New York is a state within the northeastern United States. New York State should not be confused with the city of New York. Although Albany is the capital city of New York State, the most heavily populated city is the city of New York. In reality, New York City is the most densely inhabited city within the nation with a population of more than eight million.
The Lenape, Iroquois and Algonquian Native American nations inhabited the area currently known as the state of New York when Dutch settlers arrived during the early 17th century. Henry Hudson claimed the region for the Dutch in the year 1609 and a fort was constructed near the location of present-day Albany. The Dutch formed the colony of New Netherland, which was taken over by the British during the year 1664.
New York State is bordered by the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania towards the south, and Vermont, Connecticut and Massachusetts towards the east. New York State has a maritime border with the state of Rhode Island east of Long Island. The state of New York shares an international border with Canada to the west and north, which makes Canada a vital economic partner in terms of exports and tourism. Canada receives the biggest share of total global exports. Individuals from Canada spend close to $500 million on an annual basis while visiting New York.
The city of New York attracts visitors from various states, Canada and all over the world. The city enjoys unequaled renown as a major worldwide center for finance, culture, manufacturing and transportation. The city is home of the New York Stock Exchange, the biggest stock exchange within the world by dollar volume. Numerous key corporations have their headquarters here. New York City played an essential part in the development of the country as the gateway for immigration to the United States.
Situated within upstate New York is a huge concentration of manufacturing companies producing several products, consisting of printed products, garments, furs, railroad equipment and bus line vehicles. In Hudson Valley and Albany, there is production of nanotechnology and microchip manufacturing. Manufacture of photographic equipment and imaging takes place in the Rochester area. Other products of New York include electric equipment, scientific instrument, chemical products and machinery. The state of New York is a major agricultural producer generating over $3 billion in agricultural products from farmland which covers about one quarter of its total land area. Major products consist of dairy, cattle and other livestock, vegetables, nursery stock, maple syrup and apples. No other state produces as much cabbage as the state of New York.
The state of New York's economy is bigger compared to most independent countries, ranking 16th behind Turkey as the largest economy within the world. The average per capita income is $46,364.
In 2007, the state's exports totaled more than $71.1 billion. The main exports were computers and electronics, foodstuffs, minerals, commodities, cut diamonds and auto parts. Besides Canada, its biggest markets for exports are the UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Israel.