Like most countries, Canada has an official flag. The National Flag of Canada Act encourages residents and businesses to display it. Regardless of where you live, however, there are probably some things you don’t know about the flag of Canada.
#1) Also Known as the Maple Leaf
The flag of Canada is also known as the Maple Leaf. This nomenclature is a direct reference to what it depicts. The flag of Canada, of course, depicts a maple leaf. It features a red-and-white color scheme with a maple leaf in the center.
#2) Adopted in 1965
Many people assume that the flag of Canada is over a century old, but this isn’t the case. The current version of the flag of Canada was actually adopted in 1965. It was approved by Canada’s Parliament in 1964. And the following year the flag was ratified by Queen Elizabeth II.
#3) Features an 11-Point Maple Leaf
The maple leaf depicted on the flag of Canada has 11 points. Originally, though, the maple leaf had 13 points. Lawmakers discovered that the 13-point maple leaf was difficult to view from a distance. As a result, they revised the design to include an 11-point maple leaf, instead. The current version of the flag of Canada now features an 11-point maple leaf that’s easier to view from a distance.
#4) Red and White Are Symbolic
There’s a reason why the flag of Canada features a red-and-white color scheme. The red symbolizes the St. George cross, whereas the white symbolizes the royal emblem of France. Because of their significance, King George proclaimed the use of a red-and-white color scheme for the flag of Canada.
#5) Uses a 2:1 Ratio
The flag of Canada uses a 2:1 ratio. What does this mean exactly? With a 2:1 ratio, the flag of Canada is rectangular. More specifically, it’s twice as wide as it is tall. The American flag is rectangular as well, but it doesn’t use this same ratio. Instead, the American flag uses a 10:19 ratio.
#6) There’s a National Flag of Canada Day
You might be surprised to learn that there’s a National Flag of Canada Day. It’s held annually on February 15. The National Flag of Canada Day is designed to commemorate Canada’s official flag, which was adopted in 1965. You’ll typically see the flag of Canada displayed in countless places throughout Canada — as well as other countries — on this day.
