A Comparative Analysis of the USA and Canada: Key Differences

This report provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the United States of America (USA) and Canada, focusing on their key differences across economic, cultural, and geographic dimensions. The report begins with an introduction that highlights the geographical proximity and shared border of the two countries. It then delves into an economic comparison, examining the size of their GDPs, the nature of their economies (mixed vs. developed), and the role of natural resources. The cultural section explores the diverse cultural landscapes of both nations, highlighting values like individualism in the USA versus multiculturalism in Canada. The report also includes a discussion of the geography of both countries, noting variations in climate and topography. The conclusion summarizes the key findings, emphasizing their distinct economic strengths and cultural identities. References to academic sources are also included to support the analysis.

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Difference between USA and Canada

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Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................2
Economy...............................................................................................................................................2
Culture...................................................................................................................................................2
Geography.............................................................................................................................................3
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................4
References.............................................................................................................................................5

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Introduction
United States of America (USA) is a central republic of 50 states. US is fourth largest country
area wise. Canada and USA both are largest countries in the world. Canada is second largest
country other than Russia and covers area of 9.9 million square kilometres. Niagara Falls is
on the border of both countries. In this report the difference of USA and Canada is discussed
in terms of economy, culture and geography.
Economy
The characteristics of US is it’s physical environment. The country has one of the diversified
economies. The physical environment of country ranges from frozen to subtropical and from
moist rain forest to parched dessert. The population of country is largest according to world
standards. However the overall population density is relatively low. The economic power of
country can be measured in the form of greatest GDP. It makes 17-22% of world’s GDP.
The economy of US is mixed economy as there is intervention of private interest and state’s.
US is rich in it’s natural resources and agricultural output. The export and imports of country
represents major percentage. US is member of World Bank, IMF, OAS and United Nations.
Canada occupies two fifth of the islands of North America. It is one of the wealthy nations in
the world. The economy of country is developed and mixed. It has the 10th largest GDP by
nominal. As per Fergusson, (2011) the GDP of USA is over nine times of Canada and eleven
times in terms of purchasing power. The economy of the Canada is mainly designated by the
service industry. It engages three quarters of population. Canada is fourth largest exporter of
petrol and gas. The country has abundance of natural resources which makes it the energy
superpower. The country ranks fourth in the estimated value of natural resources. The
economic system is made up of private and public enterprises. It leads in entertainment
software industries. Canada is member of WTO, APEC, NAFTA and OECD. Canada is
expected to have growth of 2.2% in 2018.
Culture
USA has the diverse culture. People in US come from many backgrounds and cultures. There
is majority of Anglo in USA that is politically and economically dominant. The culture of
country contains values like independence, equality, informality and directness. The culture
gives importance to individualism. People believe themself separate individuals who control

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their own lives. USA believes in creating equality. It means all people are created equal so
they should be treated equal. It embeds their culture value. The equality causes informality in
the behaviour of people towards other people. People like to approach directly to other
persons if they have any problem from each other to solve problems. English is the primary
language which is used in USA. It is used for legislation, regulations and other official
declarations. In the culture of USA there is majority of Christians that covers 70-78% of
population. USA is also leading in arts as it contains one third of universal media and
entertainment industry. The population of the country is found interested in playing sports
like baseball, football, hockey and basketball.
According to Hansen (2017) due to the contribution of different cultures US is defined as
melting pot whereas culture of Canada is more of an assortment. The culture of Canada is
influenced from European countries. It is mixture of British, French and America. The
modern culture of country is made up of these influences. The culture of country includes
values such as fairness, equality and social justice. Canada has adopted multiculturalism
policy. It has comprised diversity and multiplicity. It has significant cultural differences in
it’s regions. So, the immigrants are able to retain their ethnic culture. The country has dual
nationality that is French Canada and English Canada. English and French are official
languages in Canada. The region in country is made up of Catholic, Protestant, orthodox,
Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, Buddhist and none.
Geography
USA is third largest country in the world. It covers an area of 3,679,192 square miles. It
comprises fifty states and one central district. Alaska and Hawaii are other than the 48 states.
Alaska is situated at the extreme north of North America. Hawaii is located at the east central
Pacific Ocean. The physical environment of country has substantial effects on the regional
cultures. The eastern region of the country comprises peaks and low mountains. The highest
point in country is Mount McKinley and the lowest point is Death Valley. The country has
varied topography. As per Ingram, Dow, Carter and Anderson (2013), climate of country
depends on the location and has more fluctuating climate. The most tropical climate is found
in Alaska, Hawaii and Florida. The large parts of the country have either warm summer or
cold winters.

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However Canada is the second largest country in the world. The country covers space of
9,984,670 km. Canada contains land regions, lakes, inlands and longest coastline. The
country has 38th largest population in the world. Canada has 9% water on it’s territory.
Canada has more natural resources. It is more developed. Canada is located at more north and
the climate is colder whereas USA has fluctuating climate. USA has cold in north and
tropical in south.
Conclusion
From the above report it can be concluded that USA and Canada both are leading economies.
Canada ranks second and USA ranks third in the largest economies of the world. Both
countries are rich in their culture. Canada has more diversified economy and has adopted
multiculturalism policy. There is less income disparity and unemployment rates in the
Canada economy. The US economy is innovative and has irreplaceable culture. There is lot
of funds available for expansion of business in the economy of US.

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References
Fergusson, I. F. (2011). United States-Canada trade and economic relationship: prospects and
challenges. Canadian Imports and Trade Issues.
Ingram, K. T., Dow, K., Carter, L., Anderson, J., & Sommer, E. K. (Eds.). (2013). Climate of
the Southeast United States: variability, change, impacts, and vulnerability (pp. 1-
342). Washington, DC, USA:: Island Press.
Hansen, R. (2017). Why Both the Left and the Right Are Wrong: Immigration and
Multiculturalism in Canada. PS: Political Science & Politics, 50(3), 712-716.