New York City, often simply referred to as 'the city' by locals, is situated on the East Coast of the United States. It is one of the world's oldest and most influential cities, serving as the country's economic, transportation, and cultural hub. Known for its impact globally since its inception, New York City is famous for its striking architecture, ranging from historic buildings like the Flatiron Building to modern marvels like One World Trade Center. Highlights that make it famous include Central Park, Times Square, Broadway, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Census in the United States is conducted every 10 years, with the most recent one in 2020. According to the 2020 census, New York had a population of over 8 million. New York City is one of the most diverse cities globally, with 37% of its population born outside the United States. According to the data, 42.7% of the population is white, 24.3% is Black, 14% is Asian, and 29.1% is Hispanic or Latino. The city is also religiously diverse, with a significant number of people identifying themselves as Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist. English is the most widely spoken language, but over 800 languages are spoken in New York City, reflecting its immense diversity. Iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island symbolize the city's rich history of immigration. The Empire State Building, once the tallest building in the world, remains a testament to the city's architectural innovations.

New York City is divided into five boroughs - The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island - each of which is a separate county. The city government is responsible for public education, correctional institutions, libraries, public safety, recreational facilities, sanitation, water supply, and welfare services. The Mayor of New York City, elected to four-year terms, is the chief executive officer of the city, while the New York City Council is the legislative body. The five boroughs are governed by borough presidents, who also sit on the New York City Board of Estimate.

New York City is a global hub for business and commerce, being described as the financial capital of the world. The city's economy accounts for most of the economic activity in both the states of New York and New Jersey. Wall Street, in Lower Manhattan, has been a premier global financial center since World War II and is home to the New York Stock Exchange. The city's real estate industry is well-regarded and the city itself is the nation's largest market for independent film, advertising, music, newspaper publishing, and television production.

New York City's transportation system is complex and comprehensive, with the largest subway system worldwide by the number of stations. The city's public transportation network is the most extensive and among the oldest in North America. Infrastructure in the city is managed by several agencies, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (managing subways and buses), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (managing bridges, airports, and tunnels), and the NYC Department of Transportation. Several major infrastructure projects are ongoing in the city, including the continued construction of the Second Avenue Subway and East Side Access.