What is the capital of the United States?

The capital of the United States is Washington, D.C. This city was established to be the nation's capital through a compromise in the early days of the United States, primarily influenced by the need for a central location that was not part of any existing state, thus reducing bias favoring any particular state. Washington, D.C. serves as the seat of the federal government, housing key institutions such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Supreme Court. Its location along the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia was selected to symbolize a balance between the Northern and Southern states. The city is not only the political heart of the nation but also rich in historical significance, making it a focal point for both national governance and the American identity.