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Basic facts about Canada
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-09-08 14:12

Canada, a federated country in North America, is a vast nation with a wide variety of geological formations, climates, and ecological systems.

It is the second largest country in the world with a total area of 9,984,670 sq km. Most Canadians live in the southern part of the country, and more than three-quarters of them live in metropolitan areas.

French and English are the official languages, and today slightly more than half of Canadians are of French or English descent.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a wave of immigration increased Canada's diversity by bringing in people from many other European nations.

This trend continues into the 21st century: Canada is one of the few countries in the world that still has significant immigration programs. Since the 1970s, most immigrants have come from Asia, increasing still further the diversity of the population.

Canada has impressive reserves of timber, minerals, and fresh water, and many of its industries are based on these resources. Many of its rivers have been harnessed for hydroelectric power, and it is self-sufficient in fossil fuel.

Industrialization began in the 19th century and a significant manufacturing sector emerged, especially after the World War II. Canada's resource and manufacturing industries export about one-third of their output.

Transportation equipment is the leading manufacturing industry.While Canada's prosperity is built on the resource and manufacturing industries, most Canadians work in service occupations, including transportation, trade, finance, personal services, and government.

Canada is a confederation with parliamentary democracy. The federal parliament is made up of the head of state, or prime minister, a nominated Senate, and an elected House of Commons.

The prime minister is appointed by the British Monarch's representative, the governor general, and should have the confidence of the House of Commons. The current prime minister of Canada is Paul Martin.

According to the World Bank, Canada's gross national income (GNI) in 2003, measured at average 2001-03 prices, was 814,602 million US dollars, equivalent to 23,930 US dollars per head.

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