There is some confusion and want to clear it up.

For URL structure, do you recommend [domain].com/[country]/[state]? Is there a better format to use? For example, [domain].com/[2 letter language code]-[2 letter country code]/[state]

For the above State page, what should I put re: "href...." if any?

Where do I insert rel canonical? On every page, including the homepage? ONLY on duplicate pages?

If I have a non-English page, is there an advantage of having the meta data in that language vs. English?

I'm looking for an example. Assume domain name is boattests101.com

Hello,

I am creating a website (or websites if best format) that will have state-specific boating license courses for every state in the US, Canada and Australia. I would like the content to be available on the website in English, French and Spanish. I want to be the global leader in providing boat test courses.

For the (1) homepage, (2) country pages, and (3) state pages, what is best SEO format I should use for:
(a) URL structure
(b) "href lang" code
(c) rel canonical code
(d) will meta content with non-English pages need to also be in the non-English language of that page?

Also, what server company do you recommend I host my website with?

I am a non-programmer and learning SEO, so any and all help will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you very much in advance!!!