New York City

The most populous city in the United States, a global center of finance, culture, and diplomacy.

New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States. It is located at the southern tip of New York State on New York Harbor, one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island—each being coextensive with its respective county.

Quick Facts

Region: Northeastern United States
Notable districts: Manhattan, East Harlem

Lore & Background

Manhattan Island was inhabited by Munsee-speaking Lenape around 1624. By then, Dutch colonists had established Fort Amsterdam as a center of trade on the island. This was the first European settlement in what would become New York City. The settlement was named New Amsterdam in 1626 and was chartered as a city in 1653. The city came under English control in 1664 and was temporarily renamed New York after Charles II granted the lands to his brother, the Duke of York, before this name was permanently adopted in 1674. Following independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, the city was the national capital of the United States from 1785 until 1790. The modern city was formed by the 1898 consolidation of its five boroughs.

Reader's Guide

Anchored by Wall Street in Manhattan's Financial District, New York City has been called both the world's premier financial and fintech center and the most economically powerful city in the world. The city is home to the world's two largest stock exchanges by market capitalization of their listed companies: the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. New York City is the most expensive city in the world for expatriates and has the highest residential rent costs of any American city. Fifth Avenue is an ultra-luxury international shopping corridor.

Did You Know?

New York City has more than double the population of Los Angeles, the country's second-most populous city.
An estimated 800 languages are spoken in New York City, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world.
New York City is home to the highest number of billionaires, individuals of ultra-high net worth, and millionaires of any city in the world by a significant margin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is New York City's role in Tupac's story?

New York City is Tupac's birthplace and childhood home, specifically East Harlem in Manhattan, where he was born on June 16, 1971. It is the setting for his earliest years, defined by his parents' active involvement in the Black Panther Party.

Which specific neighborhood in New York is tied to Tupac?

East Harlem in Manhattan is the key district, as it is where he was born and raised during his first ten years. The broader Manhattan area also features in his family's history through his mother's legal battles during the Panther 21 case.