The next most important ethnic identities in the region are German (12.3%) and Canadian (11%). Canada has always welcomed diverse cultures from around the world, but Victoria is a city that is particularly unique in this regard. Visiting Victoria is very convenient for much of the world, as the national language is English and 84% of the population speaks fluently. There is a strong British presence in the city, but many other nationalities are also represented, such as German, Chinese and Punjabi.
Residents of Chinese and South Asian descent represent 4% of the total population. The city also has the largest population of residents over 80 years of age and, at 41.9 years, the average age of a resident of Victoria is higher than the national average of 40.6 years. Bike to Work Week began in 1995 in Victoria and has expanded to include other communities in British Columbia through their local bicycle promotion groups, all supported by the Bike to Work Society of British Columbia.
