Staten Island
Geography
Staten Island is one of the five boroughs of New York City, located in the southwest part of the city. It is separated from New Jersey to the west and south by the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull, and from the rest of New York by New York Bay. With an estimated population of 476,179 in 2019, Staten Island is the least populated of the boroughs but is the third-largest in land area at 58.5 square miles (152 km2).
History
The first inhabitants of Staten Island were the Lenape Native Americans. The island was part of the Lenape homeland known as Lenapehoking. The Lenape were later displaced by settlers from the Netherlands and England. The island was named Staaten Eylandt by the Dutch in honor of the States General, the governing body of the Netherlands. The British took over the island in 1667 and anglicized the name to Staten Island.
Demographics
As of the 2010 Census, the racial makeup of Staten Island was 77.6% White, 10.6% African American, 0.4% Native American, 7.5% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 17.3% of the population. Staten Island is the only New York City borough with a non-Hispanic White majority.
Economy
Staten Island's economy is primarily based on a mix of industries. The healthcare industry is a major employer. The island is home to two hospitals, Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital. Other significant sectors include retail trade, manufacturing, construction, transportation, and film and television production.
Education
Staten Island is part of the New York City Department of Education, the largest school district in the United States. The island is home to numerous public, private, and parochial schools. Higher education institutions on the island include the College of Staten Island, Wagner College, and St. John's University Staten Island campus.
Culture
Staten Island is known for its strong sense of community and rich cultural history. The island is home to several cultural institutions including the Staten Island Museum, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, and the Staten Island Zoo. The island also hosts the annual Staten Island Film Festival.
Transportation
Staten Island is connected to Brooklyn via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and to New Jersey via the Outerbridge Crossing, Goethals Bridge, and Bayonne Bridge. The Staten Island Ferry provides free transportation to and from Manhattan. The island is also served by the Staten Island Railway, numerous bus routes, and several major highways.