Saskatchewan Land of Living Skies Perhaps the most enduring image of Saskatchewan is that of the prairie. In the summer, fields of golden wheat, barley and bright yellow canola dominate the open landscape. In the winter, a vast blue sky ascends from blankets of freshly fallen snow producing some of the most pristine and inspiring vistas in the country. Regina, the provincial capital, is home to the legislature building the grounds of which form one of the largest urban parks in North America. Saskatoon is a thriving city well known for hosting great family-oriented festivals including Winterfest, Folkfest and The International Fringe Festival. Some Quick Facts (from the Tourism Saskatchewan website) Population: 1,021,762 Capital City: Regina - Population 200,039 Largest City: Saskatoon - Population 231,555 Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST) year-round Highest Elevation: Cypress Hills - 1,392 m (4,566 ft.) above sea level Major River Systems North and South Saskatchewan, Assiniboine, Churchill. All empty into Hudson Bay. Principle Industries Agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism Origin of Name From the Plains Indian word, "kisiskatchewan", meaning "the river that flows swiftly"; a reference to the area's major river Land & Geography: Approximately 651,900 square kilometres (more than a quarter million square miles) in size. Contrary to popular belief, one half the province is covered by forest, one-third by farmland and one-eighth by fresh water. Location: In the heart of North America. To the east and west, the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Alberta. To the south it borders the American states of Montana and North Dakota. To the north are Canada's Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Heritage: Saskatchewan is culturally diverse, with people of Aboriginal, European, Russian, Scandinavian and British heritage.
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