Halifax

Halifax (320,500), capital of Nova Scotia and eastern Canada's chief winter (ice free) port. The industrial, cultural, and commercial center of the province, it stands on a rocky peninsula jutting into a harbor large enough to accommodate the world's biggest ships. The city was built as a British fortress in 1749, and repeated fortifications in succeeding years made it one of the best-defended cities outside Europe. It was a British army base until 1906, when it was handed over to the Canadian government. During World Wars I and II Halifax served as an important Allied naval base. The city is a manufacturing center for food products, candy, furniture, and electronic equipment. Exports are mainly fish and fish products, lumber, and foodstuffs.

See also: Nova Scotia.