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.
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