It may surprise many to find that Canada is actually the second largest country in the world by land mass, although vast areas of the land are uninhabitable.  There are areas of the north pole which the country has “claimed” although these claims are not universally accepted, so there is  some confusion as to the overall size of the country.

While Canada has for some time had a special relationship with the United States,  whereby they have acted together in military campaigns and are the largest trading partners for each other, the origins of the country are more connected to the United Kingdom and France.  Still part of the commonwealth, Canada has proved to be a very popular place for expats to relocate, with the British and French cultures very evident in the country.

The ethnic mix of Canada is dominated by the English (20%), French (16%), Scottish (14%) and Irish (13%) and the Queen of England is still officially the head of state.  English and French are the natural languages of the area, and while there is no “state education department”, each of Canada’s provinces has complete control of their own education system.

Historically Canada has always been in the shadow of the more dominant United States, although the country still has a very significant tourist industry, offering a culture which takes in elements of the British, French and US ways of life.  Canada has a few unique characteristics of its own including the Canadian Police Force, the so called “mounties”, who have a unique style and look which is known throughout the world.

Applying for permanent residency in Canada is fairly straight forward, although cases will be considered on an individual basis.  Successful candidates will receive a Permanent Resident Card which they must carry at all times, especially when leaving and returning to the country.  A permanent resident must actually live in the country for at least 2 years out of every 5 otherwise the residency may be at risk.

For those looking at full Canadian Citizenship there is a 3 year wait (during which time you must be resident in the country) before you can apply for this - although this is not mandatory. For more information on immigration and other issues why not post a question on our Canada Expat Forum for ExpatsLiving in Canada .

Contents: Economy in Canada | Prospects in Canada | Canada Facts

Economy in Canada

The Canadian economy is as varied as the ethnic groups and landscapes within the country, with unemployment varying from 3.6% in areas such as Alberta to approaching 15% in Newfoundland.  The country depends upon manufacturing, mining, agriculture and a growing services sector, but relies very heavily on an energy sector which has seen the country grow to become the largest net exporter of energy in the world (the majority going to the country’s main trading partner, the US).

Research has shown that while many areas of the country are rich in gas, oil and other natural resources (such as gold, etc), it is the frozen lands of the far North which may be the key to the country’s future energy industry.  New technology is slowly allowing the release of gas, oil and minerals, which until now had been unreachable - this has in turn given the industry a major boost.

Successive Canadian governments have cleverly introduced various new elements to the economy, which have helped to reduce unemployment in many areas of the country.  Even though the strong ties with the US are vital to the development of Canada, the country is starting to promote itself on the international scene.  This has attracted a great many foreign nationals to consider the country for re-location.

The Canadian tax system is a little different for the normal developed world, in that there is a 15% to 29% sliding scale for federal taxes, as well as localised provincial taxes. On the business front, corporation tax is a relatively high 36.1%, although VAT is only 7%.

Prospects in Canada

Canada has long been in the shadow of its major trading and cultural partner, the USA, although it is starting to grow in its own right.  The recent rise in the price of oil, gas and other natural resources has highlighted the reserves of this massive country.

The country also has very strong links with Britain and France, which has attracted a lot of expats from those countries.  The Canadian economy is growing at a steady rate, and while unemployment rates vary dramatically between different areas of the country, the general trend is down.

Canada offers an interesting opportunity for those looking to relocate to a vibrant country, which has much to offer.  Slightly different from the norm, the country has a relaxed way of life and a growing international standing, further demonstrated by the award of the 2010 Olympics and 2007 U-20 FIFA World Cup.

Key Facts on Canada:

Bordered by the USA

Food:. Multi-cultural

Temperature: -40C in the North to +40c in the South

Industries: Oil, Gas, Minerals and Agriculture

Education:  11.6 years average schooling (11 years compulsory).

Health: Life expectancy 80 years