Country Overview
Canada is one of the top study destinations for international students. In 2017, Canada welcomed nearly 500,000 international students at various academic levels, highlighting its global appeal.
Spanning over 7,000 km from the Atlantic to the Pacific, Canada is a vast and diverse country. Approximately 90% of its 34 million residents live within 100 miles of the U.S. border, leaving much of its 10 million square kilometers of wilderness largely untouched.
Canada comprises 10 provinces and three northern territories: Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. These territories remain sparsely populated, and air travel is often the primary mode of transportation.
Economy
Canada ranks as the world’s tenth-largest economy (as of 2016) with a nominal GDP of approximately US$1.52 trillion. It is a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Group of Eight (G8).
Canada is a top global trading nation with a mixed market economy. It ranks higher than the U.S. and many Western European countries on the Heritage Foundation’s index of economic freedom.
As of June 2018, Canada’s national unemployment rate was 6.0%. Provincial unemployment rates range from a low of 3.2% in Yukon to a high of 15.5% in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Canada is a net exporter of energy and a leading supplier of agricultural products. It is also a major producer of natural resources such as zinc, uranium, gold, nickel, aluminum, and lead. The country has a significant manufacturing sector, particularly in Ontario and Québec, focusing on automobiles and aeronautics.
Climate
Canada experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn (fall), and winter. Climate conditions vary significantly across the country due to factors such as proximity to water bodies, latitude, elevation, and prevailing winds.
Southern coastal regions have relatively mild climates, with winter temperatures ranging from -10° to 5°C and summer temperatures between 10° and 30°C. The West Coast is humid, while the Prairies are dry. In many coastal areas, rain is more common than snow during winter.
Culture
Canada’s culture is influenced by British, French, and Indigenous traditions. It embraces multiculturalism, and many Canadians consider the country inherently diverse.
Due to its proximity to the U.S., Canadian culture shares similarities with American culture, with significant media and entertainment crossovers. Many Canadian artists achieve success both in the U.S. and globally.
Food
Canadian cuisine varies by region, influenced by diverse cultural backgrounds. Along the Atlantic coast, seafood is prevalent, while Québec’s culinary traditions reflect its French heritage. Maple syrup is a national favorite, symbolizing the country’s iconic maple leaf.
Public Holidays
- New Year’s Day – Jan. 1
- Good Friday – Varies annually
- Easter Monday – Varies annually
- Victoria Day – Monday before May 25
- Canada Day – Jul. 1 (observed on Jul. 2 if it falls on a Sunday)
- Labour Day – First Monday of September
- Thanksgiving Day – Second Monday of October
- Remembrance Day – Nov. 11
- Christmas Day – Dec. 25
- Boxing Day – Dec. 26
Time Zones & IST Offsets
| Time Zone | IST Offset | Provinces/Territories |
|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland | 9 hours behind IST* | Newfoundland |
| Atlantic Standard Time | 9:30 hours behind IST | Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Eastern Québec |
| Eastern Standard Time | 10:30 hours behind IST | Eastern Nunavut, Western Québec, Eastern Ontario |
| Central Standard Time | 11:30 hours behind IST | Western Ontario, Manitoba, Central Nunavut, Saskatchewan |
| Mountain Standard Time | 12:30 hours behind IST | Alberta, Northwest Territories, Western Nunavut |
| Pacific Standard Time | 13:30 hours behind IST | British Columbia, Yukon |
Facts About Canada
- Full name: Canada
- Population: 41,465,298 (2024 estimates, UN data)
- Capital: Ottawa
- Largest city: Toronto
- Area: 9.98 million sq km
- Major languages: English & French
- Major religion: Christianity
- Life expectancy: 81.2 years (men), 84.7 years (women)
- Monetary unit: 1 Canadian Dollar (CAD) = 100 cents
- Main exports: Crude petroleum ($54.1B), Cars ($46.5B), Refined petroleum ($11.5B), Vehicle parts ($10.4B), Petroleum gas ($10.2B)
- GNI per capita: CAD $54,040 (World Bank, 2023)
- Internet domain: .ca
- International dialing code: +1
Admission Support Kit – Canada
| Admission Checklist | SOP- Guidelines | SOP – Do’s & Dont’s |
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| Sample SOP | Resume – Guidelines | Resume – Sample | |||
| CV – Guidelines | CV – Sample | CV v/s Resume | |||
| General RECO Letter |
Business RECO Letter |
