Washington, D.C., or the District of Columbia (the city and the district are coterminous), is the capital of the United States of America. It is a planned city, designed specifically to house the federal government, and is not part of any state. Its history, beautiful architecture, and excellent cultural centers attract millions each year. Washington D.C. is bordered by the states of Virginia and Maryland. Washington's climate varies greatly from west to east. A mild oceanic climate (also called "marine west coast climate") predominates in western Washington, and a much drier climate prevails east of the Cascade Range.