2. Canadian Colonization: 14 th & 15th century – British, French & Spanish explored the Eastern Coast and Hudson Bay area, later settling in this region.

3. Continental Expansion & The Transcontinental RailRoad  Shortly after the transcontinental RR was completed (1869- 1885) gold was found in Yukon.  Result: many towns developed along the RR route

4. Canada is one of the top 10 wealthiest nations in the world. Economic System: Mixed, like the US. Canada is a member of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) along with the US & Mexico. ESPN – $ ECONOMY $

5. Where do you see most of the economic activities (both Agriculture & Industry) in Canada? Why? Discuss with your family and be prepared to explain and defend your “why” response.

6. Population Distribution Population is 31.6 million & growing – mostly near the US/Canadian border

7. ESPN (Social) Canadian Culture What do you think a former Canadian Prime Minister meant by this statement aimed at the US: "Living next to you (the US) is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly or temperate the beast, one is affected by every twitch and grunt.“ Cultural Protectionism: In response to the effect of American popular culture, Canada has imposed “protectionism” policies.

8. Governing Canada  Canada was recognized as an independent nation by Britain in 1931  Parliamentary Government  Legislative & Executive functions are combined in Parliament  Canada is independent but it’s symbolic head of state remains the British Monarch  Majority party’s leader in Parliament becomes “Prime Minister”  Member of the UN