Calgary, the capital of the province of Alberta, It is situated at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River in the south of the province, in the transitional area between the foothill and the prairie.Calgary was designated as one of the cultural capitals of Canada in 2012.While many Calgarians continue to live in the city's suburbs, more central districts such as 17 Avenue, Kensington, Inglewood, Forest Lawn, Marda Loop and the Mission District have become more popular and density in those areas has increased.

There are around 1.3 million people living in Calgary, making it the third-largest municipality and fourth-largest metropolitan area in Canada. According to the 2016 Census, Calgary experienced the biggest population growth of any metropolitan area in Canada since 2011, and its residents also have the youngest average age of any major Canadian city.

Calgary is larger than Edmonton, the province’s capital situated approximately two and a half hours to the north by car. Calgary is the major urban centre for the entire southern half of the province of Alberta. It is surrounded by an area of profound beauty, with an unspoiled, resource-rich natural environment.

With its focus on the oil industry and proud ‘Cowboy’ traditions, you’ll often hear Alberta referred to as the ‘Texas’ of Canada. By extension, Calgary is often called ‘Cowtown’ and the Calgary Stampede, which lasts 10 days every July, is known as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”

Education

More than 240 schools across the City of Calgary. Each school is led by a Principal, and supported by one of seven Area Office teams.Schools are welcoming, safe and caring environments where students will learn, make new friends, and discover their talents and interests. Each school has a culture that reflects its community of students, teachers, parents, volunteers, and local organizations that work together to support student success both today and into the future.

• The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) is the public school board in Calgary.

Have a look at some of the list of universities in Calgary:

• University of Calgary
• Bow Valley College
• Mount Royal University
• The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
• Bay River College
• Brescia University College
• Huron University College
• St Mary's University
• King's University College

Economy

Economic activity in Calgary is heavily focused on the petroleum industry, agriculture, and tourism. Alberta has the lion’s share of Canada’s oil industry. Its reserves, in the form of oil sands, are estimated to be second only to Saudi Arabia’s. Most petroleum companies in Canada have their headquarters based in Calgary, contributing to making Calgary one of Canada’s wealthiest cities. The economic reliance on this industry typically results in ‘boom’ and ‘bust’ cycles, and current low oil prices mean that Calgary is in the midst of economic recovery. Calgary’s unemployment rate is currently higher than many other Canadian cities as a result.

Calgary's economy includes activity in the energy, financial services, film and television, transportation and logistics, technology, manufacturing, aerospace, health and wellness, retail, and tourism sectorsThe Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Calgary the most livable city in North America in both 2018 and 2019. Calgary has been a top 5 contender for this title for the last 10 years.

Calgary is recognized as a leader in the Canadian oil and gas industry, and its economy expanded at a significantly higher rate than the overall Canadian economy.

In 1988, Calgary became the first Canadian city to host the Winter Olympic Games. These games continue to be a benchmark for future host countries on how to run a successful Olympics. The Calgary Olympics pioneered the use of community volunteers — something Canadians pride themselves on.

Places to visit in Calgary

• Calgary Stampede
• Day Trip to Banff & Lake Louise
• Calgary Zoo and Prehistoric Park
• Heritage Park Historical Village
• Calgary Tower
• WinSport: Canada Olympic Park
• Prince's Island Park
• Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey
• Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre
• Fish Creek Provincial Park
• The Hangar Flight Museum
• Fort Calgary
• The Military Museums
• Spruce Meadows