The capital of British Columbia, Victoria is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, about 100 km south of Vancouver.

Occupying a peninsular site, Victorians view the bordering JUAN DE FUCA and Haro straits, backed by the Olympic Mountains of Washington to the south and the San Juan Islands to the east, with the majestic, volcanic peak of Mount Baker in the distance. The metropolitan area is characterized by a number of low hills interspersed with relatively flat areas, and is bordered on the west by the fjordlike Saanich Inlet and the richly forested higher elevations of Malahat Ridge and the Sooke Hills.
Greater Victoria comprises the following incorporated areas: the cities of Victoria (pop 73 504, 1996c) and Colwood (13 848), the municipalities of Saanich (101 388), Oak Bay (16 865), Esquimalt (16 151), Central Saanich (14 611), North Saanich (14 611) and Langford (17 515), and the towns of Sidney (10 701) and View Royal (6441).

Economy
The prominence of government and tourism in Victoria's economy results in high proportions of the labour force being engaged in public administration, personal services and retail trade. The lack of a well-populated hinterland on the narrow southern tip of Vancouver Island has constricted the growth of wholesale trade, and Victoria's isolation from major mainland markets has proven to be a strong disadvantage for manufacturing.
Some industries have shifted to the mainland in recent years, but others, particularly in the research and development of high technology, have moved into the area.
Several small publishing houses are in Victoria, some of which cater to fine literature, but most are commercial in nature.

Cultural Life
Victoria is well endowed with educational and fine arts institutions. The UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA (founded 1963) grew out of Victoria College (1903), which was originally affiliated with McGill University and subsequently with the University of British Columbia. Other institutions include Camosun College and the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Since 1995, the old Royal Roads Military College has been restructured as Royal Roads University, offering studies in applied and professional fields.
The Provincial Museum and Butchart Gardens (20 km northwest) are leading attractions for visitors. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra and Pacific Opera Victoria have enhanced the city's reputation in the arts. Although not a major sporting centre, Victoria played host to the COMMONWEALTH GAMES in 1994.