Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan, the prairie province of Canada occupies an area of 227,100 square miles. The largest city in Saskatchewan is Saskatoon. The name has been kept after Saskatchewan River. The term “Saskatchewan” was derived from a Cree term kisiskaciwani-sipiy which signifies a speedy flowing river.

Geography
On the western side, is Alberta and towards the north of Saskatchewan are the Northwest Territories. Manitoba lies on its east while the U.S states of Montana and Dakota are on the southern side. Saskatchewan is a land-locked province of Canada along with Alberta. This province has two primary natural regions – the northern Canadian Shield and the southern Interior Plains. Large parts of northern Saskatchewan are covered with boreal forest with the exception of Lake Athabasca Sand Dunes. Saskatchewan’s highest point is at 1468 meters, situated in Cypress Hills. This province consists of fourteen primary drainage basins made of several rivers which drain into Arctic Ocean, Hudson Bay and also the Gulf of Mexico.

Climate
Because of Saskatchewan’s location of being far away from any water body, and the northerly latitude provide for continental humid climate in the central and eastern regions. The climate in the south is semi-arid steppe type and Northern Saskatchewan experiences subarctic climate. Summers are very hot and humid with bitterly cold winters. The average annual precipitation is 30 to 45 centimeters with the major rainfall taking place in the months of June, July or August.

History
Before the Europeans came in to Saskatchewan, multiple indigenous people of North America like Athabaskan, Algonquian, Cree, Atsina and Sioux tribes lived in the area. Henry Kelsey was the earliest European to have entered the province in 1690 who came with the intention of fur trading with the indigenous people of the province. The earliest permanent form of European settlement was the post of a Hudson’s Bay Company at Cumberland House that was founded in 1774 by Samuel Hearne. In 1803, U.S.A bought over Saskatchewan from France and in 1818, the province came under Great Britain’s rule.

Demographics
The Canadian census of 2006 records the biggest ethnic group in Saskatchewan to be the German which were followed by English, Scottish, Irish, Ukrainian, French, First Nations, Norwegian and others. Majority were the followers of Roman Catholic Church.

Economy
The economy of Saskatchewan is based primaritly on agriculture, although increased diversification has led other areas to also grow. Fishing, forestry, and hunting are such examples. Saskatchewan provides for 45% of grains for Canada, mainly wheat. Mining and production of oil and natural gas also occupy a place of importance in Saskatchewan’s economy.

Cities
Some of the major cities here are:

• Saskatoon
• Regina (capital)
• Prince Albert
• Moose Jaw
• Yorkton

Famous People
Some of the famous personalities from Saskatchewan are:

• Arthur Hill – actor
• Henry Taube – Chemistry Nobel prize winner in 1983
• Ethel Catherwood –Olympic gold medalist.


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