The District of Columbia is spelled /ˈdɪstrɪkt əv ˌkələmˈbɪə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "District" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, and the "t" is pronounced as a "k" sound. "Columbia" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, with a silent "u". This spelling is used to refer to the federal district of the United States, which serves as the nation's capital and is home to the White House, Supreme Court, and other important government buildings.
The District of Columbia, commonly referred to as Washington, D.C., is a federal district located in the United States of America. It serves as the capital city of the nation and is not part of any state. The district derives its name from two principal entities, the first being the legendary explorer Christopher Columbus, and the second referring to the federal district's status.
The District of Columbia encompasses an area of approximately 68 square miles (177 square kilometers) and is situated on the eastern coast of the country, bordered by the states of Maryland and Virginia. It was established by the United States Constitution in 1790, under the jurisdiction of Congress. The district holds great significance as the seat of the federal government, housing all three branches of the government: the executive (White House), the legislative (US Capitol), and the judicial (Supreme Court).
While the District of Columbia possesses limited self-governance, the ultimate authority lies with the United States Congress, which can overturn or invalidate local laws. The district is divided into eight wards for administrative convenience and is home to a diverse population. It attracts millions of visitors each year due to its iconic landmarks, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the Smithsonian museums.
The primary function of the District of Columbia is to serve as the epicenter of national governance, housing institutions and agencies crucial to the functioning of the federal government. It acts as a symbol of American democracy and holds immense historical, cultural, and political significance.