New York

New York City is the largest city in the United States by population and a major urban centre on the country's Atlantic coast. It is located at the mouth of the Hudson River, where the river meets New York Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. The city consists of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Its coastal position has strongly influenced its history, economy and landscape. New York has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and generally cold winters, although temperatures can vary considerably.

The metropolitan region extends far beyond the city's administrative boundaries and is one of the largest urban areas in North America. New York is a major centre for finance, international trade, media, technology, education, science and the arts. Its extensive public transport system includes the subway, commuter railways, buses and ferries, helping millions of people move around the densely populated metropolitan area. The city also contains numerous parks and waterfront spaces, including Central Park, which occupies a large area in the heart of Manhattan.

The area that is now New York City has a long history of Indigenous settlement. In 1624, Dutch colonists established a settlement on Manhattan Island, which became known as New Amsterdam. The English took control in 1664 and renamed it New York. The city later played an important role in the American Revolution and served briefly as the capital of the United States in 1789 and 1790. During the 19th and 20th centuries, immigration, industrialization and expanding transport networks contributed to rapid population growth.

Famous landmarks include the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square and the Brooklyn Bridge. New York is also home to major museums, universities, theatres and cultural institutions. Its skyline reflects many periods of urban development, from historic buildings to modern skyscrapers. Today, New York City remains one of the world's most influential cities, with a diverse population and strong connections to international culture, business and communication.