Throughout hundreds of years, indigenous Indian tribes resided on the Canadian territory. Most of them were almost erased due to tribal wars in the 15th century. Approximately, about 200 000 people resided on the territory of the present country at that time. The indigenous population decrease was caused not only by never-ending conflicts between tribes, but also by an epidemic of virus diseases taking place when European conquerors came to the continent.
One of the first Europeans who reached this place were French people. Famous navigator Jacques Cartier contributed immensely to the exploration of new lands. The beginning of the 16th century was characterized by the period of the Spanish colonization. Great Britain was interested in new lands much later, as its first settlements were formed in the second half of the 18th century. This fact did not prevent Great Britain from gaining control of the new land. Canada became independent of it in 1982.
Such complicated history reflected on the modern country’s culture. At present, Canada is one of the most versatile countries from a religious point of view. Here live people who profess different religions, from Christianity and Judaism to Islam and Buddhism. The ethnic diversity is also quite great, so many travelers do not feel like in the foreign country. Now, Canada has also two official languages, English and French. Most local residents speak both languages.
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