Canada is the worlds second largest country geographically and covers a area of 9 984 670 sq KM. Canada covers 6 time zones.
According to Statistics Canada has a population of approximately 33,3 Million people. The capital city of Canada is Ottawa, Ontario. Canada became a self-governing member of the British Commonwealth in 1931.
Map
Provinces and Territories
Canada has 13 provinces and territories:
Ontario
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon
Canada has 2 official languages English and French:
The other 100 languages spoken in Canada include:
German
Italian
Ukrainian
Dutch
Polish
Chinese (including Cantonese, Mandarin, Hakka and others)
Punjabi
Arabic
Urdu
Tagalog
Tamil
Cost of living
Compared to the cost of living in the UK and most of Europe the cost of living is quite low in Canada. According to a report produced by Mercer the cost of living in Toronto is 30% lower than London UK.
Amongst the 53 cities that were found to have a higher cost of living are, Tokyo Japan, Hong Kong China, Dublin Ireland, Melbourne Australia, Mumbai India, Warsaw Poland and Dubai UAE
Time Zones
Canada stretches over 6 time zones. BTH is located in the Eastern Time zone that is equal to Greenwich mean Time - 5 hours.
Climate
Many people have a misconception of Canada's weather. While there are areas that are cold and snowy year round, in the Greater Toronto Area where BTH is based that is not the case. As can be seen in the table below we have wonderfully warm summers, and mild springs and falls.
Temperature
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Maximum
-2
-1
4
12
18
24
27
26
21
14
7
0
Minimum
-10
-10
-4
1
6
11
14
13
9
4
0
-6
Precipitation
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Rain (mm)
19
21
35
56
66
69
77
84
74
62
64
38
Snow (mm)
32
26
20
7
0
0
0
0
0
1
6
31
Canada currency
The Canadian currency is the Canadian Dollar, denoted by the symbol $ or CAD $. One Canadian Dollar is made up from 100 cents. Coins available include 1c, 5c, 10c, and 25c and banknotes include $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. One Canadian Dollar is currently equal to an approximate of 94 cents US.
Foreign currency
Foreign currency and traveler’s cheques (provided the currency is accepted in Canada), may be converted into Canadian Dollar. Local banks and a few other institutions convert foreign currency.
Please take note that as a norm a commission fee is charged for every foreign exchange conversion transaction.
Most major credit cards are accepted in Canada. Examples are: MasterCard, Visa Card, Diners Club and American Express.
International Driving license
Canada in general and the Greater Toronto Area specifically has very reliable public transport. Should you however wish to drive in Canada, you will be able to do so on an international driver's license for 3 months. After this time you will need to attain a Canadian driver's license. You may qualify for credit for your driving experience from your home country. You will also need to attain a Canadian driver's license in order to purchase a car and get insurance.
Electricity
City and town power systems operate at 110 volts, AC60Hz. Adapters for electrical appliances can be purchased at airports and major shopping centers.
Weight & measurements
The metric system is used in Canada.
Shopping
All Canadian cities and large towns boast excellent shopping facilities. Shopping in Canada can be great, as most big shopping malls have different restaurants, cinemas, franchises and shops to pick and to choose from.
Computer access
Computer access is available to registered students, free of charge, at the BTH campus.
Calling Canada
Please refer to the following link as a guide when phoning to and from Canada.
