16 Canada

Canada provides natural habitat for many different animal species. Animals commonly found in Canada include the beaver, the Canadian national animal, the moose, the Canada goose, the black bear, the grizzly bear, which lives mostly in the north-west, the polar bear in the Arctic region and the coyote.

National economy, industry

Canada has mainly coal, metal, gold, uranium, oil and gas, silver and agriculture, machine-building and chemical industries. The main mining province is Alberta. Motorcar industry has its works in Chatham and Oshawa. Hydroelectric industry is highly developed in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

Almost half the land area of Canada is covered by forests. Only about 7 per cent of land is suitable for farming (wheat). Other important agriculture items are e.g. livestock production, oats, vegetables, fruits and leather.

Interesting facts, places

• Toronto is the largest Canadian city. With cultural pockets like Greektown, Little India and Koreatown all within city limits, Toronto has the ability to transport visitors around the globe. Take it all in with a ride up the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower, the world's tallest tower, or enjoy a quintessentially Canadian experience at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Then, head to the St. Lawrence Market to sample gourmet goodies, and if the weather is right, visit the Toronto Islands.

- Toronto is considered one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, with more than half the population born outside of the city. Toronto houses 200 ethnic groups that speak upward of 140 different languages, making this Ontario destination a world all its own. With Greektown, Little Italy, Koreatown and Chinatown all within city limits, travellers may feel as if they've seen more than a couple of countries after a visit to Toronto.

- The city is also home to the world's largest underground shopping mall, PATH.

• City of Quebec – a historic city, the centre of the French speaking community the only city in North America surrounded by fortifications, the Chateau Frontenac was originally the site was the residence of British governors, now it is the most photographed hotel in the world.

- Montreal – Notre Dame Basilica, the largest city in the French-speaking province of Quebec.

• Ottawa – capital city, on the Ottawa River, seat of Parliament.

• Vancouver – an important city on the west coast named after Captain George Vancouver, English navigator, an important port and industrial and business centre, the 2010 Winter Olympics were held in Vancouver.

- Vancouverites spend their days skiing on Grouse Mountain, swimming at Kitsilano Beach and strolling through sprawling Stanley Park. Plus, this British Columbia city offers plenty of cultural attractions, including museums and outdoor markets (Granville Island is a must-see).

- Vancouver is meant to be experienced outdoors. Thanks to its temperate climate and abundance of rain, the city has its fair share of lush outdoor spaces, the largest among them being Stanley Park. If you're not up for strolling its nearly 1,000 acres, visit some of the city's other beloved outdoor attractions like Queen Elizabeth Park or VanDusen Botanical Garden. For a real thrill, take a walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which hovers 230 feet above Capilano River. When you're ready to refuel, you'll have your pick of delicious market eats at Granville Island and Lonsdale Quay.