Canada became a country on 1 July 1867, with four provinces. It would take more than a century to add the other six provinces and three territories that today make up the nation. The capital city is Ottawa, located in the province of Ontario.

The Canadian red and white maple leaf flag is officially called "The National Flag of Canada" and was inaugurated in 1965. Canada is bounded by oceans on three sides and dotted with fresh water lakes. While the land base is vast, it has a relatively small population of 31.6 million (2006 census).

The country is blessed with a rich heritage; from our native peoples to waves of immigrants who brought an adventurous spirit and a desire to make a better life - all have added their traditions to Canada's culture.

When people think of Canada their perceptions are:

• Friendly, honest and trustworthy people
• Wide open spaces
• Clean, pure water and air
• Healthy, safe environment

The things about Canada that come first to mind include:

• The maple leaf
• The Mounties (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
• Maple syrup
• Salmon

Check out these websites for more information:

 http://www.canada.travel/selectCountry.html
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada

Canadian Facts

• Population 31.6 million (2006 census)
• English and French are the two official languages
• The population is 81% urban and 19% rural
• 3/4 of Canada's population lives within 150 km (93 miles) of the USA border
• Canada became a country on 1 July 1867
• Canada has the world's longest coastline and one-tenth of the world's forests
• Canada is home to over 1 million Aboriginal people
• Canada shares the world's largest unprotected border with the United States
• Primary agriculture production includes grains, vegetables, fruits, livestock and dairy
• Canada is the largest supplier of energy to the USA - oil, gas, uranium and electrical power
• Canada's primary trading partner is the USA which absorbs almost 80% of Canadian exports annually
• Canadian major banks are amongst the most stable in the world
• Canada is a European Free Trade agreement country - it is an economic partnership with a two way trade valued at CAD 13.2 billion
• Canada has a democratic system of government
• Canada has the largest surface of freshwater in the world
• The Trans-Canada Highway stretches from coast to coast and at 7.604 km long, it is the longest national highway in the world
• The beaver is the national animal
• Lacrosse is the national summer sport and hockey is the national winter sport
• Canada will host the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia