1. Ten Keys to
Understanding the
United States and
Canada

2. Only two countries are in this region,
Key #1
Only two countries are in this region,
but they are two of the world’s largest in area.
Canada is #2.The US is #3.

3. Key #2 The US and Canada have a variety of climate and landforms.
They share major landforms such as the Rocky Mts.,the Great Plains, and the Great Lakes

4. The US is primarily in the mid-latitudes which means
changeable weather and
extreme weather events.
Due to its more northerly
location, Canada’s
climates are generally
colder.

5. Key #3 Both nations have abundant and diverse natural resources.
Both are high consumers
of nonrenewable
resources.
They depend on trade
with each other for
critical raw materials.

6. Key #4 Both began as colonies, gained independence, and
democratic countries.
The US gained its
independence through
a revolution.
Canada gained its independence
gradually and is still part of the
British Commonwealth.
God Save the Queen
God Save the Queen

7. are plural states with a high number of immigrants. Population
Key #5 US and Canada
are plural states with a
high number of
immigrants. Population
growth is because of
immigration. The culture
has a European basis.
In Canada the main
division is between
English and French
speakers.
In the US, divisions
are along ethnic lines.

8. Key #6 Both Canada and the US are federal states but their
systems are different
Canada-10 provinces,
2 territories and a parliamentary system
US-50 states and separate
executive and
legislative branches

9. urban industrial areas. Due to highly mechanized agriculture
Key #7 Together
they form one of the
most productive
urban industrial areas.
Due to highly
mechanized agriculture
they lead the world in
agricultural exports.
They are rapidly
moving to a post-
industrial society
based on services
and information
technology.

10. Key #8 The two countries have a combined
population of 344 million. They are highly
urbanized.
With a population of
310 million, the US is
the 3rd most populous
nation in the world.
Most Canadians live
within 100 miles of
the shared border.

11. Key #9 North Americans are among the world’s most mobile people.
The average American
moves 11.7 times in their
lifetime.
Although plagued by reoccurring
congestion problems, the regions
transportation and communication
networks are among the best in the world.

12. for many of their people.
Canada has a publicly
funded health care
system that provides
coverage for all citizens.
Key #10 The US and
Canada are
generally wealthy
nations with high
standards of living
for many of their people.
By some measures,
Canada has a higher
standard of living
than the US