FRANCE TO CANADA
Every year, thousands of people from all over the world come to Canada to start a new life. They come with many different skills and the hope of contributing to Canadian society. Perhaps you are getting to know a French family as part of the HOST Program, learning about France in school or working with French people. This website will help you find out more about French people and what life is like in France.

Canada's ties with France go back to the 16th century. Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain explored northern North America and claimed it for the French king. For many years, Eastern Canada was known as New France. Today, 23% of Canada's population is of French origin. French is one of the two official languages of Canada.

Canada's French population includes both recent immigrants from France and the descendants of families that settled in Canada 500 years ago. There are sizable French communities in Québec, New Brunswick, Northern Ontario and Manitoba. Montréal is the largest French-speaking city in the world outside France. French-speaking Canada is the second largest member of La Francophonie, the world organization of French-speaking nations.

Although this cultural profile provides insight into some customs, it does not cover all facets of life. The customs described may not apply in equal measure to all immigrants from France.

   Did you know?
St. Pierre and Miquelon are the only remaining French territories in North America. These two small islands are located off the south coast of Newfoundland.
   Summary Fact Sheet

  
 
Official Name République française
Capital Paris
Type of Government Republic
Population 59.3 million
Area 547,000 sq. km
Major Ethnic Groups French, other European, African, Southeast Asian
Language French
Religions Roman Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism, Judaism
Unit of Currency French Franc, Euro
National Flag Three equal vertical stripes of blue, white and red



   Did you know?
The motto of the French Republic is "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité," which means "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity."