CANADA
History
The word Canada comes from one of the Red Indian languages – "Kannata", meaning "a
number of huts". Canada is often called the "Land of the Maple Leaf". The maple leaf is the
national emblem of Canada. The story of Canada goes back over 400 years. The French were
the first settlers to this country. In 1759 Canada became a part of the British Empire. In 1931
became independent from Britain.
Geographical Position
It is situated on the North American continent. In size Canada is the second in the world
after Russia. Its area is almost 10 million km2.
Canada is the second largest country in the world after Russia. Canada is a land of vast
distances and rich natural beauty. Canada has the longest coastline. Seventy-five percent of
Canada’s coastline is on the Arctic ocean, with the remainder on the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Although most of Canada consists of forests, it also has many lakes, mountains, prairies and
sparsely populated arctic areas. Canada is known for its vast, untouched landscape, and its
multicultural heritage.
Nature of Canada
Winter and summer temperatures across Canada vary a lot. Winters can be very cold
with temperatures as low as -40 °C. Summer temperatures can reach +35 °C.
Canada’s flora is very diverse. There are broad-leaved, mixed and coniferous forests in Canada.
In the north of the country there is tundra which is followed by arctic desert.
Canada is inhabited by different animals. There are reindeer, lemmings, musk-oxen in Canada.
In the south fauna is more varied. There are plenty of fishes in natural reservoirs of the country.
It is rich in the following natural resources: non-ferrous metals, uranium, oil, natural gas,
coal.
Canadian industries produce cars, airliners, locomotives, sea vessels, snow-removal
machines, and agricultural equipment. The most developed industries are timber, mining,
chemical, meat and milk and food industries. Canada grows wheat, barley, flax, potatoes,
vegetables and fruit. Fishing is also one of the prosperous industries.
Population and Cities
The population of Canada is about 36 million people (2016). Most of the population lives
not far from the border with the United States.
The largest cities of the country are Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Toronto is an important
economic centre of Canada and one of the safest cities in the world. Montreal is the second
largest city. There is only one official language in Montreal and it is French. Vancouver is the
third largest city of the country. It is a multinational city with friendly vibes.
Political
Queen Elizabeth remains the nominal head of state. Canada is a constitutional
monarchy, but the roles of the Queen and her representatives are largely ceremonial. The
Canadian parliament is based on the British Westminster system, with a lower House of
Commons, and an upper Senate. The head of government is the Prime Minister. Each province
has its own government.
Canada is an independent federative state, consisting of 10 provinces and 2 territories. It
is a member of the Commonwealth, headed by the Queen of Great Britain. The two official
languages are English and French. But many other languages are spoken: Italian, Chinese,
German, Polish and Greek. Canada is a country with very high standards of living. This country is
particularly advanced in the areas of health, education, social protection and human rights.
Advice for tourists/ Sights
There are a lot of places worth visiting in this country.
Niagara Falls are probably the most famous waterfalls in the world. This scenic place attracts
tourists from everywhere. It is located on the border between Canada and the United States.
Niagara Falls are not very high, but they are 323 metres long.
In Canada there are a lot of national parks. They all represent different regions of the
country and are protected. Banff is Canada’s oldest national park.
National traditions
Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Father's Day and Halloween are not
official holidays but are celebrated nationwide, however, no paid vacation is given for these
days. Visit our Canadian holiday forum to read and post messages related to Canadian statutory
holidays.
Statutory holidays are New Year's Day, Good Friday (Easter), Canada Day, Labour
Day and Christmas Day - these days are celebrated nationwide and are paid days off for
employees. Federally regulated employees also get Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Thanksgiving
and Boxing Day off and it is common practice, however not required, for non-federal employees
to get these holidays off as well.
There is also a proposed statutory holiday to remember residential schools.
On unofficial holidays - especially on Boxing Day and Remembrance day - most
businesses are closed with the exception of select retail stores.
