Just recently, 2 colleagues stopped teaching to migrate to Canada. One was petitioned by her daughter, and another by her husband. This is not the first time that somebody I know went off to start a new life in Canada. During my college days, a very good friend also went to join her family in Calgary. Apparently, it is easier to live and work in Canada than in the US, where immigration laws have become too stringent.

Here are some facts and figures about Canada that will come in handy if you are contemplating on working there and eventually migrate. Canada ‘s political system is constitutional monarchy. It has the Queen of England as the head of state. But the law-making body is the parliament.

Canada is a big country in terms of territory. Its total land area is 9,984,670 square kilometers. It is composed of 10 provinces and 13 territories, divided into 4 main regions; i.e., Western Canada, Central Canada, Atlantic Canada and Northern Canada. Quebec is Canada’s largest province in terms of land area, followed by Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, respectively.

Just like in the US where the states have their own set of laws, Canada’s provinces also have their own set of laws, with the federal government as the central body.

In terms of population, 2012 statistics report that Canada only has 35M people, which would equal to a population density of only 4 persons per square kilometer. Majority of Canadians are Christians (67.3%), 13% are Protestants, and 8% are non-Christians. The remaining 11.7% have no religious affiliations. Most probably, this fact will hearten you since this would mean that they will not find it hard to practice your religion.

Canada’s official language is French, but 98% of the population speaks both English and French. If you are fluent in English, you can be assured of being comfortable in terms of communicating. But it would be of great advantage in terms of opportunities if you learn to speak French.

As to peace and order, statistics would reassure you that Canada is a peaceful country. Although the death penalty was abolished in 1976, crimes in Canada only stand at 7,518 per 100,000. And, of these crimes committed, 48% are property related and only 12.5% are considered violent crimes.

What about jobs? Canada has lots of opportunities to offer for all kinds of workers; from the unskilled to the professionals. Unskilled labor can go into vegetable and fruit picking which is available all year round. Skilled workers and professionals are in demand for Canada’s knowledge economy which include communication and information, aerospace, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

With its graying population, Canada welcomes young and productive people to become part of Canadian society. After some time, immigrants can also petition their loved ones to go and join them to start a new life. So, if you are one of those who want to venture abroad, you might want to search on how to go to Canada.