Algonquian Native Americans originally inhabited the area that became New York City. Dutch colonists started one of the earliest settlements, then known as “New Amsterdam,” in the early 1600s. Later the English named the city after the Duke of York, who became King James II. New York City was once the capital of the United States. Today, New York City is the most populous city in the country and is made up of five boroughs: Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island. The United Nations has been headquartered in New York City since its completion in the 1950s. Several hundred languages are spoken in New York City. The city of New York is one of the most photographed cities in the world. Places to visit and get a photo of include Rockefeller Center, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the Empire State building. With over 400 rail stations, the New York City subway is one of the largest systems in the world. Many well-known street parades, such as Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, are held throughout the year in New York City.
New York City is home to the two largest stock exchanges, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Nasdaq. Tourism, fashion, the arts, media, world trade, transportation and real estate are all major factors in New York City’s economy. The Port of New York and New Jersey is a big part of the economy of New York City as it handles large volumes of cargo regularly. Almost 200,000 employees work in New York City’s fashion industry. The radio and television industry are also significant employers of New York City residents. While food culture is an important part of New York City’s economy, chocolate is the front runner, as the leading exported food. Since the early 2000s, technology, in the form of digital media, cryptocurrency and startup companies, has been a growing part of New York City’s economy. More than 300 magazines, published in more than 40 languages, have offices in New York City. As you can see, New York is the world’s leading financial center for many reasons.