Canada Facts: Fun Facts About Canada

Canada is a country occupying the north section of North America. It is the second largest country in the world by total area (after Russia). The country’s border with the US is the longest land border in the world. Canada covers a total area of 3.85 million square miles and extends from Atlantic Ocean in the east, the Pacific Ocean in the west, and the Arctic Ocean in the north.

Although the above facts are commonly relayed and understood, did you know the following obscure figures about the "true north, strong and free"?

10. It produces more uranium than anywhere else in the world.

Canada is the world’s leading producer of uranium, with deposits particularly plentiful in the central province of Saskatchewan. Canada’s uranium is ranked among the highest grades in the world with its explored and unexplored reserves estimated to contribute significantly to meeting future uranium needs for nuclear power generation.

9. It is home to the world's largest island within a lake.

Manitoulin Island, located on Lake Huron, is the largest island in the world to be located on a freshwater lake. Manitoulin Island covers an area of 1,068 square miles and has an average elevation of 1,115ft. The island itself has lakes upon it, which also feature islands. The lake island is an important tourist destination for camping, boating, and fishing.

8. Santa lives in Canada.

Santa Claus, who was said to have been awarded Canadian citizenship, is said to live in the Canadian Arctic region from where his global Christmas tours begin. His official postal address H0H 0H0 directs to Montreal in Canada to which people send letters from all over the world addressed to Santa Claus.

7. 15,500 of the world's 25,000 polar bears live in Canada.

Canada has a large number of polar bears, at 15,500 out of the total world population of 25,000. This makes Canada one of the countries with the closest relationship to the species as well as a primary responsibility in their conservation. The bears can be spotted in the northern territories, as well as northern extremities of the provinces of Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. The warming of the Arctic poses challenges to the polar bears which keep migrating outwards in search of suitable temperatures and food.

6. And there are over 2 million reindeer!

Canada has a reindeer population of over 2 million. However, increased human activities such as mining, poor land use management have contributed to a decrease in their population. Climate change has not helped, either.

5. And 15 million cows!!

Canada is home to 15 million cows, many of which can be found in the prairie regions of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Dairy and beef farming are major economic drivers for some provinces of Canada such as Alberta which has the highest beef production in the country.

4. As far as humans go, 81% of its population live in cities.

Canada is an urbanized country with 82% of the population living in cities, especially in the southern regions. The large concentration of people in urban areas has been linked to the pursuit of higher education and the highly changing economy which is inclined towards the service sector prompting rural to urban migration.

3. It is home to the world's longest coastline.

Canada has the world’s longest coastline covering a distance of 125,576 miles. The coastline extends over the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans. The coastline areas have a denser population that other places in Canada. With beautiful scenery and rich marine and coastal biodiversity, the coastal areas also attract a large number of tourists.

2. It is home to the highest tides in the world.

Some of the highest tides in the world have been recorded in Canada at the Bay of Fundy on the east coast. The tidal range has been included as one of the greatest reaching 47.5 feet to 53.5 feet. The high tides are attributed to the spring tide, tidal resonance, and very low atmospheric pressure. Tidal power generation is considered a viable renewable energy source.

1. Although it is big, 31% of it is forests.

Canada is a highly forested country with the forest covering 31% of the whole country, one of the largest forest cover in the world. These forests have contributed to Canada's position as one of the countries with the cleanest air and has contributed significantly to the economy. Dominant tree species include pine and fir.