North America and Its Regions

• North America consists of Canada, the United States, Mexico, Greenland, Central America, the Caribbean Islands, and neighboring islands.
• It is the third largest continent by land area and fourth in population.

North American Regions

• The vast lands are divided into five regions: the Mountainous West, the Great Plains, the Canadian Shield, the Eastern Region, and the Caribbean Region.

Mountainous West

• This region spans North America’s western coast and is characterized by its extensive mountain ranges.
• The Cordilleras, a series of mountain ranges stretching from Canada to Panama, cover much of the area.
• The Rocky Mountains (Canada and the U.S.) and the Sierra Madres (U.S. and Mexico) are part of the Cordilleras.
• The region is inhabited by diverse groups, including skiers in Colorado, city dwellers in Los Angeles, farmers in Mexico, fishers in Seattle, and native tribes in Central America.

Great Plains

• Located in the U.S. and Canada, this region is known as the "bread basket" of North America.
• Its fertile soil is ideal for growing wheat and other agricultural products.
• Includes the Corn Belt, a significant agricultural area in the Midwestern U.S.

Canadian Shield

• It is a raised plateau that covers a large portion of Eastern, Central, and Northwestern Canada.
• Plateaus are defined as flat, elevated landforms rising above the surrounding area.
• The Canadian Shield is sparsely populated due to its harsh environment.
• Forestry is a common occupation for residents that live outside of the cities like Toronto.

Eastern Region

• This region has a varied landscape and a milder climate, spanning the northeastern coast of the continent.
• Includes the Appalachian Mountains and the eastern coastal plains of Canada and the U.S.
• A significant portion of the Eastern Region consists of wetlands, such as the swamps of Florida.
• The area is inhabited by diverse populations, including city residents in New York and Boston, farmers in Pennsylvania, lumberjacks of New England, and beach enthusiasts in Florida and the Carolinas.

Caribbean Region

• Known for its popular vacation destinations, it consists of the islands in the Caribbean Sea.
• Located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and east of Central America.
• The tourism industry thrives due to the region's natural resources, such as beaches, lush vegetation, and near-year-round sunshine.