What is the capital of the United States?

The capital of the United States is Washington, D.C. This city was specifically chosen as the nation's capital due to its central location along the East Coast and its role as a neutral ground for both Northern and Southern states during the early years of the nation. Washington, D.C. serves as the seat of the federal government and is home to key government buildings, including the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Supreme Court.

The choice of Washington, D.C. as the capital reflects the founding fathers' desire for a city that would not be part of any state, which would help mitigate regional biases and allow for greater unity. This distinguishes it from other significant cities like New York City, which served as the first capital of the United States under the Articles of Confederation, as well as Los Angeles and Chicago, which, while populous and influential, do not hold the same governmental significance.