For more information see the Canada profile.

Canada is the second largest nation on earth, covering the northernmost land in North America. The nation possesses vast natural resources including fertile soil, abundant fish, large forests, and oil. Though independent from Great Britain, Canada recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state.

For several hundred years, the various colonies of Canada were governed by Great Britain. The colony of Quebec was ruled by France until 1763. In the late 1800's the colonies gradually united to form the Dominion of Canada. Full independence came in 1931. In recent years, Canada has been forced to contend with demands for independence from culturally and linguistically isolated Quebec.

Canada enjoys freedom of religion, but rapid secularization is occuring, and many people have no meaningful link with any religion.