New York

A city of superlatives and mind-blowing contrasts, the ‘City That Never Sleeps’, NYC or the ‘Big Apple’ are just some of the numerous ways New York can be called. The most exciting city in the whole territory of the United States, its unofficial capital of culture and business and the nation’s trendsetter, will represent the subject of my certification paper.

One of the main reasons I chose this topic is the fact that I find New York City the most amazing place I have ever visited. It enchanted me from the moment I landed on JFK airport. The fresh faces of the people, the extravagant culture and also the language instantly grew on me and made me think that this American city represents a whole new world of dreams and opportunities. 

I instantly bound to this colorful and vivid city, being stunned not only by the open-mindedness of the people, but also the refreshing air of rebelliousness and freedom. It struck me as a city of choice and luxury, but extremely permissive at the same time, since all you need is a sparkle of courage and sharpness in order to build a brilliant future.

The history of New York City begins with the Wappinger, a Lenape people, who were Algonquian speaking Native Americans that inhabited Manhattan prior to the arrival of explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524. The founding as "New Amsterdam" by the Dutch in 1624 and the period of English rule and its renaming as "New York City" in 1664 followed. The city was the location for multiple battles of the American Revolutionary War, and served as the capital of the United States until 1790. Modern New York city traces its development to the consolidation of the five boroughs in 1898 and an economic and building boom following the Great Depression and World War II. Throughout its history, New York City has served as a main port of entry for many immigrants, and its cultural and economic influences have made it one of the most important urban areas in the United States, and the world.

New York is the most populous city in the United States, and the center of the New York metropolitan area, which is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. A leading global city, New York exerts a powerful influence over global commerce, finance, media, culture, art, fashion, research, education, and entertainment. As host of the United Nations Headquarters, it is also an important center for international affairs. The city is often referred to as New York City or the City of New York to distinguish it from the state of New York, of which it is a part.