Lecture 10: World Regional Geography - U.S. and Canada
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Questions and Answers

What is the approximate population of the United States as of 2011?

  • 311 million (correct)
  • 340 million
  • 270 million
  • 290 million

What percentage of the world’s population lives in the U.S. and Canada combined?

  • 20%
  • 5% (correct)
  • 10%
  • 15%

Which landform is NOT considered a major landform in the U.S. and Canada region?

  • Canadian Shield
  • Great Lakes (correct)
  • Rocky Mountains
  • Greenland

What is the main concern regarding immigration in the U.S.?

<p>Impact on social services (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant migration route for Native Americans into the U.S. and Canada region?

<p>Through a land bridge between Alaska and Siberia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which climate type is the most dominant in the U.S. and Canada region?

<p>Temperate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Canadian population is true?

<p>Over 90% live within 100 miles of the U.S. border (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What natural hazard is commonly experienced in the Midwest region of the U.S.?

<p>Tornadoes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do low-wage immigrants play in the U.S. economy according to some arguments?

<p>They are crucial for sectors avoided by Americans (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the physical geography of the U.S. and Canada?

<p>It includes some of the planet's most spectacular landscapes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which biome is most prevalent in the U.S. and Canada region?

<p>Temperate Mixed Forest (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does urbanization appear in the U.S. and Canada?

<p>The majority are city dwellers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event is referred to as the 'Dust Bowl'?

<p>A severe drought in the 1930s (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following Native American civilizations existed during 1200 B.C.E. to 1300 C.E.?

<p>Anasazi (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary climate type found in Alaska and parts of Canada?

<p>Subarctic (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which natural hazard can frequently affect the East Coast of the U.S.?

<p>Hurricanes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary language spoken by the majority of residents in the United States?

<p>English (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which minority group emerged as the largest in the United States after the 2000 Census?

<p>Hispanics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What designation do Native American peoples in Canada use to acknowledge their pre-Columbian claims to the land?

<p>First Nations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is NOT among the seven Native American language families?

<p>Romance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the status of Native American reservations in the United States regarding the socio-economic situation?

<p>They are among the poorest communities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Canadians identify as Roman Catholic?

<p>43% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process involves the gradual decline of a majority demographic in a region?

<p>Demographic transition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which religion is currently the fastest-growing in the United States?

<p>Islam (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic shared by most Native American groups in their beliefs?

<p>Deep reverence for the natural world (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in Canada in 1999 regarding Indigenous land rights?

<p>Cession of ¼ of its area to the Inuit (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which minority group now represents the largest in the United States after the 2000 Census?

<p>Hispanics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which language is considered a hybrid of Spanish and English, commonly spoken in the U.S.?

<p>Spanglish (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fastest-growing religion in the United States currently?

<p>Islam (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many Native Americans currently live on reservations in the United States?

<p>1/3 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of Roman Catholics among Canadians?

<p>43% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the ethnic composition of the U.S. population?

<p>Minorities represent about 1/3 of the population (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Canadians live within 100 miles of the U.S. border?

<p>90% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the urban population in the U.S. and Canada?

<p>79% of the population in both countries are city dwellers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characterized feature of the U.S. and Canada regarding immigration?

<p>The U.S. has significant population growth due to immigration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long is the international border shared between the U.S. and Canada?

<p>5,527 miles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the densely populated urban area extending from Boston to Washington?

<p>Megalopolis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the impact of low-wage immigrants on the American economy?

<p>They take jobs that most Americans prefer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the natural environments of the U.S. and Canada?

<p>They are known for their remarkably diverse natural environments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of the U.S. population lives in the Megalopolis?

<p>1 out of 7 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which natural hazard is associated with the San Andreas Fault?

<p>Earthquakes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What climate type is dominant in the Midwest region of the U.S.?

<p>Humid Continental (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Native American civilization existed during the time frame of 700 C.E. to 1700 C.E.?

<p>Mississippian (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which biome is identified as the most dominant in the U.S. and Canada region?

<p>Temperate Mixed Forest (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major weather event is commonly referred to as 'Tornado Alley'?

<p>Tornadoes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which climate is considered the most varied within U.S. and Canada?

<p>Temperate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What segment of the economy accounts for only 10% of the U.S. economy?

<p>Manufacturing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When did migrations of Native Americans into the U.S. region reportedly begin?

<p>12,500 years ago (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a major natural hazard experienced in the U.S. and Canada region?

<p>Typhoons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which agreement signified a move towards free trade between the U.S. and Canada in 1988?

<p>Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been the dominant trend in U.S.-Canada trade relations despite some disputes?

<p>More cooperation and free trade (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the U.S. display its global power?

<p>Through military action and trade (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary economic structure driving employment in both the U.S. and Canada today?

<p>Service sector (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key characteristics of the U.S. economy mentioned in the content?

<p>It primarily focuses on designing products rather than manufacturing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which geographic advantage has influenced U.S. policy related to international conflicts?

<p>A geographic distance from global conflicts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the U.S. military expenditures?

<p>They are larger than the next 14 countries combined. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the U.S. total income is taken in by the wealthiest 1% of Americans?

<p>20% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a key factor to the region's affluence?

<p>High levels of immigration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the GNI PPP of Canada?

<p>$37,280 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of Canadians live below the poverty line?

<p>10% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which resource is Canada the world's largest exporter of?

<p>Wood (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the distribution of national wealth in the U.S.?

<p>The richest 20% control more than half of the income (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant economic issue impacting the average American's wealth?

<p>Inflation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the transition in the U.S. economy?

<p>From manufacturing to services/IT (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Appalachian Mountains

A major mountain range system in the eastern United States

Earthquakes

Shaking of the Earth's surface caused by tectonic activity

Tornado Alley

A region in the central United States prone to tornadoes

Humid Continental Climate

A climate type common in the US Midwest characterized by hot summers and cold winters

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Temperate Mixed Forest

A biome in the US and Canada featuring both deciduous and coniferous trees

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Native American Migrations

Movement of indigenous peoples across North America, likely started in Asia

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Anasazi

Ancient culture in the US Southwest known for their unique dwellings

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Mound Builders

Several groups of Indigenous American peoples who constructed mounds and burial sites

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First Nations

The term used by Indigenous peoples in Canada to acknowledge their pre-Columbian claims to the land.

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Nunavut

A Canadian territory created in 1999, covering 1/4 of Canada's total area, and ceded to the Inuit peoples.

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Native American Reservations

Areas of land within the United States set aside for Native American tribes.

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Hispanic

The largest minority group in the United States, surpassing African Americans after the 2000 Census.

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Spanglish

A hybrid language combining Spanish and English, spoken by some individuals in the United States.

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Roman Catholicism

The largest single Christian denomination in both the United States and Canada.

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Islam

The fastest growing religion in the United States.

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Official Language of Canada

English and French are both official languages in Canada.

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U.S. and Canada Population

The United States has a much larger population than Canada, with over 300 million people compared to Canada's 34 million. Together, they represent 5% of the world's population on 13% of its land surface.

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Urbanization in North America

Both Canada and the United States are highly urbanized, with over 79% of their populations living in cities. Megalopolis, a vast urban belt stretching from Boston to Washington, is home to 14% of the U.S. population.

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Immigration to North America

Both countries are nations of immigrants, with the U.S. experiencing significant population growth due to immigration. Each year, millions of legal and illegal immigrants arrive seeking opportunities.

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Controversy of Illegal Immigration

The influx of illegal immigrants fuels debate in the US. Some argue that immigrants take jobs and strain social services. Others see them as vital to the economy, filling low-wage jobs and contributing financially.

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Diverse Landscapes in North America

The region boasts remarkably diverse natural environments, including some of the most spectacular wild landscapes. This diversity influences land use and settlement patterns.

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Landform Influence on Human Activity

Examining landforms like the Canadian Shield, Rocky Mountains, and Appalachian Mountains reveals how they have either promoted or hindered human activities like settlement and resource use.

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Climate Influence on Human Activity

Climates, such as Humid Continental or Mediterranean, play a significant role in shaping human activities, influencing agriculture, settlement patterns, and resource use.

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Canadian Shield

A vast, rocky plateau covering much of eastern Canada, with rich mineral resources and thin, infertile soils. It's a prime example of how geography impacts human activity.

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U.S. and Canada's Shared Border

The United States and Canada share the longest international border in the world, stretching over 5,527 miles.

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Great Plains

A large expanse of flat grasslands in the central U.S., known for its fertile soil and agriculture.

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Pacific Mountain Ranges

A series of mountain ranges along the western edge of the U.S. and Canada, including the Rockies, Cascades, and Sierra Nevada.

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San Andreas Fault

A major fault line in California, responsible for many earthquakes due to the movement of tectonic plates.

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Cascade Range

A mountain range in the western U.S. that is known for its active volcanoes.

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Temperate Mixed Forest Biome

A biome with a mix of both deciduous and coniferous trees, found in the U.S. and Canada.

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Anasazi Civilization

An ancient Native American civilization in the Southwest U.S., known for their unique cliff dwellings.

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What are the 7 Native American Language Families?

The seven Native American Language Families represent over 250 languages spoken in North America: Aztec-Tanoan, Hokan-Siouan, Penutian, Mosan, Algic, Na-Dene, and Eskimo-Aleut.

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What is a common trait of Native American groups?

Most Native American groups shared a deep reverence for the natural world.

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What happened to Native American cultures after 1492?

Following 1492, European arrival in North America resulted in depopulation and cultural destruction for Native American communities.

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What is 'The Res'?

Native American Reservations, known as 'The Res', are areas of land in the US set aside for Native American tribes. Today, about 1/3 of Native Americans live on reservations.

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What is the largest minority group in the US?

Hispanics are now the largest minority group in the US, surpassing African Americans after the 2000 Census.

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What is 'Spanglish'?

'Spanglish' is a hybrid language blending Spanish and English, spoken by some individuals in the US.

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What is the fastest-growing religion in the US?

Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the US.

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What are Canada's official languages?

Canada has two official languages: English and French.

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Knowledge Economy

An economy that emphasizes the creation and distribution of knowledge and information, rather than traditional manufacturing. The U.S. profits from this model by designing products but outsourcing production.

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Rust Belt

A region in the northeastern U.S. that experienced significant economic decline due to the decline of manufacturing industries. It's often associated with the decline of steel production and the rise of automation.

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U.S. and Canada: Vital Trading Partners

The U.S. and Canada are major trading partners, with Canada heavily reliant on the U.S. market. Canada supplies raw materials and intermediate goods, while the U.S. provides manufactured goods.

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Economic Disputes Between U.S. and Canada

Despite their close economic ties, the U.S. and Canada have experienced trade disputes over issues like wheat exports, salmon fishing, and lumber dumping.

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Free Trade Agreements (FTA)

Agreements between countries that eliminate or reduce trade barriers, such as tariffs and quotas, to promote free trade. Examples include the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (1988) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (1994).

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U.S. Geopolitical Influence: Military Power

The U.S. demonstrates its global power through military action and economic influence. It has a large and technologically advanced military force, and its economic strength allows it to exert significant pressure on other nations.

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U.S. Geopolitical Influence: Isolationism

A policy of non-interference in international affairs. While the U.S. has a long history of isolationism, recent events like the September 11 attacks have led to greater global engagement.

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U.S. Geopolitical Influence: Preemptive Engagement

A policy of taking military action against potential threats before they materialize. This is often used to describe the U.S. response to terrorism after 9/11.

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U.S. and Canada's Affluence

The high levels of wealth enjoyed by the United States and Canada are due to a combination of factors, including abundant natural resources, a large and skilled workforce, a well-developed economy, and a generally peaceful and stable environment.

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Why is the U.S. a major food exporter?

The United States is the largest food exporter in the world due to its vast amount of arable land, which is suitable for agriculture and farming. This allows it to produce a surplus of food products.

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Canada's role in the global wood market

Canada is the world's largest exporter of wood due to its extensive forests, which provide a substantial source of timber for various industries.

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U.S. Shale Gas Reserves

The United States possesses significant shale gas reserves, a type of natural gas trapped within shale rock formations, which are a crucial source of energy for the nation.

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Canadian Tar Sands

Canada has vast deposits of oil sands, a type of unconventional oil extracted from sand, which play a significant role in its energy sector.

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U.S. and Canada's Economic Shift

The United States and Canada transitioned from economies heavily reliant on raw materials to ones dominated by services and information technology, driven by advancements in technology and globalization.

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Wealth Distribution in the U.S.

The distribution of wealth in the United States is unequal, with the wealthiest 1% of Americans receiving a disproportionate share of the country's total income.

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Poverty in the U.S. and Canada

Despite their overall affluence, both the United States and Canada experience varying levels of poverty, highlighting the challenges of income inequality within each country.

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Study Notes

Lecture 10: World Regional Geography - U.S. and Canada

  • The lecture is on World Regional Geography, specifically focusing on the United States and Canada.
  • The lecturer is Dr. Fatmaelzahraa Hussein, an Assistant Professor at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).
  • The lecture will cover the following aspects of the U.S. and Canada regions:
    • Area and population
    • Population, climates and biomes
    • Land use
    • Culture, languages and ethnicity
    • Economic Geography
    • Geopolitical Geography
    • Migration
    • Physical Geography (landforms, land uses)
    • Natural hazards
    • Climates
    • Biomes
    • Cultural and Historical Geographies
    • Native American civilizations
    • Indigenous culture groups
    • Languages and faiths
    • European impacts on Native cultures
    • Ethnic groups
    • Economic geography
    • Economic relations
    • Geopolitical issues

Lecture Objectives

  • Explore U.S. and Canada regions and subregions
  • Explore population, climates, and biomes
  • Understand land use
  • Understand culture, languages, and ethnicity
  • Understand economic geography
  • Understand geopolitical geography

U.S. and Canada Region: Area and Population

  • Canada and the U.S. share the world's longest international border (5,527 mi).
  • The U.S. has a population of 311 million (2011).
  • Canada has a population of 34 million (2011).
  • Together, these countries have 5% of the world's population on 13% of its land.
  • 90% of Canadians live within 100 miles of the U.S. border.
  • Most Canadians and Americans are city dwellers. (79%)
  • The "Boswash" megalopolis is home to 1 out of 7 Americans, comprising approximately 14% of the U.S population. (500 mile urban belt, Boston to Washington)

U.S. and Canada Region: Migration

  • The U.S. is the only developed country in the world experience significant population growth due to immigration.
  • Nearly a million legal immigrants arrive in the U.S. annually.
  • Over 280,000 legal immigrants arrive in Canada yearly.
  • An estimated 11 million illegal immigrants live in the U.S.
  • There is controversy around immigration with concerns both negative and positive influences on social services and the economy.

U.S. and Canada Region: Physical Geography

  • Contains some of the world's most spectacular landscapes.
  • Presents a range of opportunities for land use and settlement.
  • How landforms influence settlement
  • The impact of climates and how they affect land use.
  • Key landforms: Coastal plains, Great Plains, Canadian Shield, Rocky Mountains, Appalachian Mountains, Columbia Plateau, and Great Basin

U.S. and Canada Region: Natural Hazards

  • Earthquakes: along the San Andreas Fault
  • Volcanoes: in the Cascade Range
  • Tornadoes: Midwest (Tornado Alley)
  • Hurricanes: East Coast and Gulf of Mexico
  • Blizzards: U.S. Midwest and Northeast
  • Droughts: 1930s Dust Bowl

U.S. and Canada Region: Climates

  • The U.S. has more climatic types than any other country in the world.
  • Canada's climates are also varied.
  • Major Climatic Types: Tundra, Subarctic, Humid Continental, Tropical Rain Forest, Mediterranean.
  • Humid continental climate is dominant in the U.S and Canada.

U.S. and Canada Region: Biomes

  • The dominant biome is the temperate mixed forest, a mix of deciduous and coniferous forests.
  • Other Biomes include Ice Cap, Desert (and desert shrub) Coniferous forests, Temperate mixed forests, Savanna, Prairie, Tundra, Mediterranean scrub

U.S. and Canada Region: Cultural and Historical Geographies

  • Native Americans migrated from Asia via a land bridge between Alaska and Siberia, perhaps as early as 33,000 years ago and this migration persisted until around 3,000 years ago.
  • Native American settlements and civilizations: Anasazi, Mogollon, Hohokam, Poverty Point, Adena, Hopewell, and Mississippian.

U.S. and Canada Region: Seven Native American Language Families

  • Aztec-Tanoan, Hokan-Siouan, Penutian, Mosan, Algic, Na-Dene, Eskimo-Aleut
  • Deep reverence for the natural world was common among many groups.

U.S. and Canada Region: European Impacts on Native Cultures

  • European colonization brought periods of settlement, development, and the "civilizing" of Native peoples.
  • Significant periods of depopulation and cultural demolition occurred.
  • Canada now acknowledges First Nations claims to their pre-Columbian lands

U.S. and Canada Region: Ethnic Groups

  • Minorities comprise about 1/3 of the U.S population.
  • 16% are Hispanic, 13% African American and 4% Asian American
  • 2000 census saw Hispanics surpass blacks as the largest minority group in The U.S.
  • Non-Hispanic whites are projected to become a minority in the U.S. by the 2040s.

U.S. and Canada Region: Non-Indigenous Languages & Faiths

  • English and French are Canada's official languages.
  • The U.S. does not have an official language, with English spoken by 96% of the U.S. population.
  • A hybrid language "Spanglish" is a prominent example in the U.S.
  • Both countries guarantee religious freedoms.
  • Christianity is the dominant faith, with Roman Catholicism being the largest single denomination.
  • Other monotheistic faiths such as Judaism, and Islam are also present.

U.S. and Canada Region: Economic Geography

  • The U.S. and Canada are wealthy nations.
  • The U.S. has a GNI of $ 45,640 PPP.
  • Canada has a GNI of $ 37,280 PPP.
  • The U.S. dominates in the global economy (e.g., world's largest economy, producer and consumer of goods/services).
  • Significant disparity in wealth, with a 15% poverty rate for Americans.

U.S. and Canada Region: Sources of Regional Affluence

  • Endowments with important natural resources.
  • Large populations representing a labor pool and significant consumer market.
  • Mechanized economies
  • Peace and stability within and between countries (allowing continuity)

U.S. and Canada Region: An Abundance of Resources

  • Largest food-exporting region.
  • U.S. has more arable land (than any other country).
  • Canada has farmable land surpassing other countries.
  • Significant in natural resources: forests, minerals, energy resources (including shale gas and oil)

U.S. and Canada Region: Transition to Service Sector/IT

  • Shifting from raw material production to advanced IT and service sectors.
  • U.S. profits from a "knowledge economy" and designing products without necessarily manufacturing them.
  • Strong service sector (like finance, medical care, retail) comprising a large majority of employment.

U.S. and Canada Region: U.S. and Canadian Economic Relations

  • Canada is heavily reliant on the U.S. for trading.
  • Canada is the leading trading partner of the U.S..
  • Trade patterns involve the exchange of raw and intermediate materials by Canada for manufactured goods from the U.S..
  • Economic disputes like the Wheat War, Salmon War, and Lumber Dumping have occurred in the past.
  • Efforts to foster cooperation and free trade include agreements like the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (1988) and North American Free Trade Agreement (1994).

U.S. and Canada Region: Geopolitical Issues

  • The U.S. has used military action and trade to project power in the world.
  • Isolationism is a historical approach, often used to explain why the U.S. did not initially participate extensively in world affairs.
  • The U.S. entered both world wars later than many other countries.

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GEO200 Lecture 10: World Regional Geography PDF

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This quiz delves into the World Regional Geography of the U.S. and Canada, covering key aspects such as demographics, climate, culture, and economic geography. It addresses Native American civilizations, their languages, and the impact of European cultures. Test your understanding of these regions and their complexities.

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