[1] Objective The purpose of this assignment is to encourage you to become more familiar with the economic (and social) situation of other countries of the world compared to Canada, and to use statistical information as a basis for such a comparative endeavour. [2] Sources of Information Although students are free to use whatever sources are available including the internet to obtain the necessary information, you are encouraged to use the CIA World Factbook, available at www.cia.gov. This website will provide you with virtually all the statistical data you need for this assignment. However, students are also encouraged to locate additional material online pertaining to your assigned country. [3] Value and length The assignment is worth 15% of final grade. The written report should not exceed five to six pages (maximum), including the cover page, which shows your name, student ID number, and name of the country you are assigned to research, one to two pages for the County's Comparative Chart (i.e., statistical data/indicators which includes 25 economic and social indicators), 2 pages highlighting basic information and issues pertaining to the assigned country, including some selected three or four most interesting or distinguishing characteristics of your assigned country compared to Canada, and one page for the references/information resources used. [4] Submission Deadline The deadline for the electronic/online submission of the assignment is Friday, June 24, 2022 at 11:59 PM. You are expected to use the Assignments link of the Course Blackboard to upload your assignment report.. [5] Insights and Conclusion (Written Components) Based on the statistical and otherwise information you have obtained, you will have acquired an[5] Insights and Conclusion (Written Components) Based on the statistical and otherwise information you have obtained, you will have acquired an insightful picture about the country which should enable to draw conclusions about the country under consideration, compared to Canada. Examples of those most distinctive characteristics might include: . A high external debt (e.g. Greece, USA, Japan, China, Russia, etc.) . Extremely high and persistent inflation that makes daily life a struggle (e.g. Iran and the US sanction) An aging population (e.g., Japan and most west European countries) . A very low GDP per capita that translates into a poor standard of living (Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, etc) . A highly skilled or unskilled labour force, high unemployment rates, low life expectancy, high illiteracy rates) Major issues facing the country (e.g., conflict, political instability, poverty, environment, etc.)Countries Comparison Chart Name of Indicator Name of Assigned Country Canada Land mass Population Life expectancy Population growth rate Literacy rate Languages Natural resources Gross Domestic Product (GDP) GDP per capita Major exports Major imports Main trading partners Balance of Trade (surplus or Deficit) External Debt Major Industries Military expenditures as % of GDP Ethnic groups Environmental issues Unemployment rate Inflation rate Expenditures on health as a % of GDP Expenditures on education as a % of GDP Investment expenditure as a% of GDP Consumption expenditure as a % of GDP Exports as a % of GDP