Brooklyn : Ask Biography

Administration

Full name

Brooklyn

Official name

Kings County

Settlement type

Borough of New York City

Country

United States

State

New York

County

Kings

City

New York City

Settled

1634

Named for

Breukelen, Netherlands

Government

Type

Borough (New York City)

Borough President

Marty Markowitz (D)

District Attorney

Charles Hynes

Geography

Total Area

96.90 sq mi (251 km2)

Land Area

70.61 sq mi (182.9 km2)

Water Area

26.29 sq mi (68.1 km2)

Demography

Total Population

2504700

Density (pop.)

14033.4/km² (36356/sq mi)

Demonym

Brooklynite

Other information

Postal Code

112 + two digits

Area code

347, 718, 917 929

Home | County | Brooklyn

Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated county in the United States, after New York County (Manhattan). It is also the westernmost county on Long Island.

Brooklyn was an independent city until its consolidation with New York City in 1898, and continues to maintain a distinct culture, independent art scene, and unique architectural heritage. Many Brooklyn neighborhoods are ethnic enclaves where particular ethnic groups and cultures predominate.

Brooklyn's official motto is . Written in the (early modern spelling of the) Dutch language, it is inspired by the motto of the United Dutch Provinces and translated "Unity makes strength". The motto is displayed on the borough seal and flag, which also feature a young robed woman bearing fasces, a traditional emblem of republicanism. Brooklyn's official colors are blue and gold.