Canada is the second-largest country in the world by total area, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and north into the Arctic Ocean. It shares the world’s longest international land border with the United States. With a population of over 41 million people as of 2025, Canada is one of the most diverse and multicultural nations, shaped by immigration and Indigenous heritage. Its capital is Ottawa, while its largest cities include Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
History of Canada
The land now known as Canada has been inhabited for at least 14,000 years by Indigenous peoples, including the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Early societies built permanent settlements, developed agriculture, and maintained vast trading networks. The arrival of Europeans in the 16th century, first by Norse explorers like Leif Erikson around 1000 AD and later by John Cabot in 1497 and Jacques Cartier in 1534, marked the beginning of colonial expansion.
France initially established New France, with settlements in Quebec City (1608) and Port Royal (1605). However, after the Seven Years’ War, France ceded most of its North American territories to Britain in 1763. Canada formally became a dominion through the British North America Act of 1867, uniting Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Over time, other provinces and territories joined, including British Columbia in 1871, Prince Edward Island in 1873, Alberta and Saskatchewan in 1905, and Nunavut in 1999.
Canada achieved full sovereignty with the Statute of Westminster (1931) and the Canada Act (1982), which also introduced the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Throughout the 20th century, Canada was active in both World Wars, peacekeeping missions, and international diplomacy. Domestically, the country experienced the Quiet Revolution in Quebec, the establishment of universal healthcare, and recognition of multiculturalism as a defining national value.
Geography and Climate of Canada
Canada covers 9.98 million square kilometers (3.85 million sq mi), ranking second globally in total area, with the largest coastline in the world at 243,000 kilometers. It spans six time zones, from UTC−3.5 in Newfoundland to UTC−8 in British Columbia, stretching across diverse landscapes such as the Canadian Shield, Prairies, Rocky Mountains, and the Arctic Archipelago. The country is also home to more than two million lakes, holding nearly 20% of the world’s freshwater.
The climate varies greatly. Winters are long and harsh in the interior and northern regions, with temperatures dropping below −40°C, while coastal British Columbia enjoys mild, rainy winters. Summers can reach 30–40°C in the southern regions, especially in the Prairies. Canada is also significantly affected by climate change, warming at more than twice the global average.
Economy and Politics of Canada
Canada has a highly developed mixed-market economy, ranking 9th in the world by nominal GDP in 2025 ($2.225 trillion). The country is a major exporter of oil, natural gas, wheat, lumber, and minerals, while the service sector employs around 75% of Canadians. The Toronto Stock Exchange is among the world’s largest, with a market capitalization exceeding US$2 trillion.
Politically, Canada is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy under King Charles III, represented domestically by Governor General Mary Simon. The Prime Minister, currently Mark Carney (since 2024), serves as the head of government, leading the Cabinet and the House of Commons. Canada is officially bilingual (English and French) and emphasizes multiculturalism, democracy, and human rights in both domestic policy and international diplomacy.
The Bank of Canada regulates monetary policy, while social programs like Medicare, the Canada Pension Plan, and student loan schemes highlight Canada’s welfare system. The country remains a middle power with strong global influence through the United Nations, G7, G20, NATO, and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Demographics, Culture, and National Identity
Canada’s 2025 population is estimated at 41.5 million, making it the 37th most populous country. However, it has a low population density of about 4.2 people per square kilometer, with nearly 80% living within 150 km of the U.S. border. Immigration drives much of the population growth, with India, China, and the Philippines as the top sources of newcomers.
Canada is known for its cultural diversity. In the 2021 census, more than 450 ethnic origins were reported, with European, South Asian, Chinese, Indigenous, and African communities forming the largest groups. The country is also home to significant Francophone and Indigenous language communities, with English and French as the official languages.
Religion in Canada is varied, with Christianity as the largest faith, followed by Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Judaism, while secularism and irreligion continue to grow.
Culturally, Canada is shaped by British, French, and Indigenous traditions, enriched by waves of immigrants from around the world. National symbols such as the maple leaf, the beaver, the loon, the Canadian horse, and the RCMP reflect the country’s heritage. Ice hockey and lacrosse are the official national sports, while soccer, basketball, baseball, and curling remain popular across regions. Canada is also a cultural hub, producing world-renowned authors, musicians, and artists, with institutions like the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) playing a central role in preserving national identity.
