Calgary
Calgary is the largest city of the Canadian province of Alberta. Calgary is located some 80 km (50 miles) east of the Rocky Mountains in the Foothill region of southern Alberta. According to the city census of 2007 the population was just over one million people, making it the third largest city in Canada. With an area of 726 km2 it is also among the largest in area. Calgary is situated at an elevation of 1.128 m (3.700 feet) above sea level on the banks of the Bow and Elbow rivers.
In recent years Calgary has experienced a rapid economic growth, fueled by the oil industry, and it has attracted a large influx of people from other parts of the country as well as overseas.
Despite its recent growth Cowtown still wears its western image with pride, culminating each summer in the Calgary Stampede festival. In 1988 Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics.