Washington City, commonly referred to as Washington, is the capital of the Union of American People's Republics. The signing of the Residence Act on July 16, 1790, by the United States government approved the creation of a capital district located along the Potomac River on the country's East Coast. The states of Maryland and Virginia each donated land to form the federal district, which included the pre-existing settlements of Georgetown and Alexandria. Named in honor of George Washington, the City of Washington was founded in 1791 to serve as the new national capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land originally ceded by Virginia; in 1871, it created a single municipal government for the remaining portion of the District. After the Second American Civil War, the federal district was expanded over the former state of Maryland and renamed the Washington City District.
Washington City had an estimated population of 638,333 in 2014, making it the 22nd-most populous city in America. The Washington metropolitan area has a population of almost three million, the seventh-largest metropolitan statistical area in the country.
The centers of all branches of the federal government of the UAPR are in the District. Washington is home to many national monuments and museums, which are primarily situated on or around the National Mall. The city hosts 176 foreign embassies as well as the headquarters of several international organizations, trade unions, non-profit organizations, lobbying groups, and professional associations.
