New York is the most populous city in the United States of America, cosmopolitan for excellence, and it remains one of the most sought destinations, a set that never ceases to inspire writers and directors. New York cradle of art, design, architecture and music. Place of dreams and emblem of the new world. Located on the east coast of North America it is located at the mouth of the Hudson River which is also the point where the large island of Long Island is closest to the Continent, from which it is separated only by the East River Strait. This particular topography has meant that the city became one of the most important ports in the world since the colonial era. Of the five districts into which the city is divided only the Bronx is located on the actual continent, while Brooklyn and Queens occupy the western end of Long Island, and the others (Manhattan and Staten Island) occupy two intermediate-sized islands of the same name.