Population: Canada's population is approximately 32 million, 77 percent of whom live in cities and towns.

Languages: English (official) 59.3%, French (official) 23.2%, other 17.5%

Religions: Roman Catholic 42.6%, Protestant 23.3% (including United Church 9.5%, Anglican 6.8%, Baptist 2.4%, Lutheran 2%), other Christian 4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8%, none 16% (2001 census)

Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD)

Timezones: Canada uses six primary time zones. From east to west they are Newfoundland Time Zone, Atlantic Time Zone, Eastern Time, Central Time Zone, Mountain Time Zone, and the Pacific Time Zone.

Canada is the world's second-largest country (9,970,610 km2) and offers something for everyone: from towering mountain ranges to wide expanses of prairies, from warm humid summers to cold, snowy winters, from quiet pastoral settings to bustling cosmopolitan cities.

A large country in both size and spirit, Canada is known for its immense natural beauty and as a place where big dreams come true. Canada accepts more immigrants from around the world than any other western nation on a per capita basis.

In seven out of eight years, Canada has been ranked number one by the United Nations in their annual Human Development Index which combines factors such as the cost of living, adult literacy, job opportunities, life expectancy and school enrolment.

Canada ranks best among the G7 countries in addressing environmental concerns such as air and water pollution and is a safe and peaceful society in which crime rates have been falling steadily since the 1990s.

It is little wonder then that every year large numbers of would-be immigrants apply to start a new life in Canada.