PEOPLE
Of
Canada's 33 million people, 80% live within 160 kilometers (100
mi.) of the U.S. border, and half live in the southeastern part
of the country near the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.
The population of Canada is less than three people per square
kilometer. Canada's more than 6 million French-speaking citizens
are primarily descendants of colonists who settled the country
three centuries ago. The English-speaking community has increased
mostly as a result of immigration from the United Kingdom. The
largest influx from the United States occurred during the American
Revolution when thousands of "Empire Loyalists" fled to Canada.
Other Canadians have indigenous, other European, and Asian origins.
Four major influences have helped shape Canadian culture: a multicultural
heritage (including aboriginal); English-French bilingualism;
sustained government funding for artistic and literary pursuits;
and the abundance and availability of U.S. cultural productions.
Canadians view their country as a cultural mosaic and not as a
melting pot. Inuit (Eskimo), Indian nations, French speakers,
English speakers, and immigrant groups have all sought to maintain
their unique cultural identities. Such efforts have been encouraged
by extensive government funding of the arts. The government-funded
Canada Council has become the major patron of all forms of creative
endeavor in Canada.
Canada has a rich literary tradition, with many influential writers
in both English and French. Other prominent Canadian artists include
a school of painters known as "The Group of Seven;" Canadian filmmakers
such as Harry Rasky and Bill Mason, who are world leaders in producing
documentaries; and a number of world-class dance troupes, orchestras,
and repertory theaters.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Canadian(s).
Population (2008 est.): 33.1 million.
Ethnic groups: British/Irish 28%, French 23%, other European 15%, Asian/Arab/African 6%, indigenous Amerindian 2%, mixed background 26%.
Religions: Roman Catholic 43.6%, Protestant 29.2%, other Christian 4.3%, Muslim 2.0%, Jewish 1.1%, Buddhist 1.0%, Hindu 1.0% other 1.3%, none 16.5%.
Languages: English (official) 57.8%, French (official) 22.1%, other 20.1% (including Chinese and aboriginal languages).
Education: Literacy--99% of population aged 15 and over has at least a ninth-grade education.
Health: Infant mortality rate--5.4/1,000. Life expectancy--76.9 yrs. male, 82.0 yrs. female.
Work force (2008, 18.2 million): Goods-producing sector--25%, of which: manufacturing 15%; construction 6%; agriculture 2%; natural resources 2%; utilities 1%. Service-producing sector--75%, of which: trade 16%; health care and social assistance 11%; educational services 7%, accommodation and food services 7%; professional, scientific, and technical services 7%; finance 6%; public administration 5%; transportation and warehousing 5%; information, culture, and recreation 5%; other services 4%.
