Top Interesting Details About Canada You Should Know

Home to sprawling wilderness, fascinating history, and vibrant culture, Canada is one of the most interesting countries on earth. Canada has more surprises up its sleeve than just the expected stereotypes of maple syrup and hockey, from towering mountain ranges to vibrant cities.

For those who are fascinated by geography, are interested in cultural traditions, or enjoy the occasional quirky fact, Canada is your place.

We will share with you the top amazing facts about Canada that make this country so unique and interesting. Your journey to learning more about the Great White North starts here.

Canada Is the Second-Largest Country in the World

Canada has a massive land area encompassing almost 10 million square kilometers, making it the second biggest country in terms of sheer size and overall territory, coming only after Russia. Despite its size, the majority of Canada’s population lives within 200km or so along the southern border.

Across this large area lies many different landscapes, from the mighty Rocky Mountains to open prairies and thick boreal forests.

One of the most interesting details about Canada is although it is vast, its population density is surprisingly low, sitting at just under four people per square kilometer. This helps foster an environment where wild landscapes can still flourish with vast wilderness areas, national parks, and other remote regions that are, for the most part, yet to be explored. That vastness also contributes to Canada sharing the longest land border in the world with the United States, stretching over 8,891 kilometers.

Because of its immense size, Canada displays many diverse ecosystems, from the arctic tundra in the north to the temperate rainforest on the Pacific coast.

The Maple Leaf: A National Symbol

The maple leaf is an internationally recognized symbol of Canada that epitomizes resilience and Canadian patriotic spirit. Though it became the symbol of Canada on its flag in 1965, its importance goes back to the early 18th century.

French colonists were the first to start using the maple leaf as a symbol of their New World home, realizing its importance to indigenous people who survived off it for food and medicine.

Perhaps the most fascinating thing about Canada is just how vastly embedded in Canadian culture and identity that red maple leaf truly is. It also is the symbol of the national flag, found on many military badges, sports teams, and currency. They chose red and white colors to represent Canada’s heritage while identifying national pride with the 11-point maple leaf.

Today, the maple leaf is a globally recognized symbol of Canada, beloved by Canadians, and identified internationally with its breathtaking backdrop, which ranges from acres upon acres of maple leaves in Quebec to nature untouched through much of the land. Canadian Olympians display the maple leaf as a mark of pride, and it flies on top of Parliament Hill. This physical symbol continues to embody the spirit of Canada.

The Origins of Canada’s Name

The name “Canada” comes from the indigenous language spoken in this vast country. The name comes from the Iroquoian word “kanata,” meaning “village” or “settlement.” The word was used by the local Indigenous peoples and was first recorded in 1535 during explorer Jacques Cartier’s second voyage to Canada. Cartier misunderstood and applied the word not only to describe the village but also all of the region.

The name “Canada” itself ultimately became known as the term Europeans used to refer to all of this territory after Cartier’s reports were circulated throughout Europe. During the 1540s, maps and documents began to use “Canada” to describe the vast northern lands. Over time, the name caught on and was formally applied to define Canada as a state following Confederation in 1867.

It is one of the many unique things about Canada that demonstrates how important Indigenous heritage continues to be a significant part of its identity, even influencing the name that represents it on the global stage.

The World’s Longest Coastline

Canada has the longest coastline in the world, spanning over 202,000 kilometers (125,566 miles). Canada is the only country to touch three oceans, thanks in part to its location on different coasts of the Atlantic (east), Pacific (west), and Arctic (north). This vast expanse of coastlines spans a large range of temperature zones, from the temperate rainforests in B.C. to the icy shores of the Arctic.

Although Canada has an abundant coastline, a lot of it still remains uninhabited and untouched by development. This makes Canada a haven for wildlife such as polar bears, whales, and seabirds thriving along its remote shores. Canada’s coastline is not only breathtaking, but it’s vital to the nation’s economy and supports industries including fishing, shipping, and tourism. The coastline is also popular among wedding photographers looking to capture the special moment.

Conclusion

Canada is a nation with iconic symbols, diverse sceneries, and rich historical stories. From its standing as the second-largest country in the world to its iconic flag and the origin of its name, Canada continues to have much to show to everyone.

With a massive coastline, rich Indigenous history, and contributions to global culture, Canada has something for the world. Whether its the natural wonders or cultural icons that intrigue you, Canada is a country filled with discovery that reflects its rich and diverse character.

Photo by Bruno Soares on Unsplash