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History
Canada has been inhabited since around 24,500 BC in its Yukon Territory. After European contact beginning in the fifteenth century, many Native
Americans became sick from diseases introduced by the explorers, and their numbers dwindled. Early European explorers came from Scandinavia, Italy
and Portugal. The French first explored Canada beginning in 1534 with Jacques Cartier, who claimed territory for France. The English claimed
Newfoundland in 1583, followed by the thirteen colonies that later became the United States. Fur traders dominated the north, leading to the Beaver
wars. France lost many of its North American colonies to the British at the end of the seven years’ war, which ended in 1763. The war of 1812, fought
mainly in northern North America, resulted in British and Irish immigration to Canada, increasing its population.
In 1840, Canada was united, becoming the Province of Canada. Canada's colonial roots are reflected in its status as a Commonwealth of Britain under
the crown. The languages spoken in Canada also reflect its early colonial history. Both English and French are spoken in Canada, though French is
primarily spoken in the province of Quebec, which was under French control for many years.
Geography
Canada is the second largest country in the world by total area after Russia, and makes up most of northern North America. Canada's territories extend
up into the Arctic Circle, though most of this land is covered in a thick layer of ice. The Canadian Forces Station Alert is the farthest north settlement in
the world, located not far from the North Pole.
To the south, Canada shares the world's longest land border with the United States, as well as the world's longest coastline. Alaska, completely
separated from the contiguous United States, is located to the north-west of Canada, extending out toward Russia.
Canada's terrain is mountainous, with the coast mountains and rocky mountains, and heavily forested. Canada contains more fresh water than any other
country in the world in its 31,700 lakes.
Politics
Canada is a federal parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy in which the monarch is the head of state and the prime minister is the
head of government. Parliament consists of 308 members and the Senate has 105.
Canada is divided into ten provinces and three additional territories. The territories are under the direction of the federal
government, while the provinces handle their own governments with some level of autonomy. Canadian provinces are
grouped into the following regions: Western Canada, Central Canada, Atlantic Canada, and Northern Canada.
About Canada
Canada, with a land area of 9,984,670 sq km, is the second largest country in the world. It has a population of 34,880,491 (2012 est.). The longitudinal
extent of Canada is from 52° to 141° W, whereas the latitudinal stretch is from 42° to 83° N.
Places to Visit in Canada
Niagara Falls
Cavendish Beach
Quebec City
Fogo Island
CN Tower
Nahanni
National Park
Great Slave Lake
The Chilkoot
St. Andrews
By-the-Sea
Trail
Facts About Canada
Continent
North America
Lat Long
45.4, -75.666667
Capital
Ottawa
Largest City
Toronto
Official Language
English, French
Major Religion
Roman Catholic, Protestant (United Church, Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran), other Christian, Muslim
National day
July 1st (Canada Day)
Form of Government Federal Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
President
Queen Elizabeth II
Prime Minister
Stephen Harper
Currency
Canadian Dollar
GDP
1.821 trillion USD (2012)
Calling code
1
Time Zone
(UTC-3.5 to -8)