About Calgary, Alberta

With a population of about 1.1 million people, the Calgary metropolitan area is the fifth largest city in Canada. Calgary is located in southwestern Alberta province in western Canada.

Calgary Information City code CAL IATA code YYC Country Canada State Alberta Population 1.1 Million Pop. density 1,400 / km2 Land area 5,100 km2 Elevation 1,048 m Currency Dollar (CAD) Languages English French Latitude 51.02° N Longitude 114.03° W

The city of Calgary was incorporated in 1894. It was settled as a trading post for in the 1800's when the area was replete with buffalo, beaver, and other animals. Later, the Canadian Pacific Railway reached the area, taking advantage of the nearby Kicking-Horse Pass over the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coast.

In the mid-1900s, huge oil fields were discovered in Alberta and this fueled Calgary's growth for many years. However, it has also left the city somewhat vulnerable to energy price booms and busts.

In recent years, considerable effort has gone into diversifying the economy into tourism and high-tech manufacturing. The city is home to the Calgary Stampede, an annual rodeo event that is world famous.

Calgary is located in the transition zone between the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the vast Canadian Prairies in the heart of the country. At 280 square miles, the city is physically quite large which means that the city center and most of it's suburbs are actually within the city limits.

Calgary has a fairly cold and dry climate. Average summer daily high temperatures are normally in the mid 70s °F. Winter daily high temperatures are normally in the mid to high 20's °F. The city receives just 16 inches of precipitation per year.

Demographically, Calgary is a diverse city with ethnic groups making up about 25% of the population. Among the larger ethnic groups are Chinese, South Asian, Filipinos, and Blacks.

English is the most widely spoken language.

Calgary is served by Calgary International Airport (IATA code: YYC).

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