Canada

Section 1
 A Northern Land
Between the U.S. and Canada is the
longest undefended border in the world.
*the border is patrolled by law-
enforcement, but not military
personnel.
 A Northern Land
• Canada borders 3 oceans: the Atlantic,
Pacific, and Arctic.
• 2nd largest country behind Russia
• It is made up of 10 provinces and 3
territories.
 Provinces vs. Territories
• Provinces are similar to states
• The provinces are responsible for things
like schools, hospitals, local government
and keeping highways in order.
• Territories are largely governed by native
people, unless there are issues that involve
other nations.
 The Effect of Glaciers
• As the glaciers moved and pushed the
land down, they created a large, low
basin and many low areas.
• Water filled the lowest points, and now
Canada has more lakes than any other
country in the world!
 The Canadian Shield

• Huge, horseshoe shaped area made up

of hills worn down by glaciers is called
the Canadian Shield.
• Wrapped around the Hudson Bay, it
covers more than 1/2 of Canada!
• Soil is not good for farming, but
minerals (iron ore, copper, nickel, gold
and uranium) are found in abundance.
 The Effect of Glaciers
• North of the Canadian Shield, the Arctic
Islands are covered in tundra - treeless
plains .
• Glacial ice covers the northernmost
islands.
 Appalachian Highlands

• In the southeast there are rolling hills and low

mountains with forests and deep water
harbors along the rocky coast.
• Laurentian Highlands
nearby
• Dotted with farms
and forests.
• Harbors along
the coasts.
St. Lawrence and Great Lakes
Lowlands
• fertile lowlands between the highlands
• Rich soil and most of Canada’s farms,
people, and industries
• Toronto
• Niagra Falls
 The Interior Plains

• An extension of the Great Plains

• Huge, rolling prairie with very fertile soil
• Wheat and grains grown here
• Herds of buffalo once roamed here,
now cattle ranches occupy the land.
 Rocky Mountains
• Part of the cordillera (a group of mtn.
ranges that run side by side).
• Scenic beauty brings tourists (Banff and
Jasper)
• Rich in minerals
 The Pacific Coast
• The Coast Mountains are also part of
the Cordillera.
• Highest peak in Canada - Mt. Logan -
19,551 ft, near the border with Alaska.
 Climate
• Generally cool or cold in the high latitudes
• Northern Canada is polar
• Between 50-70°N is subarctic with short,
cool summers
• Southeastern Canada (where most live) is
humid continental
• Southwest is marine west coast
• East of the mtns. Is dry or partly dry.