What is the Capital of United States? Washington, D.C.

Capital City of United States

The capital city of the United States is Washington, D.C., a unique federal district that is not part of any state. The city is situated along the Potomac River, bordered by the states of Maryland and Virginia. Washington, D.C. serves as the political and symbolic heart of the U.S., housing the three branches of the federal government: the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. See Itypeusa for other major cities in United States.

City Overview

Founded in 1790 and officially established as the nation’s capital in 1800, Washington, D.C. was created to be a neutral ground for the government, separate from the influence of any individual state. The city was designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, a French architect, who envisioned a grand capital with wide avenues, monumental buildings, and vast public spaces. Over time, Washington has grown from a relatively small town into a bustling, global city with a population of over 700,000.

As the seat of the federal government, Washington, D.C. is home to important national institutions, including the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Supreme Court. It also serves as a cultural center, with institutions such as the Smithsonian Museums, National Mall, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The city is a hub for politics, policy, and diplomacy, attracting both national and international attention.

Washington, D.C. is known for its iconic monuments and landmarks, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial. It also has vibrant neighborhoods, ranging from the historic streets of Georgetown to the modern developments in areas like Navy Yard and Capitol Hill.

City Facts:

• Area: 177 km² (68.3 square miles)
• Population: Approximately 700,000 (2023 estimate), though the metropolitan area has a population of over 6 million.
• Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC -5:00 (Eastern Daylight Time, EDT, in the summer).
• Highest Mountain: No official mountains, but the highest point in Washington, D.C. is Fort Reno Park at 125 meters (410 feet) above sea level.
• Longest River: The Potomac River, which flows through the city, is the longest river in the area and stretches for 384 miles.

Major Landmarks

Washington, D.C. is home to some of the most recognizable landmarks and historic sites in the United States. Key landmarks include:

1. The White House: The official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW and is one of the most iconic buildings in the world.
2. The U.S. Capitol: Home to the U.S. Congress, the Capitol is an architectural masterpiece and the seat of legislative power in the U.S. The building is situated on Capitol Hill and features the iconic dome that has become a symbol of American democracy.
3. The Washington Monument: Standing at 555 feet, the Washington Monument is the tallest structure in Washington, D.C. It honors the first president of the United States, George Washington, and provides stunning views of the city from its observation deck.
4. The Lincoln Memorial: A tribute to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, this neoclassical monument features a grand statue of Lincoln seated on a throne, surrounded by inscriptions of his most famous speeches.
5. The National Mall: A large, open park area that stretches from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, with significant memorials, monuments, and museums, including the Smithsonian Institution buildings and the National World War II Memorial.
6. The Jefferson Memorial: A domed building dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, the third president and a principal author of the Declaration of Independence, located on the Tidal Basin near the National Mall.
7. The Smithsonian Museums: A collection of museums and research institutions, including the National Museum of American History, National Air and Space Museum, and National Museum of Natural History, all of which are free to the public.
8. The National Archives: Home to the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights, the National Archives holds some of the nation’s most precious documents.
9. The Supreme Court of the United States: The highest court in the country, the Supreme Court building is located across from the Capitol and is open to the public for tours and lectures.
10. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: A major cultural venue in D.C., offering performances in theater, dance, and music, named after John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the U.S.

Climate Overview

Washington, D.C. experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and cold winters. The city sees distinct seasons, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C (86°F) and winter temperatures often dipping below freezing. Rain is spread throughout the year, with the wettest months being in late spring and summer.

Month	Average Temperature (°C)	Average Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days
January	3°C	77 mm	10
February	5°C	68 mm	11
March	9°C	90 mm	13
April	14°C	82 mm	15
May	19°C	91 mm	18
June	25°C	92 mm	21
July	28°C	103 mm	23
August	27°C	98 mm	22
September	22°C	84 mm	20
October	16°C	83 mm	16
November	9°C	76 mm	13
December	4°C	74 mm	10

Other Capitals in History

While Washington, D.C. has been the capital of the United States since 1800, there were other cities that temporarily served as the nation’s capital during different periods in American history.

Philadelphia (1774–1800)

Philadelphia served as the capital during the Revolutionary War and was the meeting place for the Continental Congress. It remained the capital until 1790, when the decision was made to create a permanent federal capital in Washington, D.C. While the city was not the official capital after that time, it remained an important political center and briefly served as the temporary capital while the government moved to Washington.

New York City (1785–1790)

Before the establishment of Washington, D.C., New York City was the capital of the United States. It served as the capital from 1785 to 1790 after the end of the American Revolution, hosting important events like the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Country Facts

United States Overview

• Country Name: United States of America
• Population: Approximately 333 million (2023 estimate)
• Area: 9,826,675 km² (3.8 million square miles)
• Largest City: New York City, with a population of over 8.5 million.
• Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
• Official Language: There is no official national language, but English is the de facto language.
• ISO Country Codes: US (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2), USA (ISO 3166-1 alpha-3)

Geography

The United States is located in North America, bordered by Canada to the north, Mexico to the south, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to the east and west. The country includes a vast range of landscapes, from forests and mountains to deserts and plains. It is the third-largest country in the world by total area.

Economy

The U.S. has the world’s largest economy, driven by technology, finance, manufacturing, and agriculture. It is a global leader in innovation, with some of the world’s largest corporations, including Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft. The country has a highly developed service sector, including finance, education, healthcare, and entertainment.

Culture and Society

The United States is known for its cultural diversity, with people from virtually every nation calling the country home. American culture has a significant global impact, especially in music, cinema, technology, and fashion. The country is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, and the American Dream is an ideal that many immigrants aspire to. The U.S. is also famous for its sports, particularly American football, baseball, and basketball.