New York
The Empire State
Quick Stats
Map
Seal & Motto
"Excelsior"
Additional Information
Population Growth
Overview
New York, the 'Empire State,' is the cultural, financial, and creative capital of the world. While New York City dominates the global imagination with its skyline, Wall Street, and Broadway, the state also encompasses the soaring Adirondacks, thundering Niagara Falls, world-class wine country, and a rich diversity that defines modern America.
Historical Significance
New York officially joined the Union on July 26, 1788, as the 11th state. Its history is the history of America — from Dutch New Amsterdam to the first national capital, from the Erie Canal that opened the Midwest to the tidal waves of immigration through Ellis Island that built the modern nation and gave New York its unrivaled energy.
Top Cities & Hubs
New York City
Population: ~8.3MThe most influential city on Earth — the global center of finance, media, fashion, and culture. Home to 8 million people and 800 languages, it is the most visited city in the Western Hemisphere.
Buffalo
Population: ~278,000A resurgent Great Lakes city on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, gateway to Niagara Falls, known for its passionate sports culture, vibrant arts scene, and legendary chicken wings.
Rochester
Population: ~211,000The "Flower City," an historic center of precision optics and imaging technology — birthplace of Kodak and Xerox — now a growing hub for photonics and university research.
Yonkers
Population: ~211,000The "Gateway to the Hudson Valley," a major residential and commercial city directly north of NYC, offering Manhattan accessibility with a distinct character and diverse communities.
Syracuse
Population: ~148,000The "Salt City," a key educational and distribution hub in Central New York, home to Syracuse University and an emerging leader in drone technology and advanced manufacturing.
Key Landmarks & Economy
Did You Know?
- New York City was the first capital of the United States from 1789 to 1790, where George Washington was inaugurated as the first president at Federal Hall.
- Adirondack Park in upstate New York is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States, larger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon combined.
- The first pizzeria in the United States was Lombardi's, opened on Spring Street in Manhattan in 1905, and has been serving pizza continuously ever since.