The Land
The People
The Culture
The Climate

The Land Saskatchewan is part of Western Canada. The east and west boundaries are 102 and 110 degrees longitude west of the Greenwich Meridian. The south and north boundaries are 49 and 60 degrees latitude north of the equator. The total area is 651,900 km2 (65.2 million ha). Freshwater is in abundance in the Province occupying over 12.5% of the total area or 81,600 km2. The highest points of land above sea level: Cypress Hills - 1,468 m Wood Mountain - 1,013 m Vermilion Hills - 785 m The People Data from the 1996 population census shows that there were just under one million people in Saskatchewan (976,615). The rural population continues to decline to less than 37 percent (363, 059) of the total population. Saskatoon is the largest city with 216,445 people. The capital city, Regina, is the second largest with a population of 191,485. The Culture Canada boasts a rich heritage in culture derived from our aboriginal people and immigrants from all over the world. The Province of Saskatchewan is no exception. Throughout the year, cultural events such as Folkfest, held annually in Saskatoon in August, and Mosaic in Regina in June, demonstrate our rich heritage in music, dance, food and friendship. The Climate The Saskatchewan climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and cold, dry winters. In the southern farmed area, a gradual increase in available moisture follows a line moving from the southwest to the northeastern part of the Province. Annual precipitation normals are in the range of 320 to 450 mm in the southern region (below about 54 degrees N) where most of the population live. The northern forest area is wetter. In the far north there are few frost-free days and the subsoils remain frozen throughout the year. Location Annual Precipitation (mm) Frost Free Period (days) Degree Days above 5° Celsius Saskatoon 347 118 1601 Regina 364 113 1661 North Battleford 368 122 1548 Prince Albert 406 95 1416 Estevan 418 128 1783 Kindersley 324 116 1592 Moose Jaw 357 122 1773 Swift Current 367 120 1583 Yorkton 436 112 1530