Washington, D.C.
| Official name | District of Columbia |
| Type | Capital city |
| Skyline of Washington, D.C. | |
| State | District of Columbia |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1790 |
| Population | 670,000 |
| Area (km²) | 177 |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST/EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 20001–20020 |
| Area code(s) | 202 |
Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia) is the capital of the United States. It is a federal district, not part of any state, and serves as the seat of the U.S. federal government. The city is known for its historic landmarks, political significance, and cultural institutions.
Overview
- Population: ~700,000 (over 6 million in the metro area)
- Founded: 1790, named after George Washington
- Status: Federal district, not a state
- Government presence: All three branches of the U.S. government are headquartered here
Landmarks and Attractions
- The White House
- The U.S. Capitol
- The Supreme Court
- The National Mall
- Lincoln Memorial & Washington Monument
- Smithsonian Institution museums
- Library of Congress
Government and Politics
Washington, D.C. is the center of American political life:
- Home to the President, Congress, and Supreme Court
- Headquarters of many federal agencies and embassies
- Residents have local representation but no voting representation in Congress
Culture and Education
- Diverse population with strong African American roots and international influence
- Dozens of free museums and monuments
- Prestigious universities: Georgetown, George Washington University, Howard University
- Thriving music, theater, and food scenes
Transportation
- Washington Metro (Metrorail) and Metrobus system
- Three major airports: Reagan National, Dulles International, BWI
- Walkable downtown, bike-friendly streets, and rideshares
- Amtrak Union Station connects to other cities on the East Coast
Fun Facts
- The city was designed by French architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant
- No skyscrapers — buildings cannot be taller than the Capitol
- Hosts over 20 million visitors each year