NYC in a Nutshell
On the slopes of the Hudson River lies one of the most exciting and interesting cities in the world, where everything is big and fast.
A colorful city, a symbol of liberty, full with possibilities, creativity, arts, music, shows, and fun.
The world’s financial center on the one hand, and the second largest movies making hub in the US on the other. A place of big dreams, in a city that never sleeps.
Welcome to The Big Apple!
The Foundation of the City
Back in 1624, the Dutch first settled on Manhattan Island, and just 40 years later, the English bought it and established it as one of the 13 colonies.
Once founded, they also changed its name to New York, in honor of Duke of York (who eventually became King James II). When the Constitution was ratified in 1788 New York City was the first capital of the United States.
After several developments over the years, it was established to its current borders, a group of three islands, divided into five main boroughs: Manhattan and Staten Island are islands, linked by bridges, tunnels and ferries, Brooklyn and Queens are geographically part of Long Island, and the Bronx is attached to the US mainland. Since 1904 all its parts got connected by the subway system, and in the heart of them all is the impressive famous Central Park, established in 1857 as the first landscaped park in an American city.
Demography
Due to massive immigration waves, (especially after WW2), the city’s character had changed and developed a unique atmosphere of diversity, colorfulness, liberty, and creativity.
Different cultures of a large number of individuals created the city’s special vibe. The variety is reflected in arts, music, food, industries, philosophy, media, journalism, architecture, and actually in all aspects of human creation.
It is also emphasized by the fact that over 200 languages are spoken in New York City, and half of all New Yorkers speak a language different than English at home.
Nowadays it is the most populated city in the USA, with more than 8 million people living there, and it is also a popular top destination for tourists, with over 60 million visitors a year.
The overflow demanded the structure change reflected in the city’s ornaments of skyscrapers, towers, and high-rise buildings, that create one of the world’s most famous skylines.
