Long Island

Long Island is a densely populated island in the southeast part of the U.S. state of New York, in the northeastern United States. At New York Harbor, it is approximately 0.35 miles (0.56 km) from Manhattan Island and extends eastward over 100 miles (160 km) into the Atlantic Ocean. The island comprises four counties; Kings County and Queens County (which together make up New York City) on the west, then Nassau County and Suffolk County on the east.

Geography

Long Island is the largest and the longest island in the contiguous United States. It extends from New York Harbor into the Atlantic ocean. The island is part of the outer Barrier island array associated with the Atlantic coastal plain, and is the result of glacial moraine deposited at the end of the last Ice Age.

History

Long Island had been inhabited by the Native Americans for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The first European to explore the area was Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524. The Dutch settled in the area in the 1620s, followed by the English in the 1630s. The island played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War.

Economy

Long Island's economy is diverse and largely based on aviation, telecommunications, technology, healthcare, education, and agriculture. It is home to the East Coast's largest industrial park, the Hauppauge Industrial Park.

Demographics

As of the 2010 census, Long Island had a population of 7,568,304, making it the most populated island in any U.S. state or territory. It is also the 17th-most populous island in the world, ahead of Ireland, Jamaica, and Hokkaido.

Transportation

Long Island is well connected by transportation systems. The Long Island Rail Road is the busiest commuter railroad in North America, extending from Manhattan to the eastern tip of Suffolk County. Long Island also has an extensive network of roads and highways and is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Long Island MacArthur Airport.

Education

Long Island is home to numerous renowned research institutions. Among these are Stony Brook University, Hofstra University, and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Public primary and secondary education is provided by numerous school districts, as well as several private schools.

Culture

Long Island has a rich cultural history. It has been a favorite home to many famous artists, writers, and celebrities. The island is also known for its strong commitment to the arts, with numerous music festivals, art galleries, and theaters.

Long Island Resources
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