Canada Facts
Capital: Ottawa
Government Type: A parliamentary democracy, a federation, and a constitutional monarchy
Population: 34,568,211
Total Area: 3,855,081 Square Miles
9,984,670 Square Kilometers
Location: Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the conterminous US
Language: English (official) 58.8%, French (official) 21.6%, other 19.6%
Languages
English (official) 58.8%, French (official) 21.6%, other 19.6%.
The Canadian People
When greeting someone, a handshake is often exchanged for both men and women. Look directly at the person whose hand you are shaking, and maintain eye contact as long as you shake hands. Men need not wait for a woman to extend her hand first, but can initiate a handshake without concern. In Quebec, adults might also exchange a polite kiss on each cheek. Although Canadians tend toward informality, wait until your host addresses you by your first name before you do the same. Similarly, if in Quebec, use the more formal pronoun “vous” (you) until invited to do otherwise. Women who are also good friends might also enjoy a brief hug, and family members who have not seen each other for a while are often expected to hug each other both in greeting and farewell. Because Canadians tend towards informality, you will generally not need to address people by their formal title (such as Mister, Chancellor, or Your Honor), unless you are in Quebec, that is. The French think very highly of academic degrees, so please be conscious of referring to people by any appropriate degrees or honors they may have attained. If you are uncertain what to do when meeting someone formally, ask a trusted host or colleague in advance. More than likely, he or she will be happy to give you the help you seek without taking offense. Many citizens of Canada speak both English and French, and all products are required to be printed with labels in both languages. Those who speak English primarily tend to be a bit more formal in their discussions, prefer direct language, and prefer polite discussions without interrupting the speaker; on the other hand, French-speakers tend more towards emotion and excitement, may talk around their subject a bit more without addressing the issues directly, and could interrupt something you are saying rather vigorously without fear of offense. While not as passionate as the French, they have inherited something of their style of conversation.
Where to find more out about Canada
Alberta Government Site
British Columbia Government
Canadian Governmental Departments
Canadian Politics on the Web
Department of Finance
Department of International Trade
Government Overview- Canadian
Government Sites
Government of Canada (official)
National Library of Canada
Ontario
Ottawa
Politics Watch
Prince Edward Island
Royal Canadian Mint
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Toronto City Guide
Weather Office
