Most people's conception of Canada goes little beyond appreciating its vastness, recognising its flag and identifying a few well-known physical features. And while it's true that the majority of travelers are attracted by the opportunity to explore Canada's wilderness areas, natural wonders and low-key rural charm, there is a lot more to Canada than maple trees, Niagara Falls and wide open spaces.

It's the edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought from Europe, Asia and Latin America by migrants and you have, despite separatist Quebecois, a thriving multi-cultural society very much in the process of forming a national identity. Those expecting Canada to be a blander counterpart of its southern neighbour should check their preconceptions at the door - Canada's wild northern frontier, which has etched itself into the national psyche, and its distinct patchwork of peoples have created a country that is decidedly different to that of the USA.

Full country name: Canada
Area: 9,975,000 sq km (3.9 million sq miles)
Population: 31,281,000
Capital city: Ottawa (pop: 325,000)
People: British descent (40%), French descent (25%), German descent (3%), aboriginal peoples (4%), plus significant minorities of Italian, Ukrainian, Dutch, Greek, Polish and Chinese descent
Languages: English, French and 53 native languages
Religion: Predominantly Catholic and Protestant, with minorities from most of the world's major religions. Formal religion does not play an important role in Canadian life
Government: Parliamentary democracy

GDP: US$721 billion
GDP per head: US$25,000
Annual growth: 1.4%
Inflation: 1.4%
Major products/industries: processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, transportation equipment, chemicals, fish products, petroleum and natural gas
Major trading partners: USA, Japan, UK, Germany and South Korea