About Canada
| Capital: | Ottawa |
| Language: | English, French |
| Official Currency: | Canadian Dollar (CAD) |
| Climate: | Diverse climate, Temperature ranges between 35 degrees in summers to (-25 degrees) during winters. |
| Time Difference: | Canada is behind India by: |
| Toronto: 9 hrs 30 min | |
| Vancouver: 12 hrs 30 min | |
| Winnipeg, Manitoba: 10 hrs 30 min | |
| Montreal: 9 hrs 30 min | |
| Currency: | Canadian Dollar |
| Population: | 33,487,208 |
| GDP: | $1,310,000,000,000 (USD) |
| Total Area: | 9,984,670 (sq km) 3,855,081 (sq mi) |
Source: www.countryreports.org
Canada is a wonderful place to study which is fast emerging as a hot destination for many Indian students who are seeking quality education in a peaceful environment. Canadian education boasts of many advantages - international students have the option of living and working in Canada, once they complete their studies, provided they possess the necessary qualifications and expertise. Canada is a vast country and offers top-rated education in almost all the disciplines of studies.
The United Nations ranked Canada as one of the best countries in the world to live in. Canada is globally recognized for its outstanding quality of life, stable, progressive political environment and one of the healthiest economies in the world. Economically and technologically the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across an unfortified border.
Source : www.nationsonline.org
One of the Best Places in the World to Live
In the United Nation, survey Canada earned particularly high marks for its access to education, high life expectancy (due to universal health care system); and low crime and violence rates. In addition, Canada's largest cities -- Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal -- have been recognized as world class cities to live and work, for their cleanliness and safety and for their cultural activities and attractive lifestyles.
High Standard of Living
Immigrants or Canadians enjoys a high standard of living amongst the developed countries in the world. Almost 70 per cent of Canadians own their own homes, with a higher percentage owning durable goods, such as automobiles, refrigerators, washing machines, television, telephones and radios. Canada also has an extensive health care system and social security network.
Media, entertainment and artistic endeavors are very well-developed. Canada's highly sophisticated broadcasting system includes more than 1,900 AM and FM radio stations and some 1387 television stations to serve, entertain and educate the listening and viewing audience. A wide range of cultural activities is also available, including museums, galleries, live theatre, dance and music performances and concerts.
Diverse nationalities
Canada has traditionally been a country of immigrants and has a policy of encouraging multicultural diversity. In this vibrant setting, different perspectives are respected and learning together is encouraged.
Almost all of the world's ethnic groups are represented in Canada. As a result, most ethnic foods and recreational activities associated with specific cultures are available. Clubs, informal clubs and associations representing a multitude of ethnic backgrounds are also easily accessible. International student advisors at schools can help students get in touch with such groups. All major urban centers have a variety of shopping malls, restaurants, theatres, art galleries and museums. Canadian cities provide numerous parks, gardens and beaches for public use, as well as excellent sports and recreation facilities.
Environment conscious
Canadians place a high value on their natural environment. There are currently 42 national parks and national park reserves in Canada. National parks are located in every province and territory, and some have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each province and territory has also designated areas as provincial parks, wilderness areas, ecological and nature reserves. There are over 2000 of these designated areas across the country.
A Safe Place to Study
Canada is considered to be a relatively peaceful, safe and orderly country. The violent-crime rate decreased for ten consecutive years from 1993 to 2003. Unlike its US neighbors to the south, firearms are strictly controlled and generally are not permitted.
International students who come to Canada typically follow the same common sense safety precautions as they would anywhere in the world. Students can contact any Canadian Education Centre to learn more about personal safety, or attend a safety orientation session at their school upon their arrival in Canada.
Varied industries
With the contribution of many bright and talented scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs, the country is an international leader in computer and information technologies and has a reputation for excellence in sectors like telecommunications, transportation and engineering; and specifically, aerospace, urban transport, microelectronics, medical devices, advanced software, hydroelectric and nuclear power, lasers and opto-electronics, biotechnology, food and beverage processing, geomatics; and ocean and environmental industries. Canada has a stimulating environment in which to do a business or to learn in itself is a great experience.
Canada was also among the first in the world to recognize the need to connect schools and libraries to the Internet, and its SchoolNet program is being copied around the world.
A Bilingual Nation
Canada is a bilingual country with two official languages, English and French. Majority (75%) of Canada's French-speaking inhabitants live in the province of Québec, which is located in the eastern part of the country but there are French-speaking communities throughout the country. According to a 2001 census, French is the mother tongue of 81 per cent of Québec's population and is spoken at home by 83 per cent of Québecers.
Internationally, it is estimated that over 1 billion people speak English and over 250 million speak French. As a bilingual nation, Canada offers superior English as a second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FSL) programs for students wishing to learn either or both languages.
Source : CEC Network