Final answer:
The capital of Canada is Ottawa, located on the Ottawa River in southeastern Ontario. Ottawa is the fourth largest city in Canada and holds historical significance, including connections to the Rideau Canal and the country's development. The city symbolizes Canada's bilingual nature and its multicultural heritage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The capital of Canada is Ottawa, which lies on the Ottawa River in the southeast province of Ontario. Formerly known as Bytown, Ottawa is the fourth largest city in Canada and is connected to the city of Kingston on Lake Ontario through the historic Rideau Canal.
Ottawa serves as the political heart of Canada and is situated in a significant province with a large population. The division of Quebec into Upper and Lower Canada resulted in the evolution of Ontario and Quebec provinces, maintaining peace between English and French-speaking settlers.
Ontario is the province with the largest population, representing about 39 percent of the country's total population, while Quebec, primarily French-speaking, holds about 23 percent. Despite Canada's vast size as the second largest country in the world, the majority of its population lives within a narrow band close to the US border.
This demographic distribution is reflected in Ottawa's bilingual nature, as indicated by its signage and services catering to both English and French speakers.
Representing a confluence of history, geography, and culture, Ottawa and its landmarks, such as the Rideau Canal, signify Canada's rich heritage and its development as a democratic state with strong ties to the British Crown, represented in its first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.