The District of Columbia (D.C.) is a federal district located on the east coast of the United States. It is bordered by the states of Maryland to the north, east, and west, and Virginia to the south. It was created in 1790 to serve as the permanent national capital, as provided for in the United States Constitution.
The District of Columbia is commonly referred to as "Washington, D.C." or simply "D.C." and is home to many important federal government institutions, including the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Supreme Court. It is also home to numerous monuments and museums, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian Institution.
D.C. has a unique political status in that it is not a state, but rather a federal district under the direct jurisdiction of the United States Congress. It has a non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives, and since 2021, it also has had two U.S. Senators, making it the 51st state in all but name.
The Population of Washington D.C
According to the United States Census Bureau's most recent estimates in 2021, the population of Washington, D.C. is approximately 706,000 people. This makes it the 20th most populous city in the United States.
It's worth noting that the population of D.C. can vary significantly depending on whether you're measuring just the city itself or the broader metropolitan area. The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, which includes surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia, has a much larger population of over 6 million people.
The economy of Washington D.C
The economy of Washington, D.C. is heavily influenced by the presence of the federal government, which employs a large portion of the city's workforce. The federal government accounts for over a third of the jobs in the city, with many agencies and departments headquartered in the District.
Aside from the federal government, the city is also home to a number of universities, think tanks, and non-profit organizations, which contribute to the city's economy. The tourism industry is also significant, with millions of visitors coming to the city each year to see landmarks such as the White House, the National Mall, and the Smithsonian Institution.
In recent years, there has been a growing tech industry in the city, with companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google opening offices in the area. This has led to a surge in demand for office space and housing, as well as an increase in the number of jobs in the tech sector.
Overall, the economy of Washington, D.C. is diverse and continues to evolve, with a mix of government, education, non-profit, and private sector industries driving growth in the city.
Sources of livelihood in the District of Columbia
The District of Columbia has a diverse economy with a mix of industries providing sources of livelihood for its residents. Here are some of the major sources of livelihood in the District:
Government:
As the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. is home to a large number of federal agencies and departments, as well as embassies and other international organizations. This means that there are many jobs related to government and public administration, such as policy analysts, lawyers, and administrative assistants.
Education:
The District is home to several universities and colleges, including Georgetown University, George Washington University, and American University. These institutions provide employment opportunities in fields such as teaching, research, and administration.
Healthcare:
There are numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities in the District, including MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Howard University Hospital, and Children's National Hospital. This sector provides jobs for healthcare professionals, as well as support staff such as administrative assistants and maintenance workers.
Tourism:
The District is a major tourist destination, with millions of visitors coming to see landmarks such as the White House, the National Mall, and the Smithsonian Institution. This creates jobs in the hospitality and tourism industries, including hotels, restaurants, and tour companies.
Non-profit organizations:
There are many non-profit organizations headquartered in the District, including think tanks, advocacy groups, and philanthropic organizations. These organizations provide jobs in fields such as research, advocacy, and fundraising.
Technology:
In recent years, there has been a growing technology sector in the District, with companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google opening offices in the area. This creates jobs in fields such as software engineering, data analysis, and project management.
National things of Washington D.C
Washington, D.C. is home to many national landmarks and symbols that represent the United States as a whole. Here are some of the most well-known national things of Washington, D.C.:
The White House:
The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States and serves as the symbol of the presidency.
The United States Capitol:
The United States Capitol is the home of the United States Congress, which is the legislative branch of the federal government.
The National Mall:
The National Mall is a large park area in the center of the city that contains many national monuments and museums, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian Institution.
The Smithsonian Institution:
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum and research complex, with 19 museums and galleries, as well as the National Zoo, all located in Washington, D.C.
The Washington Monument:
The Washington Monument is a 555-foot-tall obelisk that was built to honor the first President of the United States, George Washington.
The Lincoln Memorial:
The Lincoln Memorial is a monument dedicated to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, and is a symbol of freedom and civil rights.
The National Archives:
The National Archives is the repository for many of the nation's most important historical documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
The United States Supreme Court:
The United States Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and is located in the Supreme Court Building on Capitol Hill.
These are just a few examples of the many national things that make Washington, D.C. an important symbol of the United States.
Top Tasty Foods of Washington D.C City
Washington, D.C. is known for its diverse culinary scene, which features a mix of traditional American fare, international cuisine, and fusion dishes. Here are some of the top tasty foods to try in Washington, D.C.:
Half-Smoke:
The half-smoke is a type of sausage that is unique to the D.C. area. It is typically made with pork and beef and is spiced with chili powder and other seasonings. It's often served on a hot dog bun with onions, mustard, and chili sauce.
Mumbo Sauce:
Mumbo sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment that is often used on chicken wings and other fried foods. It's said to have originated in D.C. and is a popular sauce in many local restaurants.
Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes:
D.C. is located near the Chesapeake Bay, which is known for its delicious blue crabs. Crab cakes are a popular local dish, often made with lump crabmeat and seasoned with Old Bay seasoning.
Ethiopian Cuisine:
D.C. has a large Ethiopian community, and Ethiopian restaurants are popular in many parts of the city. Ethiopian cuisine features spicy stews, vegetable dishes, and injera, a type of sourdough flatbread that is used to scoop up the other dishes.
Georgetown Cupcakes:
Georgetown Cupcakes is a popular bakery in the Georgetown neighborhood that is known for its delicious cupcakes. The bakery offers a wide variety of flavors, including red velvet, salted caramel, and key lime.
Ben's Chili Bowl:
Ben's Chili Bowl is a D.C. institution that has been serving up chili dogs and other classic American fare since 1958. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
These are just a few examples of the many tasty foods to try in Washington, D.C. The city's diverse culinary scene offers something for everyone, from classic American dishes to international flavors.