Brooklyn, named after the Dutch town of Breukelen, was established in the 17th century and became a bustling port city along New York Harbor by the 19th century. On January 1, 1898, after decades of political debate and public campaigns, Brooklyn was consolidated into New York City under the Greater New York municipal charter, despite local opposition. Though now fully integrated into the city’s five-borough structure, Brooklyn retains its distinctive cultural identity, with many neighborhoods serving as ethnic enclaves. Approximately one-fifth of its population is Jewish, making Brooklyn a global center for Jewish culture. The borough’s official motto, displayed on its seal and flag, is Eendraght Maeckt Maght, Dutch for “Unity makes strength.”

Brooklyn is home to a variety of educational institutions, including Brooklyn College, Medgar Evers College, and the College of Technology under the City University of New York system, as well as private schools such as Pratt Institute, Long Island University, and the New York University Tandon School of Engineering. In sports, the borough hosts the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty at the Barclays Center, a major entertainment and sporting venue.

In the 21st century, Brooklyn has experienced a renaissance, attracting young professionals and artists, often referred to as hipsters, leading to gentrification, rising property values, and challenges with housing affordability. Modern development projects are increasingly required to include affordable housing units. Beyond real estate, Brooklyn has become a hub for entrepreneurship, high-tech startups, postmodern art, and innovative design, blending its historical roots with modern creativity. Today, Brooklyn represents a dynamic borough where tradition, culture, and innovation coexist, shaping it into one of New York City’s most influential and iconic areas.