"... The North American region stands at the center of the globalization process and the results are transforming the cultural and economic geographies of the region ... Most North Americans are employed in occupations that are either directly or indirectly linked to the global economy ... They consume ethnic foods, tune in to international sporting events on television, enjoy the sounds of salsa and Senegalese music, surf the Internet from one continent to the next and invest their pensions in global mutual funds." (Rowntree, et al., Chapter 3)
- This chapter provides you with the first opportunity to apply the concepts of globalization and diversity to help improve your understanding of a region. This pattern sets the tone for the remainder of the book.
- Chapter 3 introduces a region of great diversity, providing detailed discussion of the evolution of cities as well as the structure of metropolitan areas.
- After reading Chapter 3, you should be familiar with the physical, demographic, political, and economic characteristics of North America. You should also be able to locate your place of residence in North America within the context of the materials presented in this chapter. In addition, you should understand the following concepts and models:
- Environmental geography
- Diverse physical setting; Patterns of climate and vegetation; Natural processes and natural hazards; Human modifications to the environment; Water management and air quality concerns.
- Population and settlement
- Modern spatial and demographic patterns; Native populations and settlements; Migrations from Europe and Africa; Migrations within North America; Historical evolution of the U.S. city; Rural North America.
- Cultural coherence and diversity
- Historical migrations and cultural influxes; Culture and place in North America; Ethnic neighborhoods; Patterns of North American religion; Globalization of American culture.
- Geopolitical framework
- Uniting states and assembling provinces; Canada-U.S. relations; Federalism; Rights of minority populations; Political influence beyond national borders.
- Economic and social development
- Agriculture; Industry; Connectivity and economic growth; Sectoral transformation; Regional economic patterns; Investment and trade; Persisting social issues; 21st-century challenges.
