Location

Canada is on the continent of North America. Canada lies to the North of the USA and, behind Russia, is the world's second largest country. The vast majority of Canada's population lives near the southern border with the USA.

Area: 9 984 670 square kilometers
Population: 33,212,696 (July 2008 est.
Capital: Ottawa (Ontario)
Main States: Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, Halifax and Montreal.
Industries: Mainly Forestry, Farming, Fishing and Mining. Besides these Canada
also exports motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, aircraft, telecommunications
equipment; chemicals, plastics, fertilizers; wood pulp, timber,
crude petroleum, natural gas.

Climate

Canada's climate is not as cold all year around as some may believe. In winter, temperatures fall below freezing point throughout most of Canada. But the south-western coast has a relatively mild climate. Along the Arctic Circle, mean temperatures are below freezing for seven months a year. During the summer months the southern provinces often experience high levels of humidity and temperatures that can surpass 30 degrees Celsius regularly. Western and south-eastern Canada experience high rainfall, but the Prairies are dry with 250 mm to 500 mm of rain every year.

The Provinces and Territories

The provinces and territories of Canada combine to make up the world's second largest country. The major difference between a Canadian province and a territory is that provinces are jurisdictions that receive their power and authority directly from the Constitution Act, 1867, whereas territories derive their mandates and powers from the government. Currently, the 10 provinces are Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, while the 3 territories are Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon. The federal government is responsible fore services such as defense, foreign policy, banking, criminal law, immigration and postal laws. The provincial governments are responsible for providing health, education, transportation services including social assistance. 

Culture

Canadians are very hospitable, welcoming people - particularly in provincial and rural Canada. The majority of Canadians is very tolerant and follows a live and let live philosophy. There is often a stronger sense of community and duty in Canadian towns than can be found in other countries. Canada's economy is both mature and diverse, benefiting from an advanced services sector, an abundance of natural resources, sound management and free trade agreements. 

Because of higher standard of living in Canada, in the last decade, Canada has repeatedly been chosen by UN as one of the best places to live in the world. Canadaʼs culture bears a multidimensional character with streaks from French, British and American culture deeply embedded into it. Canadians are polite and courteous to a fault; they are levelheaded thinkers and love peace. 

Canada's culture, like that of most any country in the world, is a product of its history, geography, and political system. Being a settler nation, Canada has been shaped by waves of migration that have combined to form a unique blend of customs, cuisine, and traditions that have marked the socio-cultural development of the nation. 

Education

The combination of Canadaʼs natural environment and its reputation for high-quality education are just a few of the things that have made Canada an ideal destination and attracted tens of thousands of foreign students to Canada every year. Education in Canada is provided, funded and overseen by federal, provincial, and local governments, which mean there are significant differences between the education systems of the different provinces. However, education is important to Canadians, and standards across the country are uniformly high. The education system in Canada encompasses both publicly-funded and private schools, including: community colleges / technical institutes, career colleges, language schools, secondary schools, summer camps, universities and university colleges.

Work after Studies

As an international student, students have several work options available during, and after studies at a Canadian school. These options make it possible for a student to gain valuable work experience. And in the case of post-graduate options, they allow the students to stay in Canada after they have finished their studies. The options are: Off-Campus Work Permit, Working on Campus, Co-op Work Program and Post-Graduate Employment Program.