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Canada is a country located in the Northern Hemisphere and its vast expanse covers most of the northern part of the North American continent. Canada is considered the second-largest country in the world by total area, after Russia. Bounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Arctic Ocean, Canada has an extremely varied topography that encompasses breathtaking mountain ranges, enchanting forested plateaus, magnificent lakes and its stunning Maritime Provinces. A developed and prospering first world nation, Canada is well advanced technology-wise and in the industrial zone as well, making it rank amongst the richest countries of the world. The ‘maple’ leaf is the country’s symbolic feature, predominant on its national flag, as well as, signifies the spectacular natural beauty amidst this mostly snow-covered country.
Official Languages:
Canada is officially a bilingual country with its two official languages being English and French. Whilst certain regions of Canada are predominantly French-speaking, as in Quebec, the majority of the English language communities are significantly spread across the country. Both languages acquire equal status at the Parliament, government services, legal matters, and at the federal level, in most provinces and territories of Canada. Owing to its high immigration rate, Canada is also home to several non-official languages that include Chinese, German, Italian and Punjabi.
Independence, Republic and Government:
Canada has witnessed numerous historic events ever since its inception with foreign traders like the French and British. The years ahead saw certain uprisings and revolts occur, along with the signing of significant treaties that brought about various changes to the physical and political scenario of the country. The American Revolution sparked pitched battles like the Inter-colonial wars, the War of 1812, and the Rebellions of 1837 between the United States and British Empire, that eventually saw the British North America Act of 1867 give birth to the Confederation of British North American colonies. However, what followed was years of continuous struggle, even through the World Wars. Despite several crises, few important turning points were created that inched closer to independence, like the affirmation received through the Statute of Westminster in 1931, the adoption of the Maple Leaf Flag in 1965, eventually leading to the signing of the Constitution Act, 1982 that saw Canada as an independent nation.
Despite its constitutional change from Britain, Canada remains a Constitutional Monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. Canada represents Federal Constitutional Monarchy with Parliamentary democracy and is governed by its own House of Commons and guided by its Constitution that includes the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The present Governor General of Canada is Michaëlle Jean, who is officially the representative of Queen Elizabeth II, however, she acts on the counsel of the Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper.
Top Cities of Canada:
Ottawa:The capital of Canada, it is famous for the Canadian Museum of Civilization, besides being home to some of the country’s Parliamentarians and celebrities.
Toronto:The largest city of Canada, this bustling metropolis is a renowned business and commercial zone home to one of the world’s largest stock exchanges, the TSX.
Montreal: Is a major French speaking community renowned for its historical downtown region of Old Montreal and the annual Montreal International Jazz Festival.
Vancouver: A major US-based film production centre, it is also cited to be the host city of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Winnipeg:A thriving cultural paradise, its latest addition would be the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, besides hosting the famed Pan-American Games.
Edmonton:‘Canada’s Festival City’ is also a booming tourism hotspot with various historic and cultural locations, such as its Fort Edmonton Park.
Culture and Heritage:
Canada is an ethnically diverse nation, primarily influenced by immigration from all over the world. Canada is a multicultural country with cultural distinctions even varying from region to region, and is highly regarded amongst its citizens as it being an inheriting source. Canadian culture is strongly influenced by various cultures and traditions across the world, especially those of the early aboriginal inhabitants, the British, French and the American culture, owing to the frequency of migration between the countries. An amalgamation of these cultures gives rise to several products such as several national symbols besides communal and social bonding.
Some prominent figures that denote Canada’s unique and distinct cultural heritage are its internationally-famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the ancient Kwakwaka'wakw Indians traditional ‘big house’ and totem pole. The preservation of a rich and diverse multicultural heritage of Canada is greatly supported by various government laws and programs, along with the national media institutions.
Tourism
With Tourism being a major revenue earner for the economy of Canada, the country uses its breathtakingly beautiful national resources, historic hotspots and warm hospitality to encourage and promote tourism. The diverse topography of Canada along with its rich historical roots dating back to the Colonial times of French and British rule make it a popular and enthralling destination for tourism. Canada offers luxurious hotels and scenic resorts with plush accommodations, ultra-modern room facilities, and pulsating outdoor activities including watersports and fishing. Spread across the country within close proximity to tourist zones, they cater to a wide range of tourists, with even numerous tourism packages at various rates being made available. Some spectacular tourist sites of Canada are listed below as:
- Horseshoe Falls of the magnificent Niagara Falls, Ontario.
- CN Tower, Toronto
- Stanley Park, Vancouver
- Old Montreal, Montreal
- West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton
- Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal
- Robson Street, Vancouver
- Old Port, Montreal
- Casa Loma, Toronto
- Biosphere, Montreal
- Quebec Citadel, Quebec
- Gatineau Park, Ottawa
- World Waterpark, Edmonton
- Heritage Park Historical Village, Calgary
- Rideau Canal, Ottawa
countriesandcapitals provides you with informative details about Canada and its capital city, Ottawa.
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