Canto is a Layer 1 blockchain that functions as a permissionless, EVM-compatible network designed to provide decentralized financial infrastructure and services. Built with a focus on composability and open-source development, Canto operates independently while maintaining compatibility with Ethereum Virtual Machine standards, allowing developers to deploy smart contracts and applications familiar to the Ethereum ecosystem. The network's native token, CANTO, serves as the primary utility and governance token, used for transaction fees, validator staking, and participation in protocol decision-making through its governance mechanisms. Canto distinguishes itself by emphasizing free public goods and infrastructure, including core DeFi primitives like lending protocols, DEX functionality, and other financial services built directly into the protocol layer rather than relying solely on third-party applications. The blockchain aims to provide an accessible platform for both developers and users interested in decentralized finance without unnecessary barriers, positioning itself as an alternative environment for building and interacting with blockchain-based financial applications beyond the constraints of more established networks.