Washington DC: Overview

Home of the 'I-didn't-do-its' and 'I-promise-not-to-do-it-agains'.

If civic politics is the American religion, then Washington DC is the nation's holy city. White houses, capital and pentagonal buildings, supreme courts - these monumental Lego shrines are rarefied with real power. A patriotic combination of history and histrionics: BYO wiretap.

To some, Washington means white marble, verdant lawns, and the colourful, ritualistic pageantry of American politics: the Capitol dome gleaming against an azure sky; limousine processions on Inauguration Day; the mournful, sombre, stately changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery.

Travel Warning: Carry-on Baggage Restrictions

Restrictions on airline carry-on baggage are in place throughout the US. For details check the Transport Security Administration website.

severity: Mid-level alert

Fast Facts

Population

570,000

Currency

Name: US Dollar
Code: USD
Symbol: US$

Electrical Plugs

American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades
110V 60Hz

Languages Spoken

Essential: English

Time Zones

GMT/UTC -5 (Eastern Time)

Country Dialing Code

+1

Weights & Measures

Imperial

USA - Pick & Mix Chapters

USA - Pick & Mix Chapters

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