|
CANADA'S ENVIRONMENT
Geography and Economy
An Introduction on Canada's Land, Economy and Climate. Get
to know how Canada gives an importance on protecting their
environment.
Geography and Economy
Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories. The
provinces are (from west to east): British Columbia, Alberta,
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince
Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland/Labrador. The
territories are the Yukon and the Northwest Territories (NWT).
In 1999, the eastern part of the NWT became a separate
territory called Nunavut.
Physically, Canada is very large and diverse. Learning about
its main features will help you to understand some of Canada's
unique strengths. You will also understand some of the difficulties
of travel, communication and business.
Distances
Distances in Canada are measured in kilometres. Canada is
over 7,000 kms from east to west (from St. John's, Newfoundland
to Victoria, British Columbia).
You would need seven days to drive from Halifax, Nova Scotia,
to Vancouver, British Columbia. By airplane, the same trip
would take about seven hours.
Where Canadians Live
Canada has more than 27 million people. More than 80 percent
of all the people in Canada live in cities and towns within
250 km of the United States border.
Ottawa is Canada's capital. Canada's largest cities are Toronto,
Montreal and Vancouver.
Regional Characteristics
Canada has five main regions: Atlantic, Central, Prairies,
West Coast and the North. Culture and population are different
in each region.
The Atlantic region consists of Nova Scotia,
New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland/Labrador.
Resources such as fishing, farming, forestry and mining are
important to the Atlantic economy.
Central Canada consists of Ontario and Quebec.
This is the most populated region of the country. Together,
Ontario and Quebec produce more than three-quarters of all
Canadian manufactured goods.
The Prairies include Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Much of the land in these provinces is flat and fertile. It
is excellent for farming and rich in energy resources. In
western Alberta the prairies end and the Rocky Mountains begin.
The Canadian Rockies include some of the largest and most
spectacular peaks in North America.
The West Coast consists of the province of British Columbia.
It is famous for its mountain ranges and forests. Natural
resources such as lumber, fruit and ocean life are important
to the economy of this region.
The North consists of Canada's two territories: the Yukon
and the Northwest Territories. Together they make up over
one-third of Canada's land mass. Northern resources include
oil, gas, gold, lead and zinc.
Canada's Economy
Canada has a diversified economy. Resource industries such
as forestry, mining, energy, agriculture and fishing are an
important source of jobs and wealth. However, Canada is also
recognized as a world leader in high technology areas such
as communications.
Canada's economy is responding to the challenge of global
competition and changing needs. More and more jobs involve
working with people and information. Service industries are
increasingly important.
Currency
The dollar is the basic unit of money. The most common paper
bills are the $5, $10 and $20, but $50 and $100 bills are
also used. Canadian coins include the penny (one cent), nickel
(five cents), dime (ten cents), quarter (twenty-five cents),
$1 and the $2 coin.
Top
Next: Weather and Climate |
Geography and Economy
