New York City (officially The City of New York) is the largest city in the United States, with its metropolitan area ranking among the largest urban areas in the world. Located on the country's east coast in New York State, it was founded as a commercial trading post by the Dutch in 1625, and has been the largest city in the United States since 1790. It also served as the capital of the United States from 1785 until 1790. Located on one of the world's natural harbors, New York is one of the world's major centers of commerce and finance. New York also exerts global influence in media, education, entertainment, arts, fashion and advertising. The city is also a major center for international affairs, hosting the headquarters of the United Nations.
New York City comprises five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island, each coterminous with the five counties of Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond respectively. With over 8.2 million residents within an area of 304.8 square miles (789.43 km²), New York City is the most densely populated major city in the United States. |
