Canada

The second largest country in the world after Russia, Canada's population is only about one-fifth of Russia. Most Canadians live within very close to the border with the United States. This means that Canada contains vast expanses of wilderness to the north. The relationship to its powerful neighbour is a major defining factor for Canada. The United States is by far Canada's main trading partner.

• Capital City: Ottawa
  
• Population: 31.5 million (UN, 2003)
  
• Major languages: English, French (both official and of equal status)
  
• Major religion: Christianity
  
• Life expectancy: 77 years (men), 82 years (women) (UN)
  
• Monetary unit: 1 Canadian dollar = 100 cents
  
• Main exports: Machinery and equipment, automotive products, metals and plastics, forestry
• products, agricultural and fishing products
  
• Average annual income: US $21,930 (World Bank, 2001)
  
• Internet domain: .ca
  
• International dialling code: +1

THE MEDIA

The Canadian media are free to present a wide range of views and opinions. The broadcasting regulator rules that quotas of Canadian material - usually 30 or 35% - must be carried by TV and radio stations.

• The press
  
  • The Globe and Mail - Toronto-based national daily
    
  • La Presse - Montreal-based daily
    
  • Le Devoir - Montreal-based daily
    
  • National Post
    
  • Vancouver Sun
    
  • Toronto Star - daily
    
  • Maclean's - weekly news magazine
• Television
  
  • CBC - public, operates English-language national network and cable news channel CBC Newsworld
    
  • Societe Radio Canada - public, operates national French-language network and cable news channel RDI
    
  • CRTC- regulatory body; the CRTC website has information about the main TV groups and their services
• Radio
  • CBC - public, operates English-language network Radio One and cultural network Radio Two
    
  • Societe Radio Canada - public, operates French-language services Premiere Chaine and Chaine Culturelle
    
  • Radio Canada International - external service run by CBC
    
  • CRTC- regulatory body; the CRTC website has information about the main radio groups and their stations
    
• News Agency
  • CP - Canadian Press