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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Politics & World • Capital City

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., officially the District of Columbia, is the capital of the United States and a federal district, not part of any U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Washington, D.C., officially the District of Columbia, is the capital of the United States and a federal district, not part of any U.S. state. It is located on the Potomac River on the East Coast of the United States, bordered by Maryland and Virginia. The district was created under the U.S. Constitution as a federal seat of government.

Location

Washington, D.C. sits on the Potomac River on the eastern side of the United States. Maryland borders it to the north, east, and west, while Virginia lies across the river to the south and southwest.

Political status

The city is a federal district rather than a state or part of a state. It functions as the seat of the U.S. federal government and is governed under congressional authority.

Naming and history

Washington, D.C. is named after George Washington, and the District of Columbia refers to Columbia, a historical personification of the United States. The district was established as the national capital area under the Constitution.

Key facts

  • Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States.
  • It is a federal district known officially as the District of Columbia.
  • It is not located in any U.S. state.
  • The district was created under the U.S. Constitution as a federal seat of government.
  • It is a key site for Canada–U.S. diplomatic relations, including the Canadian Embassy.
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Canadian context

Washington, D.C. is the U.S. federal capital and a key site for Canada–U.S. diplomatic relations, including the Canadian Embassy in the United States.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Washington, D.C. located?
It is on the Potomac River on the U.S. East Coast, between Maryland and Virginia.
Is Washington, D.C. a state?
No. Washington, D.C. is a federal district and not part of any U.S. state.
What is Washington, D.C.'s official name?
Its official name is the District of Columbia.
Why is it called Washington, D.C.?
“Washington” honours George Washington, and “D.C.” stands for District of Columbia.
What region is Washington, D.C. in?
It is commonly described as part of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington,_D.C.
    Supports: Capital status, official name, location, and regional description.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Washington-DC
    Supports: Capital status, borders with Maryland and Virginia, and location on the Potomac River.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/story/what-state-is-washington-dc-in
    Supports: That Washington, D.C. is not part of any U.S. state.
  4. Apple Maps — https://maps.apple.com/place?auid=12721693137601902154
    Supports: Official district naming, location on the Potomac River, and naming after George Washington and Columbia.
  5. The Hotel Washington — https://www.thehotelwashington.com/washington-dc-travel-guide/what-state-is-washington-dc-in
    Supports: Washington, D.C. as a federal district and not a state.
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Washington,_D.C.
    Supports: Mid-Atlantic location and coordinates.