Quebec

Quebec is a province in eastern Canada. Its capital is Quebec City, and its largest metropolitan area is Montreal. The province has a population of about 8.7 million people. French is the official language and is widely used in government, education, media, and public life; English-speaking communities and Indigenous languages are also present.

Historically, the area was part of New France until 1763, when control passed to Britain after the Seven Years’ War. Quebec joined the Canadian Confederation in 1867 as one of the founding provinces. The Quiet Revolution of the 1960s brought significant social and political changes, strengthening the use of French and expanding state institutions. Sovereignty referendums were held in 1980 and 1995; both were defeated, though the issue remains part of political discussion.

Geographically, Quebec spans a wide range of landscapes, from the Canadian Shield in the north to fertile river valleys in the south, with the Saint Lawrence River running through its core. It is bordered by Ontario to the west, New Brunswick to the east, and the Atlantic region and the United States to the south. The Gulf of Saint Lawrence and a long coastline shape its climate and economy. The province is rich in hydroelectric power, forests, and mineral resources.

Economically, Quebec has a diversified, service-oriented economy anchored by Montreal, a major center for aerospace, information technology, finance, and culture, and by Hydro-Québec, a large electricity producer. Tourism, manufacturing, and natural-resource industries also contribute significantly.

Culture and symbols: Quebec maintains a distinctive Francophone culture and a civil law system. The Fleurdelisée flag features a blue field with a white cross and four white fleurs-de-lis, and the motto Je me souviens is associated with the province.