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Most
people's conception of Canada goes little beyond appreciating
its vastness, recognizing its flag and identifying a few well-known
physical features. And while it's true that the majority of
travelers are attracted by the opportunity to explore Canada's
wilderness areas, natural wonders and low-key rural charm,
there is a lot more to Canada than maple trees, Niagara Falls
and wide open spaces.
It's
the edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British
traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional
character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and
a plethora of traditions brought from Europe, Asia and Latin
America by migrants, and you have a thriving multicultural
society very much in the process of forming its own identity.
Those expecting Canada to be a blander counterpart of the
USA should check their preconceptions at the door - Canada's
wild northern frontier, which has etched itself into the national
psyche, and its distinct patchwork of peoples have created
a country that is decidedly different from its southern neighbor.
Full
country name: Canada
Area: 9,976,000 sq km (3.9 million sq mi)
Population: 31,280,000
Capital city: Ottawa (pop: 1,010,500)
People: British descent (28%), French descent (23%), Italian
descent (3%), aboriginal peoples (2%), plus significant minorities
of German, Ukrainian, Dutch, Greek, Polish and Chinese descent
Languages: English, French and 53 native languages
Religion: Catholic (45%), Protestant (36%) and minorities
from most of the world's major religions
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Prime Minister: Jean Chrétien
Governor-General: Adrienne Clarkson
GDP:
US$774 billion
GDP per head: US$25,000
Annual growth: 3%
Inflation: 3%
Major products/industries: processed and unprocessed minerals,
food products, wood and paper products, transportation equipment,
chemicals, fish products, petroleum and natural gas
Major trading partners: USA, Japan, EU (UK, Germany, Netherlands),
China and South Korea
Canada
Flight from UK
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