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Nova Scotia

geography Maturity 5-7 Next article →

Nova Scotia is a province in Canada.

Novascotia topo
Novascotia topo

It sits on the east coast in a region called the Maritimes. The province has a large peninsula and Cape Breton Island. It also has 3,800 small islands near the coast.

Lighthouse DSC01066 - Peggy's Cove Lighthouse (7612052968)
Lighthouse DSC01066 - Peggy's Cove Lighthouse (7612052968)

The Mi'kmaq people lived here first. Later, people from France and Britain arrived. These groups fought for the land for many years. The French built a settlement called Port Royal. This was the first permanent European home in what is now Canada.

Mi'kmaq people at Tufts Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada, ca. 1871
Mi'kmaq people at Tufts Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada, ca. 1871

The name Nova Scotia means "New Scotland." This comes from a charter given to a Scottish noble. Many people from Scotland came to live there. Over 1 million people live in the province today.

Most people live in Halifax.

Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry Service (21772298471)
Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry Service (21772298471)

It is the capital city and the largest city. Halifax is a major place by the sea. It is the second largest coastal city in Canada.

John Christian Schetky, H.M.S. Shannon Leading Her Prize the American Frigate Chesapeake into Halifax Harbour (c. 1830) (cropped)
John Christian Schetky, H.M.S. Shannon Leading Her Prize the American Frigate Chesapeake into Halifax Harbour (c. 1830) (cropped)
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🖼️ Images & Media (22)
File:Mi'kmaq people at Tufts Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada, ca. 1871.jpg
Mi'kmaq people at Tufts Cove, Nova...
File:EvacutionOfPortRoyal1710byCWJefferys.png
EvacutionOfPortRoyal1710byCWJefferys.png
File:Deportation Grand-Pré.jpg
Deportation Grand-Pré.jpg
File:A black wood cutter at Shelburne, Nova Scotia.jpg
A black wood cutter at Shelburne, Nova Scotia.jpg
File:John Christian Schetky, H.M.S. Shannon Leading Her Prize the American Frigate Chesapeake into Halifax Harbour (c. 1830) (cropped).jpg
John Christian Schetky, H.M.S. Shannon...
File:Inauguration of the Welsford-Parker Monument, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 17 July 1860 - restored.jpg
Inauguration of the Welsford-Parker...
File:Bluenose sailing 1921.jpg
Bluenose sailing 1921.jpg
File:Novascotia topo.png
Novascotia topo.png
File:Nova Scotia Köppen.svg
Nova Scotia Köppen.svg
File:Canada Nova Scotia Density 2016.png
Canada Nova Scotia Density 2016.png
File:Gaidhealtachd-chanadach.svg
Gaidhealtachd-chanadach.svg
File:Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry Service (21772298471).jpg
Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry Service (21772298471).jpg

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