Text 5: Canada

Canada is the second largest country in the world. It is situated in North America. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and northward into the Arctic Ocean. It has land borders with the United States. The chief rivers are the Mackenzie and the Saint Lawrence. As for the Niagara river and its famous Niagara Falls, it forms together with the region of the Great Lakes is a border between Canada and the USA.

The capital of the country is Ottawa. The population of the country is about 33 ml people. The population density is among the lowest in the world. Canada is a bilingual country. Both English and French are official languages at the federal level. Most French-speaking Canadians live in Quebec. The national symbol is a maple leaf. It is depicted on the nation’s flag.

Canada is one of the world's wealthiest nations with high income. Canada has a free market economy that is dominated by the service industry. Canada's most important industries are logging and oil industries. Canada is an exporter of energy. Canada is one of the world's most important suppliers of agricultural products, wheat and other grains mostly. The country is a world leader in such natural resources as gold, nickel, aluminum, and lead. In Canada’s manufacturing sector automobiles and aeronautics are particularly important industries.

Canada is a constitutional monarchy. Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada, is the head of state. The Monarch's representative in Canada is the Governor-General. Canada is a federation composed of ten provinces and three territories. The country is a parliamentary democracy.

The federal parliament represents legislature. It is made up of the Queen and two houses:the elected House of Commons and the appointed Senate. Elections are held every five years. Members of the Senate are chosen by the Prime Minister and formally appointed by the Governor-General. Canada's major political parties are the Conservative Party of Canada, the Liberal Party of Canada, etc.

Executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of ministers. The Prime Minister is the head of government. He is the leader of the political party that getsthe majority in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet are formally appointed by the Governor General. They are responsible to the elected House of Commons.

The judicial branch of power includes the Supreme Court as the highest court of justice and other courts.

Canada is a member of different international organisations, namely the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Group of Eight (G8).

Questions for discussion:

1. Where is Canada situated?

2. What is the capital of Canada?

3. What is the population of Canada?

4. What languages are official in Canada?

5. What are the main industries of Canada’s economy?

6. Who is the head of state?

7. Who is the head of government?

8. What are Canada’s major political parties?

9. What does the judicial system include?

1. What international organisations is Canada a member of?

Дата добавления: 2015-10-16