Symbols of Canada

The Maple Leaf

Source: en.wikipedia.org

The maple leaf is one of the most recognizable Canadian symbols. From as early as 1700, the image of the maple leaf has represented the country. Maple trees and leaves are a staple in the landscape of the country. At least one species of maple trees is native to each province. In 1965, the image of the red, eleven pointed maple leaf became the official national flag of Canada. The maple leaf is also seen on the Canadian penny, military emblems and badges and the Canadian coat of arms. 

Source: http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1363626184104/1363626227047

Hockey

Source: www.hockeycanada.ca

Ice Hockey is the national winter sport of Canada. Whether you are skating on the ponds or representing your country in international tournaments, hockey is engraved in the culture of the country. The Canada Men's Ice Hockey National Team has medaled in fifteen of the twenty-three Winter Olympic Games. There are numerous leagues and levels of play throughout the country including seven clubs in the National Hockey League. As of 2012, 54% of the NHL was made up of players from Canada. 

Sources: http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/Team-Canada/Men/Olympics.aspx, https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=canadian+teams+in+nhl, http://stats.nhlnumbers.com/nationalities/2012

Niagara Falls

Source: sabujsen.blogspot.com

Niagara Falls is one of the premiere travel destinations in all of North America. The Falls are located on the border between Ontario and the United States. It is made up of three different falls, the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Canadian (Horseshoe) Falls. The Falls attract about twelve million tourists each year. The Niagara River which runs over the falls is a result of the melting during the last Ice Age. This fresh water fall is the second largest waterfall in the world, second only to Africa's Victoria Falls. 

Source: http://www.niagarafallslive.com/Facts_about_Niagara_Falls.htm

Thematic Maps

Maps are an important tool in everyday life and can be used to display numerous bits of information. One type of map is called a thematic map. While maps can show a variety of things, thematic maps highlight a specific piece of information. There are many different types of thematic maps. 

One type of thematic map is called a proportional symbol map. These maps use a symbol, usually a circle, to show intensity or frequency. The map below shows the population distribution in Canada in 1980. You can see that the most populated areas (Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg etc.) have the largest circles around them. 

Source: georgemaps.blogspot.com

Another type of thematic map is called a choropleth map. These maps use colors and shading to show a measurement or amount of something in a certain area. The map below shows the population of children under fourteen in Canada in 2006. The more populated areas are shaded in the darkest green colors and as the shade of green decreases, the population decreases. 

Source: www.statcan.gc.ca

Another type of thematic map is called a dot distribution map. These maps use single dots to represent a certain amount in a certain area. The more dots together in an area, the more dense it appears on the map. In the map below showing population distribution in Canada, the red dots show population density. 

Source: www.travelingmark.com