a province of W Canada, on the Pacific coast: largely mountainous with extensive forests, rich mineral resources, and important fisheries. Capital: Victoria. Pop: 4 400 057 (2011 est). Area: 930 532 sq km (359 279 sq miles)
Abbreviation: BC
British Columbia in American English
province of SW Canada, on the Pacific: 367,671 sq mi (952,263 sq km); pop. 3,725,000; cap. Victoria