Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and also known as D.C. or just Washington, is the capital city of the United States. It is located on the east coast of the U.S., bordering the states of Maryland and Virginia.

History[edit | edit source]

Washington, D.C. was founded on July 16, 1790, and it became the U.S. capital in 1800. The city was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. The term "D.C." stands for "District of Columbia," which refers to the federal district where the city is located.

Government[edit | edit source]

As the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. is the center of all three branches of the U.S. federal government. The White House, the official residence and workplace of the President, the United States Capitol, where the United States Congress meets, and the Supreme Court of the United States are all located in D.C.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Washington, D.C. is located in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. East Coast. The city has a total area of 68.34 square miles, of which 61.05 square miles is land and 7.29 square miles is water. The Potomac River flows through the District.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Washington, D.C. is home to numerous national landmarks and is a popular tourist destination. The National Mall is a large, open park in downtown Washington between the Lincoln Memorial and the United States Capitol. The city is also home to many museums and galleries, such as the Smithsonian Institution.

Cuisine[edit | edit source]

The cuisine of Washington, D.C. reflects its cosmopolitan nature. The city is known for a variety of foods, including its own style of pizza, the jumbo slice, half-smoke sausages, and a wide range of international cuisines.

Education[edit | edit source]

Washington, D.C. is home to many colleges and universities, including George Washington University, Georgetown University, and Howard University. The city's public school system, the District of Columbia Public Schools, is one of the largest in the country.