Albany is one of the oldest cities in the United States, it's the capital of New York State and Albany County. The city is located on the west bank of the Hudson River 150 mi north of New York.
In Albany, there are a little less than 100 thousand inhabitants, 98424 as of 2013. Together with its suburb of Colonie and the neighboring cities of Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, and others forms Albany region, called Capital district. In total, the Capital District is home to about 1,1 million people. In the city and suburbs are stated administration, offices, departments, and seven universities.
Before European colonization, the Iroquois lived in the vicinity of Albany. In 1609, the traveler Henry Hudson discovered the island of Manhattan and swam upstream of the river, which today bears his name. Swimming over just in that place where the modern Albany. The city grew around small Dutch trading posts-the Nassau Fort, built in 1614, and the Fort Orange, built in 1624. The settlers settled around Fort Orange, engaged in fur business and founded a village called Beverwijck. Later, in 1664 the British took control of the area and renamed the city to Albany in honor of James II, bearing the title of Duke of Albany (Albany — the name of the historical region of Scotland).
Since the late 18th century and for most of the 19th century, Albany has been an important transportation hub. Located at the end of the navigable part of the Hudson River, the city became the center of transportation of timber and other goods. By the early 19th century, the city was among the ten most populated cities in the United States. Iron foundries attracted thousands of immigrants to the city. During the great depression, the city was the center of alcohol smuggling from Canada to the United States.
Albany's economy is based on the administrative sector, education, and medicine. The local economy is less susceptible to economic problems due to the large administrative component, which includes a large number of institutions and agencies, both urban and New York State. About a quarter of the employed population in one form or another works for the state. A large number of people come to Albany to work every day. It is believed that during working hours the number of people in the city exceeds 160,000 people.
Albany International Airport is located 6,2 miles north-west of the city and is very busy. Every day, an average of 180 flights-landings take place in dozens of different directions, including Canada.
Albany offers furnished rooms for students, interns, and working professionals looking for flexible monthly stays.
