Moncton, NB, City, pop 59 313 (1996c), 56 823 (1991cA), 55 536 (1986cA), area 142.37 km2, inc 1890, is situated in eastern NB on a bend of the Petitcodiac river

Its first settlers, who were of German origin, called their community The Bend. The modern name, first used in the 1860s, honours Robert MONCKTON, a British commander who became lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia. Today, almost one-third of the population claims French as a mother tongue; the remainder is English speaking.

Economy
It is the railway industry for which the city is best known today. Moncton is often referred to as "The Hub of the Maritimes" because all railway lines in and out of the Maritimes must pass through it. The CNR is the city's largest nongovernment employer and has played a vital part in the well-being of Moncton.