Washington, D.C.

Washington is the capital of the United States. The city does not belong to any state, but is an independent federal district, also called District of Columbia. It is located on the east coast of the USA between the states of Maryland and Virginia. The history of the city begins in 1790, when the first president of the United States, George Washington, chose the place for the new capital. The city was named after him and officially declared the capital of the United States in 1800. Characteristic of Washington, D.C. is the presence of numerous government institutions, embassies and international organizations. The city is also known for its impressive monuments, museums and historical sites. Major attractions and landmarks include the White House, the seat of the U.S. President; the Capitol, where the United States Congress meets; and the National Mall, a sprawling green space lined with numerous monuments and museums. The Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial, among others, are located here. The Smithsonian Institution, an association of museums and research institutions, offers numerous free museums, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History.