“Every country is a story book land.”
Story Book Lands – An initiative brought to life by our International Services Avenue in collaboration with our Blog Team as an extension of One SKY 1.0 – A mobile photography competition executed by the International Services Avenue. Story Book Lands will be a brief guide to the 8 countries represented by the 8 participating clubs in the competition.
Hello! Bonjour! (Hello! in French)
Canada is a country in the Northern part of North America and its Capital is known as Ottawa.
Most Widely Spoken Official Language: English and French
Official Currency: Canadian Dollar (CA$)
Canada is the second largest country in the world in area. But despite its great size, it is still one of the world’s most unpopulated countries because almost 30% of the land is covered in trees and thick forest.
Due to this Canada welcomes immigrant populations from every other continent to settle down in their territory. It also shares a 5525 mile long border with the United States which is the longest border in the world which is not patrolled by military forces. Contemporary Canadians generally prefer a central government and a sense of community over individualism and in international affairs since Canada usually serves the role of peacemaker.
Canada is a bilingual country with English and French being the main languages used. It reflects the country’s history as it was under the British and French Empires. Currently most Canadians speak English and they resemble Great Britain social and legal wise.
three-fourths of its population speaking French as their primary language. The French origin is also reflected in religion, architecture, and schooling in the city.
In other parts of Canada, French influence is less apparent, and both French and English are used for place names, product labels, and road signs. Other than the French and British influenced communities Canada also have other communities such as Native Indians (The First Nations) and the Inuits. In addition, the growing number of immigrants from other European countries, South-East Asia, and Latin America has made Canada even more broadly multicultural.
The main two religions in Canada are Roman Catholicism and Protestant Christianity.
Famous For?
Canada is mostly well known for its hockey, maple syrup, and brutally cold winters. Other than for these specialties the country is also known for its iconic landmarks, both natural and man made.
Niagara Falls is undoubtedly Canada’s most famous natural attraction. It’s located just over an hour’s drive from Toronto, along the American border. These massive but gorgeously breathtaking falls drop approximately 57 meters from the top.
You can see the falls at an astoundingly close distance from several key points. Other than for tourists local families too usually enjoy a walk down Niagara’s outrageous Clifton Hill leading to the gorge and falls.
Banff is one of the nation’s largest and most visited national parks. It is located in the province of Alberta. Filled with turquoise colored lakes, spectacular glaciers, snowcapped peaks, and mesmerizing landscapes it is also home to a large concentration of wildlife including mammals such as black bears, grizzly bears, bison, moose, bighorn sheep, wolves and bald eagles.
Whistler is a village which is situated near Vancouver and is famous for its world famous ski-resort. The visitors usually indulge in thrilling sports such as Skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing. Recently the area has also developed into a popular summer destination with golf, mountain biking, and a lively town atmosphere throughout the year.
Renowned as the most beautiful city in Canada, Quebec is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Canada’s historic gems. The city contains some of the most historic buildings in the country and is home to many famous places such as the Citadel, the Plains of Abraham, Place d’Armes, and the Parque Historique de l’Artillerie. 77% of the world’s maple syrup is manufactured here too.
The iconic CN Tower, which stands at a height of 553 meters touches and beautifies the Toronto skyline. The visitors can enjoy a meal while looking out over the city and lake while dining in the revolving 360 restaurant at the top or indulge in the edge walking on the glass floor outside, or just admiring the views of the city from the top through the lookout. At night the tower is illuminated in different colors giving it a beautiful distinctive appearance.
Canadian Culture
There is no single national culture in Canada but it contains of a mixture of diverse national and cultural groups. The mixture is of British, French, and American influences, which blend in almost every aspect of cultural life, from film-making and writing to cooking and playing sports.
The mix of the different ethnic groups differs greatly from province to province. However, all these ethnic groups unite to celebrate the Canada Day on the 1st of July which marks the formation of the country in 1867.
Canadian Cuisine Specialties
Communication Tip: Canadians are relatively indirect communicators and are more reserved when compared than Americans. Maintaining a certain amount of space is important. The famous Canadian interjection “eh” is actually listed in the Canadian Oxford Dictionary as a valid word.
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From coast to coast this magnificent country is filled with lakes and beautiful landscapes, culturally rich cities and incredible natural wonders which offer visitors a rich diversity of experiences.
Good Bye! Au Revoir! (Good Bye! in French)
See you soon with another country!
Like / React to picture by the Rotaract Club of Toronto, Canada for One Sky 1.0 to make them the Winner!
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