Brief overview of Washington D.C

The capital of United States, Washington D.C., lies in the District of Columbia as denoted by the initials D.C. This city was founded in the year 1790 on 16th of July. This beautifully planned city enjoyed the status of being a separate municipality within Columbia region till the passing of Act of Congress in the year 1871. Located on the northern bank of River Potomac, this city’s metropolitan region is the 9th most populous cities of United States with an approximate population of 5.3 million. Maryland and Virginia are two immediate neighboring states of Washington D.C. This city is the hub of all federal government branches, foreign embassies, United Nations organizations and other international groups and associations. Some of the important centers located in Washington D.C. are the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, the IMF and Pan American Health Organization etc.

As stated by the Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution, Washington D.C. has come to be recognized as a federal district which sets it part from the rest of the states. This unique feature has enabled it to serve as permanent capital of the U.S. United States Congress has the sole authority over this district cum city.

Spread across an area of 68.3 sq. miles, this district city is blessed with three major rivers namely the Potomac, the Anacostia and the Rock Creek. These rivers offer splendid landscape for nature enthusiasts. This region of the U.S. falls in humid subtropical belt and experiences 4 distinct seasons – summer, Spring, Fall and Winter. Winters are characterized by heavy snowfall averaging to 16.6 inches, average low temperature of about – 1 °C and occassional blizzards. This region also suffers from much damage brought about by neither violents storms of nor Easters which cause high winds, snowfall and heavy rainfall. Summers on the other hand are marked hot-humid weather. High temperature during peak months reaches to an average temperature of 30 °C. Thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes and the overflow of Potomac River are three natural phenomena which cause much loss to property around Georgetown.

The architectural layout of Washington D.C. is the result of notable French architect, city planner and engineer named Pierre Charles L’Enfant. Washington D.C. has the honor of housing more than 50% of top 10 building according to the 2007 rankings awarded by the Amercan Institute of Architects. Some of the most famous ones are the White House, the Capitol and Memorials of Thomas Jerfferson and Lincoln etc.

This city was originally inhabited by Nacotchtank who lived around the region of River Anacostia. Gradually by turn of 17th century, Europeans began to pour in large numbers and settled in this region permanently. At present, the population comprises African Americans, Whites, Hispanics and small percentage of Asians and American Indians. As per 2007 population census, Washington D.C. also is an abode of about 74,000 foreign immigrants.
So far the economy of Washington D.C. is concerned, it has been on a steady rise due to the heavy presence of professional and business centers. This is one of the states which has not suffered a setback even after global recession.