District Of Columbia Travel Guide

District of Columbia Travel: General Information

Situated between the states of Virginia to the southwest and Maryland on the other sides, Washington, D.C.(or the District of Columbia) is the capital of the United States of America. Located on the famous Potomac River, the District is the permanent seat of government. The city of Washington is named after the first President of the United States, George Washington. The majority of the nation’s monuments and museums are located in the District. It is the headquarters of major institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Over 130 embassies of various countries are located in the region, which makes it an international capital. The world renowned museum, the Smithsonian Institute, is also located in the city of Washington, DC.

District of Columbia Travel: Key Facts

Capital city: Washington

Area: 68.3 sq mi (177.0 km2)

Population: 591,833 (as per 2008 census)

Monetary Unit: US$

Official Language: English

International Dialing code: 1 202

District of Columbia Travel: Popular Tourist Destinations

• Washington: The city is home to the White House and a number of monuments. No trip to the city is complete without a visit to the Smithsonian museums for some free travel into history, air, science, and space. The famous symbol of democracy – the U.S. Capitol building, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Washington Monument are some of the architectural delights of the city. The city is also the national center for the performing arts. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the seat of music and home to the Washington National Opera, National Symphony Orchestra, and the Washington Ballet. The theatre has a large following and you can catch some of your favorite plays performed by the Shakespeare Theatre Company. A visit to Northwest D.C. gives you the chance to hear some of the world’s renowned jazz, blues, and R & B at institutions like the Lincoln Theatre and Bohemian Caverns.

• Georgetown: The city is situated along the Potomac River and is the oldest neighborhood in the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C. The famous Georgetown University houses a large student population. The Old Stone House, maintained by the National Park Service, is the oldest stone building located in the heart of Georgetown. This charming and vibrant neighborhood has a number of 200-year-old homes that have been restored to their original glory. To soak in some of the wonderful sights the city has to offer, take a cruise down the Potomac River. Visit Dumbarton House for a look at early American History and a perfect example of Federal period architecture. You can use the Georgetown Metro Connection or the DC circulator to get to this historic neighborhood.

District of Columbia Travel: Economy and Infrastructure

A diversified economy has helped Washington gain the reputation of being in the top ten areas for favorable business expansion. With a $97.2 billion gross state product in 2008, the District ranks 35 out of 50 U.S. states. A high employment rate has contributed to the District’s economy with the federal government accounting for over 27% of jobs. A large percentage of the population is professionals that include law firms, independent contractors, and non-profit organizations. Education, finance, and scientific research are major contributors to the economy. Real estate investments increased in 2009 despite a downturn and the national economic crisis. Concerted efforts aimed at urban development have revitalized the District's economy.

District of Columbia Travel: Culture

The District has a mix of Northern and Southern cultures which is evident in the food and music prevalent in the area. A historically predominant African-American population has produced a number of prominent musicians like the legendary Duke Ellington, and the famous poet Langston Hughes. Neo-classical and Victorian architecture from the mid 1800s make up most of the civic and residential sites. Apart from the African-American population, a transient population of university students and federal government employees add to the city’s vibrant culture.