Washington, D.C. is the capital city of the United States of America. “D.C.” stands for the “District of Columbia”, the federal district containing the city of Washington. The city is named after George Washington, military leader of the American Revolution and the first President of the United States. The District of Columbia and the city of Washington are governed by a single municipal government. Historically, it was called the Federal City or Washington City.The city was officially named “Washington” on 9 September1791.The population of the District of Columbia, as of 2003 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, is 563,384. The Greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area includes the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, with a population surpassing 4.7 million. If Washington, D.C., were considered a state, it would rank last in area behind Rhode Island, 50th in population ahead of Wyoming, and 36th in Gross State Product, ahead of 15 states, and its GSP per capita would be #1 by far compared to other states.
Washington, D.C. is first and foremost a company town, with the primary company being, of course, the federal government. As of 2002, the federal government accounts for 27% of Washington, D.C.’s jobs. Also, the presence of many major government agencies, including the Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, or the Food and Drug Administration, has led to a significant amount of business development both in the District itself as well as in the suburbs of northern Virginia and Maryland. The gross state product of the District in 2004 was $75.264 billion, ranking it #36 when compared with the fifty states
The city is run by an elected mayor (currently Anthony A. Williams) and a city council. The city council is composed of 13 members — a representative elected from each of the eight wards and five members, including the chairman, elected at large. The council conducts its work through standing committees and special committees established as needed
The city also is home to several universities, colleges, and other institutes of higher education, both public and private. The University of the District of Columbia is the city’s public university. Among private institutions, Georgetown University is older than the District itself and is well known for the Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service. The George Washington University, founded by an act of Congress in 1821, is the largest institution of higher education in the nation’s capital.
Washington D.C. is a thriving international city filled with cultural offerings on par with the finest in the world. While the city’s biggest draws may be its museums and marbled monuments, a richer visit to D.C. includes time spent away from the tourist-saturated landmarks of Capitol Hill.
Political Washington is a whirlwind of endless press conferences and power lunches, potent memorials and presidential intrigues. Lobbyists and journalists hover around senators, creating the masterful mix of rhetoric, policy, and spin that keeps the country running smoothly. And the hallways of Capitol Hill are always abuzz with congressional strategizing and hand-shaking.
D.C. grows extremely hot and humid between June and August. Try avoiding making Washington your destination at precisely this time. D.C. is pleasant in the fall and spring—particularly during March and April when gorgeous cherry blossoms cover the city. Although winter is relatively mild, even the slightest snowstorms regularly incapacitate the city—leading to unplowed streets, shop closings, and general dismay.
D.C. is ripe for exploration. The must-see places include the Capitol building, the US Botanic gardens, the leafy Constitution Gardens and the monuments. The monuments include the Washington Monument and its famous Reflecting Pool, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Then there is the national gallery of art with its sculpture garden and the National Museum of Natural History or the National Museum of American History. The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden or the National Air and Space Museum shouldn’t be missed. There are smaller sites worth a visit, such as the Renwick Gallery, St. John’s Church, the American Red Cross, the Corcoran Gallery, or the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall. The National Archives, the FBI, and Ford’s Theater can also be visited.
While planning to visit Washington D.C., make sure you have the following relevant information- Important Phone numbers that include US country code 011, Emergency 911, and the number for traveler’s id society- 202 371 1937.
Washington, D.C contains an incredible array of attractions that aren’t found elsewhere in the United States of America. All these a fond and lasting memory of any visit to Washington DC.