Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.
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Name	Washington, D.C.
Coordinates	38.8951°N 77.0364°W
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Mid-Atlantic
Established title	Founded
Established date	July 16, 1790
Founder	Pierre Charles L'Enfant
Named for	George Washington

Washington, D.C. is a federal district located on the east coast of the United States, bordered by the states of Maryland and Virginia. The city is home to many famous landmarks, including the White House, United States Capitol, and National Mall, which are visited by millions of tourists each year, including those from New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The city is also a hub for international diplomacy, hosting institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and Organization of American States. Many notable figures have lived and worked in the city, including Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Geography

The geography of the city is characterized by its location on the Potomac River, which forms the border with Virginia. The city's terrain is generally flat, with some hills and valleys, and is home to several parks and green spaces, including Rock Creek Park and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. The city's climate is humid subtropical, with hot summers and cold winters, similar to other cities in the Mid-Atlantic region, such as Philadelphia and Baltimore. The city is also vulnerable to natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, which affected the city in 2005, and Hurricane Sandy, which caused significant damage in 2012. Many organizations, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, are headquartered in the city and work to mitigate the effects of these disasters.

History

The history of the city dates back to the late 18th century, when it was founded by Pierre Charles L'Enfant and named after George Washington. The city has played a significant role in many major events, including the American Civil War, World War I, and World War II, and has been home to many notable figures, including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The city has also been the site of many important events, including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which was led by Martin Luther King Jr. and featured a speech by John Lewis, and the Women's Suffrage March, which was organized by Alice Paul and Susan B. Anthony. Many institutions, including the National Archives, Library of Congress, and Smithsonian Institution, are dedicated to preserving the city's history and cultural heritage, and are visited by scholars from Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley.

Government

The government of the city is a mayor-council system, with a Mayor of the District of Columbia and a Council of the District of Columbia. The city is also home to many federal institutions, including the United States Congress, Supreme Court of the United States, and Executive Office of the President of the United States, which are led by figures such as the Vice President of the United States, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and Chief Justice of the United States. Many federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Central Intelligence Agency, and National Security Agency, are also headquartered in the city, and work closely with international organizations, such as the United Nations and North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The city's government is also influenced by the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1973, and has been shaped by the leadership of figures such as Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Jordan.

Economy

The economy of the city is diverse and includes a strong presence of finance, technology, and tourism industries, with major companies such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing having headquarters or major operations in the city. The city is also home to many major institutions, including Georgetown University, George Washington University, and American University, which are attended by students from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, and Carnegie Mellon University. Many organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America and the National Association of Manufacturers, are also headquartered in the city, and work to promote economic development and growth, in partnership with institutions such as the World Trade Organization and International Labour Organization. The city's economy is also influenced by its proximity to other major cities, such as Boston and Pittsburgh, and is shaped by the leadership of figures such as Alan Greenspan and Ben Bernanke.

Culture

The culture of the city is rich and diverse, with a strong presence of arts, music, and theater institutions, including the Kennedy Center, National Gallery of Art, and Smithsonian American Art Museum. The city is also home to many famous landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which are visited by millions of tourists each year, including those from London, Paris, and Tokyo. Many notable figures have lived and worked in the city, including Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, and Zora Neale Hurston, and have contributed to the city's vibrant cultural scene, which is also influenced by institutions such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The city's culture is also shaped by its international community, with many embassies and diplomatic missions, including the Embassy of the United Kingdom, Embassy of France, and Embassy of China, and is home to many international organizations, such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the International Energy Agency.

Education

The education system in the city is highly regarded, with many top-ranked institutions, including Georgetown University, George Washington University, and American University, which are attended by students from University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Sorbonne University. The city is also home to many specialized institutions, including the National Defense University and United States Naval Academy, which are led by figures such as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Chief of Naval Operations. Many organizations, including the National Education Association and the American Council on Education, are also headquartered in the city, and work to promote education and educational research, in partnership with institutions such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. The city's education system is also influenced by its proximity to other major educational hubs, such as Princeton University and Yale University, and is shaped by the leadership of figures such as Diane Ravitch and Arne Duncan.

Category:Capital cities