GENERAL INFORMATION

Canada is a remarkable country. There are a lot of people out there who have dreamed to live in Canada and by many this country is seen to be one of the most desirable places in which to live. Four times in the last ten years, the United Nations Human Development Index rated Canada as the best place in the world to live in. This UN survey, which takes into account many different criteria, such as education, health care system, social security, income, cost of living, average life span etc. named Canada to be the first among 174 other countries.

Though Canada has a high living standard, the cost of living here is very low. For instance, in the list of world cities, Toronto ranks 103 place, Vancouver 120, Montreal 127. Canadian cities are real bargains in comparison with other places of the world, like London, Paris, and Tokyo.

EDUCATION

Canadians take pride in their system of education. In 1991 Canada used 7,4% of GDP for education. In 1991-1992, the government spent $53 billion on education. The tuition fees at Canadian Universities are very low. In fact on the average an annual payment for a student at a Canadian University amounts to $2 500 CAN. Thus, Canada is one of the Western countries, with the most accessible system of Higher Education.

HEALTH AND WELFARE SYSTEMS

Health Care System of Canada is free and accessible to every single resident of the country. Every resident of Canada has the right to a free choice of his family doctor, specialist or hospital. Given modern, highly developed health care system, high standard of living and social security as well as clean environment, there is no miracle in the fact that, on the average the life expectancy among men in Canada is 75 years and among women 82 years.

IMMIGRATION POLICIES

Canada is a nation of immigrants. Historically immigration has always been a decisive factor in the growth of Canadian population. Immigration has always been related to economic conditions. Periods of economic prosperity have always coincided with the arrival of large numbers of immigrants.

Canada pursues an exciting immigration policy. The government renders diverse assistance to newly arriving immigrants, aiming at making their absorption in the country more unconstrained. Canadians take pride in their country that provides home to many people with different religious and cultural backgrounds. They are proud of their country that ensures promotion, preserving and sharing cultural heritage, mutual understanding, tolerance and appreciation among all Canadians.