Canada flag

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1 days ago

JUL-15-2026 03:50:15 PM

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The national flag of Canada, universally known as the "Maple Leaf" (or l'Unifolié in French), is a striking, bold symbol of Canadian identity, unity, and the natural landscape. It is one of the world's most recognizable flags due to its clean, geometric design. Visual Design Three vertical bands: A central white square is flanked by two red bands on the left and right. The Canadian Pale: The middle white section is unique because it is a "pale," meaning it is exactly twice the width of each red band.11-pointed leaf: A large, stylized red maple leaf sits perfectly centered in the white square. Core Symbolism The Maple Leaf: Serving as Canada's primary national symbol since the 1700s, it represents the land, its people, and the natural environment. Red and White: Proclaimed as Canada's official national colors by King George V in 1921. Red was taken from Saint George's Cross, and white from the French royal emblem used since the reign of King Charles VII. Eleven Points: The 11 points on the leaf have no specific symbolic meaning; the number was chosen purely because wind-tunnel testing proved it was the most legible design when the flag flies in high winds. Historical Facts The Great Flag Debate: The flag was born out of a fierce national debate in 1964, initiated by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson to replace the British Red Ensign. First Raised: The current design, created by George Stanley, was officially inaugurated on February 15, 1965, a date now celebrated annually as National Flag of Canada Day. Uniquely Canadian: It is one of the few national flags in the world that does not feature any traditional European heraldic elements, stripes, or stars