New York has been the most populous city in the United States since 1790, while the New York metropolitan area ranks among the most populous urban areas in the world. A leading global city, New York exerts a powerful influence over worldwide commerce, finance, culture, fashion and entertainment. As host of the United Nations headquarters, it is also an important center for international affairs. The city is sometimes referred to as The City that Never Sleeps, while other nicknames include Gotham and the Big Apple. New York City is an exciting place which attracts visitors from all over the world, who come to see its many world class attractions. Many of New York City's major monuments and attractions are America's iconic landmarks—the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. But that's only the beginning. Every borough offers points of interest and places you'll want to explore. It is also the birthplace of many cultural movements.