Diaries of TravelHistory · Journeys · Discovery

🇨🇦 Canada

Canada · North America

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Key facts

CapitalOttawa
Population37.1 million
Area9,984,670 km² (3,855,101 mi²)
Official language(s)English, French
CurrencyCanadian dollar ($)
RegionAmericas
SubregionNorth America
ContinentNorth America
DemonymCanadian
Calling code+1
Time zoneAmerica/Toronto

Government

Government typeFederal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Head of stateMonarch (head of state): King Charles III
As of January 2026 — verify current officeholders.
Major political partiesLiberal Party, Conservative Party, Bloc Québécois, New Democratic Party
National mottoA Mari usque ad Mare (From Sea to Sea)
Major religionsChristianity, Unaffiliated (large), Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism
Important citiesToronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary

History of Canada

Independence / founding: Confederation 1 July 1867; full sovereignty by 1931/1982

Home to diverse Indigenous nations, Canada was colonised by France and Britain, whose rivalry shaped its bilingual character. Confederation in 1867 united the provinces, and full legal independence came with the Statute of Westminster (1931) and patriation of the constitution (1982). It is a bilingual, multicultural federation.

Culture

National animal / birdNorth American beaver; Canada lynx
National dishPoutine; maple syrup
MusicRock, pop and indie (many global stars)
National sportIce hockey and lacrosse (both official)

Neighbouring countries