Canada is a nation covering most of North America, and is considered the second largest country by land area. It consists of ten provinces and three territories. Technically a constitutional monarchy, its government is a parliamentary democracy. Much like the United States, Canada was a colony of the United Kingdom, but eventually became independent in 1867. An industrial power, with advanced technology, Canada was a member of the G8. The border of the 49th parallel between Canada and the United States is the longest in the world.