Population: 32,805,041 (July 2005 est.)
Capital: Ottawa
Languages: English (official) 59.3%, French (official) 23.2%, other 17.5%
Religions: Roman Catholic 42.6%, Protestant 23.3% (including United Church 9.5%, Anglican 6.8%, Baptist 2.4%, Lutheran
2%), other Christian 4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8%, none 16% (2001 census)
Government: a constitutional monarchy
that is also a parliamentary democracy and a federation
Climate: varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north
Terrain: mostly plains with mountains in
west and lowlands in southeast
Geography: second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route;
approximately 90% of the population is concentrated within 160 km of the US border
Ethnic groups: British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European 15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly
Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed background 26%
Economy: As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, in
the trillion dollar class, Canada closely resembles the US in its market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and
affluent 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 the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (which includes Mexico) touched off a dramatic
increase in trade and economic integration with the US. Given its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and modern
capital plant Canada enjoys solid economic prospects. Solid fiscal management has produced a balanced budget, although public
debate continues over how to manage the rising cost of the publicly funded healthcare system. Exports account for roughly a
third of GDP. Canada enjoys a substantial trade surplus with its principal trading partner, the United States, which absorbs
more than 85% of Canadian exports.
GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $32,800 (2005 est.)
GDP real growth: 2.8% (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate: 6.8% (2005 est.)
Internet country code: .ca
Dial code:
A land of vast distances and rich
natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the British crown. Economically and
technologically the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across an unfortified border.
Canada's paramount political problem is meeting public demands for quality improvements in health care and education services
after a decade of budget cuts. Canada also faces questions about integrity in government following revelations regarding a
corruption scandal in the federal government which has helped revive the fortunes of separatists in predominantly francophone
Quebec.