New York, USA

New York City, nicknamed "The Big Apple," was established as a Dutch settlement in 1613. It was originally called New Amsterdam. In 1663, English Puritans took over the region and the city's name was changed to New York, after James, Duke of York. Following the Revolutionary War, New York was the nation's capital from 1788 to 1790. By 1835, it had surpassed Philadelphia as the largest city in America. Millions of immigrants throughout the world soon descended upon the city, which helped shaped its many ethnic neighborhoods and divisions (Chinatown, Little Italy etc.)

Today, New York City is the largest city in the United States. It is a world center of banking, finance, theater, art, fashion, and entertainment. It is home to hundreds of attractions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MOMA), Central Park, Chinatown, and Madison Square Garden. Its most famous landmark, the Statue of Liberty, was designed by F.A.Batholdi, and given to America as a gift of friendship from France in celebration of America's 100th birthday. It has since become an international symbol of America and one of the world's most famous landmarks.

New York City is divided into five boroughs: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island. In 2010 construction on the Freedom Tower is scheduled to be completed. Built as a replacement to the World Trade Centers, and as a monument to victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack, it will be one of the world's tallest building at 1,776 feet.

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