What is the capital of the United States?

The capital of the United States is Washington, DC. Established as the capital in 1790, Washington, DC was specifically chosen to serve as the nation's political center due to its location along the Potomac River between the northern and southern states. This strategic location was intended to foster a sense of unity among the disparate regions of the new country.

As the seat of the federal government, Washington, DC is home to key government institutions, including the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court, which makes it the focal point for national governance and a symbol of American democracy. This historical significance and its designated role as the capital set it apart from other major cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, which play important roles in American culture and economy but are not the capital.