Valentine's Day may not be one of the biggest holidays, but it's the second most popular day for sending cards and Canadians and Americans alike shell out big bucks pleasing loved ones.
Here are some interesting facts about the holiday in both countries.
The following list is compiled by Statistics Canada.
52 per cent - Number of Canadians who are single (includes non-married couples).
146,242 - Number of couple who tied the knot in 2004.
18 per cent - Proportion of weddings that took place in July.
4 per cent - Proportion of weddings that took place in February.
$2.2 billion — The total value of cosmetics and fragrances sold at retailers in Canada in 2009.
$2.8 billion — The total value of jewellery and watches sold at retailers in Canada in 2009.
$1.6 billion — The total value of women's lingerie, sleepwear and intimates sold at retailers in 2009.
$580 million — The total value of men's underwear, sleepwear and hosiery sold at retailers in 2009.
$5.7 billion — The value of wines sold by wineries, liquor stores and agencies in Canada in 2008/2009, up 4.6% from the previous year.
12.8 million — The number of stems of roses produced in Canada in 2009. This represents more than a million bouquets of a dozen roses each.
215 — The number of manufacturers of chocolate and confectioneries from cocao beans and from purchased chocolate in Canada in 2008.
Time has compiled a list more specific for the U.S., but also just about Valentine's Day. Some are included below plus information from an OnlineMBA infographic on the holiday.
4 million - Americans who expect to propose or be proposed to on the day even though that is double the number of couples who got married in all of 2008.
$147 - What the average New York couple expects to pay for dinner, $100 more than the average cost of dining out according to Zagat.
11 per cent - Couples who plan to split the cheque according to the same Zagat Survey.
$80, $60 - The price of a dozen roses on Valentine's Day versus every other day of the year.
$126 - How much Americans will spend on average, which is up 8.5 per cent from last year.
$168 - Average amount men plan to spend.
$85 - Average amount women plan to spend
$17.6 billion - Total amount our neighbours to the south will spend for the holiday.
8 billion - Number of Sweethearts candies (the heart-shaped, sugary ones with flirty phrases) produced annually.
Of course if you are having trouble finding love in your community, there are three towns across Canada where you may have more luck - Love, Saskatchewan, Saint-Valentin, Quebec and Heart's Desire, Newfoundland & Labrador.
(Reuters photo)
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