| |
Canada is a major immigration country; approximately one in six of its 32 million people were born outside of Canada. Their countries of origin include the UK, China, Italy, Greece, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Malaysia and many others. Canada is a country that prides itself on its inclusive values and the diversity of its residents.
"Everybody is from somewhere else, either their parents or themselves. That's what Canada is all about." - Says Ms.Natalie Glebova, a Russian Immigrant who was recently crowned Canada 's Miss Universe ‘2005’. In a hope that her immigrant story will help others, she goes on to add " I think it's great that countries are open-minded enough to let somebody who was not born in their country represent their country,"
Canada receives about 200,000 to 250,000 immigrants each year. More than a quarter of this number comes from Asian countries. Canada has two official languages—English and French—however, approximately 17% of the population speaks languages other than these.
Canada ’s fertility rate sits at 1.61 children per female, which is well below the replacement rate, since Canada ’s population is ageing rapidly (median age is 37.8 years and rising). Much of Canada ’s population growth is due to immigration and this is expected to continue throughout the 21st century.
Facts: -
- 85% of immigrants become Canadian citizens
- Only Three to five per cent of citizenship applicants are rejected every year.
- More than 150,000 people become citizens every year
- The oldest person to become a citizen was 105 years old. She was a Vietnamese immigrant
|
|
