Québec

Québec is a province in eastern Canada. It is the largest province by area and has a population of about 8.6 million. The capital is Québec City, and the largest city is Montreal. French is the official language of the provincial government and administration, and the province maintains strong francophone culture and institutions across education, media, and public life.

Geography ranges from the St. Lawrence River corridor in the south to vast boreal forests and Arctic-like areas in the north. The climate varies from humid continental in the south to subarctic in the far north. The province borders Ontario to the west, New Brunswick to the east, and the U.S. states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont, with coastlines on the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the Atlantic.

Historically, Québec was settled by Indigenous peoples before becoming part of New France. It was ceded to Britain in 1763, later joining Canada as a province in 1867. The mid-20th century Quiet Revolution transformed politics, society, and language policy, strengthening the primacy of the French language and contributing to ongoing debates about sovereignty.

Governance operates as a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. The National Assembly of Québec legislates state matters; the premier is the head of government, and a lieutenant governor represents the monarch. The province is known for laws promoting the French language, including the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101).

Economically, Québec emphasizes hydroelectric power, aerospace, information technology, manufacturing, and tourism. Cultural life is marked by a strong Québecois identity, with historic sites such as Old Québec (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and vibrant festivals, cuisine, music, and literature.