Geography Stuff

Hawaii

Hawaii was the 50th, and last state admitted into the union. It also has an extreme climate unlike that of the continental United States. All of the Hawaiian Islands lie within the tropics and experience a tropical humid climate. Due to wind patterns, the eastern sides of the islands tend to be wetter than the western sides. Hawaii was created by a hot spot within the earth's mantle. This is an area within the earth's surface, away from plate boundaries, where magma swells near the surface. The volcanoes that have risen as a result of this hot spot have created all of the land in Hawaii and continue to generate more land today.

Which area of Canada has the most productive farmland?

interior plains

Underlying the belief that the government derives its power from the people is the notion that the government should also change with the times. This is done though the creation of Amendments to the Constitution. Amendments allow the government to modify how it governs or operates. Here are just a few of the amendments that have influenced life in the United States:

1st Amendment - ensures freedom of speech, religion, press, petition, and assembly 2nd Amendment - gives the right to bear arms (own weapons, including firearms) 4th Amendment - protects against unreasonable search and seizure requires a warrant or probable cause for government officials to enter private property 6th Amendment - guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial 8th Amendment - bans excessive bail or fines prohibits cruel or unusual punishment 13th Amendment - abolished slavery 19th Amendment - granted women the right to vote

Alaska

Alaska was the 49th state admitted into the union. It has a much different climate from most of the United States. This is because Alaska is located northwest of Canada just off the coast of Russia. It is part of the Ring of Fire and experiences tectonic activity, just as the areas of the West Coast do. However, unlike the West Coast, Alaska experiences mostly subarctic and tundra climates. This state is especially cold, and there is limited plant and animal life on it.

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As the United States spread westward, its economy also began to greatly expand. New natural resources were discovered in the country's territories, allowing for new businesses to emerge. The economy grew rapidly after the Civil War ended in 1865. At this point, various industries began to spread all across the country. They were no longer just in the North. Various cities become known for certain products. For instance, Detroit became the center of the automobile industry. Another example is Pittsburgh, which focused on steel production. By the start of the 20th century, the United States had shifted from an agricultural society to a manufacturing-based one. To the present day, many of the United States' exports are machinery-related. As the 20th century continued, the United States found itself in a more prominent position on the world stage. It was an economic and military powerhouse and emerged a victor in two world wars. Since the conclusion of World War II in particular, the United States has become increasingly involved in world affairs. From 1945-1991, the United States and the Soviet Union (Russia and surrounding countries) were fierce rivals in the Cold War. The two countries never actually engaged in open warfare during this time. Instead, they supported different state and non-state groups in conflicts around the globe. There was almost no area in the world where the two countries did not compete for influence. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia and the U.S. have had better relations. Also since that time, the United States has emerged as the sole superpower.

Rocky mountains

As their name suggests, the Rockies are jagged mountains. This is because they are fairly new, geologically speaking. Weathering and erosion have not had as much time to round out their peaks as they have in the Appalachians. These peaks are found in many mountain ranges within the Rockies, which are separated by valleys. The portion of the Rockies that lie in the United States contain three main climates. These climates are arid, semiarid, and highland. This variety is a result of the mountainous terrain, which can rise as high as 14,000 feet. Lands to the east of a peak often have a much different climate than those around the peak or to its west. The differences are caused by both rain shadows and overall elevation. The higher the location is, the colder the climate is. Local climates can vary significantly in the Rockies depending on the local topography. Also, similar to the Appalachians, the Rockies are the source of many major rivers. These include the southwestern flowing Colorado, the western flowing Columbia, and the southeastern flowing Rio Grande. The direction each of these rivers flows is dependent upon which side of the Continental Divide they fall on. The Continental Divide is the place in the Rockies in which water either flows eastward, likely towards the Mississippi River and/or Gulf of Mexico, or westward towards the Pacific Ocean.

More History I guess

Aside from the Northwest Passage, the French desired two of Canada's natural resources. These were fish and fur. The Atlantic coastal waters of Canada are extremely rich in seafood. This was truer in past centuries before commercial fishing had depleted the fish populations. Fur, mainly from beavers, was a fashionable accessory that many Europeans wore as hats. In the early 18th century, the British began to take over French-controlled territory in Canada. At the conclusion of a long war in 1763, they had seized most of the land in the area. The French who had settled in Canada were often forced to leave or relocated to Quebec. After the American Revolution, many colonists from the U.S. still loyal to Britain moved to Canada. After the British takeover, Canada was organized into provinces. Today there are 10 provinces. It also has three territories. Eventually, in 1867, Canada was granted status as a dominion of Great Britain. It became self-governing while remaining part of the British Empire. Britain granted this status largely to avoid an event like the American Revolution where it lost control of the area completely. In 1931, Canada became a fully independent country when the last of the British controls ended.

Impacts of Globalization

Canada has experienced many of the same problems as the U.S. in terms of globalization. NAFTA and other free trade agreements have led to the loss of many manufacturing jobs within the country. Canada's high standard of living makes producing goods cheaper in developing countries. Many of the country's natural resources have been depleted also. Entire forests have been cut down for use as timber. In addition, many fish populations have been drastically lowered as a result of commercial fishing. The Canadian government now imposes restrictions on the extraction of natural resources. Cultural connections between the U.S. and Canada have increased since NAFTA took effect. This is bound to happen whenever two countries depend so heavily on each other for trade. However, this is not always a positive interaction. Many Canadians fear cultural dominance by the United States. Their fear is not unfounded. Canadian media and entertainment are saturated with U.S. influences. Many Canadians know almost as much about what is going in the United States as they do about their own country. The opposite cannot be said for most Americans. U.S. citizens generally know little about Canadian culture or life. Many Canadian cities also seem to be tied more to the U.S. than to Canada itself. For example, Vancouver seems to share many more economic interests with Seattle than with Canada as a whole. Other major cities like Montreal and Toronto share similar interests with other areas of the U.S. With the possibility of secession, many businesses in Quebec have moved to other provinces. They fear the economic consequences that a separate and independent Quebec might have on their businesses. For example, there would be no guarantee that the new country would become a part of NAFTA or have as friendly relations with the same areas of the world that Canada has today.

Stuff I dont care about

Canada's 10 provinces and three territories are much more independent than the 50 states in the U.S. Canada's physical features, population distribution, and heritage contribute to their independence. These factors have also prevented Canadian culture from being as cohesive as it could be. The different provinces have thus governed themselves in many different ways. These differences have led to regionalism within Canada. When this happens, the people within different provinces tend to have different views on how the country should be run. They base their views on what is good for their particular area. For example, the people of British Columbia often view trade with Pacific countries much differently from the Northwest Territories since they depend on it so much economically. Similarly, the people of Alberta often believe they share too much of their oil wealth with the rest of Canada. Regionalism has become so strong in Quebec that many of its citizens have called for independence. This is known as separatism. Many leaders who favor this policy have become elected into the government of Quebec. In 1995, the government allowed the Canadian people to decide if Quebec should be allowed to secede or not. The measure narrowly failed. Today the issue of separatism still commands much attention in Quebec, and Canada as a whole.

Culture

Canada's culture remains dominated by its British and French heritage. The largest area of French influence is Quebec. There, most of the people speak French as their primary language. Most signs and postings also use this language. The province's official government business is also conducted in French. Their law system is based on French traditions rather than English common law, which is the norm in all other parts of Canada. The religious traditions of Quebec can also be traced to its French heritage. Since France has traditionally been a Roman Catholic country, most residents of Quebec associate with this religion today. British culture influences most of the population outside Quebec. In these areas, English is the primary language. It is used in conversation, government, and publications. Most of the people in these areas are Protestant since Britain has traditionally been a Protestant country. In some of the northern areas, native cultures are quite widespread. The territory of Nunavut even has a style of government unlike the rest of Canada. It uses native traditions rather than European ones. In most of Canada, there is usually one political party in control of the government and making decisions. In contrast, Nunavut is self-governing. It makes political decisions by a consensus, or general agreement. Its model is the traditional way of making decisions in Inuit culture.

Economic Systems

Canada, like the U.S., operates under a market economy and is well developed. It allows for a high standard of living among its people. The $35,200 per capita income of its residents is lower than the U.S.; however, it is still high by world standards. Additionally, younger Canadians do not have to seek out health insurance as their counterparts in the U.S. do. The Canadian government taxes all of its citizens to provide a free healthcare system for everyone. Most Canadians are employed in the service economy. A sizeable minority is employed in manufacturing. Only about 3% of Canadians are employed in agriculture. However, they still produce much more than the country needs to feed itself. This enables them to export many agricultural products. Canada's most important trading partner is the United States. More than 75% of Canadian exports go to the U.S. A quarter of U.S. exports go to Canada. In 1989, before NAFTA was enacted, the United States and Canada signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). It eliminated tariffs just as NAFTA does, but did not include Mexico. Canada also belongs to a group known as the Commonwealth of Nations. This group consists of former British colonies. They work together to foster better trade and education among themselves. Membership in this organization has also provided Canada with increased access to European markets, among the wealthiest on the planet.

More Agreements Trump is probably gonna destroy

From a U.S. exporter's point of view, these agreements have often been great for business. Between 1996 and 2006, the total value of exported goods increased by more than 65%. However, imports rose even faster (133%), increasing the trade deficit. Imports have been rapidly increasing because the cost of labor is cheaper in many developing countries. Cheap labor allows companies to charge a small amount for a product but still make a profit. As a result, many companies have shifted their production to lower-cost sites overseas. This trend has led to the layoff of millions of workers, particularly in the manufacturing sector of the economy. Many who oppose free trade and globalization are worried about the loss of U.S. jobs. With the increase in trade, many foreign ideas have made their way into U.S. culture. Cartoons and video games are just two examples of Japanese forms of entertainment now popular with U.S. youth. Likewise, U.S. culture has spread into many more areas of the world. American fast food companies, clothing styles, sports, and entertainment are exported globally. The increased economic activity raises concerns about pollution and the use of natural resources. American consumption of goods is disproportionate to the rest of the world. Such a high level of consumption brings a high level of waste. Landfills pile up around the country while water and land resources are shrinking. Careful planning and an adjustment in lifestyle are essential if U.S. citizens wish to maintain their high standard of living.

Impacts of Globalization

Globalization often has both positive and negative effects. This is especially evident in the U.S., which has embraced globalization more than many other countries. NAFTA, WTO membership, and many other free-trade agreements permit U.S.-made goods to reach new areas of the world. Conversely, they have also allowed new, and cheaper, products from other areas to reach the U.S. for the first time.

Political Structures

Like the U.S., Canada is a democratic nation. However, it structures its government in a different manner. This structure reflects their British cultural ties in many ways. For instance, the British monarch is also Canada's monarch. Even though the monarch has little power today, it is still symbolically important. Also, like Britain, Canada has a prime minister and parliament. Parliament is much like Congress in the U.S. It is elected by the people to make laws.

History of Canada

Like the U.S., Canada was originally inhabited by a number of Native American groups that were eventually displaced by Europeans. This development began in the late 1400s when the English sailor John Cabot explored the eastern coast. As time passed, more Europeans went to Canada. Most of the early explorers came from France. Jacques Cartier, for example, was a Frenchman who explored land around the St. Lawrence River up though Montreal. The French had many reasons to explore Canada. The first was the desire to find the "Northwest Passage." The Northwest Passage was thought to be a water link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans that many Europeans hoped to find. If it existed, this waterway would enable European ships to reach Asia much faster. Unfortunately, the passage was only wishful thinking. Although there are water routes around Canada in the north, most of them are covered in ice.

Eathquake Stuff?

Many Californian cities have also felt the effects of this tectonic activity through frequent earthquakes. Usually the quakes are small. However, at times they can be disastrous. The earthquakes in San Francisco in 1906 and in Los Angeles in 1994 are two examples. The two main climates along the Pacific Coast are marine west coast and Mediterranean. Marine west coasts are typically humid and mild. They have cool, wet weather in the winter and mild, sunny weather in the summer. These climates dominate the Pacific Coast of Northern California, Oregon and Washington. The Mediterranean climate blankets most of California. These areas experience long summers and mild winters. Further inland are many other types of climates. These vary greatly depending on their distance from the mountain ranges. Climate depends on other factors such as elevation, ocean currents and seasonal winds.

Climate and Physical Traits of Canada

Many of the physical geographic formations in the United States extend into Canada. These include the Appalachian, Rocky, and Pacific Mountains. Included too are the interior and Great Plains. The same features that distinguish these areas physically in the United States also distinguish them in Canada. For example, the Appalachians along the East Coast are much smaller than the Rockies farther west. Likewise, the western coast is tectonically active, and the various mountain ranges are the source of many rivers. These include the Yukon, Saskatchewan, and Peace Rivers. The climates of the United States also extend into Canada. However, they do not penetrate completely through. Most of Canada, except for the southern and western portions, experience subarctic, tundra, or ice cap climates. This causes most of Canada's farmland and plant life to be located in close proximity to the continental United States. Temperatures in Canada are generally colder than the U.S. as well. One cause is the country's extreme northern latitude.

This stuff

The Atlantic Provinces east of the heartland have a low population density. They are known for their fishing industry. Some of these provinces include Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and New Brunswick. Less than 10% of Canadians live in this area. The Prairie Provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, to the west of the heartland, also have a low population density. These areas are known for their agricultural production. Located along the Pacific Coast, the city of Vancouver resides in the province of British Columbia. Vancouver is the third largest city in all of Canada. It has such a large population because it is an excellent port and handles much of the trade between Canada and other areas of the Pacific Rim. Aside from Vancouver though, most of British Columbia is sparsely populated. Much of the land is covered in forests or mountains, which make settlement difficult. A majority of Canadian citizens can trace their lineage back to Britain or France. This is because those two countries had a large colonial presence in Canada. Canadians of French origin are concentrated in the province of Quebec. Most of the other provinces, especially population centers, are heavily influenced by British traditions. The Yukon and Northwest Territories have a larger percentage of people with Native American and Inuit ancestry. Many of these people live on reservations today. In recent times, Canada has welcomed immigrants from all over the world. Immigrants come from other parts of Europe besides Britain and France. Notably, they are from Southern and Eastern Europe. Many people from Asia have also immigrated into Canada. This is particularly true in British Columbia.

I don't even live in this place

The Canadian Shield is a physical feature of the land that covers most of Eastern Canada. It is centered around the Hudson Bay and reaches both the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. It also penetrates the U.S. in parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The land in this area has largely been worn down and scraped away by glaciers. The landscape is generally rough, rocky, and with little soil. As a result, the Canadian Shield does not have an abundance of farmland. The St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes are among Canada's most important waterways. These two water systems are connected by man-made canals. Those canals allow goods from the Great Lakes to travel downriver and eventually to the Atlantic Ocean. Since many of the Great Lakes are at different elevations, a system of locks has been developed to ease the passage of ships.

Natural Resources of Canada

The Canadian Shield was once thought to be a fairly useless area of Canada since it was unproductive for farming. However, large deposits of minerals have been found there. Since their discovery, many mining operations have cropped up. Areas in western Canada have also provided many mineral resources. These areas are much more productive as centers for fossil fuels, however. The fuels include oil, natural gas, and coal; they are centered in the Alberta province. Just as in the U.S., Canada's farmers are a relatively small percentage of the population. The most productive areas for farming in Canada are located in the interior plains. They produce many of the same crops as the interior plains of the U.S. Among these is wheat. The west coast of Canada receives plentiful rainfall and produces many fruits and vegetables. It also is a major source of timber, much of which is exported.

Summary

The United States and Canada share many common features. These include their physical geography and cultural heritage. They also have similar economic and political systems. In many cases, these common features join the two countries into a distinct region separate from the rest of the world. For example, the U.S. and Canada both have strong cultural links to Great Britain, which controlled both countries at one point. The traditions left behind by the British have influenced the culture within the two countries. However, these influences have not prevented them from developing independently. Similar geographic features have also linked the U.S. and Canada together. The Pacific Coast, Rockies, and interior plains are all areas which extend across their border. The people in all of these areas have developed similar economies and ways of life. Natural resources are abundant in each country as well. However alike the two countries are, they still have many differences. While both are extremely large countries, their populations are quite different. The U.S. holds a more prominent position in the world. It even extends its cultural influence into Canada. The two governments, while somewhat similar, have their differences also. Today, the 50 states which compose the U.S. are much more united as a whole than the 10 provinces and three territories that make up Canada. Although both countries celebrate their multicultural population, Canada is currently dealing with the issue of secession. The U.S. has not experienced a similar problem since the 1860s.

Political Structures

The United States exists under a federal system today. This system divides the government's power between federal, state and local levels. Each level has its own specific set of duties that the other levels cannot infringe upon. For example, the federal government is the only level allowed to declare war, while state governments have the exclusive power to regulate marriage laws. There are additional divisions within each level of government. These exist so that no one person or group gains too much power. The United States is a democratic republic. This system allows for the people to vote on some issues, but also to elect representatives who will do most of the governing for them. Having this balance allows citizens to participate in their government. They can also lead a life that is not burdened by constant political decisions. That balance supports the belief that all of the powers the U.S. government exercises are provided to them by the people themselves. This principle is found numerous times throughout the U.S. Constitution. That legal document sets up the framework and laws that govern the United States. The Constitution provides the people with a president as their main leader. It also gives them a Congress to make the laws, as well as an independent court system. Many of these political ideas originated in Great Britain. For example, the U.S. modeled its tenets of individual rights and limited government on British Law. Later, other countries around the world formed, or reformed, their own governments based on these same principles. Many Latin American and European revolutions were at least partially inspired by the desire for a similar system of government.

Great Plains

To the west of the interior plains are the Great Plains. These serve as a dividing ground between the Rocky Mountains and the interior plains. This area comprises former highlands that have been eroded over time. The Great Plains reach heights of over 5,000 feet and have a semiarid climate. This is because the Rockies just to the west create a rain shadow. Prairies, which consist of tall grasses and few trees, dominate the landscape of the Great Plains. The Great Plains can be thought of as a series of plateaus that rise and fall over thousands of miles.

Agreements that Trump is destroying

The United States has entered into many agreements to reduce tariffs and promote trade across the globe. The most notable of these include membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NAFTA created a tariff-free zone between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This pact allows many more goods to be sent to, and be purchased by, all three nations. It has been especially beneficial to the United States, as Canada and Mexico are its first and third largest trading partners, respectively. Free trade agreements have also led to some potential problems in the United States. Since tariffs have been reduced on foreign-made goods, U.S. citizens have been consuming enormous amounts of those products. This has created a trade deficit. A trade deficit occurs when a country imports more than it exports. Since the U.S. is buying more goods from other countries than it is selling to them, the wealth of the U.S. is being drained. In 2006, the U.S. trade deficit with China alone was more than $232 billion.

Energy??

The United States has many energy reserves that have contributed to its economic prosperity. Coal is abundant from the Rockies to Appalachia and is a key source of power and jobs in the U.S. economy. The U.S. has about 25% of the world's coal reserves within its borders. Oil is another major energy source from Alaska, Texas, and the coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, the country's energy needs far outpace its production. The United States imports more than 50% of the oil it needs. Many political and industrial leaders are now calling for a change in this policy. Technology must improve and U.S. citizens must alter their lifestyles in order to lessen the U.S.'s dependence on foreign oil. Minerals are not as widespread in the U.S. as are other resources. However, their production still contributes to jobs. Iron, used to make a variety of industrial goods, is found in Minnesota, Michigan, and Alabama. Arizona's rich supply of copper is used as wiring in many electrical products. Silver and gold deposits have also been found in the United States although much of it has already been mined. In 1849, for example, gold was discovered near San Francisco. Thousands of people flocked to San Francisco hoping to strike it rich. The event was historically important because there were few European-descendant Americans living in that area prior to the Gold Rush. Prosperity has come at a cost. Farming in the United States has put a great strain on the amount of water left for human, animal, and wild plants consumption. The fields devoted to agriculture cause an increase in surface runoff. The fertilizers used to increase crop production are present in this runoff. The result is pollution of nearby water sources. In some areas, rivers have been siphoned for irrigation so much that they never reach the ocean as they once did. The decline in water supplies can decimate fish and wildlife populations that depend on that water for their existence. Dams provide hydroelectricity. However, they have also hurt native species. For instance, the dams keep salmon that inhabit parts of the northwest from swimming upstream and reproducing. Oil production also has negative effects on the environment. Local ecosystems are destroyed and then abandoned as the ground is torn up to reach the valuable resources.

Economic Systems

The United States has the largest economy in the world. Its gross domestic product (GDP) was roughly $13 trillion in 2006 alone. Much of that prosperity is possible because the country operates under a capitalist and market economy. The government allows, and often promotes, the creation of individual businesses. Many of the largest companies in the world started off as small, private businesses in the United States. The government also has a fairly low tax rate compared to other Western countries. Thus, people and businesses keep much of the money that they earn or reinvest it back into the economy. The diversity and skilled labor force of the U.S. economy contributes to its success. As pointed out earlier, the U.S. has one of the best higher educational systems in the world. Its workers are trained for higher paying jobs and can develop new products. As a result, in recent years the U.S. economy has become increasingly reliant on high-tech jobs. Overall though, the U.S. economy depends on many different types of industries. Citizens enjoy a high standard of living. Most people in the U.S. are employed in service industries. The average U.S. citizen earned about $43,500 in 2006, a high number compared to other areas of the world.

Natural Resources of the U.S.

The United States is located on an abundance of natural resources. These have helped the country become extremely wealthy and maintain a high standard of living. These natural resources serve many different areas of the economy. Among these are agriculture, heavy industry, and even tourism. With so many different natural resources, the United States has developed a highly diversified economy. Only 3% of the population is employed in agriculture. However, the United States manages to easily feed its citizens. It also exports more agricultural goods than most other countries. Much of this success results from extensive areas of fertile soil and accessible irrigation. Since there are so many different climates within the U.S., different areas produce different types of crops. The interior plains are known for having especially productive areas for wheat, soybeans, and corn. California is known for its fruits and vegetables. Even areas that are not particularly good for growing crops are often rich in other resources.

United States Climate and Physical Traits

The United States is the third largest country by area in the world. Only Canada and Russia are larger. This large territory contains a multitude of climates and land formations. With such a varied landscape, it is no surprise that every aspect of the United States, from population patterns to culture, is also diverse. The contiguous United States, or the 48 states located just south of Canada, makes up most of its landmass. This vast area stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. The land between these two areas is certainly not uniform. There are several mountain chains, water formations, and climates that distinguish the different sub regions.

U.S. Population Patterns

The United States is the third most populous nation on the planet. This growth has been especially evident within the past century. The 1900 U.S. census counted 76 million citizens. That figure had risen to over 152 million by 1950. It was over 300 million by the end of 2006. A large part of this growth can be attributed to improved healthcare and medicine. However, much of the current growth can be traced to immigration. In the past, most immigrants came from Europe. Today the majority come from Latin America and Asia. In all, the U.S. currently has about 5% of the world's population. This tremendous growth has put strain on the country's resources and infrastructure. Waste and consumption have greatly increased during this time period. This is not only because of the overall population increase. Americans also consume more resources per capita today than at any point in the nation's history.

West Coast

The West Coast of the United States also contains many mountains and valleys. However, the general elevation is less than that of the Rockies. The two major mountain ranges on the West Coast are the Sierra Nevada range and the Cascade Mountains. The Sierra Nevada range is located along the eastern border of California. The Cascade Mountains run from northern California up through Oregon and Washington. Many volcanoes are located along this range, including Mt. St. Helens in Washington. The West Coast of the United States is located within the Ring of Fire. This tectonically active area includes most of the edges of the Pacific Ocean where it meets land. The coasts of North and South America are part of the Ring of Fire. Among the other regions are Japan and Australia. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common in this area. For example, Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1980. It spewed tons of hot ash into the atmosphere.

History of the United States

The area known today as the United States was first inhabited by many diverse Native American tribes. Experts believe the tribes crossed into North America from Asia when the two were one landmass. As they spread through North and South America, these peoples developed into many different groups and cultures. The tribes located in the U.S. still exist in select regions, but they no longer dominate the landscape. Many of those who are left have been moved to reservations or have been integrated into modern U.S. culture. The decline of Native American populations began in the 1500s as various European nations began to colonize parts of the country. Early European settlers included the Spanish in Florida and California. The French moved into Louisiana. The Dutch, Germans, and British settled along the Atlantic Coast. Slowly but surely, Native Americans were wiped out by European diseases. They were also pushed westward by European-styled wars. Their low populations, coupled with their way of life, left behind a pristine natural landscape. However, that almost-untouched environment would be exploited by Europeans and those who followed them into the present day.

Interior Plains

The interior plains are located between the Appalachian Mountains and the Great Plains. Two major climates exist between the Eastern U.S. and the interior plains. Lands to the south have a humid subtropical climate. This means winters are generally mild and summers are hot and humid. Rainfall in this region is spread equally throughout the year. Land to the north generally experiences a humid continental climate. This northern region has four noticeable seasons, including typically snowy winters. The interior plains are usually covered in grasses with a few trees mixed into the landscape. Violent thunder, tornado, and hail storms often occur over these flat areas, especially during warmer seasons. They result as cold northern air from Canada meets warmer air flowing in from the Gulf of Mexico in the south. This area is so prone to harsh weather that a section of the plains has been nicknamed "tornado alley." Most of the interior plains are drained by the Mississippi River. The Mississippi is the longest river in North America. This river system is an important mode of transportation for moving goods within the interior of the country. It also carries and deposits huge amounts of sediment at its mouth when it reaches New Orleans at the Gulf of Mexico. These deposits have formed a large delta which can be seen from space. The northern section of the plains is home to many lakes developed in the last ice age when glaciers created deep basins in the land. After these glaciers melted, water filled in the basins. The largest of these are the Great Lakes which lie on the U.S.-Canadian border.

Population of the place I dont live in

The majority of Canada's 31 million people live near the border with the United States. There are many reasons for this. The most obvious is that more northern areas of Canada are inhospitable to humans. The climate is cold, and there is a lack of food. Also, Canada and the U.S. are each other's largest trading partners. Many businesses and cities, such as Montreal and Vancouver, are located close to the border. With such a relatively small population and large landmass, Canada's overall population density is low. Canada has only around 8 people per square mile. This water system flows eastward along the southern border of the Ontario and Quebec provinces. Along its path are the major cities of Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. The economic and political influence of this area makes it the heartland of Canada.

How it was when it wasn't awesome

The original territory of the United States consisted of 13 British colonies located along the Atlantic Coast. The southern areas had easy access to the sea. There were also fertile soils on which to plant crops for export. As a result, their regional economy focused on agriculture. The northern colonies had less fertile soil but were still located near the sea. The economy focused on shipping, lumber, and trade. When they became independent, they still retained many traits of British origin, including the English language, law, sports, and family structure. As time went on, the United States expanded westward toward the Pacific Coast. Lands that had been controlled by the French, Spanish, and British were incorporated into the country's territory. These new lands were inhabited mostly by Native American tribes who were pushed out of the way. They were placed on reservations where they preserved small pockets of their culture.

Religions

The religious group with the largest following in the United States is Protestant Christians. Many different faiths are grouped into this category. Among these are Lutherans, Presbyterians, and Baptists. Another Christian-based faith, Catholicism, also has a high number of followers. Many Catholics are descended from European countries where it is the dominate religion. These include Ireland, Spain, and Italy. Other immigrant groups have also brought their religious traditions with them to the United States. They are not nearly as widespread, however. These faiths include Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, among others. The United States as a whole is fairly educated. The higher education system of the United States is one of the most respected in the world. It contributes greatly to research and development of new products to help people across the world. These research universities also boost the U.S. economy. This educated workforce has led to an increased standard of living for most Americans, and has made the U.S. a hub for innovation. Many traditions in the U.S. originated in Britain and other countries. However, the country has its own unique culture as well. Skyscrapers, baseball, jazz, rap, rock and roll, and the motion picture industry are all cultural traditions that either started or were pioneered in the U.S. They have been exported and copied around the globe. These are not the only examples of U.S. culture to move beyond its shores. The United States' system of government and its economic principles have also spread across the globe.

I still dont live in this place

The two coasts, Great Lakes, Hudson, and various other water sources supply Canada with an abundance of seafood. The waters off the coast of Nova Scotia are among the richest in the world. Lobsters, scallops, and fish are in abundance there. The many waterways provide a mode of transportation to move products too. Rivers in the interior of Canada have also been particularly beneficial for producing hydroelectricity. The many natural wonders of Canada are an important source of tourism for the country. Niagara Falls, for example, is located north of Lake Erie on the Niagara River. There hundreds of thousands of gallons of water fall each minute from a height of around 170 feet. The falls are located on the border between the U.S. and Canada. Each country has its own section. However, the Canadian side is generally more impressive and receives more visitors each year. Other areas of Canada are also naturally beautiful. Many are practically untouched by humans.

Culture

The vast majority of Americans can trace their lineage back to a relative who immigrated into the country within the last few hundred years. This is not true of many other areas of the world. The United States' large-scale immigration has greatly influenced its culture. Many of the traditions, foods, and beliefs common in the U.S. originated in other areas of the world. While most of the U.S. population is descended from Europeans, there are also large minorities with other origins. African-Americans compose roughly 12% of the population. They have historically been the largest minority group in the country until recently. Hispanics are now the largest minority group with about 13% of the population and continue to expand. Many other minority groups from across the globe also live in the United States. Their percentages are much smaller though. Most of the U.S. population speaks English on a daily basis. Spanish is the second most common language spoken in the U.S. It is spoken mainly in areas with large Hispanic populations. These tend to be located along the U.S.-Mexico border and in large cities.

Water

The water used in irrigation, which makes the growth of these agricultural products possible, is also useful in other instances. Many rivers throughout the country have dams. These are now major producers of hydroelectricity. Other rivers have been used for the transportation of goods or people. New York, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and New Orleans are just a few examples of major cities that have developed alongside a river. Even saltwater, which is not used for irrigation, has been an important resource for the United States. Major ports have developed along the coasts, and many fisheries exist in their waters. The Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic and Pacific oceans are three areas where seafood products are harvested and trade occurs.

East

This region runs from the Atlantic Coast to the Appalachian Mountains on the interior. The Appalachians contain a number of mountain ranges. Among these are the Catskill, Green, and Blue Ridge. All of these ranges were formed millions of years ago when the North American plate collided with the African plate. Since that time, these ranges have been constantly weathered and eroded. As a result, the Appalachians are much smaller with smoother rocks than they once were. The highest peak along the chain is approximately 6,000 feet. When mountains serve as a barrier to rainfall, the effect is known as a rain shadow. The Appalachian Mountains do not cause much of a rain shadow effect on the East Coast, however, because the East Coast receives rainfall from a number of different directions. Precipitation originates from the west, the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico. Rain generally accumulates between 20 and 60 inches per year, depending on the location. Sometimes large amounts of rain fall in a short period of time when a hurricane hits the coast. The mountains are also a source of water for many important rivers on which major cities are located on. These rivers are forced to flow in an eastward direction, toward the Atlantic, because of the physical presence of the mountains.

Population stuff

Throughout most of U.S. history, population growth has been accompanied by urban, or city, growth. This trend has begun to shift as many citizens have moved into suburban areas of the country. This is known as sprawl. In the suburbs people are generally able to afford bigger homes and more land. Overall, the United States has a low population density of 78 people per square mile. Of course, this figure is much higher in cities, especially those in the Northeast. The population of the United States has also generally shifted westward since the first census was taken in 1790. At that time, the U.S. population as a whole was centered in eastern Maryland. Today, the areas of the United States with the highest population densities are along the east and west coasts. The two most populated cities in the U.S. are New York and Los Angeles. In the east, New York has a population of over 8 million. In the west, Los Angeles has over 3 million residents.