Manitoba is one of 13 provinces and territories of Canada located in the center region of the country. It is known for its diverse landscape from arctic tundra to farmland , with an economy based on agriculture, manufacturing, natural resources.
Manitoba is the easternmost of three prairie provinces in Canada. Manitoba is bordered by Saskatchewan to the west, Nunavut to the north, Ontario to the east and U.S. states North Dakota and Minnesota to the south. The northernmost areas of Manitoba are permafrost, or permanently frozen subsoil, with some tundra bordering the Hudson Bay.
Manitoba has a varied climate based on its geography:
• Northern Region
Subarctic climate with long, harsh winters and shorter, cooler summers.
• Southern Region
Milder climate, particularly in coastal areas, with moderate temperatures.
Major producer of wheat, canola, and other grains, with significant livestock operations.
Diverse manufacturing sector including aerospace, buses, and farm equipment.
Mining operations in the north, including nickel, copper, and zinc.
Winnipeg serves as a regional financial center with major insurance companies.
Average Age
39 years
Median Age
38 years
Female (50.3%)
Male (49.7%)
The 2021 census found the racial and ethnic composition of Manitoba was:
White (63.9%)
Indigenous (18.1%)
Filipino (7.2%)
South Asian (3.1%)
Black (2.9%)
Chinese (1.8%)
Southeast Asian (1.2%)
Latin American (0.9%)
Arab (0.6%)
Other (0.3%)
English (89.8%)
French (3.2%)
Other (7.0%)
Average Household Income
$71,900
Median Household Income
$63,800
Poverty Rate
12.8%
Indigenous peoples including Cree, Ojibwa, Assiniboine, and Dakota lived in the region for thousands of years.
The Hudson's Bay Company was granted control of Rupert's Land, including present-day Manitoba.
The Red River Colony was established by Lord Selkirk, leading to conflict with the Métis population.
The Red River Resistance led by Louis Riel resulted in the Manitoba Act and Manitoba entering Confederation as Canada's fifth province.
The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway accelerated European settlement and agricultural development.
The Winnipeg General Strike became one of the most influential labor events in Canadian history.