Washington DC, also known as the District of Columbia, is distinctive among American cities, established by the Constitution of the United States to serve as the nation’s capital. Moreover, Washington, DC is a vibrant cosmopolitan city that attracts residents and visitors globally. This article presents essential facts about Washington, DC, covering aspects of geography, demographics, local government, and more.
Basic Facts
- Founded: 1790
- Named: Washington, DC (District of Columbia) after George Washington and Christopher Columbus.
- Designed by: Pierre Charles L’Enfant
- Federal District: Washington DC is not a state; it is specifically created as a federal district to house the government.
Geography
- Area: 68.25 square miles
- Elevation: 23 feet
- Major Rivers: Potomac, Anacostia
- Bordering States: Maryland and Virginia
- Parkland: Approximately 19.4 percent of the city. Key parks include Rock Creek Park, C & O Canal National Historical Park, National Mall, and Anacostia Park.
- Average Daily Temperature: January 34.6°F; July 80.0°F
- Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
Demographics
- City Population: 601,723 (estimated 2010); Metro Area: Approximately 5.3 million
- Racial Breakdown (2010): White 38.5%, Black 50.7%, American Indian and Alaska Native 0.3%, Asian 3.5%, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 1%, Hispanic or Latino 9.1%
- Median Family Income (within city limits): $58,906 (2009)
- Foreign Born Persons: 12.5% (2005-2009)
- Persons with a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher (age 25+): 47.1% (2005-2009)
Education
- Public Schools: 167
- Charter Schools: 60
- Private Schools: 83
- Colleges & Universities: 9
Churches
- Protestant: 610
- Roman Catholic: 132
- Jewish: 9
Industry
Tourism is a major industry in Washington, DC, generating over $5.5 billion in visitor spending. Other important sectors include trade associations, law, higher education, medicine and medical research, government-related research, publishing, and international finance. Prominent corporations in the area include Marriott International, AMTRAK, AOL Time Warner, Gannett News, Exxon Mobil, Sprint Nextel, and the International Monetary Fund.
Local Government
- Although DC residents pay taxes to the federal government, they lack a voting representative in Congress.
- DC is divided into 8 Wards, which serve as geographical regions used for electing members of the DC City Council.
- Key Government Officials: Mayor, DC Council (13 elected members), Congressional Delegation (delegate to the House of Representatives, two senators, and one representative), State Board of Education, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissions.
Symbols
- Bird: Wood Thrush
- Flower: American Beauty Rose
- Song: The Star-Spangled Banner
- Tree: Scarlet Oak
- Motto: Justitia Omnibus (Justice to all)
