Like many Americans, we didn’t give Canada much thought — until, that is, we decided to move here. And looking back from north of the border, we became aware of how — when the U.S. media mentions Canada at all — it’s often in a “hey, look at these polite, beer-drinking, hockey-playing folks” way.

In anticipation of President Obama’s upcoming visit to Canada on February 19, this CNN.com article seems to be saying not just “look at Canada,” but “Canada is our neighbor – maybe we should pay attention.” A novel idea!

President Obama’s first foreign visit will be to Canada on February 19.

Americans, can you name the capital of Canada or its Prime Minister? Name three major news stories in Canada. Hockey doesn’t count.

Okay, I’ll help you out: automobiles, Afghanistan and energy.

For the answers, read the rest of the column.

Photo by Jon Rawlinson (flickr)