Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States — a federal district, not a state, that hosts the White House, Capitol Building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums.
Geography & climate
Washington, D.C. lies in the South of the United States, set at approximately 38.9°N, 77°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 177 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Washington, D.C. all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Washington, D.C. is Washington, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Washington, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 720K, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Symbols & emblems
Washington, D.C. is nicknamed “The District”, with the state motto Justitia omnibus (Justice for all). The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Washington, D.C. is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Washington, D.C..
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Washington, D.C. offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Washington, D.C. can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | DC | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Washington | — |
| Largest city | Washington | — |
| US region | South | — |
| Population | 720K | people |
| Area | 177 | km² |
| Statehood | 1801 | year admitted |
| Admission order | order joining the Union | |
| Nickname | The District | — |
| Motto | Justitia omnibus (Justice for all) | — |
| Latitude | 38.9 | degrees |
| Longitude | -77 | degrees |
Did you know?
Washington, D.C. residents could not vote in presidential elections until 1964 — and still have no voting representation in Congress.
