Although Canada has been self-governing since 1867, it wasn’t until this date in 1927 that the U.S. established formal diplomatic relations through recognition of a Canadian ambassador in Washington. Until that date, the Dominion of Canada’s foreign relations remained under the control of London. The relations since have been sterling, as Canada is our greatest trading partner. Last year, more than $600 billion of goods passed one way or the other across the effectively undefended border. At over 5,500 miles, that border is the world’s longest international boundary. There are about 7 million foreign-born residents out of Canada’s population of nearly 37 million. America’s population of more than 316 million includes over 41 million foreign-born residents, with about 840,000 from Canada. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.