Washington, DC, United State's capital, is located along the eastern seaboard of the continent, between the states of Virginia and Maryland at the junction of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers.

More than 500,000 people occupy Washington, DC ( the District of Columbia), a federal territory since 1790. The surrounding metropolitan area, which includes 12 counties and 5 cities from Maryland and Virginia, is home to more than five million residents. Washington, the city, and DC, the district, have the same boundaries, roughly about 67 square miles.

Washington, DC, was established as the seat of the federal government in 1800. Since then, decisions for the future of the nation and even international parts of the globe have been made within its borders.

The White House, the official residence of the president of the United States is here and nowhere else in the nation are there as many international embassies as are in Washington, DC.

Tourist attractions abound. To name a few: J.E. Hoover Building; the Bureau of Engraving & Printing; the FDR Memorial; the Jefferson Memorial and the National Mall. The National Mall is not a shopping mall. The Mall is managed by the National Park Service.

The National Mall is a one mile strip of real estate flanked by 2000 American elms and buildings like the Smithsonian Museum ( the largest museum complex in the world) and the National Air and Space Museum (more than 219 million visitors have passed through the doors of the Space Museum these past 25 years). The Capital Building sits at Mall's east end and the Washington Monument sits at its west.

The National Mall is also a place where residents can participate in demonstrations and protests or enjoy concerts and celebrations, depending on the occasion.

Another site in Washington, DC, where residents and visitors gather is the Eastern Market, built in 1873. For over one hundred years, hunger shoppers have been coming to the Eastern Market for fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods and meats. Visitors especially enjoy browsing through the flea markets, listening to first class stage shows at the performing arts centers and shopping for gifts and ornaments at the local arts and crafts stalls, all found at the Eastern Market.

Climate is seasonal in Washington DC, with hot summers, colorful falls, slushy winters and fragrant cherry blossom springs.

Famous festivals in Washington, DC, include the national Cherry Blossom Festival held when the 3000 Japanese cherry trees that grow in the Tidal Basin by the National Mall are at their blooming best - sometime in March and April.

The city's grid is beautifully made up of tree-lined broad avenues, lots of green spaces and gardens and monumental plazas and squares, as envisioned by original engineer, Major L'Enfant.. However, it is congested with traffic most of the day. Parking is almost impossible, therefore, explore Washington, DC, on foot and by local transit.