What makes Canada an interesting country?

[ & Number]

[Date Submitted]

What makes Canada an interesting country?

Introduction

Canada is a North American country that became a self-governing dominion in the year 1867, while maintain ties with the British monarchy. Canada's level of financial and technological development is at par with the United States, its southern neighbor across the world's largest unfortified border (The CIA World Factbook, 2013). This research paper will address political, economic, social and environmental components of Canadian identity and culture, focusing on the aspects that make Canada the interesting and unique country it is. The outline below illustrates some of the major areas of research.

Outline

Political Factors

Canada is one of a handful of constitutional monarchies remaining in the world today.

Canada participates extensively in the international community, signing and ratifying numerous treaties addressing diverse concerns. Canada is also part of numerous international organizations.

Economic Factors

Canadian banks are the strongest in the world, emerging from the 2008 global financial crisis.

Canada has a vast supply of natural resources, a highly skilled labor force and highly sophisticated technology and production techniques.

Canada ranks third to Saudi Arabia and Venezuela in the petroleum sector, supplemented by Alberta's oil sands.

Social Factors

A bi-lingual country, English and French have equal standing in all official arenas including courts and federal agencies. Canada's bilingualism compliments its multiculturalism.

A multi-cultural country, Canada's population comprises British Isles and French origins, other European, Amerindian, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab and mixed races (The CIA World Factbook, 2013).

Canada is an important tourist destination. The most popular tourist destinations in Canada include Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, Quebec City, Victoria, Whistler, Calgary, Ottowa, Banff and Niagra Falls. Canada has numerous national parks and historic sites which also attract tourists from around the globe.

Canada's education system is one of the finest in the world, attracting students from all around the world.

The U.N. ranks Canada as one of the best places to live.

Environmental Factors

Canada has diverse ecosystems providing habitat for 70,000 known flora and fauna species.

The government of Canada is actively involved in efforts to boost environmental sustainability.

Discussion

Political Factors

A Constitutional Monarchy

Tidridge (2011) refers to Canada as a 'blended family' comprising a wide range of diverse provinces, territories, regions and peoples. Differences in the political and social mix of land and identity add to Canada's national and provincial background, enriching its overall socio-political identity. Canada is a constitutional monarchy. The Canadian parliament consists of the Queen, the Senate, the House of Commons, and thirteen provincial and territorial legislatures in the world (Tidridge, 2011).

An Active Member of the International Community

Canada participates actively in the international community. Canadian government agencies and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) participate regularly, focusing on specific aspects of Canadian involvement in U.N. activities. The Canadian government and NGOs maintain contact with the U.N. Division in the Department of External Affairs and extend help in the areas of global security, participation in military alliances, liberation movements, foreign aid and rights of women. Canadian Lester ...