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Manhattan

city

Manhattan, coextensive with New York County, is the smallest and most densely populated borough of New York City. Located primarily on Manhattan Island, it forms the urban core of the New York metropolitan area and is considered a global center for culture, finance, media, and entertainment. The borough is bounded by the Hudson, East, and Harlem rivers. In 2024, Manhattan's population was estimated to be 1,660,664. Manhattan's economy is a powerhouse, generating a GDP exceeding $1 trillion. Key industries include finance, healthcare, technology, and tourism. Wall Street, located in Lower Manhattan, is a global financial hub, and the borough hosts the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. Numerous multinational corporations are headquartered in Manhattan, contributing to its status as a major economic center. Manhattan is renowned for its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and rich history. From the skyscrapers of Midtown to the cultural enclaves of Harlem and Greenwich Village, Manhattan offers a unique blend of experiences. Its historical significance is evident in landmarks like City Hall and the many sites associated with early American history. Central Park, a sprawling green oasis, provides a respite from the urban bustle and is a testament to the borough's commitment to quality of life.

Manhattan, New York

Overview
Classification
Borough
Country
United States
County
New York County
Geography
Region
Northeast
Total Area
33.59 sq mi
Land Area
22.83 sq mi
Water Area
10.76 sq mi
Latitude
40.7127
Longitude
-74.0059
Climate
Warm, humid summers; very cold, snowy, and windy winters
Notable Features
Hudson River · East River · Harlem River · Central Park
Neighboring Areas
Bronx · Brooklyn · Queens · New Jersey
Demographics
Population (2020)
1,694,251
Est. Population (2026)
1,715,534
Median Age
38.9
Median Income
$103,931
Poverty Rate
16.52%
Owner-Occupied
20%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
48.25% White, 13.71% Black or African American, 12.44% Asian, 12.41% Other Race
Governance
Government Type
Mayor-Council
Governing Body
City Council
Body Size
51 members
School District
New York City Department of Education
Municipal Services
Public education · Correctional institutions · Public safety · Recreational facilities · Sanitation · Water supply · Welfare services
Economy
Unemployment Rate
8.6%
Economic Profile
Financial center · Commercial hub · Cultural center
Employment Sectors
Finance · Healthcare · Technology · Tourism · Media
Major Employers
Netflix · Warner Media LLC · Pfizer Inc. · American Express · NBC · CBS · ABC · Citigroup Inc. · JPMorgan Chase · Verizon · MetLife
Education
Schools
1,700
Students
1,100,000
School Districts
New York City Department of Education
Colleges & Universities
Columbia University · New York University · Fordham University · Pace University · Yeshiva University · The Juilliard School · Cooper Union · The New School · Manhattan University
Infrastructure
Transportation
Subways · Buses · Railways · Taxis · Ferries · Bridges · Tunnels
Utilities
Water · Power · Broadband
Major Facilities
Hospitals · Airports (nearby) · Convention centers
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Central Park · Riverside Park · High Line
Parks & Trails
Central Park Conservancy · NYC Parks Department
History
Founded
1624
Incorporated
1653
Named After
Likely from Lenape: Manaháhtaan ('the place where we get bows')
Historical Significance
Manhattan has played a central role in American history, evolving from a colonial settlement to a global hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.
Key Events
Dutch settlement as New Amsterdam in 1624 · English control and renaming to New York in 1664 · Served as the capital of the United States from 1785 to 1790 · Consolidation into Greater New York in 1898 · Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s