About Canada
CULTURE
About Canada
Geography
As the second-largest country in the world, with almost ten million square kilometres of land, Canada is a vast landscape. Canada is a federation with Ten Provinces and three territories, with coastlines on three oceans (the Arctic, Pacific, and Atlantic). Even though Canada is so large, it has a relatively small population of only thirty-five million people, mostly clustered in urban areas.
Languages
Canada has two official languages: English and French. You’ll find that almost all Canadians speak and understand English, the sole official language in most Canada. At the same time, French is the official language in Quebec. Two provinces use the two official languages (English and French) in New Brunswick, in Atlantic Canada. There are also many Indigenous languages recognized throughout Canada.
Culture
The overriding cultural policy – and public opinion – in Canada is in support of multiculturalism. Canadians are known to celebrate diversity and be inclusive and respectful of those from different origins and backgrounds.
As the second-largest country in the world, with almost ten million square kilometres of land, Canada is a vast landscape. Canada is a federation with Ten Provinces and three territories, with coastlines on three oceans (the Arctic, Pacific, and Atlantic). Even though Canada is so large, it has a relatively small population of only thirty-five million people, mostly clustered in urban areas.Canada has two official languages: English and French. You’ll find that almost all Canadians speak and understand English, the sole official language in most Canada. At the same time, French is the official language in Quebec. Two provinces use the two official languages (English and French) in New Brunswick, in Atlantic Canada. There are also many Indigenous languages recognized throughout Canada.The overriding cultural policy – and public opinion – in Canada is in support of multiculturalism. Canadians are known to celebrate diversity and be inclusive and respectful of those from different origins and backgrounds.
SYMBOLS
The Symbols of Canada
The Beaver
The beaver is one of Canada’s best-known emblems, as this animal is commonly seen in many areas of the country and is historically important for the development of the lands that would become Canada.
Some Beaver facts:
- The beaver is on the Canadian 5¢ coin.
- The beaver symbolizes UAlberta’s Faculty of Engineering, as it is one of nature’s most prolific “engineers.”
The Canada Coat of Arms
The Canada Coat of Arms includes the symbols of Canada’s four founding nations: England, France, Ireland, and Scotland. You will see the Royal Crown at the top, indicating that these are the Arms of Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada.On the Canada Coat of Arms, you will see the motto of Canada inscribed, A Mari Usque Ad Mare, which is translated from Latin as “From Sea to Sea.”
The Flag of Canada
George Stanley, a UAlberta alumnus, created the current flag of Canada. Consisting of a red, 11-pointed maple leaf over a white square on a red field, this flag has been in use since 1965, when it was adopted. You will see the flag flying above many buildings all over Canada and being integrated into government logos.