Complete Bid Book – United Bid

4
General Information
Canada: Since Canada was founded – born of
the encounter between indigenous peoples and
those of two European nations, France and
Britain – it has grown to be one of the most
culturally diverse nations on Earth. More than
200 ethnic groups live in Canada; more than 40
cultures are represented in Canada’s ethnic
media; and immigration now accounts for more
than 50% of Canada’s population growth.
Canada occupies more than 40% of the
North American continent and is the second
largest country in the world – Canada’s
geography is as diverse as its population.
From rugged coastlines and endless
prairies, to massive stands of virgin forest and
magnificent mountain ranges, Canada’s natural
beauty is second-to-none. It is also the world’s
leader in protecting its natural heritage, with an
extensive system of national and provincial
parks and wilderness reserves, as well as a
strong regime of environmental regulation.
Nearly a third of Canada’s population now
lives in large cities of more than one million
people – cities that are not only vibrant and
cosmopolitan, but among the cleanest and
safest cities in the world.
Canada’s more than 36 million people
reflect a unique cultural, ethnic, and linguistic
makeup, with the highest proportion of foreign
born population of all G8 countries having
one in five New Canadians calling the country
“home.” This diversity is both valued and
celebrated across Canada – and being part
of the United Bid provides an opportunity for
Canadians of all backgrounds to feel and
Canada facts
Founded 1867
Population
36.7 million
City Metro Areas >1 million 5
Provinces/Territories 10
Protected Areas (km 2 )
1.05 million
Time Zones UTC -3.5 to -8
Primary Languages
TV Audience (FIFA World Cup 2014)
English and
French
21 million
show pride in their heritage while sharing
passion for the world’s game.
Officially bilingual in English and French since
the 1960’s, Canada became the first country in
the world to adopt a multi-culturalism policy in
1971, promoting full and equitable participation
of peoples of all origins in Canadian society and
encouraging interaction between individuals and
communities of different origins. Canada has also
placed at or near the top of the United Nations
Human Development Index every year since
it was first calculated in 1990.
As a host of past international sporting
events including the record-setting FIFA
U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 and FIFA
Women’s World Cup Canada 2015, Canada
has proven experience in leveraging these
occasions to accomplish broader national
goals. And beyond sports, Canada has
established itself as the most open and
welcoming nation in the world – accepting
scores of refugees when no other country
would extend a welcoming offer, and being a
leader in gender equality, human rights, and
environmental sustainability.
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