We are the only country born of an idea. We are not here because of geography or religion or race or even economics. We are here because everybody agrees on an idea. Freedom. Its that idea that is imperishable. Ken Burns Are We Lucky Notes

The US. And Canada are unique in the world, geographically speaking A.They are both Physically Large, but NOT overpopulated B.The people of both nations are AFFLUENT (wealthy.)

C. Economics Both nations are Productive economically and Industrialized in most regions > Both are in the 3 rd /4 th economic sectors. Canada > mixed economy Canada > mixed economy US > market eco US > market eco Individuals are guaranteed many rights as people, including the right to speak freely and to move around with minimal harassment. D. Rights

Both nations are productive economically and industrializaed in most regions. secondary Primary

Quatenary Tertiary (Services)

E. Government US and Canada are both democratic countries US and Canada are both democratic countries US has a president Canada has a prime minister US has a president Canada has a prime minister Citizens have a large say in government processes Citizens have a large say in government processes U.S. Congress Canadian Parliaament

F. Political stability The two nations have a history of Peaceful Co-existence: The longest unguarded border in the world is the Canadian – US border. Why dont we have an immigration issue w/Canada???

Geographic Advantages A.A variety of latitudes provides several climatic regions and growing climates. B. Good water resources are available such as Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, major river systems such as Mississippi, Colorado…

C.Productive soils are abundant especially in the Great Plains of the US. Geographic Advantages The top soil (what is needed to make plants grow) is deep in most areas. Glaciation pushed most of the Eastern Canadian top soil down into the US (Canadian Shield)

D.There are a variety of BIOMES Forests, deserts, mountain areas, wetlands Geographic Advantages

E.Abundant Animal Life Most species are not depleted by humans yet. Geographic Advantages

F. Abundant mineral resources compared to other world regions Geographic Advantages

Disadvantages – barriers A.In the past – Explorers and settlers experienced problems with the terrain: Fall Line Region, Arctic Area, Rockies, wide rivers.

Disadvantages - distance B. Transportation Over Such Large Areas – It is difficult to get people and products to the market and to the mall! Both U.S. and Canada built transcontinental railroads in the latter 1800s. We must build highways, airports, we depend on trucking and trains.)

Ties Between US and Canada A.The US exports more goods to Canada than any other country. B.Canada ranks as one of the top three countries in imports to the USA. Canada is big! I Am Canadian The U.S. buys more oil from Canada than any other country. Much of it is in the form of oil sands shown here.

Ties Between US and Canada C. Canadian firms do more business with US companies than with one another!! D. US mass culture influences Canadians and Canadian culture influences us: Music, Films, Clothing, Food… Canadian imports to the US

In the end, our countries are often like brothers who quarrel with one another, but when the fight is on, generally stand together.