New York is the third-most-populous US state, dominated economically by New York City — America's largest urban area and a global financial centre — but stretching from Manhattan to Niagara Falls and the Adirondack Mountains.
Geography & climate
New York lies in the Northeast of the United States, set at approximately 42.8°N, 75.2°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 141,297 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in New York all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of New York is Albany, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is New York City, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 19.6M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
New York was admitted to the Union in 1788 as the 11th state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
New York is nicknamed “The Empire State”, with the state motto Excelsior (Ever Upward). The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of New York is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in New York.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, New York offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across New York can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | NY | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Albany | — |
| Largest city | New York City | — |
| US region | Northeast | — |
| Population | 19.6M | people |
| Area | 141,297 | km² |
| Statehood | 1788 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 11 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Empire State | — |
| Motto | Excelsior (Ever Upward) | — |
| Latitude | 42.8 | degrees |
| Longitude | -75.2 | degrees |
Did you know?
New York City would be the third-largest US state by population if it were a state on its own — bigger than 41 of the 50 states.
