The document provides an overview of cultural geography in the United States and Canada. It discusses population patterns, density and distribution of people, urbanization trends, and history and government influences in both countries. Key points include the US having a diverse population including many immigrants, and Canada having most of its population living near the US border with two official languages of English and French.

1. Chapter 6 Cultural Geography of the United States and Canada

2. The United States May have a wider range of ethnic groups than most other countries in the world “Melting pot of the world” Most diverse population in the world

3. Population Patterns Immigration- is the movement of people into one country from another. Over 300 million people live in the U.S. Mostly immigrants- our forefathers were immigrants to this country

4. Population Patterns People come to the United States seeking jobs, educational opportunities, and career opportunities. Others seek refuge from difficult political situations In 2004, 11.7% of the U.S. population was foreign born

5. Density and Distribution Approximate population density is 80 people per square mile Out of large urban areas, the population is widely distributed Great lakes and northeast are the most densely populated Sub-arctic region and the arid Great plains are the least densely populated

6. Density and Distribution 1970s American south and Southwest became the fast growing area Sunbelt- nickname for this area due to its mild climate The areas proximity to Mexico and the Caribbean make it a prime location for immigrants

7. Urban Areas Urbanization- the movement of people from rural areas to the city Cities grew when agriculture became mechanized and required less workers Metropolitan area- includes a city of at least 500,000 people Suburbs- outlying communities near a city Urban sprawl- spread of people and suburban development

8. Population Most of the population is located near coastal areas where the economy is linked to world trade Megalopolis- a chain of closely linked metropolitan areas Pacific coast cities provide important links to Asian economies

9. History and Government US. Has been influenced by: Native Americans European colonization A war for independence Creation of a new government Westward expansion Industrial growth

10. Early America Nomads crossing a bridge from Asia became the first people to America thousands of years ago Native Americans settled throughout North, central, and South America. 1500s- English and French began to settle in these areas and begin farming

11. Early America 1700s Britain controlled the Atlantic coast; set up 13 colonies New England Rocky soil, short growing season, abundant timber Middle Fertile soil, mild winters, warm summers for growing cash crops Southern Mild climate, rich soils, promoted plantation agriculture

12. Early America 1763- France was forced to give up its American empire to Britain British Government angered the colonists leading to a revolution The U.S. Government is a federal republic 3 separate and equal branches Executive, Legislative, Judicial

13. Growth, Division, and Unity 1800s- industrialization transformed the United States Midwest became a leading center of industry due to large supplies of coal Textile industry made cotton a major cash crop in the South Underground Railroad- an informal network of safe houses

14. Technological Change 1800s- U.S. government encouraged settlement of the Great Plains to ease overcrowding in Eastern city Dry farming- a method of cultivating land to catch and hold rainwater Railroads Chinese, Irish, Mexican and other immigrants World Wars spurred economic growth

15. Modern Challenges September 11, 2001- terrorism became a major concern for the United States We invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 and Iraq in March of 2003 The War in Iraq continues

16. Culture Language and religion English is the main language in the U.S. Bilingual- learn to speak English in addition to their native language Growing Latino population has made Spanish the second most common language Many religions have flourished in America Christians, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism

17. Education and Health Care Education is built on a network of public and private schools Literacy rate- the percentage of people who can read and write (97%)??? Healthcare costs are rising Many people have trouble affording insurance Universal Healthcare is being debated

18. The Arts First Americans Integrated art, music, storytelling into daily life 1800s People began to create art forms that reflected their own lives and cultures Jazz- blends African rhythms with European harmonies Los Angeles- Hollywood (movie business) New York- Broadway (theatrical productions)

19. Family Life Many people in the U.S. enjoy a high standard of living Married couples make up about 50% of all households 44% have children under the age of 18 Average age of a person is 36 years old in 2004

20. Section 2 Canada

21. Population Patterns The People Immigrants came to Canada in search of: Political and religious freedom Economic and educational opportunities Refuge of war Loyalists- colonists who wished to remain loyal to the British Government moved to Canada Province- is a political unit similar to a state

22. Density and Distribution 90% of the population live along the U.S./Canadian border Average population density is 8 people per square mile More densely populated areas are found near water and lakes Prairie Providences- Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta

23. Urban Areas Toronto- Canada’s largest city Industrial and financial center Montreal- industrial and shipping center Vancouver- handles nearly all trade between Canada and Asia Edmonton- grew because of the petroleum industry

24. History and Government Early Inhabitants and Settlers 1400s- Europeans arrived Native population died due to disease brought by the Europeans John Cabot and Jacques Cartier helped establish European claims French were allowed to keep their language, religion, and systems of laws Quebec Act

25. A United Government Canada is a constitutional monarchy Dominion- a partially self-governing country with close ties to Great Britain Parliament- part of the Canadian government that includes the Senate and House of Commons

26. Expansion and Diversity The British government encouraged immigration to Canada 1 million Britain immigrants arrived Quebecois- Quebec’s French speaking inhabitants Klondike Gold Rush- led to widespread immigration from other parts of the world Westward expansion came at a price as Native Americans were pushed off their land

27. Modern Challenges Trade is thriving between the U.S. and Canada North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)- eliminated tariffs and other trade barriers Canadians struggle to maintain a separate identity Separatism- the breaking away of one part of a country to create a separate independent country

28. Culture Language and Religion Two official languages (English and French) Christians make up the largest religious group Numerous other religions are practiced which shows the nations diverse immigrant populations

29. Education and Healthcare Literacy rate of 97% Each providence is responsible for organizing and administering public education Public health care system so everyone has access to high quality medical treatment Cost is increasing- so taxes must be raised and benefits limited

30. The Arts Influenced by the British, French, American, and native cultures Immigrant population has added to the variety of the arts Toronto is a major area for theater and music Toronto Symphony Orchestra and National Ballet of Canada call Toronto home

31. Family Life One of the wealthiest countries in the world 65% of the population own cars Married couples make up 70% of the population 60% have children under the age of 18 1 in 6 Canadians are 65 or older