Québec

Québec
Québec
Province
	Flag
	Location of Québec in Canada
Country	Canada
Area
• Total	1,542,056 km2 (595,391 sq mi)
• Land	1,365,128 km2 (527,079 sq mi)
• Water	176,928 km2 (68,312 sq mi)
Population (2021)
• Total	8,575,779
• Density	6.3/km2 (16/sq mi)

Québec is a province in Canada. It is the largest province by area and the second-largest by population. The province's capital is Quebec City, and its largest city is Montreal. Québec is the only province in Canada with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level.

History[edit | edit source]

Québec was first explored by Europeans in the early 16th century, with the arrival of Jacques Cartier in 1534. The area was later colonized by the French, and Québec City was founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. The province was part of New France until 1763, when it was ceded to the British after the Seven Years' War. Québec became one of the original provinces of Canada in 1867 with the passage of the British North America Act.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Québec is bordered by Ontario to the west, Newfoundland and Labrador to the northeast, and the United States to the south. It has a diverse landscape that includes the Laurentian Mountains, the St. Lawrence River, and vast forests. The province also has numerous lakes and rivers, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.

Economy[edit | edit source]

Québec has a diverse economy with key industries including aerospace, information technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. The province is also a major producer of hydroelectric power, which is exported to neighboring provinces and the United States. The Port of Montreal is one of the largest inland ports in the world and plays a significant role in the province's economy.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Québec has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its French roots. The province is known for its vibrant arts scene, including music, theater, and film. The annual Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Quebec Winter Carnival are major cultural events that attract visitors from around the world. Québec is also known for its cuisine, which includes dishes such as poutine and tourtière.

Education[edit | edit source]

Québec has a well-developed education system with numerous universities and colleges. The province is home to some of Canada's leading institutions, including McGill University and Université de Montréal. Education in Québec is conducted primarily in French, although there are also English-language institutions.

Politics[edit | edit source]

Québec has a unique political landscape, with a strong movement for independence from Canada. The Parti Québécois and the Bloc Québécois are political parties that advocate for Québec sovereignty. The province has held two referendums on independence, in 1980 and 1995, both of which were defeated.