Washington DC Map

Explore the map of Washington DC, it serves as both a city and the capital of the United States. Often called just D.C., it shares its space entirely with the District of Columbia. You'll find it situated on the north bank of the Potomac River, right at the spot where goods are transferred from water to land transport. The District is surrounded by Maryland on its north, east, and west sides, while Virginia lies to its south, just across the Potomac River.

Washington DC Map



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About Washington DC Map

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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Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., officially known as the District of Columbia and often referred to as Washington or D.C., is the United States' capital city and a federal district. Located on the Potomac River's east bank, the city shares its southwestern edge with Virginia and is bordered by Maryland to the north and east. Named after George Washington, a key figure in the American Revolutionary War and the first U.S. president, Washington, D.C. holds significant historical importance. The district's name, Columbia, represents the nation in a female form.

As the southern tip of the Northeast megalopolis, Washington, D.C. is part of a major region that includes major cities like Baltimore, Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. Known for its cultural, political, and economic influence, the city is a global political hub, home to the U.S. federal government and numerous international organizations. In 2022, it attracted 20.7 million domestic and 1.2 million international visitors, making it one of the top visited U.S. cities.

The U.S. Constitution establishes Washington, D.C. as a federal district, under Congress's sole jurisdiction. It's not a part of any state, nor is it a state itself. The city's formation along the Potomac River was approved by the Residence Act of 1790. Officially founded in 1791, Congress first met here in 1800. Originally part of Maryland and Virginia, the district included Georgetown and Alexandria before being formally recognized as the federal district in 1801. In 1846, Virginia's portion was returned, and in 1871, a unified municipal government was established for the district, which didn't see locally elected government return until over a century later. Efforts to make the district a state have been ongoing since the 1880s.

Designed by Pierre Charles L'Enfant in 1791, Washington, D.C. is organized into quadrants centered around the Capitol, encompassing 131 neighborhoods. As of the 2020 census, it's the 23rd most populous U.S. city, with a population of 689,545. Daytime population increases with commuters from Maryland and Virginia suburbs. The Washington metropolitan area, including parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, is the sixth-largest in the U.S. with 6.3 million residents.

Washington, D.C. is the location of the three branches of the U.S. federal government: Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court. It houses iconic buildings like the White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court Building. The city is known for its national monuments and museums, mostly around the National Mall. It also hosts 177 foreign embassies and serves as the headquarters for several international organizations like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Numerous industry associations, non-profits, and think tanks, such as the AARP, American Red Cross, and National Geographic Society, are also based in the city.

Since 1973, a locally elected mayor and a 13-member council have governed Washington, D.C., although Congress retains the authority to override local laws. On a federal level, the city's residents face political disenfranchisement, as they don't have voting representation in Congress. They elect a non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives and choose three presidential electors as per the Twenty-third Amendment.

History of Washington, D.C.

When Europeans first came to the region in the early 17th century, the area around the Potomac River and what is now Washington, D.C., was home to various groups of the Piscataway people, also known as the Conoy, who spoke Algonquian. The Nacotchtank, referred to as the Nacostines by Catholic missionaries, had their communities around the Anacostia River in today's Washington, D.C. However, due to conflicts with the European settlers and nearby tribes, the Piscataway people were compelled to move. Some of them set up a new home near Point of Rocks, Maryland, in 1699.

Founding of Washington, D.C.

Before Washington, D.C. became the nation's capital in 1800, Philadelphia had been the capital multiple times during and after the American Revolution. It served this role from May 1775 to July 1776, again from December 1776 to February 1777, then March to September 1777, in July 1778, and from March 1781 to June 1783. Besides Philadelphia, the Continental Congress also met in York, Pennsylvania (September 1777), Princeton, New Jersey (1783), Annapolis, Maryland (November 1783 to August 1784), Trenton, New Jersey (November to December 1784), and New York City (January 1785 to March 1789).

The Pennsylvania Mutiny of 1783, which forced Congress to move to Princeton, led to discussions about a permanent capital. On October 6, 1783, Congress talked about building a federal town near the Delaware River by Trenton or the Potomac River near Georgetown. James Madison, in Federalist No. 43 (January 23, 1788), argued for a national capital under federal control for security and maintenance reasons.

The U.S. Constitution, in Article One, Section Eight, allows for a federal district not larger than ten square miles, formed from land given by states and approved by Congress, to be the U.S. government's seat. The exact location wasn't specified in the Constitution. In the 1790 Compromise, Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson agreed to the federal government paying state debts from the Revolutionary War in return for placing the new capital in the South.

The Residence Act, passed on July 9, 1790, chose the Potomac River for the national capital. President George Washington, who chose the exact spot, signed the act on July 16, 1790. The federal district, donated by Maryland and Virginia, was a 100-square-mile square area, including the existing towns of Georgetown (founded in 1751) and Alexandria, Virginia (founded in 1749).

In 1791 and 1792, Andrew Ellicott's team, including his brothers and African American astronomer Benjamin Banneker, surveyed the district's borders and placed boundary stones every mile, many of which still stand.

The new federal city was built on the Potomac River's north bank, east of Georgetown. On September 9, 1791, the city was named after President Washington, and the district was named Columbia, a feminine form of Columbus and a common poetic name for the U.S. at that time. Congress first met there on November 17, 1800.

The District of Columbia Organic Act of 1801 officially organized the district under federal control, dividing it into Washington County and Alexandria County. After this act, district residents lost their representation in Congress, no longer being considered residents of Maryland or Virginia.

Burning During 1812 War

On August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812, British troops invaded and took over Washington, D.C., after winning against American forces at Bladensburg. This action was in response to the destruction caused by American soldiers in Canada. The British burned several key buildings, including the United States Capitol, the Treasury Building, and the White House. These fires, which gutted the buildings, led to the event being remembered as the burning of Washington. However, a heavy storm forced the British to leave the city after just a day. Most of the damaged government buildings were fixed quickly, but the Capitol, which was still being built at the time, wasn't fully completed until 1868.

Retrocession and Civil War

During the 1830s, Alexandria, a part of the district's southern area, experienced an economic downturn, partly because Congress neglected it. As a significant hub in the domestic slave trade, residents in Alexandria, who largely supported slavery, were worried that anti-slavery members of Congress might abolish slavery in the district, harming the local economy. To address this, Alexandria's residents asked Virginia to reclaim the land it had given for the district, a process called retrocession.

In February 1846, the Virginia General Assembly agreed to take back Alexandria. Later, on July 9, 1846, Congress approved the return of all the land Virginia had contributed to the district when it was formed. This action left the district comprising only the area initially given by Maryland. Confirming Alexandria residents' concerns, the Compromise of 1850 banned the slave trade in the district, although it didn't end slavery itself.

The start of the American Civil War in 1861 resulted in the federal government's expansion and a significant increase in Washington, D.C.'s population, including many freed slaves. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, ending slavery in the district and freeing about 3,100 enslaved individuals, nine months before the national Emancipation Proclamation. In 1868, Congress gave African American men in the district the right to vote in local elections.

Redevelopment and Growth

By 1870, Washington, D.C.'s population had surged by 75% since the last census, reaching nearly 132,000 people. Despite this growth, the city still had unpaved roads and lacked essential sanitation services. Some Congress members thought about relocating the capital further west, but President Ulysses S. Grant dismissed this idea.

In 1871, Congress enacted the Organic Act, which combined the charters of Washington and Georgetown, abolished Washington County, and established a new government for the entire District of Columbia. This act made Washington city and the District of Columbia one and the same legally.

Following this reorganization, President Grant appointed Alexander Robey Shepherd as the Governor of the District of Columbia in 1873. Shepherd initiated major modernization projects that improved the city but also led to the district's financial downfall. In response, Congress set up a three-member board of commissioners in 1874 to govern the district.

The introduction of motorized streetcars in 1888 spurred development beyond the original limits of Washington, leading to district expansion over the following years. Georgetown's infrastructure and administrative systems were fully integrated with Washington's in 1895. However, the city struggled with poor housing and overburdened public services, making it the first in the nation to start urban renewal projects under the early 20th-century City Beautiful movement.

This movement built on the existing L'Enfant Plan, with the McMillan Plan guiding the city's development. It replaced much of the old Victorian Mall with the modern Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts architectural styles, still seen in the city's government buildings today.

The New Deal in the 1930s led to more government buildings, memorials, and museums being built in the district. However, Ross A. Collins, chairman of the House Subcommittee on District Appropriations, controversially cut funds for local welfare and education, citing his constituents' views.

World War II increased the number of federal employees in the city. By 1950, the population of Washington, D.C. reached its highest point of 802,178 residents.

Home Rule Era and Civil Rights

In 1961, the Twenty-third Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was approved, giving Washington, D.C. three electoral votes for presidential elections, but the city's residents still lacked representation in Congress.

Following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, riots erupted in Washington, D.C., especially in predominantly black neighborhoods and commercial areas like U Street, 14th Street, 7th Street, and H Street. These riots lasted three days and only ended when over 13,600 federal troops and local National Guardsmen intervened. The destruction led to burned buildings and stores, and the area's recovery wasn’t complete until the late 1990s.

The District of Columbia Home Rule Act was passed by Congress in 1973, establishing an elected mayor and a 13-member council for the district. In 1975, Walter Washington was elected as the district's first black mayor.

Since the 1980s, efforts for D.C. statehood have gained momentum. A 2016 referendum showed that 85% of Washington, D.C. voters supported statehood, aiming to make it the 51st state. In March 2017, Eleanor Holmes Norton, the city's congressional delegate, proposed a statehood bill. The Washington, D.C., Admission Act was introduced again in 2019 and 2021, passing the House of Representatives in April 2021. However, it didn't advance in the Senate. The bill was reintroduced in January 2023.

Geography of Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is situated in the mid-Atlantic area of the U.S. East Coast. The city covers a total of 68.34 square miles (177 km2), with 61.05 square miles (158.1 km2) as land and 7.29 square miles (18.9 km2) - about 10.67% - as water. It is bordered by Montgomery County, Maryland, to the northwest; Prince George's County, Maryland, to the east; Arlington County, Virginia, to the west; and Alexandria, Virginia, to the south. Washington is located 38 miles (61 km) from Baltimore, 124 miles (200 km) from Philadelphia, 227 miles (365 km) from New York City, 242 miles (389 km) from Pittsburgh, 384 miles (618 km) from Charlotte, and 439 miles (707 km) from Boston.

The Potomac River's south bank marks the border with Virginia and includes major tributaries like the Anacostia River and Rock Creek. Tiber Creek, once flowing through the National Mall, was entirely enclosed underground in the 1870s. This creek was also part of the now-filled Washington City Canal, which allowed passage to the Anacostia River from 1815 to the 1850s. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal begins in Georgetown and was historically used to bypass the Potomac River's Little Falls, located on the city's northwest at the Atlantic Seaboard fall line.

The highest point in Washington, D.C., is 409 feet (125 m) above sea level at Fort Reno Park in upper northwest, and the lowest is at sea level along the Potomac River. The city's geographic center is near the intersection of 4th and L Streets NW.

About 19% of the city's area, 7,464 acres (30.21 km2), is parkland, which is the second-highest percentage among dense U.S. cities, only behind Philadelphia. This abundance of green space contributed to the city ranking third in the 2018 ParkScore rating, which evaluated park access and quality in the nation's 100 most populous cities.

Most of the city's federal land, totaling 9,122 acres (36.92 km2), is managed by the National Park Service. This includes the 1,754-acre (7.10 km2) Rock Creek Park, an urban forest offering a range of flora and fauna. Established in 1890, it's the fourth-oldest national park in the U.S. Other parks managed by the National Park Service include the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, the National Mall and Memorial Parks, and Theodore Roosevelt Island. The District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation maintains numerous athletic fields, pools, and recreation centers, while the United States National Arboretum, a 446-acre (1.80 km2) facility in Northeast Washington, D.C., is operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Climate in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., experiences a humid subtropical climate (classified as Köppen: Cfa) and borders on an oceanic climate (Trewartha: Do) in the downtown area. The winters range from cool to cold, with varying amounts of snow, while the summers are hot and humid. In terms of plant hardiness, downtown is in zone 8a, while other parts of the city fall in zone 7b.

Summers in Washington are particularly hot and humid, with an average temperature in July of around 79.8 °F (26.6 °C) and about 66% average daily humidity. This combination often causes discomfort, and heat indices can reach near 100 °F (38 °C) during peak summer. The city also experiences frequent thunderstorms in summer, some of which can lead to tornadoes in the area.

Every four to six years, on average, Washington is hit by a blizzard. The most severe storms, known as nor'easters, can affect much of the East Coast. The largest snowstorm recorded in Washington since official measurements started in 1885 occurred from January 27 to 28, 1922, with 28 inches (71 cm) of snowfall. Historical notes also mention a snowstorm in January 1772 that brought between 30 and 36 inches (76 and 91 cm) of snow.

Hurricanes or their remnants sometimes affect the area in late summer and early fall, but they often weaken by the time they reach the city because of its inland location. However, the Potomac River can flood due to high tide, storm surge, and runoff, causing significant damage in the Georgetown neighborhood.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Washington was 106 °F (41 °C), reached on August 6, 1918, and July 20, 193

The coldest was −15 °F (−26 °C) on February 11, 1899, just before the Great Blizzard of 1899. Typically, the city sees around 37 days a year with temperatures at or above 90 °F (32 °C) and about 64 nights with temperatures at or below the freezing point of 32 °F (0 °C). The average first day with a temperature at or below freezing is usually around November 18, and the last such day is around March 27.

Overlook

Washington, D.C., was intentionally designed as a city, with its street layout planned from the start. In 1791, President George Washington tasked Pierre (Peter) Charles L'Enfant, a French-born architect, with designing the new capital. Scottish surveyor Alexander Ralston assisted in mapping out the city. The L'Enfant Plan included wide streets and avenues branching from rectangles, allowing space for landscaping. L'Enfant drew inspiration from major cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Karlsruhe, and Milan, influenced by plans Thomas Jefferson sent him. His plan proposed a grand avenue, now the National Mall, about a mile long and 400 feet wide. However, in March 1792, L'Enfant was dismissed due to disagreements with commissioners overseeing the capital's construction. Andrew Ellicott, who had worked with L'Enfant, finished the design. While Ellicott made changes, including altering street layouts, L'Enfant is still recognized for the city's overall design.

By the early 20th century, L'Enfant's grand vision was compromised by unplanned buildings and slums, including a railroad station on the National Mall. Congress appointed a special committee to revitalize the city's core, leading to the McMillan Plan in 1901. This plan focused on redeveloping the Capitol grounds and the National Mall, clearing slums, and creating new parks, adhering closely to L'Enfant's original design.

Washington's skyline remains low due to the federal Height of Buildings Act of 1910, which limits building heights to the width of the adjacent street plus 20 feet. Contrary to common belief, there's no law capping building heights to those of the U.S. Capitol or the Washington Monument, the tallest structure in the district. The height restriction has been criticized for contributing to limited affordable housing and traffic issues due to suburban spread. Despite its high living standards, Washington, D.C., has a relatively high homelessness rate.

The city is divided into four quadrants: Northwest (NW), Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), and Southwest (SW), with the U.S. Capitol at their center. Street names include the quadrant abbreviation and house numbers correspond with the distance from the Capitol. The streets are arranged in a grid, with east-west streets named with letters, north-south streets with numbers, and diagonal avenues often named after states.

Originally, Washington was bordered by Boundary Street (now Florida Avenue), Rock Creek, and the Anacostia River. The city's street grid expanded across the district starting in 1888. Georgetown's streets were renamed in 1895. Notable streets include Pennsylvania Avenue, linking the White House and the Capitol, and K Street, known for its lobbying firms. Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue border the National Mall and are lined with prominent museums and the National Archives. The city also hosts 177 foreign embassies, located mainly along a section of Massachusetts Avenue known as Embassy Row, and over 1,600 residential properties owned by foreign countries.

Architecture of Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.'s architecture is diverse and attracts both tourists and locals. In 2007, the American Institute of Architects listed six of the city's buildings among America's top ten favorites: the White House, Washington National Cathedral, the Jefferson Memorial, the United States Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. These landmarks showcase a mix of neoclassical, Georgian, Gothic, and modern architectural styles.

The city's government buildings, monuments, and museums, especially around the National Mall, draw heavily from ancient Roman and Greek designs. The White House, U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court Building, Washington Monument, National Gallery of Art, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial all feature elements like large pediments, domes, classical columns, and stone walls. Not all of D.C.'s architecture follows this classical trend. The Eisenhower Executive Office Building boasts the French Second Empire style, while the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress and the historic Willard Hotel are examples of the Beaux-Arts style, which was popular globally in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Meridian Hill Park features a cascading waterfall and Italian renaissance-style architecture.

In contrast to these classical styles, the city also embraces modern, postmodern, and contemporary designs. The National Museum of African American History and Culture stands out with its modern design inspired by African art, contrasting with the stone-based neoclassical buildings on the National Mall. The Washington Metro stations and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden reflect the 20th-century Brutalism movement. The Smithsonian Institution Building is built with Seneca red sandstone in the Norman Revival style. The Old Post Office, on Pennsylvania Avenue, was a pioneer in steel frame construction and electrical wiring.

Contemporary urban development includes the Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront, Navy Yard by the Anacostia River, and CityCenterDC downtown. The Wharf, located near the Potomac River, features high-rise buildings for offices and residences, along with street-level restaurants, bars, and shops. These buildings often have modern glass exteriors and are curvilinear in design. CityCenterDC hosts Palmer Alley, a pedestrian walkway, and includes apartment buildings, restaurants, and luxury-brand stores with sleek glass and metal exteriors.

Beyond the downtown area, architectural styles are more varied. Historic buildings display Queen Anne, Châteauesque, Richardsonian Romanesque, Georgian Revival, Beaux-Arts, and various Victorian styles. Post-Civil War rowhouses typically follow Federal and late Victorian designs. Georgetown's Old Stone House, built in 1765, is the oldest in the city. Georgetown University, established in 1789, features a blend of Romanesque and Gothic Revival architecture. The Ronald Reagan Building is the district's largest building by area. Washington Union Station combines several architectural styles, with its Great Hall featuring gold leaf ceilings and classical-style statues.

Demographics of Washington, D.C.



Demographic Profile202020101,99019701940
White39.60%38.50%29.60%27.70%71.50%
Non-Hispanic whites38.00%34.80%27.40%26.50%71.40%
Black or African American41.40%50.70%65.80%71.10%28.20%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)11.30%9.10%5.40%2.10%0.10%
Asian4.80%3.50%1.80%0.60%0.20%


Historical Population Data
CensusPop.
18008,144-
181015,47190.00%
182023,33650.80%
183030,26129.70%
184033,74511.50%
185051,68753.20%
186075,08045.30%
1870131,70075.40%
1880177,62434.90%
1890230,39229.70%
1900278,71821.00%
1910331,06918.80%
1920437,57132.20%
1930486,86911.30%
1940663,09136.20%
1950802,17821.00%
1960763,956−4.8%
1970756,510−1.0%
1980638,333−15.6%
1990606,900−4.9%
2000572,059−5.7%
2010601,7235.20%
2020689,54514.60%


The U.S. Census Bureau estimated Washington, D.C.'s population at 705,749 as of July 2019, marking an increase of over 100,000 since the 2010 Census. This growth continues a trend from 2000, reversing a decline observed for half a century. However, the 2019 estimate showed a yearly decrease of 16,000. As of 2010, Washington ranked as the 24th most populous place in the U.S. The district's daytime population exceeds one million, thanks to commuters from surrounding suburbs. If considered a state, Washington, D.C. would rank 49th in population, above Vermont and Wyoming.

The Washington metropolitan area, including the district and its suburbs, was the sixth-largest in the U.S. with six million residents as of 2016. Combined with Baltimore and its suburbs, it forms a large area with over 9.8 million people in 2020, making it the third-largest in the country.

The district had an estimated 4,410 homeless individuals in 2022, according to a report by HUD. Demographically, as of 2017, 47.1% of residents were Black or African American, 45.1% were White (36.8% non-Hispanic), 4.3% Asian, and other groups made up smaller percentages. Hispanics of any race constituted 11.0% of the population.

Historically, Washington, D.C. has had a significant African American community. The Black population was around 30% from 1800 to 1940, peaking at 70% in 1970, but has since declined due to suburban migration and gentrification, which also increased the non-Hispanic White population by 31.4% from 2000 to 2010. Washington, D.C. experienced intense gentrification, more than any other U.S. city.

About 17% of the district's residents were under 18 in 2010, lower than the national average. The median age was 34 years, the lowest compared to all 50 states. As of 2010, there were approximately 81,734 immigrants in Washington, D.C., with significant numbers from El Salvador, Ethiopia, Mexico, Guatemala, and China.

In 2010, there were 4,822 same-sex couples in the city, and same-sex marriage was legalized in 2009. Approximately a third of residents were functionally illiterate as of 2007, higher than the national average. As of 2011, 85% of residents over five years old spoke English at home. Half of the residents had a four-year college degree in 2006. The median household income was $77,649 in 2017, with a per capita income higher than any state.

However, the poverty rate was 19% in 2005, only lower than Mississippi, and 14.7% in 2019.

More than 90% of residents had health insurance in 2010, one of the highest rates in the nation. A 2009 report revealed that at least 3% of residents had HIV or AIDS, a severe epidemic level.

The religious landscape in Washington, D.C. is diverse. Baptists make up 17%, Catholics 13%, evangelical Protestants 6%, Methodists 4%, and Episcopalians or Anglicans 3%. Jewish and Eastern Orthodox communities each represent 3%, while smaller percentages are Pentecostal, Buddhist, Adventist, Lutheran, Muslim, Presbyterian, Mormon, and Hindu. The city has many religious buildings, including the Washington National Cathedral, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Islamic Center of Washington, St. John's Episcopal Church, the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, and the Washington D.C. Temple in Kensington, Maryland. The latter, visible from the Capital Beltway, is the tallest Mormon temple and the third-largest by square footage.

Economy of Washington, D.C.

As of 2023, the Washington metropolitan area, comprising the District of Columbia, parts of Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia, was among the largest metropolitan economies in the U.S. The area's economy is growing and diversifying, with a rising share of jobs in professional and business services, alongside traditional sectors like tourism, entertainment, and government.

From 2009 to 2016, Washington, D.C.'s gross domestic product (GDP) per capita consistently ranked highest among U.S. states. In 2016, the district's GDP per capita, at $160,472, was nearly triple that of Massachusetts, the second-ranked state. By 2022, the metropolitan area's unemployment rate stood at 3.1%, placing it 171st out of 389 metropolitan areas as defined by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The District of Columbia had a slightly higher unemployment rate of 4.6% during the same period. In 2019, Washington, D.C. boasted the highest median household income in the U.S., amounting to $92,266.

Major employers in the district in 2022, according to its comprehensive annual financial reports, included several universities and medical centers: Georgetown University, Children's National Medical Center, Washington Hospital Center, George Washington University, American University, Georgetown University Hospital, Howard University, George Washington University Hospital, and the Catholic University of America. Other key employers were Booz Allen & Hamilton, Insperity PEO Services, Universal Protection Service, Medstar Medical Group, and Sibley Memorial Hospital.

Federal government of the United States

As of July 2022, a quarter of those working in Washington, D.C. were employed by the federal government. Most of these government employees work in different departments, agencies, and institutions of the executive branch. Only a small number work as temporary staff for the President, Congress, or the federal judiciary.

In the Washington region, many people are employed by businesses and organizations that have contracts with the federal government or deal with government-related issues. This includes law firms, defense and civilian contractors, nonprofit organizations, lobbying firms, trade unions, industry trade groups, and professional associations. Many of these entities have their headquarters in or near Washington, D.C. to stay close to the federal government. Among the largest U.S. government agencies based in or near the city are the Department of Defense, headquartered in the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia; the United States Postal Service; the Department of Veterans Affairs; the Department of Homeland Security; and the Department of Justice.

Global Finance and Diplomacy

Washington, D.C. is home to over 175 embassies, ambassador residences, and international cultural centers. "Embassy Row" is a nickname for a section of Massachusetts Avenue filled with numerous foreign embassies. Known for its diversity, Washington, D.C. is considered one of the world's most varied cities. In 2008, the city's diplomatic corps employed about 10,000 people, contributing an estimated $400 million each year to the local economy.

The city also serves as the headquarters for several major global financial and diplomatic organizations. These include the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organization of American States, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Pan American Health Organization. These institutions focus on improving global economies and development through financial lending and various development programs.

The Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, is situated on Constitution Avenue. Often referred to as "The Fed," it's governed by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. The Board influences the U.S. and global economies through its monetary policies, primarily by adjusting interest rates. The decisions of the Board are closely watched worldwide due to the significant impact of the U.S. dollar on global financial markets.

Non-profit Organizations and Research

Washington, D.C. stands as a crucial hub for national and international research organizations, particularly think tanks focused on public policy. The city hosts some of the country's most prominent and frequently referenced think tanks, such as the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Peterson Institute for International Economics, The Heritage Foundation, and the Urban Institute. As of 2020, about 8% of all U.S. think tanks were based in Washington, D.C. Additionally, non-think tank research institutions like the MedStar Washington Hospital Center and the Children's National Medical Center also contribute significantly to research in the city.

The city is a focal point for numerous non-profit organizations tackling domestic and global issues through research, program implementation, or advocacy. These organizations, many of which have their headquarters or main offices in Washington, D.C., include the UN Foundation, Human Rights Campaign, Amnesty International, and the National Endowment for Democracy.

Washington, D.C. is also a key location for international development firms, many of which secure funding through contracts with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the federal government's aid agency located in the city. Additionally, the American Red Cross, known for its emergency relief efforts, is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Private Sector

As of 2011, Washington, D.C. was home to four of the largest 500 companies in the United States. In the 2021 Global Financial Centres Index, the city ranked as the 14th most competitive financial center globally and the fourth in the U.S., following New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Key companies headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area include Fannie Mae, Amtrak, Lockheed Martin, Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Danaher Corporation, FTI Consulting, and Hogan Lovells.

Due to height restrictions on buildings in Washington, D.C., taller structures are often built in the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia. Capital One Bank, a major U.S. bank, is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, a significant and expanding financial hub in Fairfax County. The Capital One Tower in Tysons is the tallest occupied building in the Washington area. In 2018, Amazon announced plans to construct its second headquarters, HQ2, in Arlington County's Crystal City neighborhood in Virginia, located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Other large companies based in Northern Virginia include Hilton, Navy Federal Credit Union, Mars, Freddie Mac, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics.

Washington, D.C.'s economy is also boosted by numerous prominent news and media organizations. These include The Washington Post, The Washington Times, Politico, and The Hill. Major television and radio media outlets headquartered or with significant operations in the region include CNN, PBS, C-SPAN, CBS, NBC, Discovery, and NPR. The Gannett Company, the owner of USA Today, the nation's largest-circulation newspaper, and other media outlets, is based in Tysons, Virginia.

Tourism

Tourism ranks as Washington, D.C.'s second-largest industry, following the federal government. In 2012, the city welcomed around 18.9 million visitors, who brought an estimated $4.8 billion to the local economy. By 2019, the number of tourists increased to 24.6 million, with 22.8 million being domestic visitors. These tourists spent a total of $8.15 billion during their visits. Tourism significantly supports the region's other sectors, including hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and transportation services. It also plays a vital role in sustaining the city’s extensive collection of world-class museums and cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution.

Washington, D.C., and the surrounding region offer a wide range of attractions for tourists, such as monuments, memorials, museums, sports events, and scenic trails. The National Mall is at the heart of the city’s tourism sector, hosting numerous museums and monuments. Nearby is the Tidal Basin, home to more memorials and monuments like the Jefferson Memorial. Union Station is also a popular destination, known for its variety of dining options and shops.

Arlington National Cemetery, located in nearby Arlington County, Virginia, is another top tourist destination. This military cemetery is a resting place for former military personnel and notable figures, including President John F. Kennedy, marked by an eternal flame, and President William Howard Taft. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded 24/7, is a significant site within the cemetery. The changing of the guard, happening hourly from October to March and every half-hour for the rest of the year, is a notable event for visitors.

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