Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C.
Federal district
District of Columbia
Country	United States
Founded	July 16, 1790
Government
• Mayor	Muriel Bowser
Area
• Total	68.34 sq mi (177.0 km2)
• Land	61.05 sq mi (158.1 km2)
• Water	7.29 sq mi (18.9 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	689,545
• Density	10,000/sq mi (3,900/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes	20001-20098, 20201-20599
Area code(s)	202

Washington, D.C., formally known as the District of Columbia, is the capital city of the United States. It was established by the Constitution of the United States to serve as the nation's capital. Named after George Washington, the first President of the United States, and Christopher Columbus, the city is located on the east coast of the country along the Potomac River.

History

Washington, D.C.'s history began with the signing of the Residence Act on July 16, 1790, which approved the creation of a national capital on the Potomac River. The land was subsequently ceded by Maryland and Virginia, and the city was officially founded in 1791. The design of the city was entrusted to Pierre Charles L'Enfant, a French-born architect who laid out the streets in a grid pattern interspersed with diagonal avenues.

Government

As the capital, Washington, D.C. hosts all three branches of the U.S. federal government, including the President's residence and workplace, the White House, the United States Congress, and the Supreme Court of the United States. The city is unique in that it does not belong to any state and is instead governed by a federal district. The local government is headed by a mayor and a city council, but Congress has the authority to overturn local laws and appropriate local funds.

Geography

Washington, D.C. is bordered by the states of Maryland to the north, northeast, and southeast, and Virginia to the south and west. The district 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 geography of Washington is characterized by its flatness and the presence of the Potomac River, which flows from northwest to southeast.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Washington, D.C. had a population of 689,545. The city has a diverse population, with a significant percentage of African American residents. The demographic makeup has been evolving, with an increase in various ethnic and racial groups.

Culture

Washington, D.C. is a cultural center with numerous museums, theaters, and galleries, including the Smithsonian Institution, which houses many free museums and the National Zoo. The city is also known for its national monuments and memorials, such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

Economy

The economy of Washington, D.C. is primarily driven by the federal government, though tourism is also a significant industry. The city attracts millions of visitors each year to its historical sites and cultural institutions. Additionally, there are growing sectors in education, finance, public policy, and scientific research.

Education

Washington, D.C. is home to several major universities and colleges, including George Washington University, Georgetown University, and Howard University. The district also has a public school system that includes elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as public charter schools and private schools.

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure of Washington, D.C. includes a comprehensive network of roads, highways, and public transit systems, including the Washington Metro, a subway system that serves the area. The city also has two major airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.