Manhattan

Manhattan is an island borough of New York City located at the mouth of the Hudson River. It is one of five boroughs that make up a densely populated urban area known as Metropolitan New York, and it comprises most of the city’s population and economic activity. Manhattan has been described as “the cultural, financial, media and entertainment capital” of both America and the world due to its global influence in commerce, finance, culture, art, fashion, research and education. The Borough consists largely of Manhattan Island itself but also includes several small adjacent islands such as Roosevelt Island and Governors Island along with Marble Hill which are situated on U.S mainland contiguous landmass just across from Bronx County in East Harlem.

The history of Manhattan stretches back to 1624 when Dutch settlers purchased Manhattan from Native Americans for 60 guilders worth approximately $1000 US dollars today according to current exchange rates after negotiations between Peter Minuit (Director General) representing their newly formed colony called New Netherland based out what would become Lower state Street in lower-manhattan now referred to simply “Wall Street” . This event marks beginning modern European settlement within present day NYC limits however archaeological evidence suggests human activity dating back nearly 11000 years ago prior colonization by Europeans through various peoples including Lenape Indians who occupied region until 17th century before being displaced during expansionist colonial era efforts spearheaded primarily dutch colonists due strategic location near waterways leading into interior regions North American continent thus becoming epicenter future development eventually culminating formation 5 distinct Boroughs we know today collectively making up largest metropolitan area United States having grown exponentially since period early trading settlements established mid 1600’s which still currently serves major hub international trade finance business services technology communications tourism healthcare higher education government infrastructure transportation manufacturing retail recreation sports entertainment among other things attracting millions visitors annually over 40 million estimated 2017 alone contributing substantial portion regional GDP growth housing variety ethnic cultures nationalities religions backgrounds throughout course centuries demonstrating diversity integration amongst people solidarity shared values principles despite differences opinions beliefs socioeconomic classes