Why is Canada considered the best governed country in the world by David Frume? It’s simple, here are 10 reasons to help you become satisfied.
Reason #1:
Canada has been moving at a perfect pace. Even with the 2012 budget, Canada seems to continue its success in beating the recession. It balances the budget within the next 3 years and includes no tax increases. Federal government is also restraining its spending; however, outlays will still rise from $272.9 billion this year to $296.6 billion in 2015-2016.
Reason #2:
Its economic policies are less dramatic, especially in comparison to the Eurozone and the United States. This can help support growth and boost revenues.
Reason #3:
Harper has also achieved something not many politicians could or would be able to do. He responded to the economic crisis by supplying just enough fiscal stimuli. One miscalculating could cause a debt crisis.
Reason #4:
The residual power does not lie with the provincial government, like Americans have with states. The federal government has the residue of authority not prescribed in the Dominion. This is one great lesson that Canadians learned and perfected, given the Civil War between 1861-1865 in the United States.
Reason #5:
There is no fixed period for general elections in Canada. Elections can be held at any time the government wishes. However, there is a limit of five years that the Canadian federal Parliament and the provincial legislatures can run for. If the government has lost the confidence of its country, it also needs to run an election.
This means that if Canadians do not like the leader, they can change him/her. In the US, you have to wait up to 4 years to get rid of the leader.
Reason #6:
There are less crimes in Canada. In fact, compared to the United States, it is a saint. CNN reported that 25% of the world’s prison population resides in the US.
Statistics Canada reported in 2009 that there were less crimes committed today than they were committed in the 1970s. For example, when you compare the crimes between 2007 and 2008, you would get a total of 77,000 fewer crimes. This however creates more fear and skepticism amongst the populace.
Reason #7:
Multiparty system. There are more than two choices on the ballet. The populace has more of a smorgasbord of options compared to other countries like US. US has never seen any other politician get elected from other parties other than Republican and Democratic.
Reason #8:
The Canadian health care may not be perfect, but at least Canadians can say that their health care system is universal. It is also accessible to all. That means that no one can be rejected by the system if they reside in Canada.
Reason #9:
New April 2012 polls show Canadian corporations withstanding the trying times in the global economy. CIBC stated that firms are now in a stronger position, more so now than they were before. Low debt and cash on hand are just some characteristics to describe corporations in Canada.
Reason #10:
NO DEBT Ceiling. I cannot say the same for USA. I had to put it in.
This is one of the most recognised costumes in the world. The prevalence of sarees as a daily wear is decreasing among the young and the affluent, as they are opting for western wear such as skirts and trousers. However in the smaller urban areas and in villages these are still the preferred outfit. In various parts of India sarees are worn in different manners and styles and the fabrics can range from cotton to silk and synthetic fabrics.
Kimono is a traditional outfit worn by men, women and children in Japan. These are traditionally made with a single bolt of fabric called the tan. Often these are hand-made and had-decorated and the materials commonly used are silk crepes, satin weaves, silk and silk brocade. It is a long, heavily patterned robe, which is held together at the waistline by a broad fabric belt known as the obi.
The Swedish national costume is very unique. It consists of a white winged hat, a long skirt with a traditional apron, a white long-sleeved blouse which is covered with a beautifully embroidered vest. Introduced in 1778 it was originally meant for the nobility of the country. Even today for formal occasions, Swedish ladies-in-waiting wear this traditional costume.
A Deel is the traditional costume worn for centuries by the Mongols and other nomadic tribes of Central Asia. The fabric may be satin or silk or brocade, and the styling is similar to that of a kaftan . Shaped like a long overcoat, it is not buttoned in front of the body but is drawn tightly across the chest and clasped on the side with decorative clasps. A large fabric belt is the tied over the Deel.
The salwar kameez is a traditional outfit worn by both men and women of Punjab in India and Pakistan. The men in Pakistan wear a loose pajama and “kurta ” set often known as the “pathan suit”. The women wear long trousers which are gathered at the waist and are narrow at the bottom. The kameez is accompanied by the “chuni”or the “odhni “which is wrapped across the shoulders.
This is the coldest country of all in the world. Antarctica is a desert. The only difference is that it consists of ice rather than sand, and, obviously, rather than it being hot, it is cold. 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice. For the use of comparison, Antarctica is twice the size of Australia. It is not only the coldest, but the driest and windiest continent, that has the highest level of elevation. The coldest temperature there ever was in Antarctica is −89 °C.
Russia is the largest country in the world, covering approximately one eighth of it. Russia shares boarders with countries such as Ukraine and Latvia, having 143 million people as residents. Winters are very cold and long in Russia, having temperatures cross -40 degrees. Summers are always a slight relief, but we could still see temperatures of rain in the month June, and people wearing winter jackets at that time of year.
United States is probably not the third coldest country in the world, but who could forget Alaska? We see cold winters nonetheless, and windy cities, such as Chicago. Chicago is, after all, “The Windy City”. But Alaska is the coldest continent there is in US, having temperatures as cold as below 60 degrees. It is a definite hazard for those who live there.
Kazakhstan was formerly known as the Republican of Kazakhstan, and previously neighbored by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It became an independent country in 1991. Like Canada, Kazakhstan is known to be culturally diverse. It is also known for its brutal winter season. The coldest city is Astana. The rainfalls are extremely harsh and erratic. It is impossible to step out of the house during the winter season without losing a toe or two. The only relief out there is the mild summer season.
Sung by Randy Travis, this song took the world by storm in 1987. The album was a part of the billboard charts for almost 4 months! Even though the country singer could not compete with himself afterwards, he did win the hearts of many music lovers all over the world with this particular ballad.
This song by Garth Brooks is definitely his best even though some people believe that The Dance is much better. The lyrics are easy to remember and the music is soothing and upbeat at the same time. It will be stuck in your head in no time, mainly because it is so easy to sing along to!
Patsy Cline has a dramatic and eerie voice- but in a good way. She hits all the notes as perfect as is humanly possible and adds her own melodious touch to it. If the best female country singer was to be chosen, she’d win hands down. This song highlights her positive points and is the best of the best.
Another female country singer, this one may not be as unique or up there as Patsy Cline but she practically oozes with talent. This particular song helped her create a permanent spot for herself in the industry and can be heard at weddings every where!
Willie Nelson is among the best country singers alive today and even though this particular track is associated with Elvis Presley, he did a great job with it too. That being said, almost all his songs are good enough to become unforgettable classics one day.
The country consists of 17,508 of which about 6,000 are inhabited. It covers an area of 1,919,440 km sq. (735,355 sq miles) and is the 16th largest country in the world. It is also the 4th most populous nation with around 230 million people. It has more than 150 active volcanoes, including the infamous Krakatoa and Tambora.
Situated in the Indian Ocean near Southeast Africa, the country covers a region of 587,041 km sq (226,597 sq miles). It has very rich bio-diversity with more than 5% of the world’s plant and animal species which includes the famous lemur.
The country has a total area of 462,840 km sq (178,703 sq miles). It has over 850 indigenous languages and is one of the most rural nations in the world. It is a realm of the royal family of England and the Queen Elizabeth II is also the Queen of Papua New Guinea.
The ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ is made up of four large islands accounting for 97% of its land area and 6,848 other smaller islands. It covers an area of 377,944 km sq (145,925 sq miles). It is a major economic power and home to the beautiful dormant volcano, Mount Fuji. It is the 10th most populous country with more than 127 million people.
The country has a total landmass of 329,845 km sq (127,354 sq miles). After gaining independence in 1957, the country has seen a tumultuous history. The country is a famous tourist destination and very rich in natural resources. It is one of the top producers of natural rubber and oil.
The Oxford Canal is found in England and runs through two country sides, namely, Oxford and Coventry. This beautiful canal cascades through 70 miles of scenic beauty- which has managed to escape development projects and remains as pure as it was centuries ago.
This canal is found in France and was initially called the Canal du Charollais. It runs from Chalon-sur-Saône to Digoin. From 1792, this canal has made the passing of boats easier from Northern France to Southern France. It runs for over 112 kilometers.
The Aller Canal is found in Lower Saxony which is a state in Germany. The main purpose of this canal was to prevent Aller from flooding the land. It runs for about 11 miles between Gifhorn and Wolfsburg.
This canal is found in Germany as well and runs over 60 kilometers. It meanders between two areas, one near Wesel and the other near Datteln. This canal was constructed in 1930 and it runs across a river called Lippe.
This canal is nothing if not beautiful and meanders between Bristol Avon and Thames. It passes West Berkshire which boasts natural beauty. The area around the canal is rich with flora and fauna and one can explore the entire area either by bike, boat or on foot. It will not be an exaggeration to say that the Kennel and Avon canal is among the favorite canals of England.
