New York is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. California surpasses it in terms of population and manufacturing but the Empire State, the state’s nickname, influences much of the country’s politics, culture, commerce, and finance. Although New York City is the largest city in the country, much of New York is still rural. Albany is its state capital.

Named for the duke of York in the 1660s, New York is rich in history, starting with the Native Americans’ first occupation in its shores and river valleys. It became the 11th of the original 13 Union states on July 26, 1788.

With its colorful history and scenic attractions, particularly in New York City, it has become a very popular vacation destination. Perhaps its most famous natural spectacle is Niagara Falls, but there also are the Statue of Liberty, the national monument located on Liberty Island; Adirondacks’ Mount Marcy; the Empire State Building; the Palisades of the Hudson River; the series of caves in Howe Caverns; St. Lawrence River’s Thousand Islands; Long Island’s sandy beaches; Saratoga Springs; the Finger Lakes.

Manhattan Island houses the headquarters of the United Nations, and other places one would want to visit in the state are the ski centers in Saranac Lake in winter, and horse race tracks in Saratoga and Goshen and boat racing resorts in Saranac Lake, First Lake and North Creek in the summer. New York City is also known for its parades, particularly the flamboyant Thanksgiving Day parade and Saint Patrick’s Day parades.