Calgary (pronounced /ˈkælɡri, ˈkælɡəri/) is the largest city in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, approximately 80 km (50 mi) east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies. The city is located in the Grassland region of Alberta.
In 2006, the City of Calgary had a population of 988,193 making it the third-largest municipality in the country and largest in Alberta.[2] The entire metropolitan area had a 2006 population of 1,079,310, making it the fifth-largest census metropolitan area (CMA) in Canada.[3] In 2009, Calgary's metropolitan population was estimated at 1,230,248, raising its rank to fourth-largest CMA in Canada.[4]
Located 294 km (183 mi) due south of Edmonton, statisticians define the narrow populated area between these cities as the "Calgary–Edmonton Corridor."[5] Calgary is the largest Canadian metropolitan area between Toronto and Vancouver.
Calgary is a destination for winter sports and ecotourism with a number of major mountain resorts near the city and metropolitan area. Economic activity in Calgary is mostly centered on the petroleum industry. Agriculture, tourism and high-tech industries also contribute to the city's economic growth. In 1988, Calgary became the first Canadian city to host the Olympic Winter Games.
