What is the capital of the United States?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give this answer.

• Washington, D.C.

Our explanation

The capital of the United States is Washington, D.C. It is named after George Washington, the first President. “D.C.” means “District of Columbia.” It is not part of any state. It is between Maryland and Virginia.

Remember it

The capital has the first President’s name: George Washington.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (M-1175) p. 41: “Washington, D.C., is named after George Washington… These letters mean ‘District of Columbia.’ Washington, D.C., is not part of a state.”

• Civics (History and Government) Questions for the Naturalization Test (2008 version), rev. 08/21 (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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Easy to mix up with

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