District of Columbia
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| District of Columbia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | District of Columbia |
| Settlement type | Federal district |
| Motto | Justitia Omnibus (Justice for All) |
| Coordinates | 38, 54, 17, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Established title | Residence Act |
| Established date | July 16, 1790 |
| Established title1 | Organized |
| Established date1 | 1801 |
| Founder | George Washington |
| Named for | Christopher Columbus |
| Seat type | Mayor |
| Seat | Muriel Bowser |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Governing body | Council of the District of Columbia |
| Area total sq mi | 68.34 |
| Area land sq mi | 61.05 |
| Area water sq mi | 7.29 |
| Elevation ft | 409 |
| Population total | 689,545 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density sq mi | 11,280 |
| Population rank | 23rd in U.S. |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 20001–20098, 20201–20599 |
| Area code | 202 |
| Iso code | US-DC |
| Website | dc.gov |
District of Columbia. The capital of the United States, founded as a federal district under the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States Congress. It is located on the east bank of the Potomac River, bordering the states of Virginia and Maryland. The city serves as the seat of the federal government, housing the White House, the United States Capitol, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
History
The creation of a permanent national capital was authorized by the Residence Act of 1790, signed by President George Washington. The territory, a square of land ceded by Maryland and Virginia, was surveyed by Andrew Ellicott and Benjamin Banneker. The city was officially founded in 1791, with its design largely planned by Pierre Charles L'Enfant. During the War of 1812, British forces burned many public buildings, including the White House and the United States Capitol, in the Burning of Washington. The district's population grew significantly after the American Civil War, with the Emancipation Proclamation leading to an influx of formerly enslaved people. The Twenty-third Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1961, granted its residents votes in presidential elections. The city gained limited self-governance through the District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973.
Government and politics
As the national capital, it hosts all three branches of the federal government, centered on Capitol Hill and the National Mall. Local government operates under a mayor-council system, with the current mayor being Muriel Bowser and the legislative body being the Council of the District of Columbia. Despite having its own District of Columbia National Guard, the ultimate authority over the district rests with the United States Congress, as specified in the United States Constitution. It sends a non-voting delegate, currently Eleanor Holmes Norton, to the United States House of Representatives. The district's voters overwhelmingly support the Democratic Party in presidential and local elections.
Geography and climate
The district encompasses 68.34 square miles, with the Potomac River forming its southwestern border. It originally included land from Virginia, but that portion was retroceded via the District of Columbia retrocession of 1847. The terrain is mostly flat, rising gently from the river to the highest point at Fort Reno Park. It has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters, and is occasionally affected by weather systems like Nor'easters and the remnants of Atlantic hurricanes.
Demographics
The 2020 United States Census recorded a population of 689,545, making it the 23rd most populous city in the nation. The population is diverse, with significant African American, White, and growing Hispanic and Asian communities. The district is a center for international diplomacy, hosting 177 foreign embassies and numerous international organizations like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Economy
The economy is dominated by the federal government, with many agencies headquartered there, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Defense. Professional services, law firms, lobbying groups, and trade associations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are major private-sector employers. Tourism is a vital industry, with millions visiting monuments and museums operated by the Smithsonian Institution. It is also a hub for education and research, anchored by institutions like Georgetown University and George Washington University.
Culture and landmarks
The city is renowned for its neoclassical architecture and national monuments, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. The National Mall is a central park lined with museums such as the National Air and Space Museum and the National Gallery of Art. It is a center for the performing arts, hosting the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Washington National Opera. Annual events include the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the A Capitol Fourth celebration. The district is also home to major professional sports teams, including the Washington Commanders and the Washington Nationals.
Category:District of Columbia Category:1790 establishments in the United States Category:Capitals in North America