Welcome, Bienvenue to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan!

Plains Indians are credited with originating the name Saskatchewan. Their word was "Kisiskatchewan" - meaning the river that flows swiftly - in reference to the most important waterway running through their territory.

Saskatchewan covers 651,900 square kilometres - more than a quarter million square miles. Contrary to popular belief, fully one half the province is covered by forest, one third is farmland and one eighth is fresh water - with nearly 100,000 lakes!

Saskatchewan is home to a million people, many with family roots in Europe, Russia, Scandinavia and the British Isles. Although the province is dependent on the farm economy, two thirds of its people live in cities and towns.

Saskatchewan is located in the heart of North America, neighboring the provinces of Manitoba and Alberta. To the south it borders the American states of Montana and North Dakota. To the north is the Canadian territory, Nunavut.

Saskatoon is located in the heart of the Great Plains. It is a community with that rare combination of big city amenities and small town spirit. Originally a gathering place for early settlers, Saskatoon is now a vibrant and diverse city, an educational centre, home of the University of Saskatchewan, a world leader in agricultural biotechnology, home of the Synchrotron, a base for mining, manufacturing and a flourishing high tech industry, and a cultural oasis. Saskatoon enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other major Canadian city and is a four seasons destination with much to offer.

• Saskatchewan produces over 54% of the wheat grown in Canada.
• The Saskatchewan potash industry is the largest mining industry in the province and is the largest producer and exporter of potash in the world.
• Over 95% of the potash produced in Saskatchewan is used for fertilizer purposes