Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States.  It is also one of the country's most beautiful and historic cities and the site of many of its most popular tourist attractions. These include the White House, where the President lives and works; the United States Capitol, where the Congress meets; the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and other historic structures; as well as a wide range of museums which together house an enormous collection of items from America's past. Although New York City and Philadelphia each served briefly as the capital of the United States, in 1790, Congress chose the District of Columbia as the permanent seat of government. George Washington helped select the site for the city.

Situated on the Potomac River, Washington, D.C., was originally carved out of land transferred from Maryland and Virginia. French-born American engineer, architect, and urban designer Pierre-Charles L'Enfant designed the city's basic plan, which features wide avenues radiating from the Capitol building through a grid of streets with numerous circles and parks. The name District of Columbia honors Christopher Columbus, and the city's better-known name of Washington, honors the first president. Congress first met in Washington in 1800, although construction of the first phase of the Capitol was not completed until 1826. Today, millions come to Washington, D.C. each year to see the Capitol, the White House, the Library of Congress, and the city's many museums and monuments.

GOVERNMENT
Mayor: Anthony Williams
House of Representatives: 1 district | Search by zip code

ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 1999 (millions of dollars): 55,832; National rank: 36; Percent change since 1990: 38%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 47 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $40,539; National Rank: 2 (133% of the national average)
State Exports 2001 (millions of dollars): 1,034; National Rank: NA