Calgary is a large city in Alberta, with a population of just over 1.2 million residents. Geographically, it is located at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River in the south of the province, about 80 km east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies. The city is very diverse, both economically and structurally, with a large oil and gas industry, as well as many high-tech and touristic sectors. Calgary is divided into four geographic quadrants, known as northwest Calgary, northeast Calgary, southwest Calgary and southeast Calgary. The city’s core is composed of Downtown and its adjacent neighbourhoods: Eau Claire, Chinatown, and the Beltline. Many neighbourhoods and smaller communities reside outside the city’s core, all varying in housing, educational facilities, and community services. Downtown Calgary is vibrant, and home to a multitude of art and cultural attractions, commercial districts, entertainment and businesses. The city’s efficient transportation system comprises of buses and light-rail trains that take passengers to and from all corners of the city.
Calgary has been ranked the 5th most liveable city in the world by The Economist Intelligence Unit from 2009-2015. This is no surprise, due to Calgary’s low population density, high quality of life, and an abundance of housing and employment options.