Over 1.3 million people call the Ottawa area home, making it the fifth-largest city area in Canada. Incorporated in 1855 but actually founded in 1826 under a different name, Ottawa regularly makes the list of most livable cities. Not just in Canada or North America, but the world.

Thanks to a number of universities and cultural institutions, the city’s population has earned the tag of “most educated” in Canada. National capitals become the focus of considerable financial and political attention, but rarely does that translate to innovation and creativity like is has in Ottawa.

While the Federal government employs the most people in Ottawa, over 1,800 technology companies employ over 63,400 people. Being the capital, financial companies abound. Being a large city, health companies also abound. Intertwine tech companies, financial investment, and excellent schools, and the result is often called “Silicon Valley North.” Or just call it Ottawa.

Read the full story at geektime.com.