Washington, District of Columbia is a territory governed by the United States and occupies more than 68 square-miles. The territory is divided into eight wards and houses more than 600,000 residents. Since Washington, D.C., is not actually a state, it has no voting representation in the U.S. Congress. Instead, the territory elects shadow representatives and shadow senators, who lobby Congress for the interests of D.C. Also, a mayor and a City Council are elected, but D.C. itself is still subject to governance by the U.S. Congress. As the U.S. capital, the territory is home to numerous attractions and events, including museums, parks, shopping, dining and a variety of cultural events, in addition to the White House, the Capitol, the Washington Monument and other U.S. government facilities. Former U.S. President George Washington selected Washing, D.C., as the future capital of the country in 1791. The territory assumed that role in 1800.