Capital City: Ottawa
	It is %T:%M %A in Quebec, Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa It is %T:%M %A in Edmonton, Calgary It is %T:%M %A in Whitehorse, Vancouver

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Economic trends

Canada has the 8th largest economy in the world which is highly integrated with the US economy. The Canadians enjoy one of the highest living standards in the world. Due to slowdown in US economy, the GDP growth came down from more than 3% in 2005 to a forecast of 2,3% for 2008. Unemployment and inflation is arround 6% and 2% respectively.

Main branches of industry

Agricultural sector employs about 3% of the population and contributes a similar percentage to the country’s GDP. Canada is one of the largest exporters of agricultural products in the world, especially of wheat. It produces 10% of the world GMO crops. Fishing is also an important economic activity. Canada is a leading mineral producer and is the largest source of nickel, zinc, and uranium in the world; besides having huge reserves of oil and natural gas. The services sector now accounts for 66% of the GDP, while as the manufacturing sector accounts for 31%. The most dynamic sectors are: telecommunications, tourism, financial services, internet (nearly 65% of the households use internet regularly) and aeronautics.

International trade

Canada is a member of the NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement between the U.S.A., Canada and Mexico). Since the implementation of NAFTA in 1994, total two-way merchandise trade between the USA and Canada has more than doubled. The top three import partners of Canada are: the U.S.A, China and Japan. Canada mainly imports vehicles, machines and electronic equipment. The top three export partners are: the U.S.A., Japan and the United Kingdom. The country mainly exports mineral fuels & oils, vehicles, machinery, and electric & electronic equipment.