Canada • City

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is the capital and largest city of Nova Scotia, Canada, and the administrative centre of the Halifax Regional Municipality.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Halifax is the capital and largest city of Nova Scotia, Canada, and the administrative centre of the Halifax Regional Municipality. It is a major Atlantic Canadian port city known for its deep natural harbour, naval and commercial history, and role as a regional economic and cultural hub.

History

Halifax was founded in 1749 by the British as a military outpost. The present Halifax Regional Municipality was created in 1996 when several local governments were amalgamated.

Geography and harbour

The city is located on Nova Scotia’s southeastern coast and faces the Atlantic Ocean. Its deep, ice-free natural harbour has strongly shaped its development as a port and transportation centre.

Economy

Halifax is one of Atlantic Canada’s most important economic centres. Its port, public administration, education sector, and military presence are major parts of the local economy.

Population and governance

Halifax is the largest municipality in Nova Scotia and the most populous municipality in Atlantic Canada. It is governed as Halifax Regional Municipality, which includes the former cities of Halifax and Dartmouth, the town of Bedford, and Halifax County Municipality.

Key facts

Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and the largest city in the province.
The modern municipality was created in 1996 through amalgamation of Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, and Halifax County Municipality.
The city developed around Halifax Harbour, one of the world’s largest and deepest ice-free natural harbours.
Halifax is a major port, and a leading commercial, financial, and industrial centre in Atlantic Canada.
The city was founded by the British in 1749 as a military outpost.

🍁

Canadian context

Halifax is a major Canadian provincial capital and a key Atlantic gateway, with strong connections to shipping, defence, education, and public administration.

Frequently asked questions

What is Halifax, Nova Scotia?

Halifax is the capital and largest city of Nova Scotia, Canada, and the administrative centre of Halifax Regional Municipality.

When was Halifax founded?

Halifax was founded in 1749 by the British as a military outpost.

What is Halifax known for?

It is known for its large natural harbour, major port, naval history, and role as an economic and cultural centre in Atlantic Canada.

What happened in 1996?

Halifax Regional Municipality was created through amalgamation of Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, and Halifax County Municipality.

What is the population of Halifax?

The city population was 439,819 in the 2021 census; a 2024 estimate put the Halifax CMA population at 530,167.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Halifax-Nova-Scotia
Supports: Capital status, harbour significance, amalgamation in 1996, and 2021 population figure.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Halifax-Nova-Scotia/The-contemporary-city
Supports: Halifax as Nova Scotia’s and Atlantic Canada’s leading financial, commercial, and industrial centre.
Semester at Sea — https://www.semesteratsea.org/fast-facts-on-halifax-nova-scotia/
Supports: Founded in 1749, capital status, and the term Haligonian.
Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Halifax/346138
Supports: Capital and largest city, major seaport, harbour, and 2021 population.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax,_Nova_Scotia
Supports: HRM official name, 1996 amalgamation, and 2024 CMA population estimate.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Halifax,_Nova_Scotia
Supports: 1749 founding and 1996 creation of the modern municipality.