The Pacific Northwest is the most isolated region in North America. It's has many mountains, forests and coastlines. It has a beautiful scenery like other parts of North America, yet the residents take great environmental responsibility. Its location has made the region's economy grow just like Chicago.The region is composed of western Oregon and Washington, British Columbia and southeastern part of Alaska. Most of the region is separated by mountains and have active volcanoes. Rainfall is heavy in the region due to the high mountains, which become a barrier for the air that comes from the Pacific Ocean. Precipitation and temperature varies on the location due to mountains. Winters are cool and rainy and summers are cooler along the coastlines.
This region was the last Canadian and American coastline to be explored due to its location. Many of the early settlers were Native Americans just like many parts of North America. The natives depended mostly on fishing and other marine mammals. The first Europeans to settle in the region were Russians, in search for fur. Settlement in the Pacific Northwest was encouraged after the transcontinental railroad. Washington became a place for people to settle and it's population is high. Russians Chinese and Latinos continue to settle in the region. Vancouver is the third largest city of Canada, but the cost of living is very high due to population growth.
Natural resources was abundant in the region, which was the strength of the region's economy. As of today the economy is now supported by High-technology industry, tourism and services. Logging is still important in the region, for house and building construction as well as paper production. Asia has become an important factor in the region's economy. Seattle is associated with Starbucks coffee, Microsoft and Amazon, which gives the region more reasons to be visited. Tourism has become important in the region due to many outdoor activities. Overall the region is growing rapidly in terms of population, which can be positive and negative. The population growth helps the economy, yet many are concern because the natural beauty of the region is getting destroyed and pollution is increasing. The Pacific Northwest's economy and population will continue to grow and remain important to North America.
Book used:
Hardwick,Shelley, Susan Wiley. The Geography of North America 2nd Edition. Pearson College Div. 2012.
 |
| Logging is important to the region's economy |
 |
| Original Starbucks in Seattle, WA |
 |
| Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail |
 |
| Tourists in Alaska |
 |
| Vancouver, Canada |
No comments:
Post a Comment