Approximately 1.7 million people live on the main island, and over 3.3 million in the greater metropolitan area.

Despite the truly French experience of Montréal, it is actually a multilingual city. The main language groups are French and English, but many other languages are spoken. Its rich history, combined with its modern cosmopolitan flare has made Montréal one of Canada's most unique cultural experiences. Often referred to as "the Paris of North America," Montréal offers a vast array of arts and intense nightlife. The popular and highly acclaimed educational institutions, such as McGill University, attract students from all over the world.

Attractions
Montréal is a very popular tourist destination for many reasons. In addition to the rich culture and cosmopolitan society, there are a number of remarkable destinations worth investigating.

The Biosphere, the symbol of Expo 67, was designed by visionary architect Buckminster Fuller. It has an important place in the history of contemporary architecture. The largest building of its kind in the world, its structure reproduces more than 75% of a sphere. The Biosphere’s mission is to instil in the public a responsible, action-oriented attitude towards water in general, and the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes ecosystem in particular.

The Montréal Museum of Fine Art contains a huge amount of different styles and media.

La Ronde is a vast amusement park, and the site for Montréal International Firweworks Competition, the largest pyromusical competition in the world. For fireworks fans seated in the grandstands, the show is even more exhilarating, since the fireworks are launched on the banks of the river, against the backdrop of the lights of downtown Montréal.

Economy
Montréal is a major business center in Canada. It is home to Canada's largest derivative trading market, the Bourse de Montréal, and Canada's newest stock exchange, Nasdaq Canada.