Canada is located on the northern part of North America. It is the second largest country in the world after Russia.  Canada only has one neighbour which is the US.  The population mix comprises mainly of 28% British origin, 23% French origins, 15% other European origin. The main religions are 44% catholic, and 29% protestant. The main languages are English and French.  

Although vast in territory, only small areas of the country are lived on. Nearly 90% of the population live within 200 km of the border with American in the south of the country.   The US is the biggest trading partner with Canada. Although the relationship with America is of the utmost importance to Canada’s economy, the relationship is not free of problems and tensions. The North American Free Trade Agreement, involving Canada, the US and Mexico, has brought a trade boom for Canada, but also thorny issues are inescapable. 

Some of America’s actions such as the increased subsidies for US farmers have created particular tension. Additionally the placement of tariffs on Canadian timber, the pollution from US factories and the possible environmental impact of oil exploration in Alaska have all been cause for concern from the Canadians.  Canada has some internal problems which revolve around the population make up and growth of the country. One key area is immigration. The recent arrival of large numbers of newcomers from Asia has brought to the public forefront Challenges related to discrimination and integration.

The separatist aspirations in the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec is another major domestic issue. The notion of a separate Quebec was defeated in a referendum in 1995 and later polls have shown support for independence to be waning further. 

 A key and developing foreign affairs issue is Canada’s vigorous assertion of sovereignty on large swathes of the Artic. This moves has brought Canada territorial spats with the US and Denmark. The land is so valued as it holds untapped reserves of oil and gas.   

Some world renowned Canadian national icons are the writer Margret Atwood, singer and songwriter Joni Mitchell, film director and screenwriter David Cronenberg.

 ·        Capital: Ottawa