Canada

Canada is the northernmost country in North America, bordered by the United States in the south (the world's longest undefended border) and northwest (Alaska). The country stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, with the Arctic Ocean in the north. The island of Greenland is just northeast of Canada's northern most islands, while the French possession of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is just of the east coast.

Canada is the world's second largest country in terms of land area, but has a very low population density with approximately 31 million inhabitants. While a modern and technologically advanced country, it is energy self-sufficient and one of the few developed countries with an economy having a heavy reliance on its abundance of natural resources.

Canada

File:Canada flag medium.png	File:CANcoat.gif
(In Detail)	(In Detail)

National motto: A Mari Usque Ad Mare (From sea to sea)

Official languages

French and English

Capital

Area
- Total
- % water

Ranked 2nd
9,984,670 km²
8.62%

Population

- Total (2001)

- Density

Ranked 35th

31,081,900

3/km²

Independence

Statute of Westminster
December 11, 1931

Currency

Dollar

Time zone

UTC -3.5 to -8

National anthem

O Canada

Internet TLD

.CA

Calling Code

1

History

Main article: History of Canada

Canada, which has been inhabited by natives including the First Nations and the Inuit for about 10,000 years, was first visited by Europeans around 1000, when the Vikings briefly had a settlement. More permanent European visits came in the 16th and 17th century, as the French settled here.

They traded much of their lands with the British in 1763, and after the American Revolution, many British Loyalists settled in Canada. While French and British co-existed, the British granted several of its colonies the status of province of Canada on July 1, 1867, still celebrated as Canada Day. More definitve independence came in 1931, with the Statute of Westminster.

In the second half of the 20th century, the French-speaking province of Quebec has sought independence, but two referenda have been defeated, albeit marginally in the last case (50.6% was against independence).

Politics

Main article: Politics of Canada

Canada is a constitutional monarchy, with the head of state being the monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II. The monarch's representative in Canada is the Governor-General, who fills the role of approving bills, and other state functions. For the most part, the monarch (through her liaison, the Governor-General) is a figurehead, and what little real power she has is reserved for times of crisis. The text of Canada's constitution can be found here: Constitution of Canada.

The Governor-General is appointed by the Prime Minister, who is the leader of the political party that holds the most seats in the House of Commons. The legislative branch of government consists of the Parliament, including the elected House of Commons and the appointed Senate.

Provinces and territories

Main article: Canadian provinces and territories

Canada is divided into 10 provinces and 3 territories. The provinces have a reasonable large autonomy from the federal government, while the territories have somewhat less. The provinces and territories each have their own unicameral legislatures.

The provinces are:

And the territories:

Geography

Main article: Geography of Canada

File:Ca-map.jpg

Eastern Canada is mountainous, while large parts of central Canada are covered by plains and prairies. The west of Canada mostly consists of rolling terrain on either side of the Rocky Mountains. A number of large lakes are located throughout Canada, including the Great Lakes, which form part of the border with the United States. The Hudson Bay sea arm cuts deep into the country.

With the north of the country mostly being arctic lowlands with a polar climate, most of the major cities are located in the more temperate south, with largest concentration in the east. The largest cities are: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, capital Ottawa and Edmonton.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Canada

As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely resembles the US in its market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and high living standards. Since World War II, the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial and urban. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (which includes Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in trade and economic integration with the US. As a result of the close cross-border relationship, the economic downturn in the United States in 2001 had a negative impact on the Canadian economy. Real growth averaged nearly 3% during 1993-2000, but declined in 2001. Unemployment is up, with contraction in the manufacturing and natural resource sectors. Nevertheless, with its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and modern capital plant Canada enjoys solid economic prospects. Two shadows loom, the first being the continuing constitutional impasse between English- and French-speaking areas, (see article: Politics of Canada) which has been raising the possibility of a split in the federation. Another long-term concern is fears of a flow south to the US of professionals, referred to as the Brain Drain, lured by higher pay, lower taxes, and the immense high-tech infrastructure.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Canada

Most of Canadians are of European descent (mostly British and French origins); only 2% of the population is formed by the native population. The remainder is formed by immigrants, mostly from Asia. Canada's two official languages are French and English; French is mostly spoken in Quebec and New Brunswick.

According to 1991 Census Data most Canadians are Christians, with about 45% being Roman Catholic, and 35% Protestant.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Canada

**Holidays**
Date	English Name	Local Name	Remarks
January 1	New Year's Day	New Year's Day
(varies)	Good Friday	Good Friday	Typically celebrated in April; see Easter article for details.
May 24	Victoria Day	Victoria Day	Celebrated on the Monday following the 24th if it falls on a weekend.
July 1	Canada Day	Canada Day	Canada's birthday
First Monday in September	Labour Day	Labour Day
Second Monday in October	Thanksgiving	Thanksgiving	Thanksgiving is not celebrated on the same day as it is in the U.S.
December 25	Christmas	Christmas
December 26	Boxing Day	Boxing Day

International rankings

worldwide press freedom index Rank 5

Miscellaneous topics

External Links

Government of Canada

Countries of the world | North America