In 1610, the British discovered Hudson Bay and established Canada as a colony of Great Britain. Even though Canada is now an independent country, the Queen of the United Kingdom, Elizabeth II, is the country’s head of State. She is represented in Canada by the Governor General. But the Queen has no say over Canada’s governance or affairs.
Birthdate: July 1, 1867 – as a result, every July 1 is celebrated as a national holiday
The Name: Canada, which means settlement in the native language of the Iroquois
Official Languages: Canada has two official languages at the federal level – English & French
The Country’s Population: 38 million people as of 2021
The Capital of Canada: Ottawa – 1,018,001 million people as of 2021
The Largest City in Canada: Toronto, an estimated 2,956,024 people (GTA – Greater Toronto Area has 6.7 million)
The Capital of Canada: Ottawa – 1,018,001 million people as of 2021
Type of Government: Federal Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy (Queen of the United Kingdom)
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
The Anthem: O Canada
Official Colours: Red & White
National Symbols: Canada has several – the beaver, the Maple leaf, the red and white flag, the maple tree (national tree)
The Prime Minister: Justin Trudeau, the head of government and leader of his political party – the Liberal Party
Religion: Canada was founded on Christianity, but everyone can practice any religion, so there are many religions. However, Christianity (Roman Catholics and Protestants) is the biggest.
The Canadian People & Society
- The nation has two official languages at the federal level: English and French. But most western provinces only speak English, so French and English are primarily spoken in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario – the two largest provinces, and some people in Atlantic Canada. Most Canadians speak English as their first language, but French is the primary language in the province of Quebec.
- It is estimated that at least 85% of all Canadians live within 160 KM of the Canada-US border.
- In Canada, the average life expectancy at birth is 83 years.
- Literacy rates are over 95%… one of the highest in the world.
- Native Americans in Canada include the Métis, First Nations People, and Inuit.
- Inuits are indigenous people who live in northern Canada. Today, only 5 of 100 Canadians identify themselves as belonging to the Inuk.
- Eighty-two per cent of Canadians live in urban centres. During the French and British colonial times, most Canadian families had roots in England and France; thus, many families immigrated to Canada.
- Most Canadians consider themselves to be Canadian. Nearly 40% of Canadians identify as belonging to the English, Scottish, or Irish ethnic groups, and 13% identify as belonging to the French ethnic group.
Canadian Economy Facts
- Canada has the 3rd most significant oil reserves in the world, only after Venezuela and Saudi Arabia. The province of Alberta is the leader in Canada’s oil and natural gas production.
- With a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of 1.7 trillion Dollars, Canada is the 10th largest economy in the world.
- Canada is the second-largest wood producer in the world after the United States.
- The power of the water is used to produce electrical power in Canada, one of the world leaders in hydroelectricity.
- Saskatchewan is also Canada’s largest agricultural province. It is here that 45% of Canada’s grains are grown, including rye, wheat, canola, and flax.
- Canada is one of the leading producers of uranium. And uranium is used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. Cigar Lake in Saskatchewan is home to the world’s largest uranium mine.
- The United States of America is Canada’s biggest and most important trade partner.
Top Attractions in Canada
- Banff National Park: This park is truly one of Canada’s national treasures – gorgeous. It offers everything an adventurer or nature lover needs – lakes, wildlife… you name it, you will find it at Banff. It is an experience you will never forget.
- Quebec City: Founded in 1608, Quebec is one of the oldest cities in the world. You must see the Frontenac castle buildings, the most photographed buildings in the world.
- Toronto: A great attraction in this city on the shore of Lake Ontario is the CN Tower and the Rogers Center.
- The CN Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the western hemisphere so you will get excellent views of Toronto, and Roger’s Center is the world’s first retractable-roof stadium.
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: If you are an adventurer and are not afraid of heights, you will love this bride. It is located in North Vancouver, in the beautiful province of British Columbia.
- There is no doubt that Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world.
Geography of Canada Facts
- So, where exactly is Canada located? Canada is a vast country (the second largest in the world, to be exact), an affluent country in the northern hemisphere. The Pacific Ocean borders Canada on the west, the Arctic Ocean on the north, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. The country shares a land border with the United States to the south and the northwest.
- Here is a fun fact: The United States and Canada share the longest international land border on the planet – by far. The Canada – USA border is approximately 8,891 km or 5,525 miles long. The longest stretch of the border is shared with Alaska, and this stretch is more than 2,475 km or 1,538 miles long – genuinely incredible!
- The country is home to many beautiful lakes, and it is estimated that there are about 3 million lakes in Canada.
- Canada is the globe’s second-largest nation, right after Russia. The nation’s capital city is Ottawa, which is located in the province of Ontario.
- Canada is so big that it is currently one of the most sparsely populated nations in the world.
- Most Canadians live in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, with Ontario attracting the most immigrants, and Quebec is in second place.
- Located in the Canadian province of Ontario, the city of Toronto is the largest in Canada, with about 6.7 million inhabitants, which includes the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Proper Toronto has an estimated population of 2.9 million people.
- The McKenzie River in the Northwest Territories is Canada’s most extended river system. It is 4,241 km or 2,635 miles long. The McKenzie River is the longest in North America, flowing into the Arctic.
- The largest lake in Canada is Great Bear Lake. North America’s largest lake is Lake Superior. The United States of America and Canada shares it.
- Standing tall at 5,959 m/ 9,551 ft, Mount Logan is the highest mountain in Canada. Mount Logan is in beautiful Kluane National Park in the Yukon, near the border with the US state of Alaska. Mount Logan is also the second-highest peak in North America – after Mount Denali. Kluane National Park is known for having the largest ice fields in Canada and many grizzly bears.
- Canada and the United States share the largest waterfalls in the world. These are Niagara Falls on the border.
- Canada is blessed with over 15 UNESCO world heritage sites. Some of these are the legendary and historic Old district of Québec with its walled city (the only walled city in North America), Dinosaur Provincial Park, the Rocky Mountains national park, the sacred site of Writing-on-Stone/Áísínai’pi, and others.
Canada is an excellent destination for families.
- Canada has been named one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Canada has endless tourist attractions and destinations for everyone, young and old, with lots of virgin and untouched nature.
- Canada has 48 national parks and reserves, the largest being Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta. Banff National Park is Canada’s most beautiful and most visited national park. It was founded in 1885.
- In the national parks of Canada, you can enjoy great day hikes and canoe trips. During the winter season, families can enjoy winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing in the mountains and many other activities. Also, I recommend a beavertail, a delicious chocolate dessert with a hot coffee as you walk or skate outside.
- Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta and Whistler in British Columbia are among the most popular ski resorts. But these resorts are also enjoyable in summer.
- Canada’s largest cities also have lots to offer to families travelling with young children, including exciting museums and beautiful city parks where families can participate in enjoyable outdoor activities such as rock climbing, cycling, ice-skating, fishing and more.
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