Quebec City is the capital of the eastern Canadian province of the same name. Samuel de Champlain founded it in 1608. It is the second most populated city in the province after Montreal. The nickname given to Quebec City is 'La Vielle Capitale'. The city's motto is Don de Dieu ferai valoir. It translates into English as 'I shall put God's gift to good use'. Quebec City's population has steadily grown since its establishment. In 1931, there was an estimated 131,000 people in Quebec City. That number has grown to 715,515 based on a 2006 population count. The city is served by the Jean Lesage International Airport that's located on the West end of the city.
The economy in the city is driven by public administration, defense, transport, and commerce. The local government is the biggest employer in the city with the local hospital network employing the most individuals. The Service de police de la Ville de Quebec and the Service de protection contre les incendies de Quebec protect the city. A manufacturing industry also exists and it employs around 10% of the workforce.
The city is known for its winter carnivals as well as for its Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations. Famous tourist attractions located near Quebec City include the Montmorency Falls and the Basilica of Saint-Anne-dep-Beaupre. There are also a lot of natural science sights in the city. These include the Parc Aquarium du Quebec. It is located on a site that overlooks the St Lawrence River and has more than 10,000 species of mammals, reptiles, aquatic fauna, and fish.