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For almost a decade (1992 ' 2001), Canada was 'the best country in the world to live in'. Canada had moved back to the 8th position recently, however Canada has recently moved up to 4th position in the United Nations' human development survey, and it is now above the United States (only below Norway, Sweden and Australia).

According to the United Nations survey (2004), life expectancy in Canada in 2002 was 79.3 years, compared to 78.9 in Norway, 80 in Sweden, and 79.1 in Australia. Other countries considered to have 'low human development', have a life expectancy of 48.5 years (Mali) and 46 years (Niger). Canada is one of the countries with the highest life expectancy in the world.

In relation to economic indicators, Canada is also considered one of the best countries in the world. For instance, the GDP per capita in Canada in 2002 was US$ 29,480, compared to US$ 26,050 in Sweden and US$28,260 in Australia. Countries which are considered to have 'low human development' had a GDP per capita of US$1,020 (Kenya) and US$1,390 (Uganda).

Life expectancy in Canada is the world's highest at 79 years. Canada has moved ahead of the United States in overall rankings and it is getting again closer to the number one spot.

1. Norway
2. Sweden
3. Australia
4. Canada
5. The Netherlands
6. Belgium
7. Iceland
8. United States
9. Japan
10. Ireland

Canada has one of the cleanest environments in the world. Being the 2nd largest country in the world, with a population of over 30 million, most of the country's land is unspoiled by industrial development. It has some of the cleanest and purest air, water, and natural resources in the world.

Canada also has one of the best Health Care systems in the world. For a monthly fee, Canadians have access to one of the best medical care available. This is an advantage not only for Canadians, but also for Permanent Residents.

The education system in Canada is also one of the most competitive. Education is free until Grade twelve and tuition for University for immigrants with Permanent Resident status is approximately one fourth of the regular fee for foreign students. The public school system in Canada is extremely effective and it provides excellent Elementary and Secondary education programs.

Another advantage of Canada is its cultural diversity. Thousands of immigrants from all over the world arrive to Canada every year to start a new life. Therefore, the country has a very multicultural society, and this fact represents a great advantage for new immigrants, since Canadians are very friendly with people from all different backgrounds. Canada was built up over more than one hundred years by immigrants from all over the world, and Asians have played a role in Canadian society. This fact has resulted in equal opportunities in business, academics, and even politics. Asian communities have been established in Canada for more than a century. Actually, two of the largest Asian communities outside Asia are in Toronto and Vancouver. In most of these cities, Chinese newspapers, Television, and Chinese groceries are available!

In summary, Canada is one of the best countries in the world for you and your family to start a new life. Canada is the best option for your children's future!

Immigration Options

Every year, Canada welcomes thousands of new permanent residents from all over the world to start a new life. This fact represents an excellent opportunity but it is also a great challenge that requires effort and dedication in order to achieve the objective of immigrating successfully.

Canada offers a number of options to immigrate in order to apply for permanent residence status. This guide focuses mainly in the first option, which is applying as a Skilled Worker. As shown in the following graph, more than fifty percent of all immigrants that have been granted the Permanent Residence have entered through this scheme.

However, I will explain briefly the other alternatives.

1. Skilled Worker Class Immigration

In order to fill employee shortages, Canada constantly needs skilled persons from diverse backgrounds. To immigrate under this scheme, the applicant should have education, work experience, knowledge of the official languages in Canada (English and/or French), and other relevant factors. Applicants with substantial work experience and academic qualifications are far more likely to immigrate under the Skilled Worker scheme.

2. Business Class Immigration

This scheme seeks to promote economic development in Canada by attracting successful business people. Business immigrants considered for this category are mainly people that are able to invest in, or start businesses in Canada. This program seeks to attract people experienced in business to Canada in order to support the development of the economy. The Canadian government encourages prospective business immigrants to invest in the country. As a result, foreign business people often find Canada to be an excellent place to invest capital. Business immigrants represent approximately 10% of total immigrants.