New York (local pronunciation nɪu ˈjɔək) is a
state in the
Northeastern region of the
United States. New York is the
27th-most extensive, the
3rd-most populous, and the
7th-most densely populated of the
50 United States. New York is bordered by
New Jersey and
Pennsylvania to the south, and by
Connecticut,
Massachusetts and
Vermont to the east. The state has a
maritime border with
Rhode Island east of
Long Island, as well as an
international border with the Canadian provinces of
Ontario to the west and north, and
Quebec to the north. The state of New York is often referred to as
New York State to distinguish it from
New York City.
New York City, with a
Census-estimated population of over 8.3 million in 2012, is the
most populous city in the United States. Alone, it makes up over 40 percent of the population of New York state. It is known for its status as a center for
finance and
culture and for its status as the largest
gateway for immigration to the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, New York City is also a destination of choice for many foreign visitors. Both the state and city were named for the 17th century
Duke of York, future
King James II of England.
New York was inhabited by various tribes of
Algonquian and
Iroquoian speaking
Native Americans at the time Dutch settlers moved into the region in the early 17th century. In 1609, the region was first claimed by
Henry Hudson for the Dutch.
Fort Nassau was built near the site of the present-day capital of
Albany in 1614. The Dutch soon also settled
New Amsterdam and parts of the
Hudson River Valley, establishing the colony of
New Netherland. The
British took over the colony by annexation in 1664.
The borders of the British colony, the
Province of New York, were roughly similar to those of the present-day state. About one third of all the battles of the
Revolutionary War took place in New York. The
state constitution was enacted in 1777. New York became the 11th state to ratify the
United States Constitution, on July 26, 1788.