According to Statistics Canada Manitoba's population stood at 1,228,984 as of March. 25. 2010.  The name "Manitoba" ("great spirit") is believed to be derived from the Cree, Ojibwe or Assiniboine languages.

The province of Manitoba occupies the geographical centre of Canada.  Manitoba extends from the 49th to the 60th parallel (the equivalent of Paris, France to Oslo, Norway), and has an area of 649,947 square km (250,946 square miles) -- larger than Japan and twice the size of the U.K.

• Total Area: 649,947 km 2 , 250,946 miles 2
• Land Surface Area: 548,356 km 2 211,721 miles 2
• Water Surface Area: 101,591 km 2 , 39,225 miles 2
• Coastline: 645 km - 400 miles

 

The southern and western regions of the province are predominantly prairie grassland, while the eastern and northern regions are dominated by Canadian Shield lakes and forest. A small area of Manitoba's extreme north is Arctic tundra. The province is rich in natural resources including ample fresh water, fertile farmland, rich metal and mineral deposits, hydroelectric energy, forestry resources and abundant fish and wildlife.  

 

Provincial Political Structure – Manitoba
Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by the Lieutenant Governor.

Head of Government: The Premier of Manitoba

Legislative Assembly: Comprised of 57 Members elected to represent the people of Manitoba Executive Council.
Governing Party: New Democratic Party
Capital city: Winnipeg

 

Province of Manitoba Profile
Located in the centre of Canada and North America, this prairie province encompasses a unique terrain and a richly diverse culture. Geographically, Manitoba spans wide-open prairie grasslands in the west and south, rugged Pre-Cambrian Shield to the east and thousands of pristine lakes and forests to the north. Seven distinct regions support numerous resource sectors, including agriculture, tourism, forestry, energy and mining.

The province's people are as varied as its landscape. Manitoba is proud of its remarkable cultural and ethnic diversity which greatly supports the provincial economy and enhances our quality of life. More than 100 languages are spoken here, providing real advantages in doing business on a global scale and providing unique opportunities to celebrate with community festivals across the province year-round.

 

While the centre of Manitoba's vibrant manufacturing and commercial economy remains mainly in the capital city of Winnipeg, agriculture, tourism and resource industries are located in communities across the province. Along with agriculture, the provincial economy is driven by industries such as the manufacture of farm equipment, buses, fashion and furniture; food processing; aerospace; transportation; insurance; life sciences research and development; and commerce. Supported by low electrical power rates, strategic central time zone and location at the heart of North American transportation corridors, Manitoba continues to be an attractive location for new businesses and capital investment.

 

The quality of life in Manitoba makes it an ideal place to work, live and raise a family. With four distinct seasons, Manitobans enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and sports.

The province boasts more golf courses per capita than any other province and is home to top notch professional baseball and hockey teams. Opportunities for snow and water sports abound. And the quality of our symphony, ballet, opera and live theatre companies is recognized and respected globally, as is our annual Folklorama celebration – the largest multicultural festival of its kind in the world.  Manitoba's community spirit is second-to-none and thrives in its hundreds of communities and municipalities province-wide which you can read about in the Community Profiles.

 

Canada's health-care system is respected, accessible and affordable. Visiting a doctor in Manitoba is free, and many other medical services are also paid for by the Government of Manitoba. All you need to enjoy these free services is a Manitoba health card – see the Healthcare link below for information on how to get one.

 

Education is different in every country. Canada's education system is very good, and Manitoba's schools are among the very best in the country. Whether you want to send your child/children to school or increase your own education, there are a number of options for you and your family.
Kindergarten to grade 12 schools: Manitoba has a free and excellent public education system.

Post Secondary Schools: Adults of all ages have the opportunity to learn in Manitoba.

English as an Additional Language.  Manitoba's English as an additional language (EAL) programs are free for new residents.  Manitoba has two official languages - English and French. However, most Manitobans speak and write in English. While English is commonly taught in schools around the world, the level at which it is taught is not always the same. Manitoba's English as an additional language (EAL) programs are free and can help you learn English.

Manitoba has changed from using the term English as a Second Language (ESL) programming to English as an Additional Language (EAL) programming. Both terms (ESL and EAL) may be used interchangeably on this website during the transition period.

The weather:  Manitoba's climate features four distinct seasons. Winter is cold and dry, spring and autumn are temperate, and summer is typically hot and dry.