Canada Facts
Canada is the second largest country in the world after Russia. It is bordered by three oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic. Canada borders the United States in the south and in the northwest (Alaska).
The capital city of Canada is Ottawa, located in the province of Ontario. Canada is divided into 10 provinces and three territories, which are:
- Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the four maritime provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick
- Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut
Canada is home to a variety of geographical features and landscapes including the stunning Rocky Mountains, sunny prairie grasslands, rolling foothills, beautiful forests, and many lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Our country is known and celebrated for its great natural beauty.
Canada is home to more than 35,000,000 people. Most of the population lives in the southern part of the country, close to the U.S. border. Major urban centres include Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa.
Although there are many different languages spoken in Canada, Canada has two official languages: English and French. Many product labels and signs will have text printed on them in both French and English.
Canada is considered a bilingual country, but this does not automatically mean that all Canadians speak both French and English fluently. French is more predominant in Quebec and New Brunswick, while English is more frequently used in the other provinces and territories.
There are over 65 distinct indigenous languages and dialects which are unique to Canada, including Cree, Blackfoot, Ojibwe and Inuktitut.
Other minority languages which are commonly spoken in households and communities across Canada include Chinese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Arabic, and German, although this is far from a complete list.
The most iconic and well-known Canadian symbol is the maple leaf, which is featured in our country’s flag. Canada also has its own official Coat of Arms and motto, which is A Mari Usque Ad Mare (“from sea to sea”). The beaver is another common Canadian emblem.
Our official national colours are red and white. Our national winter sport is hockey, and lacrosse is our national summer sport.
Our national anthem is “O Canada”. It is commonly sung at sporting events. You can read the English version below:
“O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North, strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.”