Canada is a North American country, located to the north of the United States, and is the world's second-largest country by total area. The country is known for its vast and diverse natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. The official languages are English and French, reflecting the country's history as a French and British colony.

Canada is a highly developed country, with a strong economy driven by industries such as technology, manufacturing, natural resources, and tourism. The country is a leading producer of natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, and has a highly educated and skilled workforce. Canada is also known for its high standard of living, strong social safety net, and commitment to diversity and multiculturalism.

Canada has a federal system of government, with a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy headed by Queen Elizabeth II. The country is divided into ten provinces and three territories, each with its own elected government. Canada has a reputation for being a tolerant and inclusive society, and is home to many different cultural, ethnic, and religious communities.

The country's social and political landscape has been shaped by its history, including its colonial past, the settlement and displacement of Indigenous peoples, and its close relationship with the United States. Canada has made efforts to address past injustices, including the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the legacy of residential schools for Indigenous children.

Canada is also known for its strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, with a focus on renewable energy and conservation. The country is home to many protected areas and national parks, and has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change.

Overall, Canada is a prosperous and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, a commitment to democracy and human rights, and a reputation as a global leader in environmental sustainability.

National holiday
Canada Day, 1 July (1867)

Telephone Code
1

Local Emergency Phone
911

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north

Currency (Code)
Canadian dollar (CAD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages
English, French, Punjabi, Italian, Spanish, German, Cantonese, Tagalog, Arabic

Major Religions
Catholic 39%, Protestant 20.3%, Orthodox 1.6%, other Christian 6.3%, Muslim 3.2%, Hindu 1.5%, Sikh 1.4%, Buddhist 1.1%, Jewish 1%

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Niagara Falls; Banff National Park & Rocky Mountains; Toronto's CN Tower; Old Quebec (Vieux-Quebec); Whistler; Ottawa's Parliament Hill; Bay of Fundy; Peggy's Cove; Green Gables; Vancouver; Butchart Gardens; Aisinai'pi/Writing-on-Stone Park

Major Sports
Ice hockey, lacrosse

Cultural Practices
Talking about politics can be more sensitive in Canada than in America. Canadians treat politics as a mostly private affair, and asking about party affiliation can be seen as presumptuous.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 15-20% is expected at restaurants. Round up to the nearest $5 (CAD) whenever you take a taxi and $1-2 (CAD) per bag is expected for bellhops. A housekeeping tip may be included in hotel bills. If not, leave $5 (CAD) a day or a lump sum at the end of your stay.

Souvenirs
Maple syrup products, maple leaf and loon figurine handicrafts, Canadian Mountie "Moose" items, stuffed toy polar bears, native artwork and wood carvings

Traditional Cuisine
Poutine — French fries topped with a mildly spicy chicken or turkey gravy and fresh cheese curds

Geography
Area
total: 9,984,670 sq km
land: 9,093,507 sq km
water: 891,163 sq km

Climate
varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north

Natural resources
bauxite, iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, uranium, rare earth elements, molybdenum, potash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydropower

People and Society
Population
38,516,736 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Canadian 32.3%, English 18.3%, Scottish 13.9%, French 13.6%, Irish 13.4%, German 9.6%, Chinese 5.1%, Italian 4.6%, North American Indian 4.4%, East Indian 4%, Ukrainian 3.9%, other 47.7% (2016 est.)

Languages
English (official) 58.7%, French (official) 22%, Punjabi 1.4%, Italian 1.3%, Spanish 1.3%, German 1.3%, Cantonese 1.2%, Tagalog 1.2%, Arabic 1.1%, other 10.5% (2011 est.)

Religions
Catholic 39% (includes Roman Catholic 38.8%, other Catholic .2%), Protestant 20.3% (includes United Church 6.1%, Anglican 5%, Baptist 1.9%, Lutheran 1.5%, Pentecostal 1.5%, Presbyterian 1.4%, other Protestant 2.9%), Orthodox 1.6%, other Christian 6.3%, Muslim 3.2%, Hindu 1.5%, Sikh 1.4%, Buddhist 1.1%, Jewish 1%, other 0.6%, none 23.9% (2011 est.)

Population growth rate
0.73% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
federal parliamentary democracy (Parliament of Canada) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm; federal and state authorities and responsibilities regulated in constitution

Capital
name: Ottawa

Economy
Economic overview
one of the world’s largest economies; leading global financier and macroeconomic partner; largest US trading partner; key timber and oil and gas industries; Canada sends over half its development aid to the World Bank; key “blue economy” developer

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$1.832 trillion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$47,900 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
wheat, rapeseed, maize, barley, milk, soybeans, potatoes, oats, peas, pork

Industries
transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, fish products, petroleum, natural gas

Exports
$611.146 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
US 73% (2019)

Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, cars and vehicle parts, gold, refined petroleum, natural gas (2019)

Imports
$609.256 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
US 57%, China 11%, Mexico 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
cars and vehicle parts, delivery trucks, crude petroleum, refined petroleum (2019)