Prior to European colonization Canada was inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous people known as First Nations people in Canada. To learn more about the Aboriginal or First Nations people of Canada, visit here: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

European expeditions to this area began in the late 15th century and in 1534 the colony of New France was claimed by the French. The first permanent settlement was founded in 1608 at the site of present day Quebec City. After France’s defeat in the Seven Year’s War, France ceded all of it’s North American holdings to the United Kingdom in 1763. In 1867 the Province of Canada combined with other 2 other British provinces to form the self-governing country of Canada. Between 1867 and 1982 legal dependencies on Great Britain dwindled away. Today, Canada is a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. Canadian culture has developed from a blending of its indigenous, French and British influences.