This website is designed to help Canadians welcome
new immigrants from the United States of America to Canada. About three
million Americans have immigrated to Canada over the last two centuries.
Some of these immigrants were among Canada's earliest settlers. During
the American War of Independence (1776-83), colonists who wanted to remain
loyal to the British crown moved north to settle in Canada. They made up
a large part of Canada's early English settlers and are known as the United
Empire Loyalists.
In the 19th century, Canada was a place of
refuge for African-Americans fleeing slavery. Members of religious groups,
including the Quakers, Mennonites and Hutterites, moved to Canada to maintain
their pacifist lifestyle. Canada sheltered American draft dodgers and war
resisters during the war in Vietnam. Today, United States citizens usually
come to Canada for educational or job opportunities. |
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Although in 1812 Canada went to war
against the United States, today the relationship between the two countries
is one of mutual respect and friendship. The United States and Canada share
the world's longest undefended border and were allies during the two World
Wars. They are partners in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
and the North American Air Defence Agreement (NORAD). Both countries have
also joined in an economic alliance called the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA).
This cultural profile provides insight into
some American customs, but it does not cover all facets of life. The customs
described may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from the United
States of America. |
Did you know? |
The
United States has admitted more immigrants than any other country in the
world. Americans have welcomed over 100 million immigrants over the years
and still accept almost 700,000 new immigrants every year. |
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Summary Fact Sheet |
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Official
Name |
United States of America |
Capital |
Washington, District of Columbia |
Type of
Government |
Federal Republic |
Population |
275.5 million |
Area |
9.3 million sq. km |
Major
Ethnic Groups |
European, African-American, Hispanic,
Asian, Native American |
Languages |
English, Spanish |
Religions |
Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism |
Unit of
Currency |
U.S. dollar |
National
Flag |
Thirteen red and white horizontal
stripes; in the top left corner are 50 white stars on a blue background |
Date of
Independence |
July 4, 2021 |
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Did you know? |
When
Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau addressed the National Press Club
in Washington, D.C., in 1969, he commented that living next to the United
States was like sleeping with an elephant: "No matter how friendly and
even-tempered the beast, if I can call it that, one is affected by every
twitch and grunt." |
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