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Introduction to Canada
 
Those expecting Canada to be a blander version of the USA should check their assumptions at the door. Canada's wild northern frontier, which has etched itself into the national psyche, and its distinct patchwork of peoples have created a country that is decidedly different from its brash neighbors.

It's the edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought by migrants, and you have a thriving multicultural society.

With its history, people, landscape and natural beauty, Canada offers an abundance of well-known cities, attractions, parks and regions that make for wonderful destinations whether you're looking for a trip that's educational, inspiring or just plain fun. But don't pass up a chance to explore the less-travelled areas, too - at the fringes of the inhabited world, great challenges, eye-opening experiences and hospitable people await.
 
Full country name : Canada
Area : 9.97 million sq km
Population : 31.28 million
Capital City : Ottawa
People :
British descent, French descent, Italian descent, aboriginal peoples, plus significant minorities of Irish, German, Ukrainian, Dutch, Greek, Polish and Chinese descent
Language : English, French
Religion :
Catholic (45%), Protestant (36%) and minorities from most of the world's major religions
Government : Constitutional monarchy
Head of State : Queen Elizabeth II
Head of Government : Prime Minister Paul Martin
 
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GDP : US$774 billion
GDP per capita : US$25,000
Annual Growth : 3%
Inflation : 3%
Major Industries :
Processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, transportation equipment, chemicals, fish products, petroleum and natural gas.
Major Trading Partners : USA, Japan, EU (UK, Germany, Netherlands), China and South Korea
 
Public Holidays
 
1 Jan - New Year's Day 1st Mon in Sep - Labour Day
26 Dec - Boxing Day 1 Jul - Canada Day
25 Dec - Christmas Day Mar/Apr - Good Friday
11 Nov - Remembrance Day  Mar/Apr - Easter Monday
2nd Mon in Oct - Thanksgiving 1st Mon in Aug - Civic Holiday
 
Money & Costs
 
Currency: Canadian Dollar (C$)
 
Relative Costs
Meals     Lodging    
Budget : C$7-15 Budget : C$20-40
Mid-range : C$15-30 Mid-range : C$40-70
High : C$30-40 High : C$70-100
Deluxe : C$40+ Deluxe : C$100+
 
Getting Around
 
Land travel is much cheaper and, if you don't mind long distances, much more interesting than flying. The bus network is the most extensive public transportation system and is generally less expensive than the limited train service. The country's most famous train is the Canadian, a classic 1950s-style beauty that travels from Toronto to Vancouver (Canada's longest continuous train route), complete with a two-stored windowed 'dome car' for sightseeing.

Air fares are fairly expensive but, if you're strapped for time, the distances you may need to travel are so great that you'll probably have to fly. Air Canada (which swallowed Canadian Airlines in 1999) is the major domestic airline. Other smaller carriers, such as West Jet Airlines, preclude an Air Canada monopoly.

In many ways, the best way to experience the country is to hire a car. Canadians drive on the right side of the road, as in the USA. A valid driver's license from any country is good in Canada for three months.

Canada is so large, cyclists find it hard to cover much ground; most people use other forms of transport to move from region to region and keep their bikes for recreational cycling once they're there. With so much water around, don't be surprised to find yourself in a boat at some point.
 
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