Alberta is one of the three prairie provinces in Canada, located in the western part of the country. It is bordered by the provinces of British Columbia to the west and Saskatchewan to the east, the Northwest Territories to the north, and the U.S. state of Montana to the south.
The area that is now Alberta was first inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Blackfoot, Cree, and Tsuu T'ina nations. The first Europeans to explore the area were the French, who arrived in the late 17th century. The Hudson's Bay Company established trading posts in the area in the early 19th century, and the area was officially declared part of the Northwest Territories in 1870.
In 1905, Alberta became a province of Canada, along with Saskatchewan. The province experienced a period of rapid growth and development in the early 20th century, as settlers from Europe and other parts of Canada moved to the area. The discovery of oil in the province in 1947 further spurred economic growth and development.
Today, Alberta is one of the most prosperous provinces in Canada, with a strong economy based on oil and gas, agriculture, and tourism. It is also home to a vibrant cultural scene, with a variety of festivals and events taking place throughout the year.