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New York City

New York City is the most populous city in the United States and the largest city in the state of New York.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

New York City is the most populous city in the United States and the largest city in the state of New York. It is a major global centre for finance, culture, media, fashion, and tourism, and is known for its dense urban landscape and five-borough structure.

History and development

New York City developed as a major port and commercial centre and grew into one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas. Its population has fluctuated in recent years, with official estimates showing recovery after pandemic losses.

Geography and boroughs

The city is made up of five boroughs that correspond to five counties: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. NYC’s total area is 300.46 square miles, and its density is among the highest of any major U.S. city.

Culture and economy

New York City is widely associated with finance, media, publishing, fashion, theatre, museums, and diverse neighbourhoods. It is often described as a global city because of its economic and cultural influence.

Tourism and landmarks

Popular visitor destinations include landmarks, parks, museums, Broadway theatres, and neighbourhoods such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Tourism is a major part of the city’s identity and economy.

Key facts

  • New York City is the most populous city in the United States, with an estimated 8.58 million residents in July 2025.
  • The city covers 300.46 square miles and is divided into five boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
  • It is a global hub for finance, culture, media, fashion, and tourism.
  • Population estimates show recovery after pandemic-era declines.
  • New York City is a major destination for Canadian travellers and cross-border commerce.
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Canadian context

New York City is a major destination for Canadian travellers, business, culture, and media, and it is one of the most important North American cities for cross-border commerce and tourism.

Frequently asked questions

What is the population of New York City?
New York City’s population was estimated at 8,584,629 in July 2025.
What is New York City known for?
It is known for finance, media, fashion, theatre, museums, immigration, and major landmarks such as those in Manhattan.
What are the five boroughs of New York City?
The five boroughs are the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
How big is New York City?
New York City covers 300.46 square miles (778.2 km²).
What is the weather in New York City?
New York City has a humid subtropical climate with cold winters, hot summers, and precipitation throughout the year. Weather conditions vary by season.
What are the best things to do in New York City?
Common activities include visiting museums, seeing Broadway shows, exploring Central Park, walking through neighbourhoods, and viewing landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City
    Supports: Population estimate, area, density, and city overview.
  2. NYC Department of City Planninghttps://www.nyc.gov/content/planning/pages/planning/population
    Supports: Official population estimate for July 2025.
  3. NYC Department of City Planninghttps://www.nyc.gov/assets/planning/downloads/pdf/our-work/reports/new-york-city-population-estimates-and-trends_may-2025.pdf
    Supports: Population trends and July 2024 estimate.
  4. NYC Department of City Planninghttps://www.nyc.gov/assets/planning/downloads/pdf/our-work/reports/nycpopulationprojections2035to2055.pdf
    Supports: Borough populations and borough names.
  5. Census Reporterhttp://censusreporter.org/profiles/16000US3651000-new-york-ny/
    Supports: Population and area profile data.