Of the approximately 60 ethnic cultures in Nova Scotia, 30 are described in this introduction to the multicultural society of Nova Scotia. The objective of this publication is the development of a greater tolerance and cultural awareness among people of diverse backgrounds, through a greater knowledge of each other. The monograph is alphabetically arranged into 30 chapters, representing 30 ethnic groups with a small pictorial characterization heading each chapter. Each chapter contains a summary statement of the land of origin and the arrival of settlers in Nova Scotia and a discussion of reasons for emigration and difficulties of adjusting to this new country as well as a description of traditions and customs held by each group of newcomers. A collection of personal stories, points of view, and poems and articles, either written by individuals or transcribed from taped interviews, gives this research a human dimension. The included material was read, amended, and approved by persons representing the diversity of ethnic groups in order to avoid misidentification. Appended are a bibliography arranged by ethnic groups, a list of the 60 Nova Scotia ethnic cultures, and census statistics for the ethnic groups for the years of 1871, 1901, 1941, and 1971. (LH)