What is the capital of the United States?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give this answer.

• Washington, D.C.

Our explanation

A capital is a city where the government works. The U.S. capital is Washington, D.C., named after George Washington, the first President. “D.C.” means District of Columbia. It is not part of any state.

Remember it

Named for George Washington. Say “D.C.” too — Washington State is a different place.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (One Nation, One People, 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.”

• 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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