Boroughs of New York City
Overview
New York City, the most populous city in the United States, is divided into five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Each borough is coextensive with a respective county of New York State. The boroughs were created in 1898 during the consolidation of the city, when the city and each borough adopted its respective current boundaries.
Manhattan
Manhattan, often referred to as the City, is the most densely populated of the five boroughs and serves as the city's economic and administrative center. It is known for its iconic landmarks, including Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Manhattan is also home to the headquarters of the United Nations and New York's financial district, Wall Street.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn, located on the westernmost point of Long Island, is the city's most populous borough. Known for its cultural, social, and ethnic diversity, Brooklyn is home to a wide variety of neighborhoods, ranging from upscale DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights to the bohemian arts scene in Williamsburg. The borough is also known for the Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island.
Queens
Queens, the easternmost borough, is the most ethnically diverse county in the United States. It is home to John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, two of the busiest airports in the country. Queens is also known for its sports venues, such as Citi Field and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and cultural institutions like the Museum of the Moving Image.
The Bronx
The Bronx, located north of Manhattan, is the only borough located primarily on the mainland. It is known for its large and diverse Hispanic community, and for being the birthplace of hip hop culture. The Bronx is also home to the Bronx Zoo, the world's largest metropolitan zoo, and Yankee Stadium, home of the New York Yankees.
Staten Island
Staten Island, located in the southwest part of the city, is the least populated of the five boroughs. Known for its suburban character, the borough is home to the Staten Island Ferry, which provides stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Staten Island is also known for the Fresh Kills Landfill, once the world's largest landfill.
Demographics
Each borough of New York City is diverse and unique, with its own demographic characteristics. Manhattan has the highest percentage of non-Hispanic Whites, while Brooklyn and The Bronx have large Black and Hispanic populations, respectively. Queens is the most ethnically diverse borough, with a large Asian population, and Staten Island has a high percentage of Italian-Americans.
Government
Each borough is represented by a Borough President and has its own Borough Board, composed of the Borough President, council members from the borough, and members appointed by the Borough President. The Borough Boards are responsible for reviewing land use and zoning matters, and have the power to hold public hearings.