New York, located in the northeastern United States, is divided into 62 counties and features numerous cities, with New York City as its largest and most prominent, serving as a global center for finance, culture, and commerce. Other significant cities in the state include Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Albany, the state capital. New York has a population of approximately 19.8 million people, spread across a land area of 54,556 square miles, making it one of the most populous and economically vital states in the country. The state’s geography includes the bustling urban environments of New York City, the scenic Hudson Valley, the Adirondack and Catskill mountains, and the Finger Lakes and Great Lakes regions. Major airports in New York include John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), serving the New York City metropolitan area, as well as Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), and Albany International Airport (ALB). New York is home to some of the nation’s most prestigious universities, including Ivy League schools like Columbia University and Cornell University, as well as New York University (NYU) and the State University of New York (SUNY) system, which has campuses across the state. The state’s healthcare infrastructure is world-class, with major hospitals such as NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, NYU Langone Health, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, along with other leading institutions like Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester and Albany Medical Center. New York’s economy is highly diversified, with finance, technology, healthcare, media, and tourism as key industries. Wall Street in New York City is the heart of the global financial industry, while the state’s upstate regions are known for manufacturing, agriculture, and education. Tourism plays a major role, with millions of visitors each year attracted to landmarks like Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls, and the Adirondacks. Agriculture also contributes significantly, with New York being a top producer of apples, dairy products, and wine. The state’s mix of urban centers, natural landscapes, and historical landmarks, combined with its economic and cultural influence, make New York one of the most important states in the U.S. and the world.