Among the many world powers, there is a special existence: a vast territory, rich resources, a small population, and a small number of troops. This country is Canada. Although its defense force is only 60,000, both the United States, a military power, and Russia, a fighting nation, are in awe of it and will not be easily provoked. Why is that?
Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of territory area than China. It is rich in land resources, forests, oil and gas, and minerals, and is a treasure trove of natural resources. For example, crude oil reserves rank third in the world, and rare metal potassium and tungsten reserves rank first in the world.
However, compared to its vast territory and resources, Canada's Defence Force appears relatively "pocket-sized". This is not because Canada does not attach importance to national defense, but because of its special geographical location and diplomatic strategy.
Canada is located in North America, bordering the two major powers of the United States and Russia. This geographical location not only puts pressure on Canada's security, but also provides it with a certain degree of protection. In the game between the United States and Russia, Canada has become an important buffer. Both powers want to use it to contain each other while maintaining friendly relations with Canada.
This special geopolitical relationship allows Canada to maintain a delicate balance on the international stage without much effort. The United States and Russia, the two global military giants, have been extraordinarily cautious in the face of Canada. Because they are well aware that any rash move towards Canada could upset this balance, which in turn would affect their respective strategic interests.
Historically, more than 200 years ago, the United States tried to occupy Canada, but in the end it failed to succeed, but was chased back by the Canadian side, because the United States had just been founded at that time, and its strength was not ambitious. Since then, the two countries have drawn their borders and maintained a long period of peace.
During the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, Canada became the focus of contention between the two sides, when the United States and the Soviet Union were vying for hegemony and tension, and Canada became the forefront of the confrontation between the two major military blocs of NATO and the Warsaw Pact. However, it was this Cold War that made Canada realize its special position between the two great powers. It has chosen to let go of the burden of military development and instead focus on economic development.
When the United States looks at it, this is not good, national defense depends on me, and you will not contribute at all. In order to ensure Canada's stability and security, the United States has taken the initiative to provide Canada with military equipment and military assistance. A number of officers were sent to help him build and train the army. Today, the size of the army is only more than 60,000 people. Although the number is small, its combat effectiveness, with the support of the United States, should not be underestimated.
Of course, Canada's population and birth rate also limit the size of its army, which has a total population of just over 40 million on 9.98 million square kilometers. In such a vast and sparsely populated country, it is obviously unrealistic to maintain a large army. Therefore, Canada has opted for the strategy of streamlining its military to make up for the lack of numbers by improving the combat effectiveness and efficiency of its military.
Since the end of World War II, the United States and Canada have cooperated deeply, with the United States providing Canada with defense asylum and Canada sharing resources in return. The two countries are allies and have close cooperation in economic, political and military fields, and Canada has also expanded its influence with the help of the United States. Therefore, despite the small size of its military, no one dares to mess with it.