Transcript Human Geography of Canada

Human
Geography
of Canada
Economics
Canada is one of the 10 wealthiest nations
in the world
Economic System – Mixed
Canada is a member of NAFTA – along
with the US & Mexico
Economics - Demographics
High GDP per capita
High Life Expectancy
$43,400
81.57
Low Population Growth
Low Infant Mortality
0.77%
4.78 deaths/1,000 live births
Canada is a More Developed country – ranked #11
on the Human Development Index
Where do you see most of the economic activities (both
Agriculture & Industry) in Canada? Why?
Discuss with your “family” and be prepared to explain and defend
your “why” response.
Social – Colonization
14th & 15th century:
 British, French & Spanish explored the Eastern Coast and
Hudson Bay area; later settling in this region
 French lost control of their territory at the end of Seven
Years War (1763)
Social – Continental Expansion
Transcontinental Railroad completed
(1869-1885)
Gold discovered in the Yukon
Large numbers of fortune hunters
traveled along RR route
Towns developed along RR route
Population still concentrated here
today (near US/Canada border)
Social –
Population
Population is 35.1 million
& growing – mostly
near the US/Canadian
border
The people of Canada
are mostly of European
descent, but the “First
Nations” are very
vocal
Social – Canadian Culture
What do you think a former Canadian Prime
Minister meant by this statement aimed at the
US? "Living next to you (the US) is in some ways
like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how
friendly or temperate the beast, one is affected by
every twitch and grunt.“
Cultural Protectionism:
In response to the effect of
American popular culture,
Canada has imposed
“protectionism” policies.
Political –
Government


Independent nation in 1931
Parliamentary Government
◦ Legislative & Executive
functions are combined
◦ Majority party’s leader in
Parliament becomes “Prime
Minister”
◦ Canada is independent but it’s
symbolic head of state remains
the British Monarch
◦ Member of the UN
Political –
Provinces & Territories
Canada is made up of 10
Provinces & 3 Territories
 Capital City: Ottawa
 Major Cities: Quebec,
Toronto & Montreal
 Province of Quebec still
has strong cultural ties to
France
 Nunavut: territory given
to Inuit population
(Natives)

Human-Environment Interaction



Plentiful resources –
minerals, fossil fuels, forest
lands
High latitudes require
adaptation in northern
locations
Transportation networks
removed barriers & helped
people develop the west and
north