| About Canada |
| Canada is the largest country in the world and has been chosen for
several years by the United Nations as the best country in the world
in which to live. The quality of life here is the best in the world.
Traditional ideas and modern concepts in medicine work hand in hand
and side by side. Although Canadians don't usually boast about their
country, they have much to be proud of: the lack of pollution resulting
in a clean environment, multiculturalism and beautiful scenery are
only a few. |
| Multiculturalism |
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Canada's population was made up of many different peoples right
from the beginning.
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| The original people, called by the rest of Canadians, First Nations,
lived in large tribal groups, each with its own language, customs
and culture. |
| The Inuit have always lived in the North of Canada. They too have
ethnic groups and speak languages other than Inuktitut. |
| It has been said that Canada is a nation of immigrants. In
other words, many people who consider themselves Canadian either
came from somewhere else or are the descendents of people who
came from somewhere else.
The French and British came to Canada as explorers, fur traders
and missionaries in the 16th century. Their languages, French
and English, are still the two official languages spoken in
this bi-lingual country.
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| As the centuries passed, Europeans came from Germany, Ireland, and
Scandinavians and Russians and have been joined by Africans, West
Indians, Pakistanis, Chinese, Koreans and Japanese in search of a
better life. In more recent years there have been immigrants from
other European countries seeking refuge in Canada's peaceful environment. |
| Each culture and religion has been honored, respected and accepted
as part of the multicultural mosaic. The art, music, crafts, and foods
of the many ethnic groups in Canada have become part of festivals
held throughout the year. |
| Environment |
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There is a strong environmental movement within Canada. Those
scientists, politicians and ordinary citizens who have voiced
their concern for the environment and the welfare of our ecosystems
have succeeded in influencing governments to pass anti-pollution
laws and to establish parks and reserves for wildlife habitats.
Canadians are very conscious of their responsibility to the
environment and wish to protect it for future generations to
inhabit and enjoy. |
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| Scenery |
| Tourism is one of Canada's largest industries. People come
here from all over the world on vacation. There are many rivers
and fresh water lakes for fishing. There are vast areas of undeveloped
land, valleys, mountains and broad plains. Most of the more
Northern regions are sparsely populated. For such a large land
mass, Canada has a relatively small population of about 30 million.
This means |
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| that many beautiful areas of old growth forest
and undeveloped coast line can be preserved for ecotourism.
Whale watching is an enjoyable pastime. |
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