The District of Columbia is not a State but an administrative district created specifically to avoid having the capital city in any one State. Washington, DC is a city of green parks, wide tree-lined streets, white marble buildings and, surprising for a US city, no skyscrapers, which gives it a more European air. It is the centre for visiting diplomats and has one of the largest concentrations of hotel and motel rooms in the country. Tourism is the leading private industry and business interests are increasingly attracted by the many light-industrial, high-tech and research companies now moving into the region. The ‘Metro area’ refers to the District of Columbia and surrounding counties and cities in Maryland and Virginia.

Washington, D.C. is the capitol of the United States serving as the headquarters to the federal government. The President, Congress, Supreme Court, and nearly half million federal workers live or work in one of the country's most beautiful and historic cities. The site was chosen in 1791 and became the capital in 1800. It spans a distance of 68 square miles (177 square kilometers) with the average elevation a mere 25 feet above sea level. Ranked as one of the United States loveliest cities, many of its buildings are magnificent white marble structures surrounded by lovely lawns landscaped with blooming botanicals. The city is densely populated with suburbs stretching out in all directions.

Washington, D.C. contains many green spaces surrounding the National Mall that are open to walking, hiking, rollerblading and biking. Visitors will find it difficult to see all this city has to offer. Outside of the core political district are many unique neighborhoods boasting cultural diversity evident in their restaurants, shops and residents. Washington, D.C. also has the largest metropolitan national park in America, Rock Creek Park. Deep gorges, a rushing creek, equestrians trails, planetarium, and a commuter road closed to weekend vehicular traffic, draws thousands to this woodland oasis.