Washington is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States of America. The state is named after George Washington, the first President of the United States.It borders Canada and the Pacific Ocean. It has the second highest population of any western state, yet visitors can travel from any city centre to peaceful countryside within minutes.

Today Washington is a city of variety and contrast. The central area is beautifully designed with broad avenues lined with magnificent buildings and monuments set in spacious green parks. The surrounding neighbourhoods vary from modern commercial districts and upscale residential neighbour hoods to ethnic enclaves and working class neighbourhoods.

Driving in here can be frustrating. The beltway system around the city is quite good, but access to and from the central area is not so easy. All major roads often become congested during the busy hours of early morning and late afternoon.

Washington is home to numerous national landmarks and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The US Capitol Building sits on a slight hill at the eastern end of the Mall. It is a beautiful white building of classical Greek design. The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. The Washington Monument is the most prominent feature of the skyline. The Smithsonian Institution, composed of at least 17 separate facilities scattered about Washington DC, is one of the finest collections of museums in the world. The Lincoln Memorial is a beautiful white marble building of Greek Classical design. The Jefferson memorial is located across the tidal basin from the western end of the Mall and adds picturesque charm to the views from many locations. There are so many things to see and do in Washington that it would require many pages to describe them all.

Washingtons many state parks offer every sort of outdoor recreation, from traditional camping, hiking, cross country skiing and boating to windsurfing and rock climbing.

It is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the US with numerous ethnic neighbourhoods and restaurants featuring a wide variety of exotic cuisines.

Washington is in the northern periphery of the humid subtropical climate zone. Its climate is typical of the Mid Atlantic US with four distinct seasons. Warm winter clothes are needed in the coldest months. Light to medium weights are advised for the summer. An umbrella can come in handy any time of year.