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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. 



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

 

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)".