Canada |
|
| OVERVIEW |
| Background |
A land of
vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a
self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the
British crown. Economically and technologically the nation
has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the
south across an unfortified border. Its paramount political
problem continues to be the relationship of the province of
Quebec, with its French-speaking residents and unique culture,
to the remainder of the country. |
| Natural
resources |
iron ore, nickel, zinc,
copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, diamonds, silver,
fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydropower
|
| Land
use |
arable land: 4.94%
permanent crops: 0.02%
other: 95.04% (1998 est.) |
| Population |
32,207,113 (July 2003
est.) |
| Ethnic
groups |
British Isles origin 28%,
French origin 23%, other European 15%, Amerindian 2%, other,
mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed background 26% |
| Religions |
Roman Catholic 46%, Protestant
36%, other 18%
note: based on the 1991 census |
| Languages |
English 59.3% (official),
French 23.2% (official), other 17.5% |
| Literacy |
definition: age 15 and
over can read and write
total population: 97% (1986 est.)
male: NA%
female: NA% |
| Capital |
Ottawa |
| Government
type |
confederation with parliamentary
democracy |
| Independence |
1 July 1867 (from UK)
|
| National
holiday |
Canada Day, 1 July (1867)
|
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