Happy Canada Day!

Ever since I was a 13 year old with wanderlust over the country of maple syrup and moose, this has been my favourite day (aside my birthday and Christmas) in the whole calendar. That’s right, CANADA DAY!

 

 

What is Canada day (Français: Fête du Canada)?

July 1st signifies the day when the current four provinces of Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Québec) broke away from the British colonial rule and became the confederation of Canada (AKA the beginning of Canada being a thing). Since 1867, this has now been extended to 10 provinces and 3 territories (British Columbia – where I shall reside in the coming year, is one of them).

 

So should this matter to the UK? Not particularly, unless you’re a Canada fanatic like me. To me, a Canada day allowed me to have a platform to celebrate Canada being an actual country (as opposed to another British colony) and being glad I have the chance to study there. Although both the UK and Canada are westernised countries (thus have many of the same attributes, e.g. high GDP, low unemployment, English speaking), there are an array of differences that sets aside one from the other. Thus, it makes travelling there an entirely different experience to back home (like it should be)!

 

Facts about Canada: 

1. Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world, yet only holds 35 million people (30 million less than the UK). Also, Canada’s entire population is less than Tokyo’s metropolitan area! Talk about extra space…

2. Canada has the largest coastline in the world. Imagine the number of instagrammed Canadian sea/oceans!

3. Canada consumes the most macaroni and cheese out of everywhere in the world. It has also been ranked third in a “Crap College Kids Eat” list (just behind ramen noodles and pizza)!

4. Canada and Denmark have been ‘fighting’ over an uninhabited island since the 1930s, by leaving each other bottles of alcohol and changing their flags (and I thought I was petty)

 

I don’t know about you, this knowing these facts about Canada have only made me more inclined to love it!

Happy Canada Day to all (or just Friday, if you’re not feeling frisky). x