Area Information

Montreal, with a population of over 3.4 million people, is the world's second largest French-speaking city and Canada's second largest city. Given its prime location - only 60 km from the U.S. border - Montreal is an increasingly important hub of North American trade. The city enjoys direct access to over 100 million consumers living within a 1,000-km radius in cities such as Boston, New York, Detroit and Toronto. Bounded by the St. Lawrence Seaway, Montreal is located at 45 degrees north latitude, the same position as Minneapolis, USA and Bordeaux, France. At 74 degrees west longitude, it is due north of New York City.
 
With its French and British roots, Montreal has attracted newcomers from around the world, fostering a rich and vibrant cultural life. Over the years, it has played host to many major international events, including Expo '67 and the 1976 Summer Olympic Games. Today, Montreal is home to such events as the International Jazz Festival and the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival.

The Greater Montreal area is lively and active all year around. Its cost of living is among the lowest in the world for large cities;  its crime rate is much lower than in most large American cities and its cultural communities are well integrated, all of which combine to offer and outstanding quality of life. Thanks to its multilingual and multicultural character, 80 foreign missions and delegations as well as some 70 international organizations are also located in Montreal. Montreal International - private, non-profit organization that helps companies and international organizations settle in the Greater Montreal area.