Canada: The Land of the Maple Leaf and Fascinating Discoveries

From snow-capped mountain peaks to vibrant, modern cities, Canada presents a diverse tapestry of natural beauty and cultural richness. Beyond its picturesque landscapes, the country consistently ranks highly in key global indices, including human rights, quality of life, safety, happiness, prosperity, and sustainability. These factors have solidified Canada’s position as the 4th best country to live in, according to U.S. News & World Report.

General Introduction to Canada

Below are some fundamental facts you should know about Canada:

History of Formation and Development

The formation and development of Canada can be traced through several important milestones:

Ancient Times

• Around 50,000 BCE, groups of migrants from the Eurasian continent crossed the Bering Strait into Alaska. However, their progression into the mainland was hindered by thick ice. Around 16,000 BCE, as the ice began to melt, these groups moved further east and south into the North American continent and eventually settled there.
• By approximately 8,000 BCE, the climate in North America gradually warmed, becoming similar to today’s climate, though many icy regions remained.

The Year 1497

• From the 15th century onward, European explorers—including the Portuguese, French, and English—began discovering parts of present-day Canada, such as Newfoundland Island, Labrador, and Hudson Bay.
• In the 17th and 18th centuries, both the British and the French established settlements and vied for territorial control, resulting in conflicts with Indigenous peoples. These tensions culminated in the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763) between Britain and France, which ended with France ceding most of its North American territories to Britain in 1763.

The Year 1867

• In 1864, significant conferences held in Quebec and Charlottetown laid the foundation for unifying the British colonies in North America into a federation.
• On July 1, 1867, with the enactment of the British North America Act, the self-governing Dominion of Canada was officially established, initially consisting of four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

The Year 1931

• In 1931, the Statute of Westminster was passed by the British Parliament, granting full legislative independence to British dominions, including Canada. This effectively removed most of Britain’s legislative authority over its former colonies.
• In 1982, the Canada Act was enacted, officially ending Canada’s legal dependence on the British Parliament and marking the full sovereignty of the country.

Geography and Climate

Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area (after Russia), stretching across most of the northern part of the North American continent. It shares a land border with only one country—the United States—and is surrounded by three oceans:

• To the east: the Atlantic Ocean
• To the west: the Pacific Ocean
• To the north: the Arctic Ocean
• To the south and northwest: the United States, forming the longest international land border in the world

The terrain of Canada is incredibly diverse, ranging from towering mountain ranges and volcanoes in the west, to vast prairies in the central region, an extensive system of lakes and rivers in the south, and unspoiled forests and icy tundras in the north.

Due to its immense land area and varied topography, Canada’s climate is equally diverse—ranging from frozen Arctic zones in the north to temperate climates in the south. Depending on the region, season, and elevation, Canada experiences different weather conditions, offering residents and visitors unique experiences throughout the year. In general, the country has four distinct seasons, each with its own beauty and character:

• Spring (March to May): Spring marks the return of life after the harsh winter. The weather gradually warms, days become longer, snow begins to melt, and trees and flowers start to bloom. Average temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C depending on the region, but can vary significantly.
• Summer (June to August): This is the warmest and sunniest time of year. Average temperatures stay below 20°C in the north but can reach up to 35°C in southern cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, picnicking, and enjoying festivals.
• Autumn (September to November): Fall in Canada is renowned for its stunning scenery as leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. The weather becomes cooler, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 17°C depending on the area, and can get chilly towards the end of the season. It’s a great time for scenic walks, agricultural harvests, and fall festivals.
• Winter (December to February): Winters in Canada are typically cold and snowy in most regions. Temperatures can drop to -25°C or lower in northern provinces like Winnipeg, Calgary, or Ottawa, while Vancouver remains milder, rarely falling below 0°C. Snow blankets the landscape, attracting enthusiasts of winter sports such as skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.

Political System and Demographics

Political System
Canada operates under a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. King Charles III is the monarch, and his representative in Canada is the Governor General, currently Mary Simon. However, both the monarch and the Governor General serve primarily ceremonial roles. Real executive power rests with the Cabinet, composed of ministers who are accountable to Parliament. The Prime Minister of Canada—currently Justin Trudeau—is the head of government and is responsible for appointing members of the Cabinet.

Canada is an active member of several major international organizations, including the Commonwealth of Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations. The country maintains an independent foreign policy and is recognized as one of the world’s most politically stable nations, with minimal ethnic conflict, low levels of internal political strife, and generally peaceful relations with other countries.

Demographics
Administratively, Canada is divided into 10 provinces and 3 territories, including: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. The three territories are: Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon.

Canada has two official languages: English and French. According to statistics, nearly 60% of the population speaks English as their first language, while approximately 22% speak French as their mother tongue. The majority of French speakers are concentrated in the province of Quebec, with notable French-speaking communities in Ontario, New Brunswick, and Manitoba. Notably, New Brunswick (Nouveau-Brunswick) is the only officially bilingual province in Canada.

It is important to note that provinces have greater autonomy compared to territories. Territories derive their authority from powers delegated by the federal government, whereas provinces have constitutional powers directly granted by the Canadian Constitution. As such, provinces hold primary responsibility for the economic and social development within their respective jurisdictions.

Each province and territory in Canada has its own unique cultural, historical, and geographical characteristics.

The Canadian Economy

Canada is one of the world’s top 10 largest economies and is considered one of the wealthiest nations globally in terms of per capita income, thanks in part to its relatively low population density. It is a member of the G7 (a group of the world’s seven leading industrialized nations) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Canada’s economy is strong in both the service sector (contributing $34 billion to the economy) and natural resource extraction industries. The country is also recognized for its high level of economic freedom. Notably, Canada’s economy is closely integrated with that of the United States, sharing similarities in structure and production models.

With a low unemployment rate and a per capita income of around USD 46,212, Canada stands out among G7 nations for having one of the lowest levels of public debt.

According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate in February 2025 remained steady at 6.6%, the same as the previous month. However, the economy only added 1,100 net new jobs during the month, significantly lower than the 20,000 jobs forecast by analysts.

Among the new jobs, there was a rise in part-time employment, while the goods-producing sector experienced a loss of 19,500 jobs, mainly in public utilities. In contrast, the services sector saw growth with 20,600 new positions, driven by expansion in wholesale and retail trade, finance, insurance, real estate, and leasing.

Although the labour force participation rate slightly declined to 65.3% from 65.5% in the previous month, the average hourly wage recorded a notable 4% year-over-year increase compared to February 2024.

Due to these economic dynamics, the Canadian government is actively expanding skilled immigration programs to attract more qualified workers, aiming to meet growing labour market demands and foster sustainable economic growth.

Education System

Canada takes pride in having a high-quality education system that is recognized worldwide. With education primarily managed at the provincial level, the system offers diverse teaching methods and curricula while remaining committed to providing the best learning opportunities for everyone.

The main levels of education in Canada include:

Notably, children of permanent residents in Canada are entitled to many educational benefits similar to those of Canadian citizens. For example, they are exempt from paying tuition fees at public schools from kindergarten through Grade 12. In addition, tuition fees for post-secondary programs are often significantly reduced compared to those for international students, depending on the policies of each province and educational institution.

Healthcare System

Canada’s healthcare system is administered separately by each province and territory, with a publicly funded program commonly known as Medicare. Established under the Canada Health Act of 1984, Medicare is considered a core national value that ensures all citizens have access to necessary medical services, regardless of where they live in the country.

Typically, Medicare covers about 70% of medical costs, while the remaining 30% is paid through private insurance. Some non-essential healthcare services—such as dental care, cosmetic procedures, and vision care—are either not covered or only partially covered by Medicare and often require private payment.

Overall, Canada is recognized for its strong social welfare system. According to the 2024 World Happiness Report published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Canada ranked 15th, with a score of 6.9 out of 10, based on factors such as quality of life and social support.

Culture in Canada

Symbolism and Language

Canadian culture is a unique blend of Indigenous traditions and European heritage, creating a rich and diverse multicultural society. Since the 18th century, the maple leaf has been a national symbol representing the strength, culture, and long history of Canada. Other iconic national symbols such as the beaver, Canada goose, the Crown, and totem poles are also widely recognized around the world.

Canada has two official languages: English and French. About 60% of the population speaks English as their primary language, while approximately 22% speak French as their mother tongue in daily life.

Cuisine

Canadian cuisine is known for its diversity and uniqueness, reflecting the country’s multicultural fabric. Given the national symbol of the red maple leaf, it’s no surprise that many traditional Canadian dishes feature ingredients derived from the maple tree.

When visiting Canada, you must try some of its iconic specialties, such as:

• Sweet maple syrup
• Ice wine
• Baked lobster from Prince Edward Island
• Seal flipper pie from Newfoundland
• Maple sugar pie from Quebec
• Oka cheese and traditional Montreal-style bagels
• Premium Alberta beef

Arts

Canada has a rich and diverse artistic landscape, encompassing painting, photography, printmaking, music, literature, television, and cinema. The country is also recognized as one of North America’s leading centers for film and television production, where European artistic influences blend seamlessly with the unique Indigenous cultures of the continent.

Sports

Canada’s most popular sports include ice hockey, lacrosse, and basketball. In addition, Canadians are passionate about year-round recreational sports such as volleyball, badminton, soccer, rugby, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, swimming, skiing, canoeing, cycling, horseback riding, and various martial arts.

Canada hosts numerous professional sports leagues, often in collaboration with the United States, while amateur sports also thrive across the country with strong participation and community support.

With a strong foundation in economy, society, and culture, Canada continues to strengthen its position on the global stage. As a nation that values quality of life, sustainability, and humanistic values, Canada is poised to remain both a desirable destination and a source of national pride well into the future.