Brooklyn quick facts

• Brooklyn was an independent city until its consolidation with New York City in 1898. Brooklyn's official colors are blue and gold.
• The Dutch were the first Europeans to settle in the area on the western end of Long Island
• 2.5 million people live in Brooklyn
• 50,000 young adults in Brooklyn are out of school and unemployed
• 25 percent of Brooklynites live under the poverty line
• 20 percent of Brooklynites are Hispanic
• 7.5 pecent of Brooklynites are Asian
• Brooklyn Bridge was opened for use on May 24, 1883.
• 38 percent of current Brooklynites are foreign born
• It is said that during the construction of Brooklyn Bridge, as many as 27 people died.
• Brooklyn has 6 percent more women than men.