Canada is the second-largest country. (Only Russia has more land.) The northern nation has huge mountains, busy cities, and millions of people. Read on to find out more!
Where in the World
Canada is the northernmost part of North America. It shares its only border with the United States. That’s the longest border in the world between two countries, at 5,525 miles (8,891 km) long. Rivers crisscross through the nation. One of those rivers, the Saint Lawrence, flows out of the Great Lake Ontario and into the Atlantic Ocean to the east! To the west, the country touches the Pacific Ocean, and to the north, the Arctic Ocean.
Canada is split into 10 provinces and three territories. The province of Ontario has the most people, with more than 13 million. However, much of Canada doesn’t have any people, especially in the far north. It’s too cold for humans to live easily up there. The lands are home to polar bears and seals.
History
The first people to arrive on this land walked there thousands of years ago. They came from what is now Russia. 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.” By the 1600s, there were many French and English settlements. 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 and gave its Canadian land to Britain.
Through the 1800s, Canadians grew to want freedom from Britain. On July 1, 1867, a major happened. British colonies joined together to create 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 had full freedom to pass all of its own laws, and 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 immigrants moved to Canada from 1906 to 1916. These workers helped make Canada’s economy stronger. The nation also sent soldiers to fight in World Wars I and II. After WWII, Canada turned into a world business leader in carmaking and oil production. It hosted the Olympics three times — in 1976, 1988, and 2010.
The People and Culture
About 38 million people live in Canada. More than 1 million are
of First Nations and other Native people. These people still practice traditional dance and art. 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. The sweet stuff is created using sap from maple trees. 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 shining trophy goes to the winner of the National Hockey League. Seven teams in that league are Canadian. The Montreal Canadiens have won the Cup more than any other squad, with 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, 5:02 P.M. (ET)
By Ryan Cramer
