A diverse geography, stable economy and a high standard of living... everyone wants to call Canada home
From the flat, windy Prairies and the snowy peaks of the Rockies, to the sharp salt air of the Pacific and briny shores of the Atlantic, Canada is a geographical, cultural and industrial mosaic.
A vast country with a tiny population, Canada has for centuries beckoned the world's citizens to become its own. And they have - bringing along their skills and willingness to work to make the country the global competitor it is today.
A former British colony, Canada gained independence on July 1, 1867, but maintains ties to the British Crown. In fact, the $20 and $1,000 Canadian monetary notes still carry a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
While the $1,000 note was discontinued in 2000, there are still some in circulation for those lucky enough to come across one.
Canada's system of government is a parliamentary democracy based on the British system. A country with relatively high taxes, but free access to healthcare and education, one of the government's major concerns is the improvement of healthcare and education services after a decade of budget cuts.
A corruption scandal in the federal government, involving misuse of public funds, received worldwide publicity last year, called into question the ethics of Canadian politicians and ended the reign of Canada's Liberal Party. In February 2006, The Conservatives were sworn in with a minority government.
As the second-largest country in the world next to Russia, Canada has a varied climate ranging from temperate in the south to arctic in the north.
Canada's almost 10 million square kilometres are home to just 33 million people, spread unevenly among the 10 provinces and three territories. Most of Canada's residents live within 160 kilometres of the US border.
Harsh winters characterise much of the far northern reaches of Canada. Inuit inhabit these territories, much of which is covered by arctic tundra.
In the southern parts, where most of the population lives, the temperate climate allows a pleasant quality of life, with four distinct seasons, each contributing something different to the Canadian outdoor experience.
Canada is an adventure lover's paradise, with many lakes, rivers and streams, national parks, mountains and forests to explore. Winter sports, including downhill and cross-country skiing and ice-skating, are popular forms of recreation from December to March.
Canada's fall foliage is famous, its most striking symbol being the orange-red maple leaf that paints much of the nation's sky with rich colour in October and November.
The country has abundant natural resources, including iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas and hydropower.
According to the CIA World Factbook, estimates for 2005 put the country's GDP per capita at $34,000 (about Dh124,878), 14th highest in the world. Agriculture accounted for approximately 2.2 per cent of GDP, industry 29.1 per cent and services accounted for 68.7 per cent.
Canada enjoys a stable economy, dominated by the manufacturing, mining and service sectors, which have, since the 1940s, driven the country's growth from a primarily agricultural economy to an industrial and urban one.
Agriculture, however, remains a vital part of the country's economy. Canadian agricultural products include wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and fish.
Top industries include transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, fish products, petroleum and natural gas.
With a labour force of 16.3 million, three-quarters of which is employed in the services sector, the country has relatively low unemployment and a strong economy, with foreign reserves of $33 billion (about Dh121 billion) and an external debt of $439.8 billion (about Dh1,615 billion).
In May of 2006, Canada's unemployment rate fell to 6.1 per cent, its lowest level since December 1974.
Exports, which exceeded $364.8 billion (about Dh1,340 billion) in 2005, make up about a-third of Canada's GDP.
Canada is a leading supplier of motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, aircraft, telecommunications equipment, chemicals, plastics, fertilisers, wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, natural gas, electricity and aluminium to its main trading partner, the US, which receives more than 85 per cent of Canada's exports.
Japan receives 2.1 per cent and the UK 1.6 per cent of Canada's total exports.
Two trade agreements, the US-Canada Trade Agreement signed in 1989, and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) signed in ?94, paved the way for the favourable trade relations between Canada and the US.
In fact, the US has a substantial impact on the nation, a fact that elicits mixed feelings in many Canadians.
While the country benefits from the huge market and comfort provided by the US, many feel that Canada is being swallowed up its powerful neighbour. However, the fact remains that Canadians' standard of living benefits from the country's proximity to the US.
Of the estimated $317.7 billion (about Dh1,167 billion) worth of imports Canada saw in 2005, 58.9 per cent of them came from the US, while 6.8 per cent came from China and 3.8 per cent from Mexico. These consisted of machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, crude oil, chemicals, electricity and durable consumer goods.
The friendly relationship between Canada and the US allows for the world's longest unprotected border at 8,890 kilometres. With the Canadian dollar strengthening against the US dollar over the past few years, shopping trips to the US have become even more attractive.
Many Canadians drive over the border on weekends to shop, taking advantage of lower prices on gas and lower taxes on retail purchases, although the ever-present Canadian customs at the border keeps a limit on the amounts they can bring back duty-free.
Canadians are a tolerant lot and are known as friendly and warm people, welcoming visitors and new immigrants to their country. Tourism is an important part of the Canadian economy, with more than 35 million visitors arriving each year.
The country offers diverse geography and attractions. British Columbia on the west coast, offers the most variety. You can enjoy skiing in the Rockies, hiking in the forests and sailing in the ocean - all on the same day.
The cities of Vancouver and Victoria offer sightseeing and culture. Alberta boasts the Rocky Mountains with renowned skiing and vast, flat Prairies. Edmonton is home to North America's largest shopping and entertainment complex.
Ontario contains Ottawa, the seat of government, and Toronto, considered to be the arts and business hub of the province. Cultural activities abound in both cities. Quebec, a French-speaking province, is rich in history and culture.
Quebec contributes many of the country's great athletes and musicians, as well as Montreal and Quebec City, both rich in culture and arts.
The Atlantic provinces, on the eastern shore, are known for their fisheries. Nova Scotia, in particular, has small coastal fishing villages and the city of Halifax, an educational as well as a maritime centre.
Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador offer whale watching, rugged coastlines and beautiful, peaceful scenery.
One common thread that runs through the vast country is the diversity of backgrounds in the population and the multi-cultural mosaic that this creates.
According to Statistics Canada's Ethnic Diversity Survey, "In 2002, almost one-quarter (23 per cent) of Canada's population aged 15 and over, or 5.3 million people, were first generation, that is, they were born outside Canada."
On June 27, Canadian Multiculturalism Day, Prime Minister Stephen Harper called on Canadians to embrace this diversity.
"Canada is a nation of immigrants," said Prime Minister Harper.
"For more than 400 years, men and women have come to these shores in search of new opportunities and a better life for themselves and their families. These newcomers have brought with them valuable skills, a commitment to hard work and a strong desire to succeed.
"They have added immeasurably to every community in which they have settled. And they have laid the foundation for the Canada we know and love today - a nation that is strong, united, independent and free."
