Did you ever stop and wonder how much we take the place we live
for granted? If you were to take the time, you would discover how
diverse are Canada's history, geography, climate, economy,
cultures and government. Did you know it is the largest country
in the world now that U.S.S.R broke up. Specifically, Canada is
9,922,330 square km.
Did you know that Canada used to be named "Kanata"? Yes,
Kanata is an Indian word meaning village. It was not until July
1,1867 that Kanata was renamed Canada. Canada was originally
discovered by Jacques Cartier an explorer from France who sailed
down the St.Lawrence in 1534. Cartier we believe was the first to
set foot on Canadian soil. He marked his presence with a flag
claiming it his land.
Over the years, Canada has developed into the home of the
largest free-standing structure in the world. Canada,(a great
tourist attraction)is also home of the largest water fall in the
world. Our farmland unlike a lot of others has a variety of
climate. The warmer summer climate ranges from +10 - +30 and the
cooler climate ranges from anywhere to -10 - -30. Despite the
changes in temperature, Canada's precipitation is very light.
Our home is enclosed by the United States of America, south, the
Pacific ocean and Alaska on the west side, the Atlantic ocean on
the east side and the Arctic up north.
One of the dominant reasons Canada is so well populated is
due to the fact of our financial status. At this present time,
the economy is not doing too well, but who's is? Canada is highly
industrialised by manufacturing Automobiles, food, liquor and
tobacco.
We as a Unified country accept other cultures and religions.
Canada has about every nationality possible and together they
form a great home. Despite the many cultures, Canada's main
languages are english and french.
Canada is a democracy. This means the government is elected
by all the people. It is responsible for managing the country,
forcing laws, building roads and helping the country run
smoothly. Canada has three main levels of government: Federal,
Provincial and Municipal. The house of commons lies in Ottawa,
Ontario. While the Queen is not present, her representative, the
Governor General is in charge. He ranks higher than the Prime
Minister.
In conclusion, I hope I have raised your awareness of
Canada's varied history, geography, economy, climate, cultures
and government. This is great country that we live in. I am
truly proud to be a Canadian.
Extras
Canada in it's history to date has had five flags.
"The First, was a white flag with three gold fleurs-de-lys. This
flag was used by Cartier in his voyage up the St. Lawrence and by
Champlain in his explorations of eastern Canada. It was under
this flag that the French lived until the fall of Quebec in 1759.
The flag was used by the English from around 1700 was the Union
Flag which contained two crosses-the cross of St. George and the
cross of St. Andrew and St. Patrick was introduced. This flag is
still used in Canada for special occasions.
The Red Ensign was approved in 1945 for use by Canadians overseas
and on certain occasions in Canada. The flag was used until 1965.
The Royal Canadian flag was authorized by Royal Proclamation on
February 15, 1965, following approval by Canadian House of
Commons and Senate in December 1965.
The Canadian flag is red. In its centre is a white square the
width of the flag, with a single Red Maple Leaf in the centre.
The flag must always be twice as long as it is wide so that it
makes a square when folded in two. The colours white and red were
given to Canada by King George V, on November 21, 1921, when he
granted arms to Canada on the recommendation of the canadian
government. The Maple Leaf has always been an emblem of Canada.
There is no significance to the eleven points of the leaf. It is
stylized or conventional in form, as is common when things found
in nature are used as flags, banners or arms.
Note- When hoisting the flag or descending, never let it touch
the ground. This shows a lack of respect toward your country and
your people.
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