District of Columbia, capital city of the United States. There are 0 county in District of Columbia. You can find the list of these counties and detailed information from the links below.
Unlike the 50 states, the District of Columbia does not contain any counties. When the District was established in 1790, the federal territory was carved out of land donated by Maryland and Virginia. However, the land donated from those two states retained their original county designations.
Today, the District of Columbia operates as a consolidated city-county government. The entire 68 square miles of the District constitutes the geographical area governed by the mayor and the District's Council. Residents of Washington, D.C. vote for these officials in city-wide elections.
The District is further divided into eight wards, each represented by a member on the D.C. Council. However, these wards do not function as autonomous county-level governments the way counties do in states. The wards exist only for representation purposes.
While state residents identify with their county and county seat, D.C. residents associate more with their neighborhood within the District. Historic and vibrant neighborhoods like Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and Shaw give Washington, D.C. local character and community spirit.
So unlike other U.S. capitals that exist within an established county structure, Washington, D.C. operates unicamerally under one consolidated government. The District's unique history and legal status shape this singular system.
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