New York is a state in the northeastern United States. The state of New York should not be confused with the city of New York. Although Albany is the capital city of New York State, the most densely inhabited city is New York City. As a matter of fact, the city of New York is the most crowded city in the country with a population of more than eight million.
The area of what is presently called the state of New York was first inhabited by the Lenape, Iroquois and Algonquian Native American nations. Later, Dutch settlers arrived during the early 17th century. Henry Hudson claimed the region for the Dutch in the year 1609 and a fort was built near the location of present-day Albany. The Dutch formed the colony of New Netherland, which was taken over by the British during the year 1664.
The state of New York borders the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east and Pennsylvania and New Jersey to the south. The state of New York has a maritime border with Rhode Island east of Long Island. The state of New York shares an international border together with Canada to the west and north, which makes Canada an important economic partner when it comes to tourism and exports. Canada receives the biggest share of total worldwide exports. Individuals from Canada spend almost $500 million on an annual basis while visiting New York.
The city of New York attracts visitors from various states, Canada and all around the globe. The city enjoys unequaled renown as a major international center for finance, culture, manufacturing and transportation. New York City is home of the New York Stock Exchange, the biggest stock exchange in the world by dollar volume. Many major businesses have their head office located here. The city of New York played an essential part in the development of the nation as the gateway for immigration to the United States.
Located within upstate New York is a huge concentration of manufacturing companies producing different products, including furs, printed products, garments, railroad equipment and bus line vehicles. Within Hudson Valley and Albany, there is production of nanotechnology and microchip manufacturing. Manufacture of photographic imaging and equipment takes place within the Rochester area. various products of the state of New York include electric equipment, scientific instrument, chemical products and machinery. New York State is a main agricultural producer generating over $3 billion in agricultural products from farmland which covers roughly one quarter of its total land area. Major products include cattle and other livestock, dairy, vegetables, nursery stock, apples and maple syrup. No other state produces as much cabbage as the state of New York.
New York State has a larger economy compared to a lot of independent nations. In fact, it ranks as the 16th biggest economy in the world behind Turkey. The average per capita income is $46,364.
In the year 2007, the state's exports totaled more than $71.1 billion. The main exports were computers and electronics, foodstuffs, minerals, commodities, auto parts and cut diamonds. Other than Canada, its biggest markets for exports are Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Israel.