Here are some interesting facts about Canada, a country that became independent in 1867. While we initially focus on history, we’ll also look at geography, people, and culture so unique. Here, we will discuss interesting facts for history enthusiasts, students - and for everyone who’s even mildly interested in Canada. Samantha Jones explains.
John Alexander Macdonald, first prime minister of Canada, in 1867.
History of Canada
1. Not as young as it seems
Although there are not many written records detailing the history of Canada’s aboriginal society prior to the first contact with Europeans, archaeological and other evidence gives a reasonably complete picture of the pre-European contact period. The earliest evidence of humans migrating from Asia dates back approximately 12,000-16,000 years, although there’s a possibility of the first people arriving somewhere around 60,000 years ago.
2. Policy of multiculturalism
Canada has adopted a policy of multiculturalism for some time and embraces diversity and pluralism – it tries to give a different image of itself than its southern neighbor. According to the Canadian Parliament’s report on Canadian Multiculturalism, the country has become a homeland for people with more than 250 ethnic origins.
What is also interesting is that over 20% of Canadians were born in other countries!
3. National flag design
Through history, the maple leaf symbol was found on Canadian coins, emblems, and even coats of arms. But when it came to making a decision on Canada’s flag design, there were many debates in the Canadian parliament. Can you imagine that it took 40 years to finally approve how the Canadian flag should look? The red and white flag which we know today was finally approved in 1965.
Geography & Landscape
1. Size of Canada
You’ve probably read that Canada is the second biggest country in the world after Russia. What you are less likely to find out is that the largest island within an island and the huge territory of Nunavut (over 20% of Canada’s territory) are situated in Canada too.
2. Time zones
Canada’s vast size isn’t just about square kilometers; it also means that there are six different time zones, so it is important to check the time as you move around the country!
3. Extreme temperatures
Despite the fact that Canada has four seasons, it is known worldwide for its extreme cold temperatures, sometimes reaching below -50°C. However, that is not the case everywhere. For instance, British Columbia experiences much milder winters, while in the central regions summers are usually hot and humid.
4. Largest freshwater source worldwide
There are many lakes in Canada, so there’s no surprise that the country is one of the world’s largest sources of freshwater. There are also two of the largest lakes in the world with total areas of 31,328 km² (Great Bear Lake) and 28,568 km² (Great Slave Lake).
People & Culture
1. French-speaking city
Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city (the biggest one is Paris). Given that, if you want to get a degree in French-speaking Canada, it’s better for you to prepare assignments in French, possibly with the assistance of services providing assignment help. However, it should be easy to get help as Canada has one of the highest internet-usage rates in the world (some recent studies indicate that Canadians spend more time online than any other nation).
2. Education
According to data from the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development, Canada is the most educated country in the world. These conclusions are based on post-secondary adult education. Statistics say that about 55% of high-school graduates have some kind of education afterwards.
3. Inventions galore
Canadian inventors have patented more than one million inventions. The accomplishments vary from AC radio tubes to zippers, pacemakers, Blackberries, and IMAX. They relate to the areas of sports, medicine, science, agriculture, and entertainment.
Indeed, while hockey remains Canada’s most prevalent sport, the country has become very interested in basketball as well. The game was invented by a Canadian, Dr. James Naismith. His initial aim was to invent an indoor sport to maintain his students in good physical condition during long winters in Springfield, Massachusetts.
4. Population density
Canada is the fourth most sparsely populated country in the world and has only four people per square kilometer. This compares to the US with 35 people per square kilometer, and the UK with 278.
There are a lot of varied facts there, but it is surely the country’s history that defines the Canadian nation most of all. And since there’s no better way to comprehend Canada’s identity than to look at its past, history matters both for Canadians and those who visit Canada.
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