North Jersey is a name for the northern part of the U.S. State of New Jersey. Located between two major cities: New York City and Philadelphia, this relationship led Benjamin Franklin to describe the state as "a barrel tapped at both ends." Some define North Jersey as all points in New Jersey north of I-295 in the western part of the state and all points north of I-195 in the eastern part of the state. Following this definition, Central Jersey would not exist. Others, primarily those who live in the northern tier of counties, count only that area north of the mouth of the Raritan River. The seven counties that are included in North New Jersey have a total population of 3,492,590 as of the 2000 U.S. Census. New Jersey State Department of Tourism defines two distinct areas of North Jersey which address their quality and character. The Gateway, which is more urban industrial, and Skylands Region, which is exurban or rural.