
Nova Scotia
Province of Canada
Out Score
coming soon.
Out Score coming soon.
We're freshly researching the laws for every identity lens against our updated methodology. Nova Scotia's scores will appear here once they're published.
Learn about Nova Scotia
Beyond the scoreLearn about Nova Scotia.Official names, languages, local time and practical context for understanding Nova Scotia beyond its legal score.
Destination overview
About Nova Scotia.
Where the Atlantic Shapes Everything
Nova Scotia is a province defined by the sea. Tucked into Canada's eastern shoulder, this near-island is ringed by more than 7,500 kilometres of coastline, where dramatic tidal cliffs, sandy dunes, and fog-draped fishing villages pile one after another. The Bay of Fundy alone is enough to make the journey worthwhile, its tides among the highest on the planet, carving caves into red sandstone and stranding fishing boats on tidal flats twice a day.
Read more about Nova Scotia
Halifax: Harbour City with Real Grit
The capital Halifax punches well above its size. A working waterfront lined with restored warehouses sits beside one of the world's largest natural harbours, and the city's lively bar scene, excellent seafood restaurants, and formidable maritime museum make it easy to lose days here. The hilltop Citadel offers sweeping harbour views, while the acclaimed Public Gardens provide an elegant Victorian escape just minutes from the action.
Celtic Roots and Acadian Soul
The province carries a rich layered identity that surfaces everywhere from pub sessions in Cape Breton to French Acadian festivals on the Evangeline Trail. Celtic fiddle music is a living tradition here, particularly on Cape Breton Island, where summer ceilidhs draw visitors from across the world. The Mi'kmaq Nation has called this land home for millennia, and their culture, place names, and artistry remain woven throughout Nova Scotian life.
Plan Your Visit
Halifax Stanfield International Airport connects the province to major Canadian hubs and select transatlantic routes. Summer brings long days, whale watching, and festival season, while autumn delivers spectacular foliage and the renowned apple harvest of the Annapolis Valley. The province is compact enough to road-trip in a long weekend, yet varied enough to reward a full two weeks of exploration.
Photo gallery
3 images from Nova Scotia

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia
Image credit: Tourism Nova Scotia

Franey Trail, Nova Scotia
Image credit: Tourism Nova Scotia

Halifax, Nova Scotia
Image credit: Tourism Nova Scotia
Official and Indigenous Names
- Province of Nova Scotia (English)
- Province de la Nouvelle-Écosse (French)
Region
- Northern America
Continent
- North America
Resident population
969,383
2021 data
Capitals and seats of government
- Kjipuktuk, HalifaxYHZ
Currency
- Canadian Dollar (CAD · CA$)
Driving side
- right side of the road
Electricity
Languages
French
Official by law · ISO 639-3: fra
English
Official in practice · ISO 639-3: eng
Useful phrases in English
- Hello
- Hello
- Goodbye
- Goodbye
- Please
- Please
- Thank you
- Thank you
- Excuse me
- Excuse me
Mi'kmaq
Indigenous · ISO 639-3: mic
Current time and time zone
Atlantic TimeAST
America/Halifax · Standard AST, daylight ADT
Largest cities by resident population
- HalifaxYHZ · 439,819
2021 data
- Cape Breton · 94,285
2021 data
- Truro · 45,888
2021 data
- New Glasgow · 18,520
2021 data
- Bridgewater · 11,205
2021 data
Busiest airport by total passengers
- Halifax Stanfield International AirportYHZ · 3,900,000 annual passenger movements
2023 data