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Canada
Canada is the second largest country in the
world. Only Russia has a greater land area. Canada extends across the
continent of North America, from Newfoundland on the Atlantic coast to
British Columbia on the Pacific coast.
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Facts about Canada
National capital: Ottawa
Official languages: English and French
National anthem: O Canada
National holiday: Canada Day, July 1st
Motto: A Mari usque ad Mare
National symbols: Maple leaf and beaver
National sport: Lacrosse
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Government Type: Confederation with parliamentary democracy
Governor General: Adrian Clarkson
Prime Minister: Paul Martin
Major political parties: Liberal Party of Canada, Canadian Reform
Conservative Alliance, Bloc québécois, New
Democratic Party, Progressive Conservative Party of Canada
Human Development Index (HDI): 3rd (2001)
Life expectancy at birth: 79.69 years
GDP per capita: $27700
Major metropolitan areas: Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver
Population: 31.414 million
(2001)
Area: 9984670 square kilometres
Longest river: Mackenzie River
Highest mountain: Mount Logan
Provinces and Territories and the year they joined the Confederation:
New Brunswick |
1867 |
Nova Scotia |
1867 |
Ontario |
1867 |
Québec |
1867 |
Manitoba |
1870 |
Northwest Territories |
1870 |
British Columbia |
1871 |
Prince Edward Island |
1873 |
Yukon Territory |
1878 |
Alberta |
1905 |
Saskatchewan |
1905 |
Newfoundland and Labrador |
1949 |
Nunavut |
1999 |
National anthem
"O Canada" was proclaimed Canada's national anthem on July 1,
1980, 100 years after it was first sung on June 24, 1880. The music
was composed by Calixa Lavallée, a well-known composer; French
lyrics to accompany the music were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. The song gained steadily in popularity. Many English
versions have appeared over the years. The version on which the
official English lyrics are based was written in 1908 by Mr. Justice
Robert Stanley Weir. The official English version includes changes
recommended in 1968 by a Special Joint Committee of the Senate and
House of Commons. The French lyrics remain unaltered.
O Canada! Our Home and Native
land!
True patriot love in all thy sons
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.
O Canada! Terre de nos
aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras sait porter
l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une
épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi
trempée,
Protégera nos foyers and nos droits,
Protégera nos foyers and nos droits.
Links
Government of
Canada
Statistics Canada
Canadian Tourism Commission
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Canada's motto "A Mari
usque ad Mare" (From sea to sea) is based on biblical scripture:
"He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the
ends of the earth (Psalm 72:8)".
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