The capital and commercial and financial centre of Saskatchewan, Regina is situated 160 km north of the United States border.
The city is set in a wide, level alluvial plain. It was named for Queen VICTORIA, mother-in-law of then Governor General the Marquess of Lorne.

Economy
Regina is surrounded by a rich wheat-growing plain on which its economy is largely dependent. The city is the most important retail, distribution and service centre in southern Saskatchewan. The headquarters of the SASKATCHEWAN WHEAT POOL, the world's largest grain-handling co-operative, is located here.
The Canadian Western Agribition, held here each winter, the second largest livestock show in North America, reinforces Regina's position as a major centre of Canadian agriculture.
The provincial government continues to be a major factor in the urban economy, although its importance is waning.
In recent decades Regina has also diversified its economy, the principal new developments being in telecommunications and financial services (in 1992, Crown Life Insurance relocated its head office and 1000 jobs to Regina from Toronto). ISM and CGI Canada handle data services for governments, organizations and corporations thoughout North America. As well, SEARS CANADA INC, the ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, the CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE and the CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY have established telephone call centres in Regina to reach clients.
Regina accounts for about one-third of the total value of manufacturing activity in Saskatchewan. The largest firms in this sector are IPSCO Inc (steel mill and pipe plant) and Consumers' Co-operative Refineries Ltd (heavy oil upgrader).
The recent growth and diversification of Regina's economy is reflected in its relatively low unemployment rate. Through the 1990s it has averaged 7.3% on an annual basis.
Regina's educational facilities include the UNIVERSITY OF REGINA and the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology. The SASKATCHEWAN INDIAN FEDERATED COLLEGE, at the University of Regina, is the only university college in Canada run by and for First Nations people.