Comparision of two countries – India & Canada

Canada is one of the largest countries in the world with a climate that ranges from arctic to mild with moderate summers and long, cold winters. Canada is a constitutional monarchy with a bilingual federal system, a parliamentary form of government and strong democratic traditions. Canada has immense mineral resources, it is the world’s largest producer of asbestos, nickel, zinc and silver. Canada is also heavily industrialized and the subsequent emissions add to the acid rain, which in turn has eroded many lakes.

India is the largest country in South Asia covering over three million square kilometers from the Himalayas in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south. The country is susceptible to the monsoon season with some areas suffering particularly badly from the heavy rains, which inevitably has an impact on the prosperity of the people. India is one of the most populous places in the world, contributing around 20 percent of world births and its total population has exceeded one billion already.

Life in India is both similar to and different from the life here in Canada. There are many similarities but also a few differences. In both the countries, the Prime Minister is the head of the government. Both Canada & India were previously under the British control. The present democratic form of government is very similar in the two countries. While many of the actual food items purchased in India are the same (tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, etc.), they are often prepared differently from the typical Canadian foods. Also, it is not uncommon for an Indian housewife to purchase her vegetables from the neighborhood grocer who brings his cart into the neighborhoods each day. The system here in Canada is a little more advanced and modern. Markets here are not as crowded as in India.

The people in Canada live in cities and usually have smaller families. Although Canada is more advanced, it has an educational system similar to India. Both the countries provide free and compulsory primary education. A student in Canada has to attend school up to the age of 16. Whereas in India, students can drop out of school at age 14 if they wish to. University education is competitive and expensive. Spiritual & religious values remain an important part of the Indian life. In India, people make every effort to practice and promote their faith. Whereas in Canada, religion is not much of an important factor. India has a longer historical past than Canada. It was in India that one of the first civilizations were formed.

Canada and India have always had good relationships with each other. There is now a large population of the Indian community living here in Canada. Both the countries are open to cultural diversities and respect different faiths and religious practices. The major religious groups in both India and Canada are: Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists & Sikhs. In India as well as in Canada, there is great respect and concern for the seniors and the aged.

Despite the similarities and differences, both the countries are unique in its own way. I would prefer to live in Canada, basically, because it is a first world country and because it provides more hope for the future. It also has better medical care, higher living standards and a wealthier economy. Despite the many goodness and comforts of tradition & culture, life in India is very difficult nowadays.