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About Washington, District of Columbia
Explore the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., a city rich in history and culture.
Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is a city steeped in history and culture. Established in 1790, it serves as the political heart of the country, housing the three branches of the U.S. government: the Executive with the White House, the Legislative with the U.S. Capitol, and the Judicial with the Supreme Court. Visitors to the city are captivated by its numerous monuments and museums, most of which are part of the National Mall — the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian Institution museums standing out among them. The city also boasts a vibrant arts scene, featuring numerous theaters, galleries, and music performances across varied genres.
Culturally, Washington, D.C. is a melting pot, as residents come from diverse backgrounds and international communities. The city hosts a variety of festivals and cultural events throughout the year, celebrating its diversity. Economically, Washington, D.C. benefits significantly from governmental activities, but it is also a hub for industries like education, healthcare, and tourism. It is home to numerous think tanks, nonprofit organizations, and international institutions, making it a leading city for global diplomacy. The combination of historical significance, rich cultural diversity, and a powerhouse economy makes Washington, D.C. a unique and dynamic city.
The basics
- Population
- 693K
- Median age
- 34 years
- Area
- 68.3 sq mi
- Elevation
- 0 ft
- County
- None (Independent City)
- Metro area
- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metro Area
Work and housing
- Median household income
- $85,892
- Median home price
- $780,000
- Cost of living (US = 100)
- 156
- Unemployment
- 5.4%
- Job growth
- 1.7%
- Households renting
- 58.1%
Schools and colleges
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 56.6%
- High school graduation
- 87.9%
- Going on to college
- 68.5%
- Schools
- 115
- Colleges and universities
- 8
- Students per teacher
- 12.8:1
- Public libraries
- 25
Getting around
- Average commute
- 30 minutes
- Highways
- I-95, I-495, I-66, U.S. Route 50
- Public transit
- Washington Metro, Metrobus, D.C. Circulator
- Airports
- DCA - Ronald Reagan Washington National, IAD - Washington Dulles International, BWI - Baltimore/Washington International
Sport
- NFL
- Washington Commanders
- MLB
- Washington Nationals
- NBA
- Washington Wizards
- NHL
- Washington Capitals
- MLS
- D.C. United
- Women's teams
- WNBA: Washington Mystics, NWSL: Washington Spirit
- Venues
- FedExField (82,000), Capital One Arena (20,456), Nationals Park (41,339)
- College conference
- Big East, Atlantic 10, Patriot League
Living here
- Climate
- Humid Subtropical
- Time zone
- America/New_York
- Area code
- 202
- ZIP codes
- 20001, 20002, 20003, 20004, 20005
Industries
- Government
- Professional Services
- Education
- Tourism
- Healthcare
Landmarks
- U.S. Capitol
- White House
- Lincoln Memorial
- Washington Monument
- Jefferson Memorial
Attractions
- National Zoo
- National Mall
- Georgetown Waterfront Park
- Tidal Basin
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Museums
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Museum of American History
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- National Gallery of Art
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Parks
Hospitals
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center
- George Washington University Hospital
- Children's National Hospital
- Howard University Hospital