Toronto
Toronto is the most populous city in Canada and serves as the capital city of the province of Ontario. As of the 2021 census, Toronto's population was 2,794,356, making it the fourth-most populous city in North America. The city is the anchor of the Golden Horseshoe, an urban agglomeration surrounding the western end of Lake Ontario.
History
The area that is now Toronto was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The Toronto Purchase was the surrender of the area to the British Crown in 1787, later confirmed with the Toronto Purchase Treaty in 1805.
The city was initially founded as the town of York in 1793 by the British and served as the capital of Upper Canada. In 1834, York was renamed Toronto. During the War of 1812, the town was captured and burned by American forces after the Battle of York in 1813.
Demographics
Toronto is one of the most multicultural and multiracial cities in the world. According to the 2021 census, approximately 57% of the population was comprised of visible minorities, and more than half of the city's residents were born outside of Canada. Over 160 languages are spoken in Toronto, with English being the predominant language.
Geography
Toronto is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario and is part of the densely populated region known as the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), which includes the regional municipalities of Durham, Halton, Peel, and York.
Economy
As Canada's leading financial center, Toronto is home to the Toronto Stock Exchange, the seventh largest stock exchange in the world. The city's economy is diverse, with key sectors including finance, technology, film and television production, and tourism.
Culture
Toronto's cultural footprint is significant; it hosts numerous events such as the Toronto International Film Festival and is home to a vibrant arts scene. The city is known for landmarks like the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Education
Educational institutions in Toronto include the University of Toronto, one of the world's leading research universities, as well as Ryerson University, York University, and numerous colleges.
Sports
Toronto is home to several major sports teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays (Major League Baseball), the Toronto Raptors (National Basketball Association), the Toronto FC (Major League Soccer), and the Toronto Maple Leafs (National Hockey League). The city also hosts the Toronto Argonauts, a professional Canadian football team.