"Welcome to my homeland!" Canada by rwlittle

We're generally a quiet bunch, us Canadians. Our large geographical scope, coupled with a relatively low population density, poses unique challenges...much of it to do with bitter cold and snow in the wintertime, and the powerhouse nation to our direct south.

fans at the 2002 Olympic men's hockey final

Hockey. Canadians live and breathe hockey. Hockey is above and beyond religion in Canada. Normally (except when the NHL is foolishly locked out) Hockey Night in Canada is one of the top TV shows in Canada, and number one when the playoffs are on...I've seen viewership estimates which have sometimes suggested that at least 1/3rd of all Canada watched the 2002 Olympic men's hockey final. Hockey is represented on the currency of the nation, pictured on the five dollar bill. Canadians consider hockey Canada's birthright.

map of Canada

- Canada uses the metric system. Road signs are in kilometers and kilometers per hour. If you think you're driving too fast, maybe you are!
- Currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar.
- You should carry ID or a passport when entering Canada, even from the USA.
- Parts of Canada are French-speaking. In those parts, you may encounter people who do not know *how* to speak English.
- Don't carry guns from the USA into Canada. Canadian gun laws are more restrictive. It should not be a surprise that US gun permits are not valid in Canada.
- Canada has 10 provinces (equivalent to US states), and 3 territories, and each of these regions has a unique and distinct history.