English-speaking Countries: Basic Fact Sheet About Canada – Geography, History, and More
Table of Contents
Introduction
Canada is the second-largest country in the world by total area and one of the most admired nations globally for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and high quality of life.
This fact sheet provides essential information about Canada’s geography, history, political system, economy, and more—perfect for students, ESL learners, and curious travelers.
Fact Sheet About Canada
1. Geography of Canada
- Located in North America, Canada stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean.
- It consists of 10 provinces and 3 territories.
- With a total area of 9.98 million square kilometers (3.85 million square miles), it is the second-largest country in the world.
- Canada shares the world’s longest international land border with the United States—a stretch of approximately 8,891 km (5,525 miles).
- Major cities:
- Ottawa – Capital
- Toronto – Largest city
- Montreal – Largest French-speaking city
- Vancouver – Important Pacific port
2. Climate
- Canada’s climate is diverse due to its vast size.
- Winters can be very cold, especially in northern and central regions, where temperatures can fall below −40°C (−40°F).
- Summers can be warm in southern areas like Ontario and British Columbia.
3. A Brief History of Canada
- Indigenous Peoples lived in the land now known as Canada for thousands of years.
- French and British explorers began colonization in the 16th century.
- After various conflicts, France ceded its territories to Britain in 1763.
- Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 with the Confederation of British North American colonies.
- Today, Canada is a fully sovereign state and an active member of the Commonwealth.
4. Political System
- Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy.
- The Monarch (King Charles III) is the ceremonial head of state.
- The Prime Minister is the head of government.
- Canada has a federal system, meaning powers are divided between national and provincial governments.
- Canada is also a member of the Commonwealth, La Francophonie, and the United Nations.
5. Languages Spoken
- Canada is officially bilingual at the federal level.
- The two official languages are:
- English
- French
- Most French speakers live in Quebec, though French is spoken in several provinces.
- Canada is multilingual and multicultural, with many communities speaking Chinese, Punjabi, Arabic, Spanish, and Tagalog.
6. Canada’s Economy
- Canada is a highly developed economy with a strong focus on natural resources, including oil, forestry, and minerals.
- It is the 10th-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP.
- Canada ranks high in education, healthcare, civil liberties, and human development.
- It has one of the highest per capita incomes globally.
7. Interesting Facts About Canada
- The name “Canada” comes from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word “Kanata,” meaning “village” or “settlement.”
- The maple leaf is a national symbol and appears on the flag.
- Canada has over 30,000 lakes—more than any other country.
- The most popular sport is ice hockey.
- The RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) is a globally recognized symbol.
- Canada Day is celebrated on July 1st.
- Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most famous waterfalls, is located on the Canada–US border.
- Canada is the third-largest oil reserve holder in the world.
- The Toonie is a two-dollar coin unique to Canada.
- Poutine, a dish made with fries, cheese curds, and gravy, is a Canadian favorite.
More about Canada on Wikipedia.
Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Confederation | A union of states or provinces under one government | Canada was formed through Confederation in 1867. |
| Monarchy | A political system with a royal family | Canada is a constitutional monarchy. |
| Bilingual | Using two official languages | Canada is officially bilingual: English and French. |
| Settlement | A place where people establish a community | “Canada” means “settlement” in Iroquoian. |
| Territory | A geographical area under a government | Canada has 3 territories and 10 provinces. |
| Multicultural | Including people from many cultures | Canada is known for being multicultural. |
Quick Quiz
Answer True or False
- Canada shares its longest border with Mexico.
- True
- False
- Ottawa is the largest city in Canada.
- True
- False
- The name “Canada” means “village.”
- True
- False
- French is spoken only in Quebec.
- True
- False
- Canada is a republic with an elected president.
- True
- False
- Canada is the second-largest country in the world.
- True
- False
- Canada has over 30,000 lakes.
- True
- False
1 → False
2 → False (Toronto is the largest)
3 → True
4 → False (French is spoken in other provinces too)
5 → False (It’s a constitutional monarchy)
6 → True
7 → True
2 → False (Toronto is the largest)
3 → True
4 → False (French is spoken in other provinces too)
5 → False (It’s a constitutional monarchy)
6 → True
7 → True
