Canada is the second-largest country. It has huge mountains and busy cities. Read on to find out more!
Where in the World
Canada is the northernmost part of North America. It shares its border with the United States. Rivers crisscross through Canada. The Pacific Ocean is to the west. The Arctic Ocean is to the north. The Atlantic Ocean is to the east.
Canada is split into 10 provinces and three territories. The province of Ontario has the most people. It’s got more than 13 million. However, much of Canada doesn’t have any people, especially in the far north. These northern lands are home mostly to polar bears and seals.
History
The first Canadians came from what is now Russia, thousands of years ago. The ancient people traveled over an ice bridge. Over
, these people formed groups. Some well-known tribal nations include the Cree, Inuit, and Mi’kmaq. Today, many of these Canadian native groups are known as the First Nations.
Explorers from England and France arrived in the 1500s. Those nations set up colonies. A French explorer named Jacques Cartier was the first to call the area “Canada.” Many people made money by selling animal fur. Through the 1700s, there were wars between the French and English, or British. The fighting came to an end in 1763. France lost the French and Indian War. It gave its Canadian land to Britain.
On July 1, 1867, a major happened. British colonies joined together. They made the Dominion of Canada. July 1 is now Canada Day! The group got greater freedom from Britain. The city of Ottawa became the capital. Over the years, Canada got more and more independent. In 1931, Canada could pass its own laws. In 1982, it was able to change the top laws in its Constitution. Canada was finally free.
Through the 1900s, Canada changed a lot. About 2 million people moved to Canada from 1906 to 1916. They came from other countries. By the 1950s, Canada had turned into a world business leader. It hosted the Olympics three times.
The People and Culture
About 38 million people live in Canada. More than 1 million are
of First Nations and other Native people. However, Native communities often struggle with health and money issues. The government is working to give all Canadians better support. Canadians are known for being polite and friendly.
Canada has two official languages: English and French. Many French speakers live in Quebec, in the east. The area is famous for a special dish. Poutine is French fries with cheese and gravy! Maple syrup is another top Canadian food. Indigenous people first invented it! Canada produces much of the world’s maple syrup.
Canada’s most popular sport is ice hockey. It’s a of the northern nation. Major competitions began in the 1880s. The Stanley Cup went to the country’s top hockey team. Today, that trophy goes to the winner of the National Hockey League. Seven teams in that league are Canadian. The Montreal Canadiens have won the Cup the most. They have 24 titles!
Meet Some Locals
Names: Torrin and Renae Stefels (sisters)
Ages: 12 and 10
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada, and Gurgaon, India
What does it mean to you to be from Canada?
Torrin: Living in Canada is special because it’s so beautiful. It’s huge! We have the most lakes in the world, tons of forest, and amazing wildlife. When we do get lots of snow, it covers the ground with white, sparkling beauty.
What is your favorite place in Canada and why?
Torrin: Winnipeg, because our extended family lives there.
Renae: I love going on road trips with my family!
What is something you wish other kids around the world knew about Canada?
Torrin: Winter is fun. Being polite does not make us annoying!
Renae: Free healthcare is awesome.
Flag
Canada’s flag is red with a white stripe. There’s a big maple leaf in the middle! Red and white have been Canada’s national colors since 1921.
Updated December 10, 2020, 5:01 P.M. (ET)
By Ryan Cramer
