10 Reasons Why Canada is the Best Nation in the World



As a born-and-raised Canadian who happens to be temporarily living on the other side of the world in South Korea, I feel I owe it to my dear homeland and its extraordinary citizens to send a friendly reminder about how lucky we actually are to be representing the maple leaf. I have compiled a list of 10 reasons why (a mon avis) Canada is the best nation in the world.



1.) Friendly people. Please, never take for granted the lovely Canadian who accidentally steps on your shoe in a crowded shopping area and then apologizes. Or the person who says “excuse me” when they are in a hurry and have to get past you. In most areas of Asia, there are so many people that they just walk right over you or shove you out of the way without even the slightest acknowledgement of your existence. A little Canadian politeness goes a long way!



2.) Location. Whether we like to admit it or not, living directly above the world’s great superpower and being allied with them is not exactly the worst situation we could be in. In some ways the Canadian/American relationship can be compared to the relationship between the little sister and the big sister. They don’t necessarily see eye to eye on everything, but if someone picks on the little sister- watch out! Big, brutish sister is coming to the rescue.



3.) Autonomy. While we can greatly benefit from our alliance with the U.S., we have also managed to maintain enough independence to be seen as a completely separate and sovereign nation. Meaning, we are friends with the country that many view as “the bad guy,” but are still often viewed as “the good guy.” Go almost anywhere! There are few in this world who don’t love a Canadian!



4.) Neutrality. It seems that Canada has more of a “hakuna matata” attitude than most other countries in the world these days. We are a peaceful, semi-neutral nation with no real huge drama. If countries were people, Canada would be the popular, easygoing kid at the local high school.



5.) Hockey. We dominate. End of story.



6.) Cleanliness is next to Godliness. This is something you might never realize unless you spend time in an over-populated city in oh, say, Asia. While Canada will not necessarily be the poster child for a Mr. Clean commercial, it is a heck of a lot cleaner in every way than many other countries on this dirty planet. After spending some time in Asia, I definitely have a heightened appreciation for the lack of garbage heaps on the sidewalks at home, as well as the fresh air and drinking water.



7.) Expanse. Geographically speaking, Canada is the second largest country in the world. Population wise, not so much. A big house doesn’t mean much if you have to fill it with hundreds of people. People like big houses so that they can each find their separate corners and enjoy some privacy. Canada is like a huge mansion, with intricate crystal chandeliers and amazing artwork (democracy, freedom, etc.) as added luxuries.



8.) Thank-you, Timothy Horton, for reasonably priced coffee and sugar-filled treats. We salute you.



9.) Weather. I know, I know. Canada is cold. It’s a very northern country in the northern hemisphere, blah blah blah. You like sandy beaches and the scorching sun. I get it. However, hear me out on this one. Canada is so great because we get the best of both worlds. Most areas of the country do get a nice, decently warm summer to appease those of you who can’t get enough of the heat. And it’s generally a nice heat. Not over-the-top or unbearable. Just nice. For the skiers, skaters, ice-fishers, tobagganers, snowmen, or what have you, we can boast of awesome powder, and crisp cool winter weather that will provide you with ideal conditions for several months of your favourite outdoor activities.



10.) Welcome to Canada! Let’s face it. If all the nations of the world signed up for a pageant, we would have the “Miss Congeniality” award in the bag. I don’t want to use the “cultural mosaic” cliché, but we are a cultural mosaic with representation from nearly every country on earth. Canada is like a little microcosm of the world. A mini-me of sorts. People of all religions and races flock to our land knowing full well that we will welcome them with open arms. And well, if we’re talking swimsuit competition, we’re not half bad-looking either.
  Submitted By: Laura Palmer