Area Map Quick Facts Location and Land

History and People Economy Government

Nova Scotia: Quick Facts

Quick Facts

• Capital - Halifax
• Motto - Munit Haec et Altera Vincit (One defends and the other conquers)
• Flower - Mayflower
• Entered Confederation - 1 July 1867
• Members of the Legislative Assembly - 52
• Members of Parliament - 11
• Senators - 10
• Population, 1998 - 936,092
• Average annual family income, 1996 - $45,087
• Employment rate, 1997 - 52.8%
• Per capita health expenditures, 1995 - $2,264
• Inflation as measured by the CPI, 1997 - 2.1%
• Average weekly earnings, 1997 - $501.47
• Housing starts, 1997 - 3,813
• Harmonized sales tax, 1998 - 15%
• Urban population, 1996 - 54.8%
• GDP per capita, 1995 - $20,000
• Land area out of Canada's total area - 0.6%

Sources: Statistics Canada, 1999 Canadian Encyclopedia

Cities

Halifax, the capital and the major city in Nova Scotia has a population of 348,000. It is a major sea port as well as academic center. Other cities include Sydney and Sherbrooke. Major towns include Yarmouth, Kentville, Bridgewater, Truro, Amherst and New Glasgow.

Time Zone

Nova Scotia is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone.

Climate

Nova Scotia lies in the northern temperate zone and, although the province is almost surrounded by water, the climate is continental rather than maritime. The temperature extremes of the continental climate are moderated by the ocean.