Quebec

Quebec is a Canadian province. In 2007 its population is more than 7 million people. The majority of its population speaks French but due to immigration and its history, there are important communities speaking other languages, primarily English, Italian, and Spanish.

History

First explorers

The first European explorer to reach the province of Quebec was Jacques Cartier from France. Sailing into the Saint-Lawrence river, he planted a cross in Gaspé, on the south shore. The Cross officially gave France control over what would become "Nouvelle France", its North American colony. Moving down the river, Jacques Cartier established a settlement at Stadacona, near present-day Quebec city. The settlement was however abandoned in the following years, partly due to the cold winters. Another French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, would found the next settlement in 1608. From that day forward, the French presence in Quebec has continued until the present.

Geography

Cities

The ten largest cities by population in Quebec are :

1. Montreal
2. Quebec City
3. Laval
4. Gatineau
5. Longueuil
6. Sherbrooke
7. Saguenay
8. Lévis
9. Trois-Rivieres
10. Terrebonne