Now, folks, don't come marching in here thinking that I started this thread to make fun of Canadians or Canada itself... I just wish to know some whys and whens, ok? I live across the pond and I'm not too enlightened about your country that appears to have some quite unique characteristics.

So... in Canada there are 2 languages - french and english. Why is that?
And also how does it work, what kind of political structure Canada has? I've heard that despite the fact that it is an independent country, the head of state is the crowned head of the UK. And that appears to be the case with Australia too... can someone explain it to me? Fell free to add some info on Australia too...

Many thanks!