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Canada:
Canada Day
On July 1st, 1867, Canada officially became a self-governing Dominion. Prior to this, Canada as we know it was a British colony, and part of British North America. It wasn't until April 1982 however that Canada officially separated from Britain. July 1st, originally celebrated as Dominion Day, officially became Canada Day in October of 1982.
Population
Canada legally has two languages, English and French, and therefore all Federal services must be bilingual. Canada is also the second largest country on Earth geographically speaking, with only Russia being larger in size. Population wise however, Canada has one of the lowest population densities in the world. Mongolia and Namibia are the only two nations with a lower population density than Canada, which averages 3.5 citizens per square kilometre.
Geography
Bordered by three oceans, the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic, and laying claim to the North Pole, and home of Santa Clause, is Canada. Made up of ten provinces and three territories, Canada makes up one half of the world's longest undefended border shared with the United States. Canada also contains the world's second largest oil reserve behind only Saudi Arabia, buried in the Tar Sands of Alberta.
Maple Syrup and Mustard
Canada produces approximately 80% of the world's supply of maple syrup. Canada also grows approximately 90% of the world's mustard. As well, Canada has more lakes and freshwater by far than any other country in the world.
NAFTA
The Unites States is also Canada's largest trade partner (and vice versa) and enjoys favoured Nation status with it. The North American Free Trade Act or NAFTA, originally drafted and signed by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, President George Bush, and President Carlos Salinas, governs trade between the three countries. NAFTA came into effect on January 1st, 1994. Canada's currency is the Canadian dollar, which trades roughly on par with the U.S. dollar due to unprecedented economic strength.
A. Ryan Robbins of ycopfiles.com wrote this article. Why cop files dot com? It's Computer Information Security articles for the Law Enforcement community! Follow me on FriendFeed. Track me on Twitter. Subscribe to my News Feeds for free. Or read the Blog Frog to learn more about me.
Copyright (c) 2007, 2008 A. Ryan Robbins. All Rights Reserved.