Canada and its people amaze the world with their impeccable manners, boundless tolerance, and the best cities to live in.

1. Politeness
They always hold doors, never forget to say hello, and apologize for no reason: even if you bump into a Canadian or step on their foot, prepare to hear not an angry retort, but a shy “sorry.”

2. Canadian English
Canada has two official languages: residents of Quebec and New Brunswick speak French, and the rest speak English. However, this is neither British nor American English, but something in between—the rules are largely the same as American English, but some words are pronounced and written in a British manner.

3. Freedom of Self-Identification
Since 2016, Canadian citizens can identify themselves not only as male or female, but also check a box labeled “third gender.” Same-sex marriage was legalized in the country 15 years ago, and gay pride parades are held annually in various provinces.

4. Fashion Without Rules
Comfort above all else is the basic formula of Canadian style. Appropriateness and decorum aren’t particularly important here, so shorts are casually worn in November and jeans and sneakers are worn to business meetings.

5. Dinner from a Bag
Many Canadians rarely cook at home, preferring to reheat prepared foods from the supermarket. Kraft Dinner is considered almost a national dish—macaroni and cheese, which you simply pour boiling water over and sprinkle with cheese powder from a packet.

6. Waste Sorting
Canadians carefully sort all their waste and throw it into separate containers: blue ones for glass, metal, and plastic, black ones for paper and cardboard, and green ones for organic waste. Household waste is also collected separately, in multi-colored bags. Those who violate the sorting rules face a hefty fine of up to 500 CAD.