Canada

Did you ever stop andwonder how much we take the place we
live for granted? If you were to take the time, you would
discover how diverse are Canada's history, geography,
climate, economy, cultures and government. Did you know it
is the largest country in the world now that U.S.S.R broke
up. Specifically, Canada is 9,922,330 square km. 

Did you know that Canada used to be named "Kanata"? Yes,
Kanata is an Indian word meaning village. It was not until
July 1,1867 that Kanata was renamed Canada. Canada was
originally discovered by Jacques Cartier an explorer from
France who sailed down the St.Lawrence in 1534. Cartier we
believe was the first to set foot on Canadian soil. He
marked his presence with a flag claiming it his land. Over
the years, Canada has developed into the home of the
largest free-standing structure in the world. Canada,(a
great tourist attraction)is also home of the largest water
fall in the world. Our farmland unlike a lot of others has
a variety of climate. The warmer summer climate ranges from
+10 - +30 and the cooler climate ranges from anywhere to
-10 - -30. Despite the changes in temperature, Canada's
precipitation is very light.
 
Our home is enclosed by the United States of America,
south, the Pacific ocean and Alaska on the west side, the
Atlantic ocean on the east side and the Arctic up north.
 
Canada is a democracy. This means the government is elected
by all the people. It is responsible for managing the
country, forcing laws, building roads and helping the
country run smoothly. Canada has three main levels of
government: Federal, Provincial and Municipal. The house of
commons lies in Ottawa, Ontario. While the Queen is not
present, her representative, the Governor General is in
charge. He ranks higher than the Prime Minister. In
conclusion, I hope I have raised your awareness of Canada's
varied history, geography, economy, climate, cultures and
government. This is great country that we live in. I am
truly proud to be a Canadian. Extras
 
Canada in it's history to date has had five flags. "The
First, was a white flag with three gold fleurs-de-lys. This
flag was used by Cartier in his voyage up the St. Lawrence
and by Champlain in his explorations of eastern Canada. It
was under this flag that the French lived until the fall of
Quebec in 1759. The flag was used by the English from
around 1700 was the Union Flag which contained two
crosses-the cross of St. George and the cross of St. Andrew
and St. Patrick was introduced. This flag is still used in
Canada for special occasions. The Red Ensign was approved
in 1945 for use by Canadians overseas and on certain
occasions in Canada. The flag was used until 1965. The
Royal Canadian flag was authorized by Royal Proclamation on
February 15, 1965, following approval by Canadian House of
Commons and Senate in December 1965. The Canadian flag is
red. In its centre is a white square the width of the flag,
with a single Red Maple Leaf in the centre. The flag must
always be twice as long as it is wide so that it makes a
square when folded in two. The colours white and red were
given to Canada by King George V, on November 21, 1921,
when he granted arms to Canada on the recommendation of the
canadian government. The Maple Leaf has always been an
emblem of Canada. There is no significance to the eleven
points of the leaf. It is stylized or conventional in form,
as is common when things found in nature are used as flags,
banners or arms. Note- When hoisting the flag or
descending, never let it touch the ground. This shows a
lack of respect toward your country and your people.