Canada is the second-largest country on Earth. (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 the North American continent. It shares its only border with the United States. That border is the longest 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 up 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 the far northern parts of the country. It’s too cold for humans to live easily up there — it’s 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, traveling over an ice bridge that is now gone. 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 began arriving in the 1500s. Those nations set up colonies on the land. A French explorer named Jacques Cartier was the first to call the area “Canada.” By the 1600s, there were many French and English settlements. People made money by selling animal fur. Through the 1700s, there was fighting between the French and English, or British. After several wars, the fighting came to an end in 1763. France lost the French and Indian War and gave up its Canadian land to Britain.
Through the 1800s, Canadians grew to want freedom from faraway Great Britain. On July 1, 1867, a major happened. British colonies joined together to create the Dominion of Canada. The event is celebrated today as 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 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 of them 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 education and support. Canadians are known the world over 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 curds and gravy! Maple syrup is another top Canadian food. The sweet stuff is created using sap from maple trees. That syrup was first invented by Indigenous people! Canada — and Quebec in particular — produces much of the world’s supply of maple syrup.
Canada’s most popular sport is ice hockey. It’s a of the northern nation, played year-round on indoor rinks. Major competitions began in the 1880s. The Stanley Cup went to the nation’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, 5:03 P.M. (ET)
By Ryan Cramer
