'DC' stands for ‘District of Columbia', not a state, but an administrative district and the seat of government for the United States, created specifically to avoid having the capital city in any one state. Washington, DC is a city of green parks, wide tree-lined streets, white marble buildings and, unlike most other US cities, no skyscrapers, giving it a more European air.

The city has an abundance of museums and national monuments, most of which charge no admission. The most famous building is the White House, home of the US President. In the spring, the cherry blossoms lining the tidal basin of the Potomac River add a festive feel to this beautiful city.

DC is the centre for visiting diplomats and has one of the largest concentrations of hotel and motel rooms in the country. Tourism is the leading private industry and business interests are increasingly attracted by the many light-industrial, high-tech and research companies now moving into the region.

The ‘Metro area' refers to the District of Columbia and surrounding counties and cities in Maryland and Virginia.