Content

Canada

Major Regions of Canada

Major Regions of Canada Interactivity

Canada has ten provinces and three territories that span the northern part of the North American continent. The country can be roughly divided into four separate regions. These are based on physical location and economic activity. In this interactivity, you will explore the major regions of Canada. Click the player to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity or an ADA compliant transcript.

Cultural Influences of Canada

Cultural Influences of Canada Interactivity

Canada shares many cultural characteristics with the United States. Both countries have democratic forms of government. They also have multicultural societies, and a history of European colonization. As a result, the cultural landscapes of Canada and the United States are quite similar. In this interactivity, you will explore the cultural influences of Canada. Click the player to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity or an ADA compliant transcript.

Melting Pot vs. Cultural Mosaic

The United States is often described as a “melting pot.” This is because immigrants generally blend with American culture. Some people believe this causes a loss of cultural identity. It also strengthens national identity, since immigrants begin to view themselves as Americans.

Canada is better described as a “cultural mosaic.” This is because immigrants often keep their unique cultures, rather than blend in with society. This has helped form a multicultural society where diversity is celebrated. However, it has also prevented many immigrants from viewing themselves as Canadians. As a result, Canada has struggled to maintain a national identity.

Economic Characteristics of Canada

Potash mining facility on the prairies of Saskatchewan

In many ways, Canada’s economic characteristics resemble those of the United States. Both countries have highly diversified economies that are engaged in all four sectors of economic activity. Both countries are an important part of the global market economy, and are home to several multinational corporations. Like the U.S., Canada has access to an abundance of natural resources. These include forests, minerals, arable land, fresh water, and petroleum. Canada also has a skilled workforce and highly developed infrastructure. This has helped support the country’s strong economic growth.

Port of Vancouver, British Columbia

Canada’s economy is closely tied to the U.S. economy through the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In fact, approximately 75% of Canada’s annual exports go to the United States. Roughly 50% of Canada’s imports come from the United States. In addition to NAFTA, Canada is a member of several international alliances. These include the Commonwealth of Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Organization of American States (OAS), and the United Nations (UN).

Canada and the U.S. also face similar income distribution issues. In the last few decades, both countries have experienced growing income inequality. This means that the wealth gained from economic growth has increasingly gone to the richest members of society. This has created a larger gap between the rich and the poor. If this trend continues, it may negatively impact the quality of life for a large segment of the population. Even with this disparity, Canada has a relatively high standard of living, life expectancy, and literacy rate.

 

Canada Review

Canada Review Interactivity

Now that you have learned about the major regions, cultural influences, and economic characteristics of Canada, review your knowledge in this interactivity. Click the player to get started.