Long Island is a densely populated island in the southeastern part of the state of New York, United States, situated just east of Manhattan. It is known for its significant influence on American history, culture, economy, and politics.
Long Island stretches 118 miles (190 km) in length, making it the largest island in the contiguous United States. It is divided into four counties: Kings (Brooklyn), Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk. The western part, consisting of Brooklyn and Queens, is part of New York City, while the eastern part includes Nassau and Suffolk Counties, often referred to as the suburbs of New York City.
The economy of Long Island is diverse, encompassing sectors like finance, insurance, real estate, healthcare, education, and high-tech industries. There's also significant tourism, particularly in areas like the Hamptons and along the South Shore.
Long Island is well-connected by road and rail:
Long Island is home to several prestigious universities and colleges including Stony Brook University, Hofstra University, and Adelphi University.
Long Island has a rich cultural scene with numerous museums, theaters, and historic sites. It is also known for its contributions to music, with famous artists like Billy Joel and Pat Benatar hailing from here.