Washington is the capital of United States and hosts foreign embassies as well as the headquarters of the International Monetary Fund, the Organization of American States and the World Bank.This city was a separate municipality within the Territory of Columbia until an act of Congress in 1871 merged the City and the Territory into a single entity: the District of Columbia. It is for this reason that the city, while legally named the District of Columbia, is known as Washington, D.C.Useful information: White House:Public tours of the White House are available for groups of 10 or more people. Requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress and are accepted up to six months in advance. 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tue - Thu, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Fri: 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sat (excluding federal holidays). More information in The Smithonian Institution Building is open every day of the year, except December 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Extended summer hours are determined annually.

Photo File:WashingtonDCMallAerialNavyPhoto , by Johnny Bivera, is licensed under public domain