The People
Alberta is the largest of the Prairie Provinces in terms of population. Of the total population, about 80 per cent are Canadian-born; the rest came largely from Europe. About half of the population is of English, Scottish, and Irish descent. Other major groups include those of German, Scandinavian, Ukrainian, and French-Canadian ancestry. About 5 per cent are Indians.
The province's population increased 73 percent between 1951 and 1971, and about 56 per cent from 1971 to 1991. Most of the people live in cities and towns.
| Annual events in Alberta | |||
| January-June | |||
| Banff/Lake Louise Winter Festival (January-February); Calgary Winter Festival (February); Northern Alberta International Children's Festival in St. Albert (May-June); Banff Summer Arts Festival (May-August); Wainwright Stampede (June); Jazz City International Music Festival in Edmonton (June-July). | |||
| July-December | |||
| Calgary Stampede (July); Ukrainian Pysanka Festival in Vegreville (July); Calgary Folk Music Festival (July); Klondike Days in Edmonton (July); Westerner Days in Red Deer (July); Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival (August); Edmonton Heritage Festival (August); Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose (August); Edmonton Folk Music Festival (August); Calgary Highland Games (September). | |||
The largest religious denominations in Alberta are the Roman Catholic Church, to which about 25 per cent of the people belong, and the United Church of Canada, with 20 per cent. Other large groups include Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and Baptists.
Schooling in Alberta is free, and attendance is compulsory from age 6 to 16. Elementary and secondary education is provided by public and Roman Catholic (called separate) schools regulated by the provincial Department of Education. In addition, there are schools for Indians maintained by the national government and a number of private schools.
Institutions of higher learning include the universities of Alberta, Calgary, and Lethbridge, and Athabasca University. The largest is the University of Alberta, founded at Edmonton in 1906. It is supported by the provincial government and has affiliated colleges throughout Alberta. In addition, there are institutes of technology and agricultural and vocational colleges. The Banff School of Fine Arts offers courses in the arts, music, and drama.
| Universities and colleges in Alberta | |||
| This table lists the universities and colleges in Alberta that grant bachelor's or advanced degrees and are members of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. | |||
| Name | Mailing address | ||
| Alberta, University of | Edmonton | ||
| Athabasca University | Athabasca | ||
| Calgary, University of | Calgary | ||
| Concordia University College of Alberta | Edmonton | ||
| King's University College | Edmonton | ||
| Lethbridge, University of | Lethbridge | ||
