New York is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation\'s third most populous. The state is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east. The state has a maritime border with Rhode Island east of Long Island, as well as an international border with the Canadian provinces of Ontario to the west, and Quebec to the north. New York is often referred to as New York State to distinguish it from New York City.

The most popular tourist destination in New York is undoubtedly Manhattan, only 13 miles long and between one and two miles wide, the island of Manhattan encompasses at least 19 distinct neighbourhoods including the long-established Little Italy, Chinatown, Harlem and Puerto Rican \'Loisada\', plus smaller pockets of Polish, Bengali, Jewish, Korean, German, Ukrainian, Irish, Latino, Haitian and West Indian communities.

Beyond Manhattan lie the four boroughs that make up New York City: Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, each with their own diffuse, evolving communities.

Few other cities could hold together such a complex mix of lifestyles and people.

As it always has been, New York really is the city that never sleeps. From the moment you arrive, there's a tangible energy and a sense of excitement.

For tourists, the temptation is to gorge oneself -there are just so many thrilling places to visit and things to do, great food to be enjoyed and a unique atmosphere that makes you want to stay up late and get up early.

New York is truly one of the world's great cities, so slow down a little to get the most out of it: you're never going to see everything in just one visit.

The atrocities of September 11th 2001 may have laid bare the raw heart of New York, but its spirit remains resplendently intact.