About Washington, DC

Washington, DC, the capital of the United States, is a pivotal location for the nation’s political and economic affairs. The city is home to approximately 600,000 residents, but swells to over one million people during work hours. In addition to housing the three executive branches of government, it boasts a growing, diversified economy that attracts professionals to work at recognized colleges, high-tech and bio-tech companies, national and international non-profit associations, industry trade groups, lobbying firms and corporate law firms, many of which have their headquarters in the city. Industries not directly connected to the government, such as education, finance, public policy, and scientific research, have been growing in the District of Columbia, increasing the percentage of professional and business service jobs. In 2006, Expansion Magazine ranked the District of Columbia among the top ten areas in the nation favorable to business expansion, and a 2009 survey of the top 200 global development companies listed Washington, D.C. as the leader in foreign real estate investment, ahead of both London and New York City. In spite of the recent economic downturn, Washington DC remains a bustling center for business, having fared better than 48 out of the fifty states when it comes to job performance. Washington DC is flourishing, and remains a key business location.