Capital City: Halifax
Nova Scotia's 580-kilometre long peninsula is surrounded by four bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean, the Bay of Fundy, the Northumberland Strait and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Its geographic location, together with large, ice-free, deep-water harbours, have been key factors in the province's economic development.

The province thrives on its harmonious relationship with the sea - its endless coastlines are dotted with rustic fishing villages and lighthouses. With an area of 55,491 square kilometres, Nova Scotia is larger than Denmark, although somewhat smaller than Scotland, after which it is named. Over 80 per cent of Nova Scotia's population of 934,400 trace their ancestry either wholly or partly to the British Isles. Those with French origin rank second: 18 per cent of residents have some French ancestry. The largest concentration of population is found in the Halifax metropolitan area, which has a population of 380,800.

Eleven scenic travelways wind through Nova Scotia, taking you through breathtaking shores, towering cliffs, historic seaside towns, peaceful beaches, picturesque bays and charming villages. One of the most spectacular, Cabot Trail, is carved into mountainsides looking down onto the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Nova Scotia also offers more than 800 lively festivals and events, kayaking, hiking, whale watching, golfing, and delicious seafood dinners.