The Bronx is New York City's northernmost borough, coterminous with Bronx County. It is the only one of the city's five boroughs situated primarily on the United States mainland rather than on an island. As of 2005, the United States Census Bureau estimated that the borough's population was 1,357,589. If all five boroughs were independent cities, the Bronx would rank as the ninth most populous city in the United States. Its population has increased since a decline that began after the 1960 census. The borough had its peak population in 1950. [2] The Bronx is the fourth most populous of New York City's five boroughs, and Bronx County is the fifth most populous county in the New York Metropolitan Area.

With almost 2.5 million people, Brooklyn is the most populated borough in New York City. It is also the second most densely populated borough in New York City.

Queens was established in 1683 as one of the original 12 counties of New York and was named for the then-queen consort, Catherine of Braganza, wife of Charles II. The borough is often considered one of the more suburban boroughs of New York City. Neighborhoods in eastern Queens have a look and feel similar to the bordering suburbs of western Nassau County. In its western and central sections, however, Queens is home to many urban neighborhoods and several central business districts. Long Island City, on the Queens' waterfront across from Manhattan, is the site of the Citicorp Building, the tallest skyscraper in New York City outside of Manhattan.