] The first boardwalk in the world opened in the city in 1870,[22] and large hotels were built in the early 20th century to accommodate visitors.

[23] In the mid-20th century, Atlantic City declined as a tourist destination due to competition from other resorts made accessible by automobile and aircraft.

The Swedes established two permanent settlements in present-day South Jersey: Swedesboro and Bridgeport, formerly named New Stockholm.

[28] In contemporary culture, the border signifies a functional boundary between the New York City and Philadelphia spheres of influence.

Resistance to the British was widespread during the American Revolution among South Jersey Presbyterians, who aided the colonists during the Revolutionary War.

Members of the Religious Society of Friends were forbidden to support the local militias, or faced disownment by the Quakers.

In the 18th century, South Jersey, including Alloway in Salem County, was home to Wistarburg, the first successful glass factory in the colonies, operating for close to 50 years prior to the Revolutionary War.

When that factory closed, the workers spread throughout the region to South Jersey towns, including Millville, Vineland Bridgeton, Hammonton, and Glassboro where they established new companies.

Slavery was less extensive in South Jersey than it was in other parts of the state because of the Quakers' religious opposition to it, and a lower demand for labor in the region.

William Still, a notable African-American abolitionist, was born in Burlington County, and is nicknamed the "father of the Underground Railroad"[32] for his role in helping slaves escape to freedom.

Beginning in the early 20th century, the towns bordering the Delaware River saw increased manufacturing due to improved transportation and technology.

The company produced a variety of ships, ranging from aircraft carriers and battleships to luxury liners and barges.

The population of Delaware Township in Camden County rose explosively after World War II, growing from about 10,000 residents in 1950 to almost 65,000 by 1970.

[35][37] While the South Jersey suburbs remain general middle-class, the inner cities continue to face issues with crime, poverty, and unemployment.

On April 23, 1980, the town council of Egg Harbor voted to support the creation of a new state of South Jersey.

South Jersey had a total population of 1,854,453 in 2010 (up from 693,402 in 1940) if the counties of Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Salem, Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland are included.

Many South Jerseyans root for Philadelphia professional sports teams including the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, 76ers, and Union.

While there are no major league teams in South Jersey, in recent seasons the 76ers have held training camp at Stockton University in Galloway Township.

[49] South Jersey was home to the now-defunct independent league baseball teams the Atlantic City Surf and Camden Riversharks.

South Jersey's regional commercial centers include: Cherry Hill, Camden, and Atlantic City with its resort casinos, boardwalk, shopping, and beaches.

Some nationally known South Jerseyans include Bruce Willis, Mike Trout, Roscoe Lee Browne, John Forsythe, Ali Larter, Kelly Ripa, Tara Lipinski, Michael Landon, Linda Fiorentino, Joe Flacco, Carl Lewis, Grace Helbig, Martin Truex Jr., Steve Kaplan, and Carli Lloyd.