What is the capital of Canada? A) Toronto B) Vancouver C) Montreal D) Ottawa
VerifiedAnswer: D) Ottawa
Explanation:
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, making option D the correct answer. Located in the province of Ontario, Ottawa serves as the political and administrative center of the country, housing important government institutions including Parliament Hill, the Prime Minister's residence, and various federal departments.
Many students often get confused about Canada's capital because other cities mentioned in the options are much larger and more internationally recognized. Toronto, for instance, is Canada's most populous city and serves as the country's economic hub, while Vancouver is a major port city on the west coast known for its natural beauty and film industry. Montreal, located in Quebec, is the second-largest city in Canada and serves as an important cultural and economic center, particularly for French-speaking Canadians.
However, Ottawa was specifically chosen as Canada's capital in 1857 by Queen Victoria, partly because of its strategic location between the English-speaking and French-speaking regions of the country. The city sits on the Ottawa River, which forms part of the border between Ontario and Quebec, making it a symbolic bridge between Canada's two largest provinces and linguistic communities.
Ottawa has a population of approximately 1 million people in its metropolitan area, making it the fourth-largest city in Canada. The city is bilingual, with both English and French being widely spoken, reflecting Canada's official language policy. This linguistic diversity is particularly important given Ottawa's role as the seat of federal government, where policies affecting all Canadians are developed and implemented.
The city is home to many national institutions beyond government buildings, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, and several universities. The famous Rideau Canal, which runs through Ottawa, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and transforms into the world's largest skating rink during winter months, showcasing the city's unique character and Canadian culture.
