CANADA

Canadian Borders South – USA North – Arctic Ocean East – Atlantic Ocean West – Pacific Ocean NW - Alaska

Physical Features of Canada

Hudson Bay Extends far into Canada and connects to the Atlantic Ocean

St. Lawrence River Stretches from Lake Ontario to the Gulf of St Lawrence. It allowed explorers to travel deep into North America by water. Today it is an important natural resource as a source of water and as a trade route.

The Great Lakes Form part of the border with the US H - uron O - ntario M - ichigan (in US) E - rie S - uperior

Canadian Shield Covers a large part of eastern and central Canada It has ancient rock just below and sometimes sticking out of the soil. This area is known for its thin, rocky soil and rough, rolling landscape. It has many lakes and rivers and is rich in minerals.

Rocky Mountains These mountains stretch over 3,000 miles, from British Columbia in Canada to New Mexico in the US. Mt. Robson is the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies at nearly 13,000 feet.

Location of Canada Largest country in the Western Hemisphere in land area 2nd largest country by land area in the entire world In an important position between the US and Russia

Population of Canada Population –33 million Small compared to its land area The US has about 9 times the number of people in Canada About 90% of Canadians live within 100 miles of the border with the US. Most of these are towards the east and central parts of the country.

Where Canadians live Most Canadians live in cities or towns. Only about 20% live in rural areas

The Golden Horseshoe One - fourth of Canadians live in this zone. This zone lies around the southern end of Lake Ontario and includes Toronto

Another ¼ of Canadians live in the following areas:

British Columbia’s Victoria region and southern Vancouver Island

Calgary-Edmonton area

How location impacts trade Canada’s location helps it to be a leader in world trade. Located on 3 oceans – opportunity to trade with Europe and Asia When sea lanes are open, travel across the Arctic Ocean and trade with Russia is possible

Ports, Rivers, and Lakes Canada has 9 major ports and numerous smaller ones. These allow goods to be shipped into and out of Canada easily. The Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway allow goods to be shipped to and from the central part of Canada to the Atlantic Ocean.

Canada – US Trade Canada and the US share over 3,000 miles of border. Trade across this border is relatively easy. About 80% of Canada’s exports come to the US

Climate of Canada The climate of Canada keeps most of its people living in just a few areas Few Canadians live in Northern Canada/ Subarctic/ Arctic Region It has long, cold winters and short, cool summers. It is possible to have temperatures below freezing even in the summer. SE Canada – humid continental climate. It has warm to hot summers and cold winters. Pacific coast – Temperate climate. The ocean cools the region in summer and keeps it warmer in winter.

Precipitation SE Canada – can have up to 60 inches of precipitation a year Pacific coast – Can get over 100 inches of rain a year. Most of this precipitation comes in winter.

Snow Snowfall can exceed 100 inches a year in some parts of eastern Canada.

Southern and Central Canada Climate allows for a long growing season. Canada’s central plains are an important source of canola, wheat, and other grains. These are exported to other countries and traded for goods and services that aren’t available in Canada.

Transportation An excellent system of highways, railroads and air transportation has been built and adapted to the colder climate.

Natural Resources Iron ore Nickel Zinc Copper Gold Lead Diamonds silver

Rivers and Lakes Excellent source of fish, fresh water, and hydroelectric power.

Good soil Allows farmers to grow crops for the people of Canada with enough left over to trade with other countries.

Forests – Source of timber and wildlife

How Natural Resources Impact Trade Canada sells oil, natural gas, fish, agricultural products and timber to other countries. Electricity is made at hydroelectric power plants along Canada’s rivers. Extra energy not needed by Canadians is sold to the US.