Washington DC

Washington, D.C.‏‎ is the capital city of the United States. It is located on the east coast of the country, bordered by the states of Maryland and Virginia. The city is named after George Washington, the first President of the United States, and (the 'D.C.' stands for 'District of Columbia') is a reference to Christopher Columbus, the explorer who is often credited with discovering America.

Washington, D.C. is unique among American cities because it was established by the Constitution of the United States to serve as the nation's capital. It is not part of any state and is instead a federal district, under the direct jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress.

The city is home to all three branches of the federal government, as well as many national monuments and museums, primarily situated on or around the National Mall. The city hosts 177 foreign embassies as well as the headquarters of many international organizations, trade unions, non-profit organizations, lobbying groups, and professional associations.

History

Washington, D.C. was founded on July 16, 1790. The Residence Act approved the creation of a capital district as permitted by the U.S. Constitution. The District is under the exclusive jurisdiction of Congress and is therefore not a part of any U.S. state.

Government

As the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C. is a significant hub for American politics and foreign policy. The city hosts the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Supreme Court, and other government buildings. The Mayor of Washington, D.C. is the head of the local government, which has limited autonomy.

Geography

Washington, D.C. is located in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. East Coast. The city has an area of 68.34 square miles, of which 61.05 square miles is land and 7.29 square miles is water.

Economy

The economy of Washington, D.C. is diverse, with a mix of government, professional services, and tourism being the largest sectors. The gross state product in 2018 was $141 billion, which would rank it No. 34 among U.S. states.

Demographics

As of 2020, the District had a population of over 700,000 residents, with a larger metropolitan area population of over 6 million.

Culture

Washington, D.C. is a prominent center for national and international media. The city is a hub for American history and culture, with a plethora of museums, galleries, and performance venues.

Education

The city is home to several universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions, including George Washington University, Georgetown University, and Howard University.

Transportation

Washington, D.C. is served by several airports, including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. The city's public transportation includes the Washington Metro and DC Circulator.