Vancouver

Vancouver is a major city located in Western Canada. It sits within the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia.

The city is a vital part of the Metro Vancouver area. This metropolitan region had a population of 2.6 million people in 2021. Vancouver itself is the most populous city in the province. The 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people living in the city. This was an increase from the 631,486 people recorded in 2016.

The city is known for its high population density. It has the highest density in Canada. In North America, it ranks fourth after New York City, San Francisco, and Mexico City.

The city is one of the most diverse places in Canada. Many residents come from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. For example, 49.3 percent of residents are not native English speakers. Additionally, 47.8 percent of people speak neither English nor French as their native language. About 54.5 percent of the population belongs to visible minority groups. This diversity contributes to Vancouver being ranked as a very liveable city globally. However, the city is also known for high housing costs. It is considered one of the most expensive cities in Canada and the world.

Indigenous peoples have lived in this region for a very long time. Archaeological records show settlement began between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago. The Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples are part of the Coast Salish group.

These groups had villages in areas like Stanley Park and False Creek. The Squamish people called the area a place of many maple trees. In the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm language, Musqueam people used names for specific villages and landscape features. Other dialects used different terms for the region or the Squamish people. This long history shows the deep connection between the people and the land.

The modern city grew from a small settlement called Gastown. In 1867, a tavern was built on the edge of the Hastings Mill property. The proprietor of this tavern was known as Gassy Jack.

This area eventually became a formal townsite named Granville. In 1886, the city was renamed Vancouver. This name honors George Vancouver, an explorer from 1792. The name "Vancouver" itself comes from the Dutch name "van Coevorden." This name meant someone from the city of Coevorden in the Netherlands. The city was officially incorporated on April 6, 1886.

That same year, a great fire destroyed the entire city. The city quickly rebuilt itself and grew rapidly.

Economic growth was driven by the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The railway was extended to the city by 1887. This made the large natural seaport a vital link for global trade. The port connects Canada to the Asia-Pacific, East Asia, Europe, and Eastern Canada.

Today, the Port of Vancouver is the largest and busiest port in Canada. It is also the fourth-largest port by tonnage in the Americas. It is the most diversified port in North America. While forestry remains the largest industry, tourism is the second-largest. The city's location surrounded by nature makes it a popular destination.

Vancouver has also become a major center for film production. Studios in Vancouver and nearby Burnaby are very large. This has earned the region the nickname "Hollywood North." The city is also a hub for international events. It hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. It also hosted the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Many other events have taken place there, such as Expo 86 and the 1954 Commonwealth Games. The city is also the permanent home of TED conferences as of 2014.

The city's development has been shaped by many social and political movements. In the early 20th century, there were many labor strikes. One major strike occurred in 1903 when railway employees fought for union recognition. During the Great Depression, many people protested in the streets. In 1918, Mary Ellen Smith became the first woman elected to a provincial legislature in Canada. She was a supporter of women's rights and prohibition. The city has also seen periods of tension and fear regarding different immigrant groups. These historical events have all helped shape the complex society that exists in Vancouver today.