Straten Island is the least populous of the five boroughs of New York City, and is separated from it geographically by New York Bay. The borough is coextensive with Richmond County, which was renamed in 1975. It is the most suburban borough, with the most notable housing districts being located in the North Shore, whilst the East Shore boasts a 2.5 mile F.D.R. Boardwalk which is the fourth longest in the world.

Historically the central and southern parts of the island were home to dairy and poultry farms which now have almost entirely disappeared.

Inhabitants who feel neglected by the city government often call it the 'forgotten borough'.