The most important facts about Canada.

The most important facts about Canada.

Man: Hello. In our programme today we continue visiting the countries of the English speaking world. Today we’re off to Canada.

Woman: And as usual in the very beginning we’ll give you a brief description of the most important facts about Canada.

Canada is a North American country. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean. Looking at its map one can say it’s huge! And it is indeed. Canada is the world's second-largest country by total area.

Man: The country was populated by various Aboriginal peoples till the late 15th century. That was when British and French expeditions explored, and later settled on its territory. After about a century France passed nearly all of its colonies in North America to the United Kingdom. But French influence was still very strong.

One more century later in 1867 four British North American colonies united and formed Canada with its government, parliament and prime minister. And finally in 1931 Canada became an independent nation.

Woman: A lot of people are surprised when they find out that constitutionally Canada’s head of state is Queen Elizabeth II. In Canada she is represented by a governor general. But of course there’s a parliament and a prime minister who’s the head of Canadian government.

Man: The red maple leaf is a Canadian symbol . You can see it on the flag of Canada. An interesting fact is that Canada actually got its flag only around 60 years ago in 1965.

Woman: The largest and the best-known city in Canada is Toronto. But it’s not the capital. Ottawa is the capital.

Man: The population of Canada is approximately 35 million people. Canada is home for both English and French speakers, so as a result, there are two official languages: English and French. The country is officially bilingual and multicultural.