United States Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Guide Things To Do Essentials Where to Stay Itineraries Getaways All Washington, D.C. Washington DC Facts By Rachel Cooper Rachel Cooper Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 05/13/19 Share Pin Email Doug Armand / Getty Images Washington DC also referred to as the District of Columbia, Washington, the District, or DC, is unique among American cities because it was established by the Constitution of the United States to serve as the nation’s capital. Washington, DC is not only the home to our federal government, but it is also a cosmopolitan city with a variety of opportunities that attract residents and visitors from around the world. Following are basic facts about Washington, DC including information about geography, demographics, local government and more. Basic Facts Founded: 1790Named: Washington, DC (District of Columbia) after George Washington and Christopher Columbus.Designed: by Pierre Charles L’EnfantFederal District: Washington DC is not a state. It is a federal district created specifically to be the seat of 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. Major parks include Rock Creek Park, C & O Canal National Historical Park, National Mall, and Anacostia Park. Read more about DC parks Avg. Daily Temp.: January 34.6° F; July 80.0° F Time: Eastern Standard Time Demographics City Population: 601,723 (estimated 2010) Metro Area: Approximately 5.3 millionRacial Breakdown: (2010) White 38.5%, Black 50.7%, American Indian and AlaskaNative 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: 60Private Schools: 83Colleges & Universities: 9 Churches Protestant: 610Roman Catholic: 132Jewish: 9 Industry Major Industries: Tourism generates more than $5.5 billion in visitor spending.Other Important Industries: Trade associations, law, higher education, medicine/medical research, government-related research, publishing, and international finance.Major Corporations: 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 do not have a voting representative in Congress. DC is divided into 8 Wards, geographical regions that are used to elect members of the DC City Council. 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)See also, Washington, DC Guide: Planning Your Trip Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit