Geography of North America Physical and a little political

5 Themes of Geography – North America Movement: People: Originally colonized by Europe Immigration to and from North America is a main form of movement today Ideas: Primary languages brought from Europe Religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism brought from Middle East Many ideas are exchanged through use of film, literature, and the internet Goods: Exports: Natural Resources (ex. Oil, maple syrup), products (ex. Software), entertainment Imports: Natural Resources (ex. Foods, minerals), Products (ex. Technology)

5 Themes of Geography – North America Region: Political: 23 countries and 26 territories (mostly in the Caribbean) Physical: Mountains: Rocky Mountains, Appalachian Mountains, Sierra Madre Mountains Plains: The Great Plains Plateau: The Canadian Shield Peninsula: The Yucatan Peninsula

5 Themes of Geography – North America Human-Environmental Interaction: Humans affecting the Environment: Farming, logging and fishing industries have changed the environment greatly, though they work now to have a more balanced relationship with the Earth Humans have changed the landscape through building bridges, canals, and cities Pollution has been a large problem throughout most of North America, but is slowly getting better with conservation methods Environment affecting humans: North America experiences all forms of natural disasters including: hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, tornadoes, major storms, drought and more

5 Themes of Geography – North America Location: Relative Location: Northern Hemisphere and Western Hemisphere North of South America, West of Europe, East of Asia South of Arctic Ocean, West of Atlantic Ocean, East of Pacific Ocean Absolute Location: Ottawa, Canada: 45° N, 75° W Washington, DC, United States: 38° N, 77° W Mexico City, Mexico: 19° N, 99° W

5 Themes of Geography – North America Place: Human: Statue of Liberty Panama Canal Chichen Itza Chateau Frontenac Physical: Grand Canyon Hudson Bay Monte Alban Caribbean Sea

Government North America is home to many forms of government. Examples are listed below. Republic: United States, Mexico Monarchy: Canada, the Bahamas Communism: Cuba

Economics NAFTA: NAFTA or the North American Free Trade Agreement is an agreement between Canada, The United States, and Mexico. This agreement allows for free trade without tariffs to help support each country’s economy. While there are some negative affects of NAFTA, the economies of all three countries have mostly benefited from having this agreement and it continues to be a living document, rewritten as needed.