Economy

In 1998, Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) was an estimated $688.3 billion up from $ 1059 billion in 2000.

Canada ranks among the 10 leading manufacturing nations, and has also experienced tremendous growth in the high technology and services industries. Most of Canada's manufacturing industry is in Ontario and Québec, where motor vehicle production comprises the largest sector within this industry. Other important manufacturing sectors include food and beverages, paper and allied products, primary metals, fabricated metals, petrochemicals and chemicals. The Atlantic, Prairie and Pacific regions of Canada have more natural resource-based economies. The Atlantic provinces focus on fishing, forestry and mining, while Prairie provinces are dependent on agriculture and mineral fuels. British Columbia's primary sectors are forestry and mining, as well as tourism.

Major Exports: automobile vehicles and parts, machinery and equipment, high-technology products, oil, natural gas, metals, and forest and farm products.

Major Imports: machinery and industrial equipment including communications and electronic equipment, vehicles and automobile parts, industrial materials (metal ores, iron and steel, precious metals, chemicals, plastics, cotton, wool and other textiles), along with manufactured products and food.