About Canada
You will find this section a useful guide about Canada.It explains everything from the basics, such as Canadian History, Economy, Geography etc.
The discovery and exploration of Canada is credited to the early adventurers of England and France. However, Canada was inhabited long before these settlers came in. Canada was home to the ‘Indians’ as they were known then – now called the ‘Aboriginal People’, ‘Native People’ or ‘People of the First Nation’.
In 1949 Canada joined NATO and in the same year was able to replace its British Judiciary with the Supreme Court.
Today however, Canada is the melting pot of several cultures with migrants not only from Europe but from South American and Asia Pacific countries as well.
Canada is made up of 10 provinces and three territories, most of which are populated by Canadians who can trace their ancestry from virtually everywhere in the world. A recent census showed that over 11 million Canadians, or 42 per cent of the population, reported having an ethnic origin other than British or French.
Canada follows the Parliamentary system with the party with largest number of elected MPs leading Parliament.
The economy of Canada is largely service oriented, with 69.8% (Updated as per 2012 census) of the GDP being contributed by the Services sector. Industry contributes 28.5% and agriculture 1.7%. In the year 2010 the GDP was estimated at a whopping $1.6 trillion (2016 update).
Before World War II, the economy was primarily agrarian, but with the growth of mining as an industry, agriculture soon took a backseat. Owing to its large resources of mineral deposits, it is no wonder that Canada’s major exports are petroleum, energy, natural gas, aluminum, timber besides aircraft & industrial machinery and telecommunication equipment. A healthy sign of Canada’s economy is that it exports more than it imports.
12.9 % Canadians live below the poverty line and unemployment rate is a mere 6.8% (January 2017). Today, the Canadian economy closely resembles that of its neighbor, the USA; the Canadian dollar too is gaining strength and ground against the US dollar.
Canada is a naturally beautiful country, with many mountains, lakes and forests. A land so naturally endowed, has no dearth of places to visit and throughout all the seasons. In the warmer climates there are always activities such as biking, fruit picking, fishing etc. The winter months bring snow, and Canada is known for its beautiful ski slopes and resorts.
A very popular way of seeing the Canadian countryside is the train. Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada are two popular organizations that offer tourists scenic routes through Jasper and Banff, St Lawrence Route, the Rocky Mountains etc.
Many cities are known to have Carnivals at specific times of the year and these attract a large number of tourists. These events give visitors a glimpse of the Canadian way of life.
Other attractions such as the Historic Totem poles, Polar Bear spotting in Manitoba, CN Tower edge walk, Ice Sculpting Contests in winter are also reason for tourists to make time to travel.
Students often get discounts and extras on such trips and so it helps to keep a vigilant look out for good deals.
Capital City
Ottawa, Ontario
Type of Government
Federal Parliamentary Democracy & Constitutional Monarchy
Head of Government
Prime Minister
National Emblem
Maple Leaf
Population
In July 2011, the population of Canada is estimated to have reached 35.85 million (2015). However, Canadians are spread over a large geographic land mass, giving Canada one of the smallest population density ratios in the world at 3.4 persons/km².
Map of Canada
The National Flag of Canada has the official colors of Canada, viz. Red & White, and was formally adopted in 1965. The 11 pointed Red Maple leaf in the center on a White background is the official emblem of Canada.
Flag of Canada
