| Area |
9,984,670 sq km (3,855,101 sq miles). |
| Population |
31,629,700 (official estimate 2003). |
| Capital |
Ottawa- population sé: 1,063,664 (2001, including Hull). |
| Climate |
Summer thunderstorms are common throughout Canada. Tornados also occur throughout Canada, with May to September being prime months. The peak season is June and early July in southern Ontario, Alberta, southeastern Québec, and a band stretching from southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, through to Thunder Bay. The interior of British Columbia and western New Brunswick are also tornado zones. Earth tremors occur in the western mountains. Forest fires can occur at any time, regardless of the season, particularly in the grasslands and forests of western Canada. |
| Language |
Bilingual: English and French. The use of the two languages reflects the mixed colonial history - Canada has been under both British and French rule. |
| Religion |
75 per cent of the population belong to the Christian faith: Anglican, Roman Catholic and United Church of Canada. There are numerous other active denominations and religions. |
| Time |
Canada spans six time zones depending on the region: GMT - 3.5. to GMT - 8
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| Highlights |
Canada is one of the largest countries in the world where you will experience six time zones and a huge variety of spectacular scenery and stunning National Parks where, moose/elks and bears roam around in their natural habitat. Jasper and Banff National Parks are majestically located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and contain an extraordinary wealth of natural exhibits; mile after mile of fresh pine forests, huge glaciers, roaring waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife. Lake Louise is arguably set in the world's most spectacular locations with the magnificent Victoria Glacier at one end and soaring mountains all around. The Rocky Mountaineer train trip from Banff to Vancouver is arguably 'the Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World'. A highlight in the summer is whale and grizzly bear watching on Vancouver Island combined with a unique polar bear viewing experience in Alaska. Whistler boasts the largest ski area in North America and is lively all year round. The cities of Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec are all located in eastern Canada, each with their own unique charm. Places to visit in the east include the Niagara Falls, the great lakes of Ontario not to mention Nova Scotia and Newfoundland on Canada's Atlantic coast. All outdoor pursuits including skiing, hiking, fishing, biking and canoeing are popular throughout the country - if you enjoy the 'Great Outdoors', Canada is the destination for you!
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| Country Facts |
Canada is bordered to the west by the Pacific Ocean and Alaska, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the Northeast by Greenland, and to the south by the USA. The landscape is diverse, ranging from the Arctic tundra of the north to the great prairies of the central area. Westward are the Rocky Mountains, and in the southeast are the Great Lakes, the St Lawrence River and Niagara Falls. The country is divided into 10 provinces and three territories. |