ABOUT CANADA
Canada stands out on the international stage for its political, economic and social stability and transparency. For more than 20 years, it ranks high on the OECD list of the best places to live, in part thanks to its high quality public education system. Diversified country in terms of landscapes, climate and population, Canada is a dynamic, egalitarian and secure country.
Culture and Values
In addition to recognizing its heritage from the First Nations, Canadian culture has its roots in its two colonizing peoples: the British and the French. These two nations have influenced Canada’s official languages and culture.
Today, Canada is recognized as a welcoming land that takes great pride in its multicultural and multi-ethnic character with people from all over the world. Canadians from coast to coast share diverse origins and are proud of their roots and their shared values.
Despite the vastness of their country, Canadians share the values of equity, diversity and respect for others. They are very proud of their differences, of multiculturalism and of their varied origins, whether they come from First Nations, English or French colonizing peoples, or from subsequent waves of immigration.
Canadians are also very attached to their political, social and health care systems.
Security
Canada has a very low crime rate. For several years, the country has been ranked in the top 10 on the Global Peace Index. It is considered by many international orgnisations as being among the safest countries in the world.
As a member of major international alliances, Canada is known for its efforts to promote international security and peace.
Economy
According to the International Monetary Fund, Canada ranks among the 10 richest countries in the world in terms of nominal GDP.
The country is also among the top manufacturing countries with notable growth in the high-tech and service industries. Canada has a rich, diverse and knowledge-based economy that fosters innovation and research.
Languages
Canada has two official languages: English, spoken by the majority of the population, and French, predominant in the province of Quebec.
Strong Francophone communities are also established across Canada, mainly in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces.
This linguistic duality makes Canada a leader in language learning.
Politics
Canada is a federation made up of ten provinces and three territories.
Officially a constitutional monarchy, the country is in reality a bicameral parliamentary democracy with a House of Commons and a Senate.
Each province also has a government with separate powers and important autnomy in many jurisdictions, such as education.
The Northern Part of North America
As neighbors to the North of the United States, Canadians often like to believe that this Nordicity defines them and makes them distinct from their neighbors to the South.
With a vast territory of 9,093,507 km2 and a population of 37.5 million (2019), 90% of whom live in cities located more or less 160 kms north of the United States border, the ten provinces and three territories located between the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans oscillate from a cold and snowy climate to temperate and mild in winter, and from hot and humid to cool and dry in summer.
Rockies, lakes and bustling cities will charm tourists from all walks of life.