Northern (or Anglo-) America Regional Analysis Northern (or Anglo-) America

Anglo America

Location Canada and the United States are located in North America, north of Mexico and the Caribbean These two countries are two of the largest countries in the world Russia 6.5 million sq. mi. Canada 3.85 million sq. mi. USA 3.79 million sq. mi. China 3.69 million sq. mi. Brazil 3.3 million sq. mi Australia 2.97 million sq. mi. India 1.22 million sq. mi.

The US and Canada share major physical features Appalachian Mtns. Interior Lowlands Interior Plains Great Plains Canadian Shield Great Lakes System Rocky Mountains Pacific Mountains and valleys

Climate and vegetation zones The US is a mid-latitude country with varied climates. Canada is located in the colder high latitudes. The western part of the US is drier than the eastern half

North America was gradually populated by nomads crossing from Asia through Beringia

Columbian Exchange

Both countries started as colonies, gained independence and became democratic countries. Canada’s culture reflects its French and English roots. The United States began as an English colony, but has included territories with Spanish, French and Russian colonial histories.

Independence Canada won its independence from the British through a peaceful process British North American Act in 1867 created the Dominion of Canada Recognized as independent by the Birtish in 1931 United States won its independence through revolution and fought another war with the British in 1812-1814

Government Both are Federal. Representative Democracies Government Both are Federal* Representative Democracies *Canadian Provinces have more autonomy than our states Canada is a Parliamentary Democracy (and constitutional Monarchy) Prime Minister is a member of Parliament The Untied States is a Presidential Democracy Executive branch is separate from the legislative branch Obama had to give up his position in the Senate

Population Distribution The combined population for the two countries is about 320 million. United States 291,000,000 Canada 30,000,000 Most Canadians live within one hundred miles of the US border.

Economy The US and Canada have abundant and diverse natural resources. The US and Canada together form the most productive urban industrial area in the world. They also lead the world in agricultural exports. Each is the other’s greatest trading partner Canada offers more public services, but charges higher taxes (example: National Health Plan) Canada is a net exporter of energy resources, while the United States is a net importer Most people in each country work in the service sector, with fewer than 5% in agriculture

Both countries are nations of immigrants from many countries. Cultures result from a blend of European, African, Asian, Native American, and Latin American Heritage However, Canadian law embraces multiculturalism and our tradition emphasizes assimilation Both countries’ constitutions guarantee religious freedom French is the #2 language spoken in Canada; Spanish is the #2 language spoken in the US

Sources http://www.theseminal.com/2007/06/01/before-you-compare-canada-vs-the-united-states/ http://www.unitednorthamerica.org/simdiff.htm