Ontario is one of the most diverse places in the world. Our people speak more than 130 languages and they hail from about 200 different countries. Every day, over 300 people choose Ontario as their new home — more than any other province in Canada. One of the best things about Ontario is that you can be who you are, and still be part of the same large community. In fact, our people are our greatest asset, and one of their greatest assets is their diversity. That’s why we want to continue to attract the best and brightest from around the world, because our diversity strengthens our economy, our prosperity and our province. Take a look at the information posted on the official Government of Ontario website about Immigration - www.ontarioimmigration.ca. On this website, you can find out about places to live, work, go to school, learn a trade or practice your trade or profession and see how to start a new business in Ontario. We are certain that it will strengthen your desire to come here and make it your new home. We can help you to realize this desire in the most effective and quick way. The name "Ontario" comes from the Iroquois word "Kanadario" meaning "sparkling water." The name is fitting: not only is Ontario bordered on the south by the Great Lakes and on the north by Hudson Bay, but 177 390 km2, or one sixth of its terrain, is covered by rivers and lakes. Ontario is larger than Spain and France combined. The province has a landmass of 1,068,580 sq km and is the 2nd largest province in Canada. At its greatest extremity Ontario is 690 km in width. the longest distance north/south is 1,730 km. The highest point, at 693 m above sea level, is in the District of Timiskaming, near Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Park. The people With over 11 million people, Ontario is the country's most heavily populated province. While English is the official language, Ontario's Francophones play an essential part in the province's cultural life. The provincial government provides services in French in those regions where the Francophone population is sufficiently high. Economy Ontariois Canada's most productive province, generating some 40 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Its manufacturing industries lead the way. Ontario's competitive advantages include its natural resources, modern transportation system, large, well-educated labour force, reliable and relatively inexpensive electrical power, and proximity to key U.S. markets: less than a day's drive puts Ontario's products within reach of 120 million American consumers. Automobiles are Ontario's major manufacturing industry and most important export, employing more than 140 000 people. For more info about Ontario, popular topics and useful links click here: http://www.gov.on.ca * Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, Copyright (c) 2003. |