United States

The West: Pacific States Most of the population in the West live in the Pacific states, with 34 million in Cali. Before WWII, economy was based on farming, forestry, & film, but due to military growth in the warm climates of California the economy took off The warm Mediterranean climate allows year-around growing seasons. Silicon Valley, south of San Francisco became country’s leading center of computer technology California, Oregon, & Washington economies depend heavily on technology, aircraft manufacturing (especially Washington), & agriculture Oregon has 3.3 billion dollar logging industry Alaska & Hawaii depend heavily on their states’ locations, natural resources, and scenery Alaska—equal to one-fifth of the continental U.S.—

The West Largest & most sparsely populated region of the United States Includes the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and inter-mountain region. Western Region was mostly unsettled until early 1900s with aqueducts & irrigations systems being implemented in the region. The Interior west has been a major agriculture contributor. Wheat Belt stretches across the Dakotas, Montana, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Texas. This region’s irrigation is fed by the Ogallala Aquifer Tourism and mining are important economic contributors in the West.

The Midwest The region includes Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, & Missouri The Great Lakes and Mississippi River link the Midwest’s major cities to each other Midwest is one of the most productive farm regions in the world The Corn and Dairy Belt are located through this region Chicago is the largest city in the Midwest, and 3rd largest city in U.S. and most important railroad hub.

Influence of Immigration More than 99% of Americans are either immigrants or descendants of immigrants Largest immigrant groups are of European descent- Britain, France, Germany, etc. 12% of Americans trace origins back to Africa 25% of Americans identify themselves as Hispanics Hispanics and Asians are the most rapidly growing parts of the population

The South The South contains about 30% of the population, more than any other region Historically, their economy was rural and agriculture, but was destroyed after Civil War Many migrated north for jobs Industry has developed in the South over the last 50 years and allowed many people to return back to the South The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is the largest in the region. Houston & surround cities make up the 2nd largest in the region, with Atlanta, Miami, and New Orleans playing important transportation and commercial centers.

The South

The Northeast Smallest and most densely populated region of the United States 1/5 of country’s population can be found here Most of population is contained in an urban corridor known as Megalopolis Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C. & their suburbs form the Megalopolis

The Northeast North East the country’s leader in commerce and banking Financial Center: New York is Major fashion New York is a Center. Textiles: Are important commercial centers Trade: Many cities And ports. This industry declined Pittsburgh is a steel Manufacturing : In the 1900’s Producer. The Northeast