The Tri-Cities was the top provincial destination for government-assisted refugees in 2011, according to the Immigrant Services Society of B.C.

Of the 711 newcomers across B.C., 29 per cent settled in the Tri-Cities, with 194 in Coquitlam and seven in Port Coquitlam.

Meanwhile, 163 refugees settled in Surrey (23 per cent), 125 in Burnaby (18 per cent), 91 in Vancouver (13 per cent) and 36 in Richmond (five per cent).

Overall, B.C.'s governmentassisted refugees came from 20 different countries.

In the Tri-Cities, 103 came from Bhutan, 71 from Iran, 26 from Iraq and one from Afghanistan.

Throughout the province, Iraq is expected to be the main source country until the end of 2013. As well, Bhutanese refugees are expected to continue arriving until the end of 2012.

In total, B.C.'s governmentassisted refugee annual target is set at 875 individuals for the next two years.

jmcfee@thenownews.com

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