Approximately 77% of the U.S. population lives in urban areas, with more than half concentrated in 37 major cities. These cities shape the culture, traditions, and economy of the United States. In 2004, there were 251 cities in the U.S. with populations exceeding 100,000, and 9 major metropolitan areas with populations over one million, including many significant global cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. If metropolitan areas outside the city centers are included, the United States has 50 metropolitan areas with populations exceeding one million. Furthermore, the United States is the country with the highest number of domestic cities appearing on the annual list of the world's best cities to live in.
