Canada’s Land/Climate/Economy/People/Government Chapter 5 Section 1 Canada’s Land/Climate/Economy/People/Government
A) The Land Atlantic Ocean on the east coast. Pacific Ocean on the west coast. Arctic Ocean lies to the north of Canada. Canada is the 2nd largest country (size) in the world. Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories. Only 4.3% of land is arable.
B) Landforms Canada has 6 physical regions. 1) Appalachian Highlands- On the southeastern coast. Rolling hills & low mountains. There are lots of forests in this region. 2) St. Lawrence & Great Lakes Lowlands- Form major waterways leading into central Canada. Lowlands with rich soil and vital transportation routes. U.S. and Canada built St. Lawrence Seaway to help with shipping. here. Niagara Falls is located in this region.
Niagara Falls
3) Canadian Shield & Arctic Islands More than half of Canada’s entire land area is here. Lots of ice and snow. Hundreds of lakes carved by glaciers. Evergreen forests where you will find deer, elk, and moose. Rich in mineral resources (Iron ore, Copper, Nickel, and Gold)
What are the 3 animals you would find in the Canadian Shield’s forests?
4) Interior Plains- Great Plains in the U.S. is the same as in Canada. Forests and Lakes in northern part. Southern part has rolling prairies. Rich mineral resources (petroleum, natural gas)
5) Rocky Mountains- An area called cordillera. Known for scenic beauty and rich mineral resources. 6) Pacific Coast- Mt. Logan is Canada’s highest peak. Several mountains in this area.
C) Climate Has a cool or cold climate because it lies in the high latitudes. Northern Canada has a very cold polar climate. The southeastern part of Canada has a humid continental climate, and this is where most of the people live. 90% of the population lives within 100 miles of the U.S. border.
HOMEWORK Canada map and Canada vocabulary words are due on Friday!
D) Canada’s Economy 14th best economy in the world. Unemployment rate-7.3% Population below poverty line- 9.4% Exports- #13 (U.S. 75%) Imports- #11(U.S. 51%, China 11%) Canada’s major economic activities are manufacturing, service industries, and farming. There are 3 economic regions in Canada.
1) Eastern Canada Fishing is huge for this region. Gov’t regulates how many fish may be caught in tehse waters. Most people hold jobs in manufacturing, mining, and tourism. Halifax is a major shipping port city.
2) Quebec and Ontario 25% of Canadians live in the province of Quebec. Montreal an important city lies on the St. Lawrence river and is a major financial and industrial center. Quebec is the capital city and was founded by the French in 1608. Ontario is the province that has the most people and the greatest wealth. Toronto is Canada’s largest city. Ottawa is the national capital of Canada.
3) Prairie Provinces and British Columbia Farming and ranching are major economic activities. Lots of wheat and they export this to Europe and Asia. Thick forests in this area and this help’s make Canada the world’s leading producer of newsprint. Vancouver is the main pacific ocean port city.
E) Canada’s People 34.5 million people (#37 in world) Two official languages: English (59%) and French (22%) Main religion: Roman Catholic (43%) 81% of people live in an urban setting Life expectancy: 81.57 (#13 in world) Literacy rate: 99% *Age 15 and over who can read and write.
F) Canada’s Government National Capital: Ottawa Gov’t: Parliamentary Democracy Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II (Since 1952); represented by Gov. General David Johnston (10/1/10)- Carries out most of gov’t ceremonial duties. 5 year term! Head of Gov’t: Prime Minister- Stephen Harper (2/6/06) National Holiday: Canada Day (7/1/1867) In 1982 Canada changed their constitution.
G) Canada’s Flag Left side of flag-Red vertical Rectangle Middle of flag- White Square with an 11 pointed red maple leaf in center of white square Right side of flag-Red vertical Rectangle