The Wealth of Two Nations

The Wealth of Two Nations

There were many factors that were present when deciding upon two nations to analyze. Canada, being my home country, seemed like a fundamental choice, but there are 192 countries in the world. Due to a plethora of countries to choose from, it was difficult to select another. However, I came to a decision to compare Canada with Cuba, due to the vast differences and diminutive similarities of these two nations. Considering Canada's immense mountains and beautiful landscape, and Cuba's year-round warm weather, both countries hold unique heritage and could be ideal places to live. But, by digging deeper into what these countries actually stand for, we get an understanding of how each nation has succeeded, failed and what has made them last many years.

Life of the common man differs greatly between these two countries. Cuba and Canada can be differentiated through various factors, such as their economic systems, Canada being a mixed economy, while Cuba is a state-run economy or totalitarian. Also, Canada is a democratic one, while Cuba being a dictatorship. The last and most interesting piece of information is that the United States has great influence on each nation. In addition, the style of government of each country plays an influence on their economic factors such as GDP per capita. Cuba's GDP per capita is $4000 while Canada's is $35, 600 (The World Factbook). Canada's culture is reflected by its population. Canada's population is a rich mixture of people from all around the world. This can be seen with the city of Toronto, which is considered the most diverse city in the world. In addition, Canada's population is around 34 million, almost three times the amount of Cuba's population of 12 million. Cuba is predominately mulatto ethnicity. When reflecting upon each system, we may encounter good qualities of each country, their negative aspects and why each has their own culture.

Canada became a country in 1867 after separating from its roots of Britain (The World Fact Book). When it became its own independent nation, Canada took on a mixed economy, meaning that the government has control over various aspects such as fisheries, agriculture, as well as the Canadian National Railway and transportation systems, but not all businesses are owned by the government. Canada still promotes a free market society. Socialism in Canada mends the gap between higher and lower classes of a free market society by providing free health care, and mandatory schooling until the age of 16. Along with having aspects of a socialist economy, Canada does not fail to implement many aspects of a capitalist society. This allows for economic freedom as individuals and businesses are able to achieve their economic interests without being restricted by the government, however, they are monitored through income taxation and sales tax. The social services better