Explore map of Washington DC, also known as the District of Columbia, is the capital of the United States of America, it shares borders with Virginia and Maryland. Its total area is 177 square kilometer and its population is 689,545 as per Census 2020.
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National Mall
Lincoln Memorial
Washington Monument
United States Capitol
White House
Smithsonian Institution Museums
National Air and Space Museum
National Museum of American History
National Museum of Natural History
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Jefferson Memorial
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
World War II Memorial
Arlington National Cemetery
Library of Congress
Ford's Theatre
Tidal Basin
Georgetown Historic District
About Washington D.C.
Washington DC, the formal name of the city is District of Columbia, is the nation’s capital. It was established on July 16, 1790 when Congress passed the Residence Act which established a neutral federal district which would not belong to any of the states. The city was designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, who had a layout of wide avenues, open spaces and key government buildings. The district was named after George Washington, the first president of the United States, and "Columbia" is a poetic name for America for the country.
Geography and Location
Washington DC is on the east coast of United States, on the Potomac River, and is surrounded by Maryland on the north, east, and west and by Virginia on the south. It is only 68.34 square miles (177.0 km²) but is very densely populated with more than 700,000 residents. The population of the greater Washington metropolitan area, which includes parts of Maryland and Virginia, is more than 6 million people, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. The climate is humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C).
Government and Political Significance
As the capital of the nation Washington DC is home to the three branches of the U.S. government (executive, White House, legislative, U.S. Capitol, and judicial, Supreme Court). Headquartered in the district are numerous federal agencies including the FBI, CIA, and the Department of Defense. The city also hosts over 175 embassies and international organizations, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) it is also a center of global diplomacy. Washington DC, unlike states, does not have voting representation in Congress, but its residents do participate in presidential elections and elect a nonvoting delegate to the House of Representatives.
Economy and Employment
Washington DC’s economy is based on the federal government, international organizations, tourism and technology. The government sector creates a large part of the workforce, but the city has also been able to build up a strong private sector, with developing industries in technology, education, finance and healthcare. The tourism industry brings in billions of dollars every year, and more than 20 million visitors come to see historic landmarks and museums each year.
Education and Research Institutions
It has several prestigious universities including Georgetown University, George Washington University, Howard University and American University. They are a source of R&D and capacity building of the workforce. Washington, D.C. also has one of the nation's highest rates of college educated population, with 58% of the adults having a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Cultural and Historical Landmarks
Washington DC is the nation’s capital and has a rich history and culture with some of the most iconic landmarks of the United States. The two-mile long National Mall is home to the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and U.S. Capitol building. The Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex, offers free admission to museums such as the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History. Other major attractions include the Library of Congress, Ford’s Theatre, and the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Washington D.C. has a well developed system of public transportation, which is headed by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The Metrorail system, with six lines and 91 stations, is used by millions of commuters every year. The city is also served by major highways and has three international airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
Demographics and Diversity
Washington DC is one of the most racially diverse cities in the United States. African Americans are about 45% of the population, Whites (41%), Hispanics or Latinos (11%), and Asians (5). The district has a quite visible and strong LGBTQ+ community, which puts the city among the most LGBTQ-friendly in the country.
