Ontario — Key Facts for the Canadian Citizenship Test

Ontario is Canada's most populous province and home to the national capital, Ottawa. Understanding Ontario is essential for the citizenship test.

Key Facts

• Capital: Toronto (also the largest city in Canada)
• National Capital: Ottawa is located in Ontario
• Population: ~15 million (about 39% of Canada's total)
• Region: Central Canada
• Entered Confederation: July 1, 1867 (founding province)

Geography

Ontario borders the Great Lakes (Superior, Huron, Erie, Ontario), Quebec, Manitoba, and the US states of Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. It contains vast boreal forests in the north and fertile farmland in the south.

Economy

Ontario has Canada's largest economy. Key industries include manufacturing (auto industry in southern Ontario), finance (Toronto's Bay Street is Canada's financial centre), technology (Ottawa and Waterloo), and agriculture.

History and Culture

Ontario was part of Upper Canada before Confederation. It's home to Canada's Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, Niagara Falls, and the CN Tower. The province is one of the most culturally diverse places in the world, with Toronto being the most multicultural city in Canada.

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