Washington, DC, the national capital of the United States, is in the 7th-largest metropolitan area in the country (with a population of over 5.5 million). The city is bordered by the states of Virginia to the west, and Maryland to the east.

James Madison University is within driving distance of Washington, DC. Direct highways connect Harrisonburg to the capital city. See the maps and travel page for details on how to get to and from Washington, DC.

Home of the government

The federal government of the United States is located in Washington, DC, as are 174 foreign embassies, the headquarters of organizations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Pan American Health Organization, and many trade unions, lobbying groups, and professional associations.

This opens up many opportunities for internships with governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, global companies, law firms, sport franchises and banks. Businesses are concentrated along Embassy Row and in Downtown, although there are many smaller commercial areas spread across the various neighborhoods in the city.

Attractions and historic sites

Many of the USA's monuments and museums can be seen in Washington, DC. National treasures include the White House, the Washington National Cathedral, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the United States Capitol; and the National Archives.

The National Mall is a large park in the center of the city, home to the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial (pictured left), the National World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Albert Einstein Memorial.

Most of the USA's official museums and galleries (see list below) are open to the public free of charge. Washington, DC, is also a national center for the arts.

• Visit Washington, DC's official tourism website