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A presentation on Manhattan
Introduction
Manhattan is a global powerhouse. It shapes the world through its iconic skyscrapers, vibrant cultures, and leadership in business, fashion, and entertainment. From historic landmarks to modern industry, the borough remains the pulsing heart of American life.
aka The city that never sleeps.
01 · DEMOGRAPHICS
Manhattan is home to 1.66 million residents. The population is 45% white, 24% Hispanic, 13% Black, and 13% Asian.
Over 35% of residents speak a language other than English at home, including Spanish, Mandarin, French, and Russian.
Manhattan's population reflects immigration from around the world, making it one of the most culturally diverse places in the United States.
02 · HISTORY
Before European colonization, Manhattan was home to the Indigenous Lenape people. In 1626, Dutch colonial authorities claimed to have purchased Manhattan Island from the Lenape. In 1664, the English took control and renamed the settlement New York.
The name Manhattan comes from the Indigenous Lenape name Mannahatta, often translated as "island of many hills." The island's original landscape included forests, hills, streams, and wetlands.
03 · GEOGRAPHY
Manhattan is an island bordered by the Hudson River to the west, the East River, and the Harlem River.
Manhattan is divided into three main sections.
Manhattan has an extensive subway system connecting its neighborhoods to the other boroughs. The Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan to Brooklyn. The George Washington Bridge connects Upper Manhattan to New Jersey. The Queensboro Bridge connects Manhattan to Queens. The Roosevelt Island Tramway provides an aerial connection between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island.
04 · September 11th, 2001 (9/11)
September 11, 2001, was one of the most tragic days in American history.
On that morning, al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two planes were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. Both towers collapsed.
The area had to undergo years of rebuilding. Security and emergency response procedures changed throughout the country. One World Trade Center was built as part of the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan and represents remembrance and resilience.
2,753 people lost their lives, that includes residents, workers, firefighters, and police officers. Families and communities were deeply affected. Businesses and the surrounding economy suffered major losses.
Today, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum honors the victims and preserves the history of the attacks.
sidebar: the actual research behind 9/11 broke my heart.
05 · LIVING STANDARDS AND EDUCATION
Manhattan offers many opportunities, but the cost of living is very high. Housing and rent are among the most expensive in New York City. Residents have access to hospitals, public transportation, restaurants, parks, and entertainment. There are many employment opportunities in finance, education, healthcare, technology, and tourism. However, not everyone earns enough to afford the cost of living. Some families struggle with housing expenses, groceries, and childcare. In 2024, Manhattan's median household income was approximately $110,000, but its poverty rate was still 15.6%.
The borough hosts world-class institutions like Columbia, NYU, Juilliard, and The City College of New York. Approximately 64.3% of Manhattan residents aged 25 and older have a bachelor's degree or higher (2024 estimates). Manhattan also has a strong public school system, although educational opportunities and resources can differ between neighborhoods.
06 · LANDMARKS
This 843-acre urban oasis was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.
These iconic towers serve as the defining pillars of the global city skyline.
Famous for bright billboards, entertainment, and New Year's Eve celebrations.
Although The Statue Of Liberty is not located on Manhattan Island it is still a major landmark associated with New York City
07 · CULTURE TODAY
Manhattan is home to many different backgrounds, religions, and traditions. It’s honestly the different communities that help shape the borough's identity.
These communities contribute to Manhattan's food, music, fashion, art, festivals, and everyday life.
08 · KNOWN FOR
Manhattan is known for it's immersive energy, where dreams are chased, cultures collide, and the city never truly sleeps.
Manhattan is one of the world's most important financial centers. Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange attract investors, major corporations, and financial institutions from around the world.
Manhattan is famous for Broadway shows, live performances, music, television, and theater. People travel from all over the world to experience its entertainment industry.
Manhattan is a major fashion capital. It is known for designer brands, luxury shopping, fashion events, and New York Fashion Week. Fifth Avenue is especially famous for shopping.
Manhattan offers food from nearly every corner of the world. From Chinatown to Little Italy and Koreatown, its restaurants reflect the cultures and traditions of its residents.
Manhattan is recognized for its impressive skyline, historic buildings, luxury apartments, and famous skyscrapers. Its architecture represents different periods of American development.
Manhattan has influenced jazz, hip-hop, R&B, theater, photography, and visual arts. Harlem, Greenwich Village, and the Lower East Side have all played important roles in music and artistic movements.
Millions of visitors come to Manhattan to experience its landmarks, museums, parks, shopping districts, restaurants, and entertainment.
Manhattan is home to prestigious universities, research institutions, libraries, and museums. It attracts students, educators, researchers, and professionals from around the world.
09 · PRESIDENT, MAYOR, & GOVERNOR
Manhattan is a borough of New York City and does not have its own president, mayor or governor.
The current President of the United States is Donald Trump, whose term is finally coming to an end.
The current Mayor of New York City is Zohran Mamdani, His main priorities include making the city more affordable, expanding affordable housing and childcare, and improving public transportation.
The current Governor of New York State is Kathy Hochul, Her priorities include improving public safety, creating jobs, supporting education, investing in infrastructure, and making life more affordable for New Yorkers.
10 · ECONOMY
Skyrocketing housing costs and commercial rents displace local families and businesses.
Maintaining century-old subway, water, and electrical grids requires massive investment.
The borough faces one of the largest income gaps between extreme wealth and poverty.
10.1 · AFFORDABILITY
Housing is the biggest cost for most families. In 2026 the typical Manhattan apartment rents for more than $5,000 a month, the highest on record.
In 2023 only 1.4% of New York City's rental apartments were empty and available, the lowest in more than 50 years. When so few homes are open, prices rise.
Rising rents displace local families and long-time small businesses, and make it hard for workers like teachers and nurses to live near their jobs.
$5,000+ typical monthly rent in Manhattan, 2026
1.4% of NYC rental apartments vacant, 2023
15.6% of Manhattan residents living in poverty, 2024
10.2 · AGING INFRASTRUCTURE
The subway opened in 1904 and runs all day and all night. Some of its signals are close to 100 years old, which leads to delays and expensive repairs.
Many of the water mains, steam pipes, and electrical lines below Manhattan were laid about a century ago. When one breaks, whole blocks can flood or lose service.
Since January 2025, drivers pay a $9 toll to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. It cut traffic and raises money to repair subways and buses.
1904 the year the subway opened
$68 billion plan to repair and upgrade the region's transit, 2025 to 2029
$9 toll to drive into Manhattan below 60th Street
10.3 · INCOME INEQUALITY
Manhattan has the biggest gap between rich and poor of any large county in the United States.
In 2022 the top fifth of households earned about $545,000 on average. The bottom fifth earned about $10,000.
Wealth and poverty sit only a few subway stops apart. The gap affects housing, health, and schools, so opportunities can differ from one neighborhood to the next.
53× gap between the top and bottom fifth of households, 2022
$545,000 average income, top fifth
$10,000 average income, bottom fifth
11 · NOTABLE PEOPLE
Theodore and Eleanor Roosevelt were both born here. Their leadership in public service helped define the city's civic spirit.
Alicia Keys and Lin-Manuel Miranda rose from local roots to global fame. Their music captures the heartbeat and energy of Manhattan.
11.1 · NOTABLE PEOPLE
1858 born at 28 East 20th Street, near Gramercy Park
1895 put in charge of the city's police
26th President of the United States
11.2 · NOTABLE PEOPLE
1884 born on West 37th Street in Manhattan
1933 became First Lady of the United States, serving until 1945
1948 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is adopted
11.3 · NOTABLE PEOPLE
1981 born in Hell's Kitchen, on Manhattan's West Side
Age 7 started learning classical piano
2009 “Empire State of Mind” is released
11.4 · NOTABLE PEOPLE
1980 born in Upper Manhattan, raised in Inwood
2008 In the Heights opens on Broadway
11 Tony Awards won by Hamilton
Everything on the slides, in reading order. Click any title or thumbnail to jump straight to that slide.