THE UNITED STATES TO CANADA
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.

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.
  Summary Fact Sheet

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

 
 
  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."