<P> Long Island is a large , densely - populated island off the East Coast of the United States , beginning at New York Harbor just 0.35 miles ( 0.56 km ) from Manhattan Island and extending eastward into the Atlantic Ocean . The island comprises four counties in the U.S. state of New York : Kings and Queens ( which comprise the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens , respectively ) to the west ; and Nassau and Suffolk to the east . However , many people in the New York metropolitan area ( even those living in Brooklyn and Queens ) colloquially use the term `` Long Island '' ( or `` The Island '' ) exclusively to refer to the Nassau -- Suffolk county area collectively , which is mainly suburban in character . The majority of New York City residents now live on Long Island . </P>
<P> Long Island is a large , densely - populated island off the East Coast of the United States , beginning at New York Harbor just 0.35 miles ( 0.56 km ) from Manhattan Island and extending eastward into the Atlantic Ocean . The island comprises four counties in the U.S. state of New York : Kings and Queens ( which comprise the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens , respectively ) to the west ; and Nassau and Suffolk to the east . However , many people in the New York metropolitan area ( even those living in Brooklyn and Queens ) colloquially use the term `` Long Island '' ( or `` The Island '' ) exclusively to refer to the Nassau -- Suffolk county area collectively , which is mainly suburban in character . The majority of New York City residents now live on Long Island . </P>
where is long island located on a map
where is long island located on a map
East Coast of the United States , beginning at New York Harbor just 0.35 miles ( 0.56 km ) from Manhattan Island and extending eastward into the Atlantic Ocean
East Coast of the United States , beginning at New York Harbor just 0.35 miles ( 0.56 km ) from Manhattan Island and extending eastward into the Atlantic Ocean