Centre-du-Québec
| Centre-du-Québec | |
|---|---|
| Region | |
 Map of Centre-du-Québec in relation to Quebec. |
|
| Coordinates: 46°17′N 72°04′W / 46.283°N 72.067°WCoordinates: 46°17′N 72°04′W / 46.283°N 72.067°W | |
| Country |
 Canada
|
| Province |
 Quebec
|
| Government | |
| • Regional conference of elected officers | Lionel Fréchette (President) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6,928.78 km2 (2,675.22 sq mi) |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Total | 224,200 |
| • Density | 32.4/km2 (84/sq mi) |
| Website | www.centreduquebec.gouv.qc.ca |
Centre-du-Québec (French pronunciation: [sɑ̃tʁ dy kebɛk], Central Quebec) is a region of Quebec, Canada. The main centres are Drummondville, Victoriaville and Bécancour. It has a land area of 6,928.78 km² (2,675.22 sq mi) and a 2006 census population of 224,200 inhabitants.
The Centre-du-Québec region was established as an independent administrative region of Quebec on July 30, 1997 (in effect August 20 upon publication in the Gazette officielle du Québec); prior to this date, it formed the southern portion of the Mauricie–Bois-Francs region (the northern part of which is now known simply as Mauricie).
Contrary to its name, Centre-du-Québec is not located in the centre of Quebec, but in the south. Some consider the name Bois-Francs to be synonymous with the Centre-du-Québec region; others see it as being synonymous with Arthabaska Regional County Municipality, with its main city Victoriaville earning the title Capitale des Bois-Francs (capital of the Bois-Francs).
The Centre-du-Québec is a primarily agricultural region known as the breadbasket of Quebec; major products include and poultry, dairy products, as well as food crops such as cereals, vegetables, and fruits such as apples and cranberries. Forestry is also a major industry; the name "Bois-Francs" refers to the French term for hardwood, referring to the high density of hardwood forests in the area. Other major industries of the area include transportation, recycling, woodworking and cabinetmaking.
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