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Canada is a vast and beautiful country, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic, from the North Pole to the United States. Each region has its own unique features, with a population and an economy as diverse as its landscape.

Canadian Geography

• Canada is the second largest country in the world (9,984,670 sq km).
• There are 33 million people living in Canada.
• Canada is divided into 10 provinces and 3 territories.
• Approximately 90 per cent of the population is located within 160 km of the US border. About 75 per cent of the total population lives in major cities or towns.
• There are over 2 million lakes in Canada (755,180 sq km of fresh water), more lakes/inland waters than any other country.

Canadian Politics

• Canada is a "Democratic Federation" with both Federal and Provincial levels of Government.
• Federal jurisdictions include International policies, Defense, Immigration, Criminal Law, Customs, and Border control.
• Provincial jurisdictions include health care, education, welfare and intra-provincial transportation.
• The Canadian political system was initially drafted by the "Fathers of Confederation" in 1864, and became law in 1867 when the Constitution Act was passed.

Canadian Economy

• Canada ranks among the 10 leading manufacturing nations. Important manufacturing sectors in Canada include food and beverages, paper and allied products, primary metals, fabricated metals, petrochemicals and chemicals.
• From oil and gas to precious minerals, lumber, and agriculture, the country is rich in natural resources.
• Agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining, and fishing are important economic sectors.

Canadian Education

• Canada has one of the highest educational standards among industrialized nations.
• Canada has both a public and private education system.
• Secondary studies go up to Grades 11, 12 or 13, depending on the province. After secondary, students may choose to attend university, college, or CEGEP (in Quebec).
• Canada has many internationally recognized universities.

Canadian Health Care

• Canada has a public health care system that makes critical care accessible to all Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents.
• Health care systems are run by Provincial ministries of health; however national standards are set by the Federal Government.
• There are three Provinces that charge health care premiums (BC, Alberta & Ontario). In the remaining Provinces and Territories, health care is paid for through taxes.

Canadian Culture

• Canada is often referred to as a "cultural mosaic," encouraging its immigrants and citizens to celebrate their traditions and culture.
• Canadians speak more than 200 languages.
• Canada's two official languages are English and French.