This booklet, one of a series featuring the Canadian provinces, presents a brief overview of Ontario and is suitable for teacher reference or student reading. Separate sections discuss geography, climate, history, agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, manufacturing, transportation, energy, arts and culture, sports and recreation, and people and government. Specific topics include the Great Lakes, three main physical regions, and climate. A description of the lifestyles of the Petun and Huron Indians is followed by a discussion of the historic French-British struggle, boundary divisions, the emergence of nationalistic sentiment, European immigration, and the early development of the railways, lumber trade, and water routes in the province. The importance of the country's agriculture and livestock production, forestry, fishing, mining, and manufacturing is also emphasized. The development of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, international airports, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and hydroelectric and nuclear energy are seen as major contributors to Ontario's economic development. Also discussed is Ontario's attraction as a cultural center for the arts and as a recreational center for professional and amateur sports. The final section describes the country's population, languages, and government structure. In addition, a simple map showing Canada's major cities and provinces is included. (LH)