Chapter 5: Canada

Canada, the world's second-largest country in land area, is divided into ten provinces and three territories. The newest territory—Nunavut—was created in 1999. It is the homeland of the Inuit, a Native American people. Geographers divide Canada into six physical regions. Most of Canada has a cool or cold climate.

Manufacturing, farming, and service industries are Canada's major economic activities. Like the United States, Canada has a strong, free market economy. Economic challenges include settling regional differences, working out Canada's relationship with the United States, and solving environmental problems.

Native Americans and the Inuit were the first Canadians. French and British settlers later built homes in Canada. It was a colony of Great Britain until the Dominion of Canada was established in 1867. Canada's government is a parliamentary democracy, headed by a prime minister. Its culture reflects the country's diverse ethnic heritage. Some people in French-speaking Quebec want independence from the rest of Canada.