About Canada

Here are few general information on Canada - It is the second largest country in the world with 10 million square kilometers of land mass that is 7% of the world's land mass. Its population is approximately 38 million people and growing and is the largest country in land size in the western hemisphere. Three oceans border Canada - the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Arctic. Due to its size, there are many different geographical areas and regions that are divided into the following: the Atlantic region, Central Canada, the Prairie Provinces, the West Coast and the North.Of a total of 10 million sq km, over nine million are land and 755, 000 sq km are fresh water. Nearly 90% of Canadians live along the 6379 km southern border with the US, the longest open national boundary in the world. Canada's geography includes fertile plains suitable for agriculture, vast mountain ranges, lakes and rivers. Wilderness forests give way to arctic tundra to the Far North. Canada is divided into 10 provinces and 3 territories each with its own capital. The capital of Canada is Ottawa, while Toronto (3.8); Montreal (3.1) and Vancouver (1.6) are the largest cities.There are six time zones. The Eastern most, in Newfoundland, is three hours and 30 minutes behind GMT. The other time zones are the Atlantic, Eastern, Central, Rocky Mountain and the Pacific, which is eight hours behind GMT.Canada is one the leading G-7 Nations and it's a highly developed country, with excellent working conditions, an outstanding education system, a very high standard of living and a health care system ranked one of the best in the world. The United Nations has ranked Canada the best place to live for five consecutive years. Their surveys are based on quality of life, educational opportunities, unemployment and crime rates, and life expectancy.Canada is a young and dynamic country where immigration is the foundation for economic growth and which brings people, customs and traditions, rituals and culture to the forefront of current Government policy.Canada is a country composed of immigrants from practically every country in the world. Canada's success is largely due to the contributions made by these immigrants. The diversified backgrounds and cultures are what make Canada unique. No matter where you come from, once you are a permanent resident you have all the rights of a Canadian citizen. These rights are protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Should you wish to become a citizen, you can do so after you have lived in Canada for three years. As a Canadian citizen, you can apply for a Canadian passport and you are eligible to vote.In terms of proportion of population, Canada accepts more immigrants than any other country in the world. The Canadian government admits immigrants from all parts of the world on a fair basis and without discrimination. Once they enter Canada, immigrants are granted rights protected by the Canadian Constitution, including those enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Under Canada's official policy of Multiculturalism, people of different ethnic origins are able to live together in harmony and without discrimination. Canada also allows for dual nationality, and a Canadian citizen may simultaneously hold a Canadian passport as well as one issued by his country of origin.

Population

Canada continues to be a culturally diverse nation, with people from 150 different countries calling it home. The indigenous people of Canada, including First Nations, Inuit, and Metis, have a rich history that predates the arrival of European settlers. Canada's national identity is a tapestry woven from indigenous, French, and British traditions, influenced by a constant infusion of cultures from the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America brought in by migrants. This multicultural blend is shaping a vibrant and unique Canadian society.Canada is geographically divided into 10 provinces and 3 territories: Alberta (Capital - Edmonton); British Columbia (Victoria); Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown); Manitoba (Winnipeg); New Brunswick (Fredericton); Nova Scotia (Halifax); Ontario (Toronto); Quebec (Quebec City); Saskatchewan (Regina); Newfoundland (St. John's); Northwest Territories (Yellowknife); Yukon Territory (Whitehorse); and Nunavut (Iqaluit). Nunavut, which means 'Our Land' in the Inuit language, comprises the eastern two-thirds of the former Northwest Territories.As of 2023, Canada's population has grown to over 38 million, with a marginal increase attributed to both immigration and natural growth (births minus deaths). Between 1991 and 2023, Canada experienced an average annual growth rate of approximately 1.1%, making it one of the G-7 industrialized nations with the highest growth rate. Canada now represents about 0.5% of the global population.English remains the mother tongue of approximately 16.1 million Canadians, while French is spoken by 6.5 million Canadians. These two languages are Canada's official languages. However, a significant portion of the population speaks languages other than English or French at home, including Italian, Chinese, German, Portuguese, Polish, Ukrainian, Dutch, Punjabi, and various other languages, reflecting Canada's diverse linguistic landscape.

Government

Canada is a democracy with a parliamentary Government. The Prime Minister is the leader of the political party with the largest number of elected Members of Parliament in the House of Commons. Stephen Harper is currently Canadian Prime Minister. Canada usually holds federal elections every four years. Canadian Government consists of three parts: Federal, Provincial and Municipal. The Federal Government is responsible for things that affect all of Canada such as national defense. Provincial Governments are responsible for education, health care, etc. and shares some issues with the Federal Government. Municipal Governments are in charge of the police force, the fire department and environmental issues.

Climate

There are many climatic variations, ranging from the permanently frozen ice cap north of the 70th parallel to the lush vegetation of British Columbia's west coast.Daytime summer temperatures can rise to 35 °C and higher, while below zero degrees are not uncommon in winter. More moderate temperatures are the norm in spring and fall.Canada has four distinct seasons and the single most significant factor in climate is latitude. It usually gets colder the further north you go therefore as a consequence the warmest areas in the south are also the most populated. The western and eastern coasts are both very wet, though much of the rain falls during winter. In Saskatchewan, Manitoba and eastern Alberta the prairies are fairly dry all year.You can find great beaches on the West coast and mountains for ski lovers, world renowned wild life and vegetation, luxurious ski and camping facilities and much more. Canada is also home to grizzly bear and a perfect home for all nature lovers.

Education & Social Security

Canada boasts one of the world's best education systems with a large portion of public expenditures devoted to education spending and schools. The country offers first class primary and secondary education, free to all residents, as well as some of the world's best universities and colleges, which are made affordable to all classes of people as a matter of government policy. Canada's social security system is second to none: its health care system is fully funded by the government. As well, Canada offers generous public pensions, household benefits, unemployment insurance, disability subsidies and welfare payments.All Canadians have free access to health care. Most people over 65 and social aid recipients receive the majority of their prescription drugs free. Canada also has an extensive social security network including old age pension, family allowance, unemployment insurance and welfare.

Economy

As of 2023, Canada continues to maintain a high standard of living, ranking prominently in various global indices. Canada's Human Development Index remains one of the highest in the world, surpassing that of the United States and Japan. More than 65% of Canadians own their homes, and a significant majority also possess durable goods such as automobiles, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, telephones, and radios. Telephone service is almost universal, with 99% of Canadian homes having access via 16 million phone lines. Additionally, Canada boasts an advanced telecommunications infrastructure, with a substantial portion of households connected to the internet. In recent years, the number of households with computers and internet access has significantly increased, reflecting the country's engagement with the digital age.

• GDP per capita: The GDP per capita in Canada has risen to an estimated US$55,000.
• Annual GDP Growth: The country's economy has experienced steady growth, with an annual growth rate of around 2.5%.
• Inflation Rate: Inflation remains relatively stable at 2.1%.

Canada's diverse economy revolves around key industries: minerals (leading in exports and production), processed foods, wood products, transportation equipment, chemicals, fish, petroleum, and natural gas. The country excels in mineral production, notably zinc, uranium, and nickel. Additionally, Canada is a significant hydroelectricity, oil, and gas producer, primarily exporting energy to the USA. Agriculture contributes less than 4% to GDP and employment but is a major exporter of wheat, barley, pork, and horticultural products. Forest products, including pulp and paper, constitute 15% of exports, mainly to the USA.Canada's vital trade partners include the USA, European Union, Japan, China, and South Korea. These relationships sustain its economic stability and growth. In 2023, Canada remains prosperous, resource-rich, technologically advanced, and ensures a high quality of life for its citizens.

Capital	Ottawa
Total Area	9,976,140 Sq. Km.
Population	Approximately 38,000,000 (2023 estimate)
Languages	English 56.7% (Official), French 21.6% (Official), Other languages 21.7%
Literacy	Approximately 99% (2023 estimate)
Religions	Christianity (Roman Catholic, Protestant, and others), Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and various other religions.
Life Expectancy	78.5 years for males, 83.1 years for females (2023 estimate)
Government Type	Confederation with Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy
Currency	1 Canadian Dollar (CDN$) = 100 Cents
GDP (Per Capita)	Approximately CAD$ 55,000 (2023 estimate)
Labor Force (By Occupation)	Services 78%, manufacturing 13%, construction 4%, agriculture 2%, others 3%
Major Industries	Processed and unprocessed minerals, Food Products, Wood and Paper Products, Transportation Equipment, Chemicals, Fish Products, Petroleum, and Natural Gas, Information Technology, Aerospace, and Pharmaceuticals.
Agriculture	Wheat, Barley, Oilseeds, Fruits, Vegetables, Dairy Products, Forest Products, Fish.
Top Exports	Motor Vehicles & Parts, Natural Resources (petroleum, natural gas, minerals), Machinery, Telecommunications Equipment, Electricity.
Top Imports	Machinery And Equipment, Crude Oil, Chemicals, Motor Vehicles And Parts, Durable Consumer Goods, Electronics.
Natural Resources	Iron Ore, Nickel, Zinc, Copper, Gold, Lead, Molybdenum, Potash, Silver, Fish, Timber, Wildlife, Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Hydropower.
Provinces And Capital Cities	Alberta (Edmonton), British Columbia (Victoria), Manitoba (Winnipeg), New Brunswick (Fredericton), Newfoundland and Labrador (St. John's), Northwest Territories (Yellowknife), Nova Scotia (Halifax), Nunavut (Iqaluit), Ontario (Toronto), Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown), Québec (Québec), Saskatchewan (Regina), Yukon (Whitehorse).