Washington vs. Washington DC — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 16, 2023
Washington typically refers to the U.S. state located in the Pacific Northwest, while Washington DC is the capital of the United States, located on the East Coast.
Difference Between Washington and Washington DC
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Washington, often associated with its full name, Washington State, is one of the fifty states in the U.S., located in the Pacific Northwest. It has its own local government, geography, and distinct culture. In contrast, Washington DC, standing for "Washington, District of Columbia," is not a state but a federal district. It's the political hub of the U.S., hosting the nation's capital.
Washington boasts natural landscapes like the Cascade Mountains and the Puget Sound, making it diverse in terms of topography. On the other hand, Washington DC is known for its iconic monuments, governmental buildings, and historic neighborhoods.
While Washington is governed like any other U.S. state with its own governor and legislature, Washington DC operates under a unique set of laws overseen by Congress, even though it has its own mayor and city council.
Comparison Chart
Political Entity
A U.S. state.
The U.S. capital and a federal district.
Location
Pacific Northwest.
East Coast, between Maryland and Virginia.
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Governance
Has a governor and state legislature.
Overseen by Congress; has a mayor and city council.
Associations
Puget Sound, Cascade Mountains.
White House, Capitol Building, National Monuments.
Abbreviations
WA (for the state).
DC (for the District of Columbia).
Compare with Definitions
Washington
Washington is a state in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.
Seattle is a major city in Washington.
Washington DC
Washington DC operates under federal law, overseen by Congress.
Even local decisions in Washington DC can be subject to Congressional review.
Washington
Washington has a diverse geography including mountains, forests, and coastlines.
Mount Rainier in Washington is an active stratovolcano.
Washington DC
Washington DC is the capital city of the United States.
The President resides in the White House in Washington DC.
Washington
Washington is known for its tech industries and coffee culture.
Major tech companies have their headquarters in Washington.
Washington DC
Washington DC is not part of any state.
Though it's landlocked by states, Washington DC operates independently.
Washington
Washington borders Canada to the north.
The northernmost point of Washington offers beautiful views of Canada.
Washington DC
Washington DC hosts the three branches of the U.S. federal government.
The Supreme Court is located in Washington DC.
Washington
Washington's state capital is Olympia.
Olympia, situated in Washington, hosts the state's legislative sessions.
Washington DC
Washington DC is known for its historic monuments and museums.
The Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC is a major tourist attraction.
Washington
The capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles l'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791
Washington
A state in northwestern United States on the Pacific
Washington
The federal government of the United States
Washington
1st President of the United States; commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1732-1799)
Washington
United States educator who was born a slave but became educated and founded a college at Tuskegee in Alabama (1856-1915)
Common Curiosities
Are Washington and Washington DC the same?
No, Washington is a state and Washington DC is the U.S. capital.
What is Washington?
Washington refers to a state in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.
Is Washington DC a state?
No, Washington DC is a federal district and not a state.
What does the "DC" in Washington DC stand for?
DC stands for the District of Columbia.
What's the capital of Washington?
Olympia is the capital of Washington state.
Is Seattle in Washington or Washington DC?
Seattle is a city in the state of Washington.
Where is Washington located?
Washington is located in the Pacific Northwest, bordering Canada to the north.
Who governs Washington?
Washington is governed by its elected state officials, including a governor.
What are the key attractions in Washington DC?
Washington DC is known for its monuments, the National Mall, and historic neighborhoods.
Who governs Washington DC?
Washington DC has its own mayor and city council, but it's also overseen by Congress.
Is Washington DC only for government buildings?
No, Washington DC has a mix of governmental, commercial, and residential areas.
What are the key attractions in Washington?
Washington offers attractions like Mount Rainier, the Puget Sound, and the city of Seattle.
Why isn't Washington DC part of any state?
Washington DC was designated to be an independent federal district to serve as the nation's capital.
Can Washington DC become a state?
The topic of DC statehood is a matter of debate and would require congressional approval.
What is the economy of Washington like?
Washington's economy is diverse, known for tech, aerospace, and agriculture.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
