Exporting

All the tools and resources you need to export your goods across the world

A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867, while retaining ties to the British crown. Canada repatriated its constitution from the UK in 1982, severing a final colonial tie. Economically and technologically, the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across the world's longest international border. Canada faces the political challenges of meeting public demands for quality improvements in health care, education, social services, and economic competitiveness, as well as responding to the particular concerns of predominantly francophone Quebec. Canada also aims to develop its diverse energy resources while maintaining its commitment to the environment.

Location

Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the conterminous US

Natural Resources

iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, rare earth elements, molybdenum, potash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydropower

Population - distribution

vast majority of Canadians are positioned in a discontinuous band within approximately 300 km (180 mi) of the southern border with the United States; the most populated province is Ontario, followed by Quebec and British Columbia

33679000
English (official) 58.7%, French (official) 22%, Punjabi 1.4%, Italian 1.3%, Spanish 1.3%, German 1.3%, Cantonese 1.2%, Tagalog 1.2%, Arabic 1.1%, other 10.5% (2011 est.)
Toronto 5.993 million; Montreal 3.981 million; Vancouver 2.485 million; Calgary 1.337 million; OTTAWA (capital) 1.326 million; Edmonton 1.272 million (2015)
Conventional long form
none
Conventional short form
Canada
Local long form
Local short form
federal parliamentary democracy (Parliament of Canada) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Name
Ottawa
Geographic coordinates
45 25 N, 75 42 W
Time difference
UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time
+1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Canada resembles the US in its market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and high living standards. Since World War II, the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial and urban. Canada has a large oil and natural gas sector with the majority of crude oil production derived from oil sands in the western provinces, especially Alberta. Canada now ranks third in the world in proved oil reserves behind Venezuela and Saudi Arabia and is the world’s sixth-largest oil producer.
Inflation
1.429%
Total tax rate (% of commercial profits)
21.0%
Real Interest Rate
2.082%
Manufacturing, value added (% of GDP)
10.623%
Current Account Balance
US$ -51,194,833,228
Labor Force, Total
19,942,444
Employment in Agriculture
1.60%
Employment in Industry
19.60%
Employment in Services
78.80%
Unemployment Rate
7.07%
Imports of goods and services
US$ 510,409,827,699
Exports of goods and services
US$ 474,219,233,794
Total Merchandise Trade
52.74%
FDI, net inflows
US$ 31,602,041,571
Commercial Service Exports
US$ 79,795,711,383
wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; dairy products; fish; forest products
transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, fish products, petroleum, natural gas
Commodities
motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, aircraft, telecommunications equipment; chemicals, plastics, fertilizers; wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, natural gas, electricity, aluminum
Partners
US 76.7%, China 4% (2015)
Commodities
machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, crude oil, chemicals, electricity, durable consumer goods
Partners
US 52%, China 12%, Mexico 6% (2015)
Country Risk Rating
A3
Changes in generally good but somewhat volatile political and economic environment can affect corporate payment behavior. A basically secure business environment can nonetheless give rise to occasional difficulties for companies. Corporate default probability is quite acceptable on average.
Business Climate Rating
A1
The business environment is very good. Corporate financial information is available and reliable. Debt collection is efficient. Institutional quality is very good. Intercompany transactions run smoothly in environments rated A1.
  • Abundant and diversified energy resources
  • Fifth largest producer of oil and gas in the world
  • Dynamic population growth (migration inflows)
  • Solid banking sector, well capitalized and strictly supervised
  • Very open to and highly dependent on the U.S. economy
  • Inadequate research and development spending
  • Loss of competitiveness of manufacturing companies against growth of emerging economy competitors
  • High level of household debt
  • Energy exports under threat (natural gas resources in United States)
  • Inadequate gas pipeline infrastructures

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