Things to Know About Canada in 2025

Canada, located in North America, is the second-largest country in the world by land area. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and to the Arctic Ocean in the north. Canada shares its southern border with the United States, making it the longest international land border in the world. It consists of ten provinces and three territories, governed by a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The capital of Canada is Ottawa.

This article provides comprehensive, up-to-date information about Canada in 2025, covering geography, economy, society, culture, travel, and more.

What is Canada Like in 10 Points?

1. Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy, with King Charles III as the monarch and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
   
2. It is divided into 10 provinces (like Ontario and British Columbia) and 3 territories (like Yukon and Nunavut).
   
3. Canada’s economy is one of the largest in the world, based on natural resources, technology, finance, and services.
   
4. Canada is the second-largest country in the world, covering 9.98 million km².
   
5. Its population is over 40 million as of 2025, with Toronto being the most populous city.
   
6. English and French are both official languages, with Quebec being the primary French-speaking province.
   
7. The country has a temperate to polar climate, with long winters and warm summers, varying by region.
   
8. Canada is famous for its multicultural society, accepting immigrants from all over the world.
   
9. Canadian universities like University of Toronto and McGill are among the best globally.
   
10. Canada is known for natural beauty, including Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, and the Northern Lights.
    

On Which Continent Is Canada Located?

Canada is located on the continent of North America.

What is the Surface Area of Canada?

Canada covers 9,984,670 square kilometers, making it the second-largest country in the world after Russia.

Which Countries Border Canada?

Canada shares its only land border with the United States, stretching over 8,891 kilometers.

Is There a Sea in Canada?

Yes. Canada borders three major oceans:

• The Atlantic Ocean to the east
  
• The Pacific Ocean to the west
  
• The Arctic Ocean to the north
  

How Many Kilometers is Canada’s Coastline?

Canada has the longest coastline in the world, totaling over 243,000 kilometers.

What Are the Geographical Features of Canada?

• The Canadian Shield dominates much of the interior with rocky terrain and thousands of lakes.
  
• The Rocky Mountains stretch across western Canada.
  
• The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River system are vital to trade and transportation.
  
• Northern Canada is characterized by tundra and glaciers.
  

What Are the Climate Characteristics of Canada?

Canada’s climate varies:

• Arctic in the north
  
• Continental in the interior
  
• Oceanic on the coasts
  
• Rainy and mild in British Columbia
  

January average: -15°C (northern regions)
July average: 25°C (southern cities)
Annual precipitation: ~537 mm to 1,200 mm depending on region

Where Does Canada Belong?

Canada is a sovereign country and part of multiple international organizations including NATO, G7, G20, and the Commonwealth of Nations.

When Was Canada Founded?

Canada became a country on July 1, 1867, through the Confederation of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

What Language Is Spoken in Canada?

Canada has two official languages:

• English (~75% of population)
  
• French (~23%, primarily in Quebec)
  

Other widely spoken languages include Mandarin, Punjabi, Arabic, and Spanish due to immigration.

What is Canada’s Form of Government?

Canada is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The King is the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister leads the government.

What is the Parliamentary Structure in Canada?

Canada has a bicameral Parliament:

• House of Commons (elected members)
  
• Senate (appointed members)
  

The Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons.

What is the Political Map of Canada Like?

Canada consists of:

• 10 provinces (e.g., Alberta, Quebec)
  
• 3 territories (e.g., Yukon, Nunavut)
  

Each has its own government and legislature.

What Are the Provinces and Territories of Canada?

Provinces:

• Alberta
  
• British Columbia
  
• Manitoba
  
• New Brunswick
  
• Newfoundland and Labrador
  
• Nova Scotia
  
• Ontario
  
• Prince Edward Island
  
• Quebec
  
• Saskatchewan
  

Territories:

• Northwest Territories
  
• Nunavut
  
• Yukon
  

What Are the Major Cities of Canada?

• Toronto
  
• Montreal
  
• Vancouver
  
• Ottawa
  
• Calgary
  
• Edmonton
  
• Quebec City
  
• Winnipeg
  
• Halifax
  
• Victoria
  

What is the Capital of Canada?

Ottawa, located in Ontario, is the capital of Canada. It houses the Canadian Parliament and is home to over 1 million residents.

What is the Population of Canada?

As of 2025, Canada’s population is 40.2 million.

Which is the Most Populous City in Canada?

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, with a population of 6.8 million in the Greater Toronto Area.

What is Canada’s Economy Like?

• GDP: ~$2.4 trillion USD
  
• Per capita GDP: ~$59,000 USD
  
• Key sectors: energy, finance, technology, agriculture, mining, tourism, healthcare
  
• Canada is rich in natural resources, including oil, lumber, and minerals.
  

What is Canadian Currency?

The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD), symbolized as $ or C$.

Is Canada a Member of the EU?

No. Canada is not a member of the EU but maintains strong trade ties through agreements like CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement).

Is Canada a Member of NATO?

Yes, Canada is a founding member of NATO since 1949.

What is the Military Strength of Canada?

• Personnel: ~68,000 active + 27,000 reserves
  
• Budget: ~$30 billion USD (2025)
  
• Modern military equipment including drones, tanks, and Arctic forces
  

What is the Royal Canadian Navy Like?

• 12 frigates
  
• 4 submarines
  
• Coastal defense vessels
  
• One of the most capable Arctic navies globally
  

What Are Living Conditions Like in Canada?

• High quality of life
  
• Life expectancy: ~82.6 years
  
• Healthcare and education are publicly funded
  
• Ranked among top 10 in OECD well-being index
  

What is the Crime Rate in Canada?

• Crime rate: ~5,600 per 100,000 residents
  
• Low rates of violent crime
  
• Higher concern over property crimes in urban areas
  

What is the Education System Like in Canada?

• Public education is free until grade 12
  
• Top global universities: Toronto, UBC, McGill, Waterloo, McMaster
  
• Literacy rate: 99%
  

What is the Canadian Healthcare System Like?

• Universal public system (Medicare)
  
• Funded by taxes
  
• High-quality care with no direct charge at point of service
  

What Are the Culture and Traditions of Canada Like?

• Blend of Indigenous, French, British, and immigrant cultures
  
• Celebrations include Canada Day, Thanksgiving, and National Indigenous Peoples Day
  

What is Canadian Food Culture Like?

• Known for poutine, maple syrup, butter tarts, Nanaimo bars
  
• Multicultural cuisine: Indian, Chinese, Italian, Middle Eastern widely available
  

What is Canada’s Music Culture Like?

Canada has produced legendary artists in rock, pop, jazz, and folk. Home to massive global music festivals like Osheaga and Calgary Stampede.

Who Are the Most Famous Canadian Musicians?

• Celine Dion – My Heart Will Go On
  
• Drake – God’s Plan
  
• Justin Bieber – Sorry
  
• Shania Twain – Man! I Feel Like a Woman
  
• The Weeknd – Blinding Lights
  

What is the Cinema Culture Like in Canada?

• Canada has a strong independent film scene
  
• Major film festivals: Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
  
• Major production center for Hollywood films
  

Who Are the Most Famous Canadian Actors?

• Ryan Reynolds – Deadpool
  
• Rachel McAdams – The Notebook
  
• Keanu Reeves – The Matrix
  
• Jim Carrey – The Mask
  
• Elliot Page – Inception
  

Who Are the Most Famous Canadian Directors?

• Denis Villeneuve – Dune
  
• James Cameron – Titanic
  
• David Cronenberg – The Fly
  
• Atom Egoyan – The Sweet Hereafter
  
• Sarah Polley – Women Talking
  

What is Literary Culture Like in Canada?

Rich traditions of Indigenous, English, and French-language literature. Major literary awards include the Giller Prize and Governor General’s Awards.

Who Are the Most Famous Canadian Writers?

• Margaret Atwood – The Handmaid’s Tale
  
• Alice Munro – Nobel Prize Winner
  
• Michael Ondaatje – The English Patient
  
• Yann Martel – Life of Pi
  
• Leonard Cohen – Beautiful Losers
  

What is the Architectural Culture of Canada Like?

Styles range from colonial to modern sustainable design. Key landmarks include:

• Parliament Hill
  
• CN Tower
  
• Habitat 67
  
• Château Frontenac
  

What Religions Are Practiced in Canada?

• Christianity (largest group)
  
• Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism
  
• Over 25% identify with no religion
  

What Are the National Symbols of Canada?

• Maple Leaf
  
• Beaver
  
• Moose
  
• Canada Goose
  
• “O Canada” – national anthem
  

What Does the Canadian Flag Look Like?

The Canadian flag features a red maple leaf centered between two red vertical bars on a white background. It was adopted in 1965.

What Are the Places to Visit in Canada?

• Niagara Falls
  
• Banff & Jasper National Parks
  
• CN Tower
  
• Parliament Hill
  
• Old Quebec
  
• Whistler
  
• Prince Edward Island
  

What is Canada Famous For?

• Nature and wildlife
  
• Ice hockey
  
• Politeness
  
• Maple syrup
  
• Multiculturalism
  
• Education
  
• Northern Lights
  
• Clean cities
  
• Universal healthcare
  

Practical Information to Know Before Visiting Canada

How Long Does it Take to Fly from Türkiye to Canada?

• Istanbul → Toronto: ~10.5 hours
  
• Istanbul → Montreal: ~9.5 hours
  
• Istanbul → Vancouver: ~12 hours
  

What is the Time Difference Between Canada and Türkiye?

• Eastern Canada: Türkiye is 7 hours ahead
  
• Western Canada: Türkiye is 10 hours ahead
  
• Adjusts with Daylight Saving Time
  

What is Canada’s Telephone Code?

+1 is the international dialing code for Canada.

What is the Ottawa Telephone Code?

Ottawa’s area code is 613.

What is a Canadian Postal Code?

Format: A1A 1A1
Example: K1A 0B1 (Ottawa)

What is the Canada License Plate Code?

Canada has province-specific plates. International code: CDN

Where is the Pakistan Consulate in Canada?

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan maintains several diplomatic missions in Canada to provide consular services for Pakistani citizens and to support bilateral relations between the two countries. These missions offer a range of services including passport renewals, NICOP/POC issuance, visa facilitation, and document attestation.

These consulates assist Pakistani nationals with passport services, legal documents, birth registration, and visa inquiries. Services are available both in-person (by appointment) and online for specific cases.

How to Travel from Pakistan to Canada?

Visa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens

Pakistani citizens require a visa to enter Canada for all purposes including tourism, family visits, business, study, and immigration.

Common visa categories:

• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)
  
• Study Permit
  
• Work Permit
  
• Permanent Residency (Express Entry, PNP, Family Sponsorship, etc.)
  

Canada Visa Application Process from Pakistan

1. Create an online account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal:
2. Choose your visa category and complete the application form
   
3. Upload required documents (passport, photos, proof of funds, invitation letters, etc.)
   
4. Pay the application fee using a credit/debit card
   
5. Schedule your biometrics via Gerry’s Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Pakistan
   
6. Visit the VAC in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi for biometrics
   
7. Track your application online until a decision is made
   

Processing time: Typically 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the visa category and time of year.

Visa Application Centers (VACs) in Pakistan

VACs are operated by Gerry’s International in partnership with IRCC. Appointments are mandatory for biometrics submission.

Flights from Pakistan to Canada

Direct flights are not currently available, but major airlines operate connecting flights from major Pakistani cities:

• Lahore → Toronto (via Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt)
  
• Islamabad → Montreal (via London, Abu Dhabi, or Istanbul)
  
• Karachi → Vancouver (via Doha or Istanbul)
  

Airlines: Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air Canada (from layover cities)

Estimated travel time:

• Lahore to Toronto: 17–20 hours (with one stop)
  
• Islamabad to Vancouver: 20–24 hours
  
• Karachi to Montreal: 19–22 hours
  

Travel Tips for Pakistani Travelers to Canada

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months
  
• Carry printed copies of your visa, return ticket, and hotel/accommodation details
  
• Immigration officers may ask for financial proof, COVID-19 vaccination certificates, or health insurance coverage
  
• It’s recommended to convert some CAD before arrival or use international cards
  

Permanent Immigration from Pakistan to Canada

Canada remains one of the top immigration destinations for Pakistanis due to:

• High-quality education and healthcare
  
• Strong job market
  
• Cultural diversity and inclusiveness
  

Popular immigration pathways:

• Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
  
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
  
• Family Sponsorship
  

Start-Up Visa Program