Location and characteristics

Located in northeastern North America, Québec covers 1,667,441 km², an area equal to that of Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany combined.

Geographic map

A tapestry of lakes and rivers crossed by a great river

Québec is fed by the St. Lawrence River, one of the largest rivers in the world. It flows eastward through Québec for more than 1,000 kilometres before spilling into the Atlantic Ocean. A source of drinking water for Quebec’s population, it is one of the world’s most important navigable waterways.  

Québec is also home to 750,000 lakes and 130,000 rivers and streams that make up 10% of its total surface area. In addition, it accounts for 3% of the world’s fresh water supply.

This blue gold constitutes Québec’s primary source of energy and is a pillar of its economy. More than 75% of the electricity consumed by Quebecers is generated by hydroelectric stations located across Québec.

A garden of hardwoods and conifers

Forests are everywhere in Québec, covering 750,300 km² or nearly half the province.

Made up of deciduous and coniferous trees, these forests play a vital role in Québec’s economic, social and environmental development. Their protection, management and renewal are considered a top priority to ensure the present and future of all Quebecers.

A fertile valley bordered by wide open spaces

Given its immense size, Québec is relatively sparsely populated. In fact, the majority of its inhabitants live in the southern part of the province, along the fertile St. Lawrence River valley.

Density – Number of inhabitants per km²

Useful links

• Atlas Québec – Vue d’ensemble du Québec (Québec Atlas – Overview of Québec)
• Hydro-Québec
• Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune