LAND OF DIVERSITY

What is population of Canada?

Is Canada a rich country ?

Are Canadians a bilingual nation?

O Canada! Where pines and maples grow, Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow, How dear to us thy broad domain,

From east to western sea Thou land of hope, for all who toil! The true North, strong and free!

Canada /Indian "kanata" - a village/ is a magnificent land. It has an area of nearly 10,000,000 square kilometers and population about 28 million; 550,000 Indians, and 1 36,000 Inuits. 23% of population live in rural areas. The majority of the Indians. live in 2,200 reservations. Canada has two official languages: English /69%/, and French Z24%/. 6% of Canadians speak Italian, Chinese, German and Portuguese.

Within its borders lies a diversity of life, landscape and climate that few countries can rival. Bordered on three sides by oceans, Canada possesses a variety of terrain, from rainforests to nearly deserts. Its mountains range from the peaks of the western Cordillera to the peaks of the Laurentians. Canada has 7 land regions. The Canadian Shield, the Hudson Bay-Arctic Lowlands, Arctic islands, the Appalachian, the Great Lakes lowland, the Western Interior and the Western Cordilleras.

The Canadian Shield is the heart of North America and geographic foundation of Canada. It covers 48 % of the country. Some of the world's oldest rock -over 3 500 000 000 years old- is found here. It is called the storehouse of Canada's metallic minerals.

The Hudson Bay-Arctic Lowlands are covered by swampy forests. The harsh climate doesn't permit farming here but the animals and minerals of the region are important resources

The Appalachians stretch from the state of Georgia of the Southern U.S. to Newfoundland in the north. They are the oldest Highland region in Canada.

The Great Lakes lowland lies south of the Canadian Shield. It was formed during Paleozoic era, It includes the Great Lakes section. ]

The Western Cordillera stands along the western edge of Canada like a great wall. It is famous for beautiful glaciers. The Rocky Mountains are on the eastern side of the Cordillera. The highest peak in the Canadian Rockies is Mount Robson /3,954 m/

Canada is a northern country, but its climate varies dramatically. Winters can be long and cold, summers often scorching. Ocean currents moderate these extremes - the southwest coast of British Columbia is labeled Canada's "banana belt". Two thirds of Canada has harsh winters /in the far north -40C, in the south -18C, at St. John's, Newfoundland -4C, in Victoria +4C/. Northern and Western Canada are cool in summer. A July temperature is +9C, +16C in Victoria. The interior has' a continental climate. Southeastern Canada has a humid climate. Heavy snow covers eastern Canada in winter.

From the land comes a variety of riches. Forests are the basis of a lumber industries. The Prairie Provinces provide wheat and other crops. A bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables is reaped from fertile farming districts across the country. Canada is rich in petroleum, natural gal and minerals: its riches still uncounted. Canada is one of the leading producers of nickel and zinc, silver, asbestos,, uranium, molybdenum, potash and platinum.

Canada's water resources are remarkable. Its lakes account for one half of the world's fresh water. River systems provide hydroelectric power for domestic use and export.

The astonishing natural beauty attracts visitors from around the world. The people of Canada are its greatest resource. A mixture of nationalities and races, its population has often been termed a "mosaic". Native people, Indian and Inuit, French and English are joined by immigrants from every corner of the globe. It is officially bilingual nation.

PROVINCES AND TERRITORIES

ONTARIO

What is the cradle of white civilization of North America?

What is the "Birthplace of Canada"? What is the seat of French culture in Canada?

The area is 1,068,582 sq km. Population is about 9 .000,000. Toronto is the capital, major economic center and port of Ontario Floral emblem is White Trillium. Tree: White Pine. Gemstone: Amethyst. Colors: Green/Yellow. The motto is in Latin Ut incepit fidelis sic permanet - "Loyal she began and loyal she remains". The Loyalists settled here in 1784.

Ontario is Canada's second largest, most prosperous and populous province. It is huge and diverse. Ontario borders four of the five Great Lakes. Most of the population lives in the productive south region, along the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Ontario soil yields the highest total agricultural production in the nation. Northern Ontario is a vast track of wilderness, dog sled country;

The most significant landmark is Niagara Falls unequalled in the world. Niagara Falls is a place of beauty, history, romance and power! It's truly a wonder of the world. Niagara Falls lie between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. A waterfall in the Niagara is divided by an island into Horseshoe or Canadian Falls / 2,600 ft wide, 162 ft high/ and American Falls /1000 ft wide, 167 ft high/. Niagara's "fantastic voyage" is a ride on one of the world's famous "Maid of the Mist" boats. Visitors enjoy the Journey Behind the Falls attracton and Niagara Spanish Aero Car. Skylon Tower is a breathtaking 775 feet above Niagara Falls with revolving Dining Room.

Ontario is the home of Ottawa, Canada's capital and Kingston, nation's first capital. In Kingston a stop at Fort Henry is a must during your visit. It was built after the war of 1812. Gananoque is known as the Canadian Gateway to the 1000 Islands". Every August Gananoque features the Festival of the Islands. For 10 days there are non-stop concerts, parachuting and fireworks..