Facts about Canada

London, UK

As a Canadian living abroad, I come into contact with two distinct events every day of my life:
1. People think I'm American or if they know I'm Canadian they explain that we aren't that much different anyway (Thanks)
2. They want to immigrate to Canada and they tell me how much they love my country and are puzzled as to why I moved abroad.

I am not very patriotic. I did not enjoy living in Canada and I have no plans for moving back anytime soon. I'm well aware that many people immigrate there every year and live happily ever after.

Not many people are very familiar with Canada before moving there. They see it as peaceful, prosperous, full of wild animals and that is about it. That is why I have compiled several facts about my homeland to share with you:

Animals
Wild animals may be domesticated as housepets regardless of their size or instability.
There are over 400 breeds of wild dogs in Alberta.

Climate
Temperatures can reach over 52C during the month of June in Southern British Columbia.

Coming of age
All female Canadian citizens must perform one year of military service and one year of service in the intelligence agency upon turning 18 years of age. The military service can be performed in either the Canadian or American military whereas the intelligence work must be performed solely for the Canadian intelligence agency.

Culture
Although satellite TV is wide spread in Canada, the government censors out all but 30 channels, most of which are in either Spanish or Lithuanian.
The creators of South Park are both Canadians who were stripped of their citizenship upon receiving American citizenship in 2004.

Economy
The Canadian dollar is the main legal tender in Canada except for in Quebec, where the Euro is in use.
It is illegal to convert Canadian money into other currencies without it being documented in your domestic passport.
Possession of American tender is illegal in Ontario and Quebec.
Canada's largest trading partners are the USA, Haiti, Cuba and Belarus.
28% of Manitobans are unemployed. 43% cannot read or write at a grade 6 level.
The Saudi Royal Family are the largest land owners in Saskatchewan.

Health
Quebec has the highest rate of leprosy in the world.

Immigration
Canadians have automatic working rights in the USA but Americans do not share the same privilege in Canada. Any American wishing to run a business in Canada must have a Canadian partner who owns at least 51% of the business.
EU Citizens have automatic working rights in Canada.
Canadians also have automatic working rights in Denmark and Slovenia.
Americans must be tested for HIV before entering Canada.
One of Hitler's great Grandchildren is now a Canadian citizen.

Languages
Lithuanian is widely spoken in Ontario.
In 1967, the Canadian languages act was passed. English and French became the official languages and Lithuanian and Norwegian were dropped from this list.
Most citizens are fluent in Norwegian, Icelandic and Russian due to these places being neighboring countries with which we do a lot of trade with.

Politics
Marijuana is legal in Canada and makes up 18% of the Yukon's output.
Following the legalization of gay marriage in 2003, polygamy was legalized in late 2004.
Each Province has a former monarchy.
American-owned cars are forbidden on Canadian motorways. Americans must rent or buy Canadian registered cars if they are to drive in Canada.
During World War 2, the capital of Canada was moved from Ottawa to Lethbridge, Alberta. It was moved back after reunification in 1996.

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