Manitoba Map

Description: This map shows cities, towns, province capital, rivers, lakes, highways, and major roads in Manitoba.

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Manitoba is a province of Canada located in the longitudinal center of the country. It is the fifth-most populous province in Canada, with a population of approximately 1.5 million people as of 2025. The province's capital and largest city is Winnipeg, which is home to more than half of the provincial population.

Manitoba became the fifth province to join Canadian Confederation on July 15, 1870. The province's name is believed to derive from the Cree, Ojibwe or Assiniboine language, referring to the narrows of Lake Manitoba, which was interpreted as "the strait of the spirit" or "place where the spirit speaks."

Geography

Manitoba covers an area of 647,797 square kilometers (250,116 square miles), making it the eighth-largest province or territory in Canada. The province is bordered by Ontario to the east, Saskatchewan to the west, Nunavut to the north, and the U.S. states of North Dakota and Minnesota to the south.

The geography of Manitoba is diverse, consisting of three main regions:

• The Canadian Shield in the northeast and east
• The Hudson Bay Lowlands in the north
• The Prairies and boreal plains in the south and west

Manitoba contains more than 100,000 lakes, including Lake Winnipeg, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, covering approximately 24,514 square kilometers. Other major lakes include Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipegosis.

Climate

Manitoba experiences a continental climate with extreme seasonal temperature variations. Winters are generally cold and long, while summers are warm. The province is located in the center of North America, far from any moderating influences of oceans, resulting in significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

Winnipeg, the capital city, has recorded temperatures ranging from −45°C in winter to above 35°C in summer. The province receives moderate precipitation, with annual averages varying from 400 mm in the northwest to over 600 mm in the southeast. Manitoba is known for its clear sunny skies, particularly during winter months.

History

Indigenous Peoples and Early History

The region now known as Manitoba has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The primary Indigenous groups in the area included the Cree, Ojibwe, Assiniboine, and Dakota peoples.

European Exploration and Fur Trade

European exploration of Manitoba began in the 17th century. The Hudson's Bay Company, established in 1670, played a crucial role in the region's development. The company established trading posts throughout the territory, with Fort Garry (later Winnipeg) becoming a central trading hub. The North West Company also operated in the region, leading to intense competition in the fur trade until the two companies merged in 1821.

Red River Rebellion and Confederation

The Red River Rebellion of 1869-1870, led by Louis Riel, was a pivotal event in Manitoba's history. The rebellion arose from concerns of the Métis population about their land rights and political representation following the transfer of Rupert's Land from the Hudson's Bay Company to Canada. The Manitoba Act of 1870 was passed, creating the province of Manitoba and addressing some of the Métis concerns.

Initially, Manitoba was much smaller than its current size, covering only about 36,000 square kilometers. The province's boundaries were extended in 1881 and again significantly in 1912, when it reached its present size.

Demographics

According to the 2025, Manitoba had a population of 1,509,702. Winnipeg, the provincial capital, is home to approximately 749,000 people in its metropolitan area, representing more than half of the province's total population. Other significant urban centers include Brandon, Steinbach, Thompson, and Portage la Prairie.

Manitoba has a diverse population with significant immigrant communities. The province has historically attracted immigrants from various parts of the world, including Ukraine, the Philippines, India, and Germany. Manitoba has one of the highest proportions of Indigenous peoples among Canadian provinces, with approximately 18% of the population identifying as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit according to 2021 data.

Economy

Manitoba's economy is diversified, with significant contributions from several sectors. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the provincial economy, with Manitoba being a major producer of wheat, canola, barley, and other crops. The province is also known for livestock production, particularly hogs and cattle.

Manufacturing is another important sector, particularly in Winnipeg, where industries include aerospace, transportation equipment, food processing, and clothing manufacturing. The aerospace sector has been particularly strong, with companies like Boeing and StandardAero operating facilities in the province.

Other key economic sectors include:

• Mining (nickel, copper, zinc, and gold)
• Hydroelectric power generation
• Transportation and logistics
• Financial services
• Tourism

Manitoba Hydro, the provincial Crown corporation, operates extensive hydroelectric facilities that generate more power than the province consumes, allowing for significant electricity exports to neighboring jurisdictions.

Government and Politics

Manitoba has a parliamentary system of government modeled after the Westminster system. The province has a unicameral legislature with 57 seats, known as the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The Premier of Manitoba serves as the head of government, while the Lieutenant Governor represents the Canadian monarch as head of state.

The province traditionally has had strong support for both center-left and center-right parties, with governance alternating between the Progressive Conservative Party, the New Democratic Party, and historically, the Liberal Party.

Education

Manitoba has a comprehensive public education system, with instruction available in both English and French. The province is home to several post-secondary institutions, including the University of Manitoba, established in 1877 as Western Canada's first university. Other major institutions include the University of Winnipeg, Brandon University, and several colleges including Red River College Polytechnic.

Culture and Tourism

Manitoba's cultural landscape reflects its diverse population and history. The province is home to numerous museums, including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, the only national museum located outside of the National Capital Region. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, founded in 1939, is Canada's oldest ballet company and the longest continuously operating ballet company in North America.

Tourism attractions include Churchill, known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," where visitors can observe polar bears in their natural habitat. The province also features Riding Mountain National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and numerous provincial parks and historic sites.

The annual Winnipeg Folk Festival and the Festival du Voyageur, Western Canada's largest winter festival, attract visitors from across North America. Manitoba's Francophone community, centered around the St. Boniface neighborhood in Winnipeg, maintains vibrant cultural traditions and institutions.

The Facts:

Capital:	Winnipeg
Largest city:	Winnipeg
Population (Q3 2025):	1,509,702[1]
Area:	250,116 sq mi (647,797 sq km)
Density:	6.04/sq mi (2.33/sq km)
Official languages:	English
Coordinates:	55°N 97°W
Gross domestic product (Total):	C$65.862 billion
Gross domestic product (Per capita):	C$50,820
Time zone:	UTC−06:00 (Central) - Summer (DST) UTC−05:00 (Central DST)
Canadian postal abbr.:	MB
Postal code prefix:	R
ISO 3166 code:	CA-MB
Flower:	Prairie Crocus
Tree:	White Spruce
Bird:	Great Gray Owl
Official Website:	www.gov.mb.ca

Google Map of Manitoba

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List of Cities and Towns in Manitoba

• Winnipeg
• Brandon
• Steinbach
• Winkler
• Portage la Prairie
• Thompson
• Selkirk
• Morden
• Dauphin
• Flin Flon
• The Pas
• Stonewall
• Niverville
• Neepawa
• Altona
• Swan River
• Virden
• Beausejour

• Carman
• Minnedosa
• Ste. Anne
• Morris
• Carberry
• Powerview-Pine Falls
• Gillam
• Arborg
• Teulon
• Winnipeg Beach
• Lac du Bonnet
• Melita
• Churchill
• Snow Lake
• Leaf Rapids
• Lynn Lake
• Grand Rapids

Main sights in Manitoba

Major Rivers of Manitoba

List of the Largest Lakes of Manitoba

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References

1. ^ Population estimates, quarterly. Statistics Canada.