New York City (officially The City of New York) is the most populous city in the United States, with its metropolitan area ranking among the largest urban areas in the world. Founded as a commercial trading post by the Dutch in 1625, it has been the largest city in the United States since 1790, and was the first capital under the Constitution. Located on one of the world's finest natural harbors, New York is one of the world's major centers of commerce and finance. New York also exerts global influence in media, politics, 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 within five counties, respectively: The Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond. With over 8.2 million residents within an area of 304.8 sq mi (789.43 km²),[2][3] New York City is the most densely populated major city in the United States.[4][5][6]

Many of the city's neighborhoods and landmarks are known around the world. The Statue of Liberty greeted millions of immigrants as they came to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Wall Street, in Lower Manhattan, has been a dominant global financial center since World War II and is home to the New York Stock Exchange. The city has been home to several of the tallest buildings in the world, including the Empire State Building and the twin towers of the World Trade Center.

New York is the birthplace of many cultural movements, including the Harlem Renaissance in literature and visual art, abstract expressionism (also known as the New York School) in painting, and hip hop,[7] punk,[8] salsa, and Tin Pan Alley in music. It is the home of Broadway theater.

In 2005, nearly 170 languages were spoken in the city and 36% of its population was born outside the United States.[9][10] With its 24-hour subway and constant bustling of traffic and people, New York is sometimes called "The City That Never Sleeps." Other nicknames include the "Big Apple" and "Gotham."[11]