Canada

CANADA __Flag and significance__ The flag includes a red maple leaf, and this is significant, because the maple leaf is the national symbol that represents Canada, and it pops up in many cultural implications such as shirts and clothes. __Capital & Major Cities__ The capital of Canada is Ottawa, which is in the province of Ontario. It contains the Parliament, as well as an NHL team, the Ottawa Senators. Another major city in Canada is Toronto. Toronto is also in Ontario, and is the most populated city in the whole country.Toronto's population is about 2,508,231 people. They have many attractions, such as the CN tower,which is 1,815.4 feet tall, and they have three major league sports teams. Vancouver is a large tourist attraction for skiers and snowboarders that is located in the province of British Columbia. They have an NHL team known as the Vancouver Canucks, and the city is a ski and snowboard hotspot. __Climate/Weather__ The climate and weather vary from each province. The southern provinces such as Ontario and Saskatchewan get about -5 to -10 degrees celsius in the winter, but still get a healthy mid 30's celsius in the summer. The northern provinces and territories, like upper Quebec and the Yukon Territory get up to the negative 20's during the winter, and only up to about low 20's in the summers. __Currency&Exchange Rate__ The Canadian dollar is often referred to in abbreviation as CAD. As of now, 1 CAD is worth .99 USD. Although in the past the USD has prevailed over the CAD overwhelmingly, in recent years the combination of the U.S.' terrible economy and the CAD's resurgence have made there values go back and forth. __Major Industries__ Canada's leading industry is the "services" sector, which includes such businesses as tourism, real estate, education, and entertainment. This makes up a vast 67.9% of Canada's GDP. Other major industries in Canada include manufacturing and agriculture. __Major Religions__ In Canada, Christianity dominates with 77.2% of Canadians admitting to their own belief of Christianity, with Atheism following at 16%. __Form of Government__ Canada's government is a constitutional monarchy. It is ruled by the Queen, and as of now, is ruled by Queen Elizabeth II. Although this is the case, in recent years, some of the power has been shifted to the Governor General of Canada to make decisions as opposed to those of the Queen herself. __Timeline__ __About 805 A.D__- Bjarni Herjolfsson is described as the first European to get to Canada, although he wasn't there on purpose, although he never made it back to Europe. __1608__- Samuel De Champlain, a French explorer, establishes Quebec, the first permanent settlement established in present day Canada. __1763__- France cedes almost all of Canada to Britain, who went on to rule Canada for the next 103 years. __1867__- The Dominion of Canada forms, which indicated that Canada was now a self governing colony that was under the British Empire. __1896-1911__- Wilfrid Laurier, the 7th Prime Minister of Canada, states his thought that Canada will soon be a world superpower. __1965__- Canada adopts the infamous "maple leaf" flag that is used today. __1993__- Kim Campbell, although she would go on to serve for only several months, becomes the first female Prime Minister in Canadian history.