Canada is a country located in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometres (3.85 million square miles), making it the world's second-largest country by total area. Canada's southern border with the United States, stretching some 8,891 kilometres (5,525 mi), is the world's longest bi-national land border. Canada is sparsely populated, the majority of its land territory being dominated by forest and tundra. Consequently, its population is highly urbanized, with over 80 percent of its inhabitants concentrated in large and medium-sized cities, many near the southern border. Canada's capital is Ottawa, and its three largest metropolitan areas are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Canada is the world’s second largest country by total area, occupying roughly 4.3 million square kilometers from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts and north to the Arctic Ocean. Canada shares land borders with the United States to the northwest and with several other countries to the south and east, including France, Greenland, and the United Kingdom. The country’s vast size gives it a wide range of landscapes, including arctic tundra, rocky mountains, and temperate forests.
Canada has a long and complex history that is often misunderstood. The country was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, who have a rich and varied history of their own. European settlers began arriving in the late 15th century, and the country was eventually divided into two colonies: French and English. The two colonies had very different cultures and histories, which shaped the country that we know today. Canada became an independent nation in 1867, and has since been a leader in international relations.
In Canada, the head of state is the Queen of Canada, represented by the Governor General. The head of government is the Prime Minister. The Parliament of Canada is the legislature, consisting of the Senate and the House of Commons. The Senate is made up of 105 senators appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. The House of Commons is made up of 338 members, each elected to represent a riding. Federal elections must be held at least every five years.
The Canadian economy is one of the world's strongest and most stable. Canada is a wealthy country and is one of the world's top trading nations. The Canadian economy is diversified, with a strong focus on natural resources and exports. The country is also known for its strong banking and financial sector.