New York, commonly referred to as New York Metropolis to differentiate it from New York State, or simply NYC, is the most populous city in the United States and the country's financial capital. New York Metropolis is also the most densely populated large city in the United States, with an estimated 2020 population of 8,804,190 people spread over 300.46 square miles (778.2 km2), according to the Census Bureau. The city, which is located at the southernmost tip of the state of New York, serves as the focal point of the New York metropolitan region, which is the world's biggest metropolitan area by urban area. With more than 20 million people living in its metropolitan statistical area and roughly 23 million in its combined statistical area, it is one of the world's most populated megacities, ranking second only to New York City in terms of population. Known as the "cultural, financial, and media capital of the world," New York City has had a significant impact on commerce, entertainment, research, technology, education, politics, tourism, art, fashion, and sporting events, and it is the most photographed city on the planet. It is the most visited city in the world. New York, that serves as the headquarters of the United Nations, is a significant hub for international diplomacy and has been referred to as the "capital of the world."
Many neighbourhoods and monuments in New York City are significant landmarks, including three of the world's top 10 most visited tourist sites in 2013, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. In 2019, a record 66.6 million visitors came to New York City, setting a new record. A significant heart of the world's entertainment industry, Times Square is a brilliantly lit hub of the Broadway Theater District, one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings, and one of the world's busiest pedestrian intersections. There are several well-known attractions, such as iconic buildings, skyscrapers, and parks, in and around the city. Since its construction, the Empire State Building has served as a worldwide reference for describing the height and length of other buildings. Manhattan's real estate market is one of the most expensive in the world, ranking among the most expensive in the world. The New York City Subway, with 472 rail stations, is the world's largest single-operator rapid transit system, providing continuous 24/7 service and contributing to the nickname "The City That Never Sleeps." The New York City Subway is the world's largest single-operator rapid transit system, with 472 rail stations. New York City is residence to even more over 120 universities and colleges, including Columbia University, State University Of new york, Rockefeller University, and the City University of New York system, which is the largest urban public university system in the United States and includes Columbia University, New York University, and Rockefeller University. New York City, which is anchored by Wall Street in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, has been referred to as both the world's leading financial centre and the most financially powerful city in the world. It is also home to the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ, which are the world's two largest stock exchanges by total market capitalization, respectively.