Home of the White House, host to 176 diplomatic missions, and more than 600,000 residents, Washington, D.C., is more than "A Capital City," it is the heartbeat of the United States. Students have endless opportunities to experience a wide variety of cultural events and activities.

Geography

The District of Columbia is surrounded by Maryland to the northwest, north, northeast, east and southeast and Virginia to the south, southwest and west. The Potomac River divides the District of Columbia from Virginia.

Weather

Month Average High Average Low
January 43° F 29 °F
February 47 °F 31 °F
March 56 °F 38 °F
April 67° F 47 °F
May 75 °F 56 °F
June 84 °F 66 °F
July 89° F 71 °F
August 87 °F 70 °F
September 80 °F 63 °F
October 68° F 51 °F
November 58 °F 41 °F
December 47 °F 38 °F

Major Industries

Given its designation as the U.S. capital, it is natural that government, national and international politics, and diplomacy are the major industries here. Trade and service industries follow, with finance, law, health care and tourism leading the way.

Sports Teams

The District’s sports teams include the National Basketball Association’s Washington Wizards; the National Hockey League’s Washington Capitals; Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals; and Major League Soccer's D.C. United.

Culinary Specialties

In a city that hosts 176 diplomatic missions, Washington, D.C.’s food culture is a mixture of everyone else’s, but there are some noteworthy distinctions. For a complete listing of DC top 100 restaurants please click here.
International Connection

Washington, D.C., is sister cities with Accra, Ghana; Athens, Greece; Ankara, Turkey; Bangkok, Thailand; Beijing, China; Brussels, Belgium; Dakar, Senegal; Paris, France; Pretoria, South Africa; Rome, Italy; Seoul, South Korea; and Sunderland, England.

Attractions

There are many attractions to stimulate the cultural, intellect
•    African American Civil War Memorial
•    Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
•    Corcoran Gallery of Art
•    John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
•    National Mall  
•    Smithsonian Institution Museums

Please see the Washington D.C. Official Visitors Guide for more information.