Ottawa (/ˈɒtəwɑː/ or /ˈoʊtəwɑː/; French: [ɔtawa], ‘Downstream-dwelling place’), officially named City of Ottawa, is the capital city and second largest city of Canada, located in eastern Ontario.

Founded in 1826 as Bytown, and incorporated as a town in 1855 and as a city in 1991, it stands on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern part of Southern Ontario. Its urban area covers 1,037 square kilometres (401 sq mi) and had a population of approximately 1,002,000 in 2021.

Ottawa is also the economic and technological hub of the National Capital Region, hosting important institutions such as Shopify, Descartes Systems, and the National Research Council. It is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Bell Canada Enterprises, TELUS Communications, and Manulife Financial.

The city has a diverse population, with a significant proportion being of French origin or speaking French as their first language (as per the 2016 census, approximately 30%).

Ottawa is known for its numerous parks and green spaces. It is home to many museums, galleries, and historic sites, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, the Bytown Museum, and Rideau Hall, the official residence and workplace of the Governor General of Canada.

The city’s architecture reflects its rich history, with buildings ranging from 19th-century structures to modern high-rises. Notable examples include the Parliament Buildings and the Chateau Laurier.

Ottawa is also famous for its winter festivals, including Winterlude and the Winterlantern Festival, which attract visitors from around the world.

Despite its urban nature, Ottawa remains a green city with a high standard of living. It is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Canada and in the world.