North America Physical and Political aspects

Regions North America is broken up into regions. Popularly these are divded up into west, midwest, south, and northeast. Each regions have aspects about it that make it unique. Whether it be climate, culture or even the demographics of the area.

Culture and Migration Culture- The way of life that distinguishes a people, for example, government, language, religion, customs and beliefs. Migration- Movement from one part of something to another.

Physical Characteristics 2 Physical Characteristics Look at the handout. Take a minute to answer the questions of the handout about the Physical Cross section of the US.

Climates of the United States Mountains, Deserts, and Oceans all affect the climates of the United States

Watersheds

Major Waterways of America

Mississippi River (watershed)

Physical Characteristics of Northeast North America Northeast America has some of the most populous cities in all of America. This is also where the most densely populated area of America is found. Known for having four seasons, and beautiful scenery. A lot of tourism to visit cities such as Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Baltimore, and Washington DC. Megalopolis- greek for very large city. A city that has more than 10 million citizens.

What the Northeast is known for Has few natural resources compared to other regions of the United States. Appalachian Mountains make for rugged terrain which is difficult to farm properly. Pennsylvania is very coal rich but biggest industry for Northeast is the trade and commerce that can be used by the Atlantic ocean being right beside it. Fishing is also a major industry for the Northeast since colonial times. Factories are built along rivers and powered by water in area. River valleys serve as trade routes. New York City is business capital of the WORLD.

Physical Features of South Region The south region is known for humid, subtropical climate and lush, mixed forests that are common. Location is closer to the equator making it warmer than other regions in the US further north. The further west you travel in the south the less precipitation that is received in the given area. Subject to many hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico.

Changing Population that is the South The region is becoming more and more diverse racially with more Latinos in areas such as Texas, and Florida. In 1970’s the population of the southern region increased more than any other region in the US. Three of the countries top 6 sized cities land area are found in Texas, and Texas is second in population only to California. Half of America’s African American population are found in this region. San Antonio became the first major city in America that has a majority Hispanic population.

Industries in the south Oil is a big industry in the southern region and is a big way that USA makes money and adds to our economy. NASA is based in the southern region in more than one location in Houston and in Florida as well. Cattle industry is still a big business in the south as well as crop growing because of climate.

The Midwest Region The Midwest is largely an agricultural economic sector. Much of the area is flat in nature and results in good soil for farming. In some areas the growing season can be as long as 200 days. Among the leaders in livestock in America especially hogs. Known as our countries breadbasket and leads the WORLD in growing of certain crops such as corn, and wheat. Over 400 million tons of goods travel Mississippi river.

The Wild West Region Physical Features Mountains dominate landscape of the west with Rocky Mountains being a big reason for this. Death Valley is found in the west and is considered the hottest place on earth. Climates change drastically from the tundras found in Alaska to the tropical climate of Hawaii. Immense store of minerals in the mountains such as gold, silver and uranium. Gas and oil also found in parts of the West as well. Forestry and commercial fishing are both big economic activities, nearly half of lumber in America is taken from forests of Pacific Northwest. Billions of tons of fish in waters of Hawaii and Alaska.

West Growing over time Because of construction of transcontinental railroad cities that were along its path gained a lot of population. Los Angeles is the second highest populated city in our country. San Francisco and much of northwest gained population with the gold rush of the 1840s.

Hawaii & Alaska Alaska is the biggest state that we have in our country and it is also one of the least populated with about 630,000 citizens. Juneau is the state capital and can only be reached by boat or airplane. Anchorage Alaska a town with 250,000 has only two roads that leave in and out of it. Hawaii is made up of 8 main ilands. We initially took control of Hawaii with hopes to put bases in the middle of Pacific since we were dealing with China and Japan more frequently. Hawaii receives some of the most tourism in all of America.

Regions of Canada There are 5 different regions in Canada that we will be discussing. The Atlantic Provinces St Lawrence Provinces Prairie Provinces British Columbia Northern Territories

Atlantic and St. Lawrence Provinces The Atlantic provinces are made up of four parts being Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Border the Atlantic Ocean, and are a part of the northern Appalachian mountains. Fishing is a prominent economic activity. Cod fish overtime had become very scarce so they had to go into other realms of fishing with crabs and shrimp. St. Lawrence Province is where the majority of Canada’s population is found. It surrounds the great lakes. Quebec and Ontario are the heartland of the country and located in this province. Toronto is located in Ontario, and is the biggest city in all of Canada population wise.

Prairie Province and British Columbia Prairie Province is made up of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Known for its rolling fields of wheat big in agricultural industry. Edmonton and Calgary are the two major cities found in the prairie province. British Columbia is the westernmost province in all of Canada. Mountain ranges cover nearly all of what is British Columbia. Salmon, forests, and minerals have made British Columbia one of the wealthiest provinces in all of Canada. Vancouver is located in this Province and it is the biggest major port for Canada that is found in the pacific ocean. Asian immigration to Vancouver is very high.

Northern Territories This is the northern 40% of Canada that is the Yukon territory, Northwest territories, and Nunavut territory. Cold tundra climate and populations in these areas tend to be of smaller sizes. Many of those living in the area have been native for centuries and are known as Inuits. Rich deposits of minerals such as gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, iron ore, and uranium are all found in this region as well as oil.

The Make Up and Culture of Canada The first people to live in Canada were the Inuit natives. In 1500s rival European powers started settling in Canada. Roughly 40% of Canada is of British descent while 27% are French descent. Between 1689-1763 French and British would fight four wars in Canada over claim of land, in 1763 France lost all claim in Canada. Canada became completely independent of Britain in 1931.

Canada Today Some concerns about overfishing and the use of over-ground pipelines effecting Caribou migration patterns. Canada is becoming more and more urbanized by the year with over 20 cities having populations of over 100,000. The border with the USA is the biggest undefended border in all of the world it stretches more than 5,000 miles. Many shows that are shown here in America are also shown in parts of Canada that lie close to the border. USA buys about 85% of all Canadian exports and they buy about 25% of all of our exports. Fear of uneven treatment of countries is prevalent and many Canadians don’t want to be seen as the “attic to another continent.”