week 2 research assignment

Location:

Canada is in North America. North of the contiguous United States, it is flanked by the Atlantic, Pacific and Artic Oceans to the east, west, and north coasts, respectively. Alaska is to the far Northwest, with Greenland to the far Northeast. Canada is the second largest country with a total area of 3,855,103 square miles. Canada had many water bodies that account for close to 9%. Its topography is similar to the US with plains, mountains and flatlands.

Socio-Demographic Information:

Population:

· over 75% living in urban areas

· 4% population growth expected (most as immigrants)

Age Distribution:

· Average Age 41.0 yrs. (female 41.9, male 40.1)

· Population over 65 at 17.2%

· Average life expectancy 81.7 yrs.

Educational Attainment:

· Ranks 3rd worldwide

· 86% have high school diploma

Research Assignment Forum

· 53% have higher ed diploma

Major ethnic groups:

· 32.2 % Canadian

· 18.3% English

· 13.9% Scottish

· 13.5% French

· 13.4% Irish

· 9.6% German

· 5.1% Chinese

· 4.9% Aboriginal

Religions:

· 39% Catholic

· 20% Protestant

· 10% Other Christian faiths

· 3% Muslim

· 2% Hindu

· 2% Other (includes Jewish and Sikh)

· 24% None

Language:

· 58% English

· 22% French

· 11% Both

· 8% Other

Major Industries:

transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, fish products, petroleum, natural gas.

Exports:

· Mineral fuels including oil (22%)

· Vehicles (13.5%)

· Machinery including computers (7.7%)

· Gems, precious metals (4%)

· Wood (3.2%)

Imports:

· Vehicles (16.4%)

· Machinery, including computers (15%)

· Electrical machinery, equipment (9.8%)

· Mineral fuels including oil (7.9%)

· Plastics, plastic articles (3.7%)

GDP: Canada’s GDP is 1.820 trillion USD, with a per capita GDP of 48,601 USD.

Monetary Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD) is the currency of Canada. A single unit of currency, $1, is comprised of 100 cents.

Government:

· Parliamentary Democracy

· Head of State -Queen Elizabeth II

· Head of Government – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

· 10 Provinces and 3 territories

References: