New York City

New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the most populous city in the United States. It is located at the southern tip of New York State on New York Harbor, one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive with its respective county. It serves as a global center for finance, commerce, culture, technology, entertainment, media, academics, and scientific output, and is home to the headquarters of the United Nations.

With an estimated population of 8,584,629 in July 2025, New York is the most densely populated major city in the United States. Over 20.1 million people live in the city's metropolitan statistical area. An estimated 800 languages are spoken in New York City, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world.

New York City traces its origins to Fort Amsterdam and a trading post founded on Manhattan Island by Dutch colonists around 1624. The settlement was named New Amsterdam in 1626 and came under English control in 1664. The modern city was formed by the 1898 consolidation of its five boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Anchored by Wall Street in the Financial District, Manhattan, New York City is the world's premier financial and fintech center, and it is home to the world's two largest stock exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq.

Etymology

See also: Nicknames of New York City

In 1664, New York was named to honor the Duke of York, who later became King James II of England. His brother, King Charles II, gave the Duke control of the land called New Netherland, including the city of New Amsterdam, after England seized it from the Dutch. The area was then called the Province of New York, which is now New York State.

History

Main articles: History of New York City and Timeline of New York City

Further information: History of Manhattan, Timeline of Brooklyn, Timeline of Queens, Timeline of the Bronx, and Timeline of Staten Island

Early history

Main article: History of New York City (prehistory–1664)

In the past, the area of present-day New York City was home to the Algonquians, including the Lenape. Their homeland included present-day areas such as Staten Island, Manhattan, the Bronx, the western part of Long Island (including Brooklyn and Queens), and the Lower Hudson Valley.

The first European to visit New York Harbor was Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524. He claimed the area for France and named it Nouvelle Angoulême. Later, Henry Hudson rediscovered the harbor while searching for a passage to the Orient, claiming it for the Dutch East India Company.

Dutch rule

Main articles: New Amsterdam, Fort Amsterdam, and New Netherland

New Amsterdam was established in 1624, centered in what is now Lower Manhattan. The Dutch built Fort Amsterdam and began to grow the colony. In 1626, Peter Minuit purchased the island of Manhattan from the Canarsie, a Lenape band.

English rule

Main articles: Province of New York and History of New York City (1665–1783)

In 1664, English troops took control of New Amsterdam, renaming it New York after the Duke of York. The city became an important trading port and center of slavery in the 18th century.

American Revolution

Further information: American Revolution

The Battle of Long Island was a major battle of the American Revolutionary War, fought in Brooklyn. After the battle, British forces made New York their base of operations in North America.

Post-revolutionary period and early 19th century

Main article: History of New York City (1784–1854)

New York City became the national capital in 1785 and hosted the inauguration of George Washington. The city's population grew rapidly during the 19th century, transformed by immigration and development.

American Civil War

During the American Civil War, New York experienced significant unrest, including the Draft Riots of 1863, which led to violent clashes and attacks on Black New Yorkers.

Late 19th and early 20th century

Main articles: History of New York City (1898–1945) and History of New York City (1946–1977)

The Statue of Liberty was dedicated in 1886, welcoming millions of immigrants. The opening of the New York City Subway in 1904 helped connect the growing city. The city became a world center for industry and commerce.

Late 20th and early 21st centuries

Main articles: History of New York City (1978–present) and September 11 attacks

The Stonewall riots in 1969 were a pivotal moment for the LGBTQ+ rights movement. New York City faced economic challenges in the 1970s but saw resurgence in the 1980s. The city suffered greatly from the September 11 attacks in 2001, which led to the rebuilding of the World Trade Center area. The city also faced significant impact from Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in 2020.

Geography

Main articles: Geography of New York City and Geography of New York–New Jersey Harbor Estuary

New York City is located in the northeastern United States, in southeastern New York State. It sits near the mouth of the Hudson River, which flows into a large natural harbor and then into the Atlantic Ocean. This location has helped the city grow into an important trading port. Most of the city is built on three islands: Long Island, Manhattan, and Staten Island.

During an ancient period called the Wisconsin glaciation, a huge ice sheet covered the area. As the ice moved and later melted, it helped shape the land, separating Long Island and Staten Island and leaving strong bedrock that supports many tall buildings in Manhattan.

Boroughs

Main articles: Boroughs of New York City and Neighborhoods in New York City

New York City is made up of five areas called boroughs. Each borough is also a county in New York State.

• Manhattan is the smallest but most crowded borough. It has many famous skyscrapers, Central Park, and is the center of business and culture.
• Brooklyn is the most populous borough. It has diverse neighborhoods, parks like Prospect Park, and a growing technology scene.
• Queens is the largest borough and very diverse. It has major airports, sports stadiums, and the Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.
• The Bronx is where the Bronx Zoo and Yankee Stadium are located. It is also the birthplace of hip hop music.
• Staten Island is the most suburban borough, known for its parks and quiet neighborhoods.

Climate

Main article: Climate of New York City

New York City has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cool and damp. The city gets plenty of sunshine and rain throughout the year. Because of tall buildings and paved streets, nighttime temperatures can stay warmer than surrounding areas.

Parks

New York City has many parks managed by different groups. Some parks are run by the National Park Service, while others are managed by the city. The city has over 28,000 acres of parkland, with Central Park being the most visited. Other notable parks include Gateway National Recreation Area and Pelham Bay Park.

Demographics

Main articles: Demographics of New York City and Demographic history of New York City

New York City is the most populous city in the United States, with over 8.8 million people living there as of 2020. This makes it more crowded than any other big city in the country. The city has many different kinds of people, including many from other countries. In fact, over 800 languages are spoken there!

Between 2010 and 2020, New York City grew by almost 630,000 people, which is more than the growth of four other big cities put together. It is very crowded, with about 27,700 people living in every square mile. Most people live in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. The city is also a top place for new immigrants to the United States and for young people starting their careers.

Economy

Main article: Economy of New York City

New York City is a major center for business and commerce, often called the "Capital of the World." It has a very large economy, with a value of about US$2.16 trillion. The city is important for banking, finance, health care, and many other industries. Many big companies have their main offices in New York City.

The city is especially known for its financial sector, with Wall Street being a key part of this. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are both located in New York, making it a leading place for financial trading. The technology sector is also growing, with many companies working in areas like artificial intelligence and biotechnology. New York City's real estate is very valuable, with high prices for homes and offices. Tourism is very important to the city, with millions of visitors each year coming to see famous places like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. The city is also a big center for media and entertainment, with many newspapers, television studios, and film productions based there.

Education

Main article: Education in New York City

New York City has the largest school system in the United States, with over 1.1 million students attending about 1,800 schools. This includes both public schools managed by the New York City Department of Education and many private schools.

The city is also a major center for higher education, hosting more than 120 colleges and universities. The City University of New York (CUNY) system alone serves nearly a quarter of a million students. Famous universities such as Columbia University and New York University are located here, making New York City a top spot for learning and research.

Culture

Main article: Culture of New York City

New York City is often the setting for novels, movies, and television programs and has been called the cultural capital of the world. The city has been the birthplace of many cultural movements, including the Harlem Renaissance in literature and art, abstract expressionism in painting, and various music genres like hip-hop, punk, jazz, and disco.

One famous trait of New York City is its fast pace, which gave rise to the term "New York minute." The city's residents are known for their resilience, especially in managing challenges like the impacts of major events in recent history.

Theater

Further information: Broadway theatre and Theater District, Manhattan

Manhattan is the central hub of the American theater scene, home to Broadway, off-Broadway, and off-off-Broadway theaters. Many famous actors got their start in New York productions.

Broadway theatre is a top form of English-language theatre worldwide, named after the major street Broadway that runs through Times Square, often called "The Great White Way."

Forty-one theaters in Midtown Manhattan's Theater District, each with at least 500 seats, are classified as Broadway theaters. The Tony Awards recognize excellence in Broadway theatre.

Accent and dialect

The New York area has a distinctive regional accent, often called the New York dialect or "Brooklynese." It is known for its rapid speech and unique pronunciation, such as saying "New Yawk" instead of "New York." This accent is centered around middle- and working-class New Yorkers and has evolved with recent immigration.

Architecture

Main article: Architecture of New York City

Further information: List of buildings, sites, and monuments in New York City and List of tallest buildings in New York City

New York has many notable buildings from different architectural styles and periods, from the old Dutch Colonial Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House to the modern One World Trade Center. Manhattan's skyline, with its many skyscrapers, is an iconic symbol of the city.

The city's residential areas often feature elegant brownstone rowhouses and townhouses, built during a period of rapid growth from 1870 to 1930. Other neighborhoods have single-family homes in styles like Tudor Revival and Victorian.

Arts

Further information: List of museums and cultural institutions in New York City and Music of New York City

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on the Upper West Side of Manhattan is home to influential groups like the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, and Juilliard School. The city has over 2,000 arts and cultural organizations and more than 500 art galleries.

Museum Mile on Fifth Avenue includes nine famous museums, such as the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is the largest art museum in the Americas. The Met welcomes millions of visitors each year and has a vast collection of art from around the world.

Cuisine

Main articles: Cuisine of New York City, List of restaurants in New York City, and List of Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City

New York City's food culture reflects its history of immigration, with influences from Central and Eastern Europe, Italy, China, and many other places. Popular foods include bagels, pizza, hot dogs, and falafel. The city has thousands of restaurants and food vendors, offering a wide range of international cuisines.

Fashion

Further information: New York Fashion Week and Met Gala

New York City is a global fashion capital, with the fashion industry employing many people in the city. New York Fashion Week is a major event where designers showcase their latest collections. The fashion district in Midtown Manhattan is centered around Seventh Avenue, known as "Fashion Avenue."

Parades

Further information: List of parades in New York City

New York City is famous for its street parades, especially in Manhattan. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the world's largest parade, beginning in Central Park and marching down to Macy's Herald Square. Other parades include the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade, the NYC LGBT Pride March, and the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.

Sports

Main articles: Sports in the New York metropolitan area and Traditional games of New York City

New York City is home to many professional sports teams. The city has teams in baseball, basketball, hockey, football, and soccer. Famous venues include Citi Field, Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden, and Barclays Center.

The city hosted the 1984 Summer Paralympics and the 1998 Goodwill Games. New York City has been home to over 40 major professional teams across different sports leagues. The city will host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the final set to be played at MetLife Stadium.

The annual US Open tennis tournament is held in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, and the New York City Marathon is the world's largest running event, with participants from all over the world. Other sports events include the Millrose Games track and field meet and boxing matches at Madison Square Garden.

Human resources

New York City is a major center for healthcare, with many hospitals and medical schools. It has over 750,000 people working in healthcare. The city’s public hospitals, run by NYC Health + Hospitals, serve millions of people each year, including those without insurance. The most famous public hospital is Bellevue Hospital, which has treated presidents and world leaders.

The New York Police Department is the largest police force in the United States. Crime in the city has decreased greatly since the 1990s. The city also has strict gun laws. The Fire Department of New York helps keep the city safe from fires and other emergencies, responding to all kinds of buildings and places, including the subway.

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in New York City

New York City has many ways to get around, including buses, subways, trains, and airplanes. The city’s public transportation is used by millions of people every day. The New York City Subway is one of the biggest subway systems in the world, with many stations and lines that run almost all day and night.

The city also has many buses, including a large bus fleet that runs all day and night. There are also special buses that go between cities, like the Port Authority Bus Terminal, which is the busiest bus station in the world. For traveling far away, there are three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport. These airports handle millions of passengers each year.

Government and politics

Main articles: Government of New York City, Politics of New York City, and Elections in New York City

New York City has a strong mayor–council form of government. The mayor and council members serve four-year terms with a limit of two consecutive terms. The City Council has 51 members who represent different areas of the city.

The city's mayor is Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat who was elected in 2025. Most public offices in the city are held by Democrats, and the city has a strong system of support and services provided by both local and national governments.

Main article: List of sister cities of New York City

Notable people

Main article: List of people from New York City

New York City has been home to many famous people throughout history. The city has produced leaders, artists, scientists, and athletes who have made significant contributions to various fields. From actors and musicians to authors and inventors, NYC continues to attract talented individuals from around the world.