A City like None Other in the World

In terms of statistics, Montreal is the 16th largest city in North America and the world's second-largest French-speaking city. In human terms, it is a dynamic cultural metropolis. Founded 400 years ago on a 500 square kilometre island (nearly 10 times larger than Manhattan), it combines old-world charms with North American efficiency. Its values and creative energy are a promise of success for the city’s firms, investors and professionals.

Eloquent Figures

• 1.8 million residents (3.6 million in the entire metropolitan region)
• 1 international airport
• 33 hospitals and 210 research centres
• 166,000 university students, including 17,000 foreign students
• 73 university institutions and colleges
• 14 million visitors a year
• 362 hotel establishments, with 24,000 rooms

Strong Values

• Knowledge, creativity and innovation
• Sustainable development
• Quality of life, solidarity and inclusiveness
• Democracy, equity, transparency and openness to the world

An Avant-Gard Personality

Montreal has been designated a Design City by UNESCO. It is creative in every sense of the word, in every field imaginable. Its artists, including the Cirque du Soleil, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Celine Dion, Robert Lepage, La la la Human Steps, Leonard Cohen, Arcade Fire and countless other performers and companies, enjoy international acclaim. The city also shines in all areas where creativity and innovation are key success factors, from video games to animation and pharmaceutical and medical research.

A City that is Decidedly International

With 85 consulates and trade delegations, Montreal is the largest consular city in North America after New York. In addition, it is home to 60 international organizations, including:

• ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization),
• IATA (International Air Transport Association),
• The UNESCO Institute for Statistics,
• The World Anti-Doping Agency, and
• The Institute of Cultural Affairs International, which moved to Montreal from Brussels in August 2008.

Multicultural

Ethnic diversity is one of the city’s hallmarks, contributing to its cultural and economic vitality. More than 500,000 of its 1.8 million residents are from diverse ethnic communities.