About Alberta
Alberta is a culturally diverse province of three million people. Located in the part of Canada where the Rocky Mountains meets the prairies, this landmass of 661,190 square kilometers is 6.6% of the national total and about twice the area of Japan. Our diverse landscape, sunny climate and natural resources give Albertans a quality of life to be envied!
Known for blue skies, the province enjoys 2,300 hours of annual sunshine in southern regions and 1,900 hours in the north. The diverse natural beauty of Alberta's landscape varies with immense forests, alpine tundra, massive icefields, dry badlands, prairie fields and aspen parkland.
Alberta's Business Advantages
The province's abundant natural resources and outstanding business advantages have made Alberta one of the strongest economies in North America - with a productive workforce, low operating costs and Canada's most attractive tax regime.
The Government of Alberta encourages free enterprise and has made a balanced budget the law. This has enabled Albertans to continually seize opportunities in virtually every sector of the world economy.
Alberta is recognized as an international manufacturing centre. Forest product companies market goods that include oriented strand board, engineered lumber and furniture. The province's infrastructure system - most notably, world-class transportation and telecommunications networks, accelerate manufacturers growth into global markets.
Our oil and gas sectors boast innovations in drilling and extracting methods, recovery technology and sour gas exploitation. Alberta companies have pioneered methods for working in remote areas and harsh weather conditions. The province also draws attention in the aerospace industry, which has built a reputation as a world-class aviation services centre.
Once primarily recognized for its immense resources, Alberta is now also noted for exceptional innovation. Our environmental advances are resulting in new low-emission technologies and the reduction of greenhouse gases. Biotechnologists are developing gene therapies as a possible cure for cancer. Molecular biologists are modifying common plants to be used in producing economical vaccines and therapeutics. Alberta's agri-food processing sector is creating and marketing a vast array of innovative products like fibreboard, biolubricants, nutriceuticals, biofuels and functional foods.
Alberta invests in the future by creating world-class science and research centres, and by expanding universities and technical colleges. High-speed digital communications networks connect Alberta communities to the world.
Quality of Life
The people of Alberta are committed to preserving their superb quality of life with excellent schools, hospitals, cultural and recreational facilities. Professional theatre, opera, symphony and ballet companies vie with athletic and sporting events to attract and entertain visitors from around the globe. The province's cultural diversity provides a sophistication that comes as a welcome surprise to many first time visitors. Alberta cities have all the amenities of other major cosmopolitan centres, yet remain safe, clean, friendly and welcoming.
Explore the Alberta Advantage
To find out more about the people, the economy and the business and investment opportunities that shape the Alberta Advantage, visit:
- Alberta Economy
Alberta's natural advantages, business climate and economic results - Alberta Quick Facts
An economic overview of Alberta - Cost Advantages
Land and real estate, business operating costs, taxation - Labour Costs
Worker productivity and productivity growth rate - Quality of Life
Cost of living, healthcare and post-secondary education