The characteristics of the Middle Colonies include:
- Some colonists were skilled artisans.
- Agriculture was an important industry.
- Colonies were ethnically diverse.
The Middle Colonies were known for their diversity in terms of culture and religion, as well as their agricultural productivity. Not all of them were established as Royal colonies (some, like Pennsylvania, were proprietary), and while religion was a factor for some settlers, it was not the primary reason for most.