This is a federative post-industrial country with its capital in Ottawa, administratively divided into 10 provinces and 3 territories. The form of government is a monarchy and a parliament headed by the Prime Minister. The country's political priorities are democratic values, citizen trust, stability, and inclusiveness. The state is part of the Commonwealth of Nations. Despite its independence, the nominal head of state is the British monarch. Canada is also a member of the G7.
Climate Conditions
The territory encompasses five weather zones. Temperature differences are especially pronounced in the polar regions during winter. In the north, January temperatures can drop to Arctic lows of -35°C. In the southern regions, the temperature range fluctuates from +4°C to +22°C depending on the season.
The most precipitation falls on the Pacific coast (2,400 mm). The weather in the coastal regions is influenced by the warm Gulf Stream current and the Pacific Alaskan current.
In areas where the Gulf Stream meets the cold Labrador Current, the weather is cool. n the east there are often dense fogs. In the central steppe regions, frosty winters are always followed by hot, semi-arid summers. The climate in the country's central region is temperate. During snowy winters, the temperature doesn't drop below -15°C. Spring and summer are humid, with comfortable temperatures.
The landscape is mountainous with alternating hilly plains. The Cordilleras, reaching up to 2.7 km in height, stretch from Alaska along the Pacific Ocean. Along the Atlantic coast, the Appalachian mountain ranges are prominent, with the Shickshock and Notre Dame massif visible on the Gaspé Peninsula's northern side. Canada's vegetation consists of deciduous and mixed forests, steppe prairies, which transition to taiga, subpolar tundra, and arctic semi-deserts in the north. The country is home to 62% of the world's natural lakes, with many large rivers like the Mackenzie, Yukon, Columbia, and Fraser.
Demographics
Canada ranks 38th in the world by population. As of the beginning of 2024, the population has approached 39.129 million, making up 0.49% of the world's population. This year, the government expects 485,000 immigrants, with over half a million anticipated next year. The population density is 4 people per square kilometer, while in the northern province of Nunavut, it's just 0.01 people per square kilometer. Up to 72% of Canadians live in major cities along the U.S. border, while the rest are settled along the St. Lawrence River and near the Great Lakes.
The gender ratio is approximately equal. The average age of residents is 42 years. Those aged 15 to 65 make up 68% of the population, while those aged 64 and older account for 16%. The ethnic composition is shaped by history and immigration policies. During the war, the regions were colonies of England and France, and their descendants still live here. The country recognizes bilingualism, and 200 ethnic groups coexist in this multicultural society.
The population breakdown by percentage is as follows: Canadians: 32%, English: 18%, French, Irish, and Scottish each at 13.60%. According to Life Expectancy data, Canada ranks 7th in the world for life expectancy. Men live an average of 81 years, women 84.7 years, with an overall average of 82.8 years. The country is 70% Christian, with both Catholic and Protestant denominations present.
Economy
The country ranks 15th in GDP size and 27th in purchasing power parity. Its economic development is influenced by its proximity to the United States and free trade agreements. In the economic structure, services account for 69%, industry for 29%, and agriculture for 2%.
Imports are linked to the extractive industry. The country ranks 4th in the world market for oil supply and 6th in natural gas production. It also extracts potash, nickel, and zinc from its mineral resources. It is 3rd in the world in terms of forest resources and is considered a leader in paper and lumber production. Revenues are generated by the mining, manufacturing, automotive, and metallurgical industries. The country has many chemical, textile, clothing, and food processing enterprises.
The country has entered the top ten in electricity production using its own resources – hydroelectric power stations, thermal power stations, and nuclear power stations.
The construction sector, with a turnover of $142 billion, employs 1.4 million people. The agriculture sector, which includes large farms, is considered a key part of agribusiness, operating on contractual agreements with monopolies. It satisfies the demand for meat, milk, and poultry. Crop farmers export wheat, buckwheat, and barley. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2023 was 159, with the monthly inflation rate not exceeding 0.4%. This year, GDP is growing by 0.1% per month. The expected inflation rate is 3.1%. The increase in interest rates is expected to bring price stability by the end of the year. As of April 2024, the hourly wage rate has reached 17.30 CAD/hour.
Freedom of Travel
The strength of the Canadian passport is influenced by the country's reputation and openness to the world. The country is respected for its democratic values, adherence to human rights, and international peacekeeping. Holders of this passport can find work in Commonwealth countries—a political association of 56 jurisdictions, most of which are located within the British Empire.
In the 2024 ranking, the passport holds the 8th position, while in individual assessment it ranks only 32nd. Holders can cross borders into 172 countries, of which 118 are visa-free. Visas are issued upon arrival in 47 jurisdictions. For visiting 26 countries, visas must be obtained in advance from consulates. Entry into 7 countries can be done with an electronic visa.