New York Overview

New York is undoubtly one of the world's greatest cities offering something for everyone.

Different feelings are shown by people when they describe New York Gritty, determined, rough around the edges and resilient are all adjectives that come to mind when dealing with New York City or the New Yorkers who populate it. Although the recent history of 9/11 has marred the city economically, it is slowly rebounding with tourists and remains one of the great cities and cultural centers on the globe.

Over 8 million people live in this town (18 million in the metropolitan area) from 5 main mixed ethnic groups: 29% black, 27% white, 25% Hispanic, 13% Native American and 6% Asian.

New York facts and figures

Area : 141,205 Km or 54,556 square miles (27th)

Population : 8,008,278 (inner city) - 18 million (metropolitan area)

Time zone : GMT -5 (GMT -4 from last Sunday in April to last Saturday in October)

Electricity : 110/120 volts, 60Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard.

Average January temp : 0°C (32°F)

Average July temp : 25°C (77°F)

Annual rainfall : 1200mm (47.3 inches)

Airports : John F Kennedy - LaGuardia - Newark - Teterboro - Westchester - Islip (MacArthur)

Parks : 147 officially registered parks spread across various districts