The People
The total population of Nova Scotia in 2001 was 908,007, most of it of British, Scottish, Irish, and French descent. Indians number about 17,000. About 50 percent of the people are Protestants, mainly members of the United Church of Canada and the Anglican Church, and about 35 percent are Roman Catholics.
With a population density of about 42 persons per square mile (16 per km2), Nova Scotia is one of the most densely populated province.
| Annual events in Nova Scotia | |||
| May-October | |||
| Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival (May-June); Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax (July); Pictou Lobster Carnival (July); Festival Acadien de Clare in the District of Clare (July-August); Halifax Highland Games and Scottish Festival (July); Festival of the Tartans in New Glasgow (August); International Busker Festival in Halifax (August); Mahone Bay Classic Boat Festival (August); Hants County Exhibition in Windsor (September); Nova Scotia International Air Show (September); Celtic Colours International Festival (October); Pumpkin People Festival in Kentville (October). | |||
The public schools of Nova Scotia provide free, compulsory education from the elementary grades through high school. Attendance is compulsory to age 16.
Nova Scotia has a number of institutions of higher learning. Dalhousie University, founded at Halifax in 1818, is the leading university of the Maritime Provinces. Affiliated with Dalhousie are the University of King's College, one of Canada's oldest universities (opened in 1789), Mount Saint Vincent University, and the Technical University of Nova Scotia, all located at Halifax; and Nova Scotia Agricultural College at Truro. Other major institutions include Acadia University at Wolfville and St. Francis Xavier University at Antigonish.
