North America: Canada December 2016

Geographical Facts: In size, Canada is the world’s 2nd largest nation (next to Russia). Canada’s original inhabitant were Native Americans Forests, tundra and rocky plains cover much of Northern Canada. Much of this land in under laid by Permafrost. Towns and villages are scattered in this region. The Hinterland (region which lies far away from major population centers) can be found in the Atlantic Provinces.; which only 1/12th of all Canadians live.

Historical Facts: The Vikings arrived around 1000 A.D. and came to Canada which they called VINLAND (Wine Land). They never established permanent settlements – rather they traded with the Native Americans, harvested grapes for wine,Conifers to be used in ship building, Furs and Fish. 1497 marks the year, John Cabot an Englishman explored around Newfoundland 1530 say French explorer Jacques Cartier travel up the St. Lawrence River to present day Montreal. Following the French & Indian Wars of 1763, Britain took control over Canada and divided it into districts called Provinces. Between 1867 and 1949 the modern nation we call Canada was formed.

Cultural Facts: Canada is multi-cultural today – Both French and English are still strong here; as well as immigrants from the Caribbean, Asia and Africa. 1/4th of all people live in Quebec; 90% of the population speaks French as their primary language and most people are Roman Catholic. Canada has many large cities that are generally well managed, safe and clean. The largest is Toronto – its population in nearing 5-million people Montreal is the 2nd largest with a population of 3.5 million. Today Canada is still a member of the Commonwealth of Nations (United Kingdom) though it is considered an Independent Nation. Democracy Governed by a Prime Minister and elected Parliament. Three northern territories of Yukon, Northwest Territories & Nunavut have a significant local rule as well. (Semi-autonomous)

Economic Facts: Canada’s economy is similar to the one found in the United States, It is a developed nation with a market economic system and has a high-standard of living. The per capita (what the average citizen makes) is $45,600. Today their economy is based on Manufacturing and Service Industries (Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers, Technicians); however Mining still plays an important role. No other nation in the world Exports more Minerals and Metals than Canada. This nation is broken up into five (5) distinct regions and each has their own economic resources and activities:

Atlantic Provinces: Fish, Forests, Minerals & Oil Quebec & Ontario: Farming, Mining, Manufacturing & Service Industries Prairie Provinces: Wheat Farming, Mining & Oil British Columbia: Forest Products, Fishing, Mining & Trade Canadian North: Mining, Construction, Military Posts & Tourism

Problems & Issues: Many Canadians worry about Cultural Domination by the United States. Much of Canada’s population lives in close proximity the U.S. and while many Canadians hear about the lives of the American people, few Americans can tell you much about Canadians. NAFTA – North American Free Trade Treaty has brought Canada and the United States closer – trade has increased as well as cooperation. Regionalism – (Feelings of strong political and emotional loyalty to one’s own region). Much of Canada was built upon isolated settlements which still exist today. Separatism – (Belief that certain parts of the country should be independent). Quebec has been trying to do this for years.