Manitoba became Canada's fifth province in 1870. It has a mixed economy, urban orientation, and multi-ethnic characteristics, all of which resemble Ontario more than Prairie West. . It covers an area of 250,116 square miles (647,797 square kilometres), about one-sixth of which is inland water. Manitoba has over 100,000 lakes, including Lake Winnipeg, one of the world's largest inland water bodies. More than two-fifths of the land area in the province is forested. The capital city is Winnipeg, the largest city in Manitoba. </> Manitoba is a popular destination for newcomers to Canada. 90% or more newcomers hold office in their first year, and the retention rate is also very high, with nearly 90% of candidates choosing to remain in the province. </> In 1998 Manitoba introduced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for the first time. As a result, the province enjoyed the most benefit from the program regarding the population, labour force and economic growth in the region.