Fast Facts about Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is one of the founding provinces of Canada. Almost totally surrounded by water, Nova Scotia is made up of a mainland peninsula and Cape Breton Island, which is across the Canso Strait. It is one of only three Canadian maritime provinces located on the North Atlantic Coast of North America.

The province of Nova Scotia is famous for its high tides, lobster, fish, blueberries, and apples. It is also known for an unusually high rate of shipwrecks on Sable Island. The name Nova Scotia originates from Latin, meaning "New Scotland."

Geographical Location

The province is bordered by the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Northumberland Strait on the north, and the Atlantic Ocean on the south and east. Nova Scotia is connected to the province of New Brunswick on the west by the Chignecto Isthmus. And it's the second-smallest of Canada's 10 provinces, larger only than Prince Edward Island.

During World War II, Halifax was a major North American port for trans-Atlantic convoys carrying munitions and supplies to Western Europe.

Population

Although it is one of the more densely populated of Canada's provinces, Nova Scotia's total area is only 20,400 square miles. Its population hovers just below 1 million people, and it's capital city is Halifax.

Most of Nova Scotia is English-speaking, with about 4 percent of its population speaking French. The French speakers are typically concentrated in the cities of Halifax, Digby, and Yarmouth.

Economy

Coal mining has long been a significant part of life in Nova Scotia. The industry declined after the 1950s but began a comeback in the 1990s. Agriculture, particularly poultry and dairy farms, is another big part of the area's economy.

Given its proximity to the ocean, it also makes sense that fishing is a major industry in Nova Scotia. It is one of the most productive fisheries along the Atlantic coastline, providing haddock, cod, scallops, and lobsters among its catches. Forestry and energy also play big roles in Nova Scotia's economy.