The capital of Canada is Ottawa. It is located in the southern part of the province of Ontario and serves as the political center and home to the federal government of Canada. Ottawa was chosen as the capital in 1857 due to its strategic location on the border between English-speaking Ontario and French- speaking Quebec, making it a political compromise and providing defensibility from potential attack. The city houses important government institutions including the Parliament of Canada and the Supreme Court. Ottawa is also one of the most bilingual cities in the country, reflecting Canada's diversity.