CU-BSC.TTM-SEM-III-Tourism Products Europe & America- Second Draft

BACHLEOR OF SCIENCE TRAVEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT SEMESTER III TOURISM PRODUCTS: EUROPE & AMERICA BTT113

CHANDIGARH UNIVERSITY Institute of Distance and Online Learning Course Development Committee Prof. (Dr.) R.S.Bawa Pro Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Punjab Advisors Prof. (Dr.) Bharat Bhushan, Director – IGNOU Prof. (Dr.) Majulika Srivastava, Director – CIQA, IGNOU Programme Coordinators & Editing Team Master of Business Administration (MBA) Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Coordinator – Dr. Rupali Arora Coordinator – Dr. Simran Jewandah Master of Computer Applications (MCA) Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) Coordinator – Dr. Raju Kumar Coordinator – Dr. Manisha Malhotra Master of Commerce (M.Com.) Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) Coordinator – Dr. Aman Jindal Coordinator – Dr. Minakshi Garg Master of Arts (Psychology) Bachelor of Science (Travel &Tourism Management) Coordinator – Dr. Samerjeet Kaur Coordinator – Dr. Shikha Sharma Master of Arts (English) Bachelor of Arts (General) Coordinator – Dr. Ashita Chadha Coordinator – Ms. Neeraj Gohlan Academic and Administrative Management Prof. (Dr.) R. M. Bhagat Prof. (Dr.) S.S. Sehgal Executive Director – Sciences Registrar Prof. (Dr.) Manaswini Acharya Prof. (Dr.) Gurpreet Singh Executive Director – Liberal Arts Director – IDOL © No part of this publication should be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording and/or otherwise without the prior written permission of the authors and the publisher. SLM SPECIALLY PREPARED FOR CU IDOL STUDENTS Printed and Published by: TeamLease Edtech Limited www.teamleaseedtech.com CONTACT NO:- 01133002345 For: CHANDIGARH UNIVERSITY 2 Institute of Distance and Online Learning CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

First Published in 2021 All rights reserved. No Part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from Chandigarh University. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this book may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages. This book is meant for educational and learning purpose. The authors of the book has/have taken all reasonable care to ensure that the contents of the book do not violate any existing copyright or other intellectual property rights of any person in any manner whatsoever. In the event the Authors has/ have been unable to track any source and if any copyright has been inadvertently infringed, please notify the publisher in writing for corrective action. CONTENTS 3 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Unit-1 Physical And Geographical Location Of America .........................................................5 Unit 2 Tourist Destination Canada ..........................................................................................20 Unit 3 Tourism Destinations – Usa..........................................................................................41 Unit 4 Tourist Destinations – Mexico......................................................................................62 Unit 5 Tourist Destination South America ..............................................................................81 Unit 6 Physical- Geographical Location Of Europe ...............................................................101 Unit 7 Tourist Destination – United Kingdom ......................................................................122 Unit 8 General And Basic Facts Of France ...........................................................................143 Unit 9 Tourist Destinations – Spain & Italy ..........................................................................165 Unit 10 Tourist Destinations Of Switzerland.........................................................................193 4 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

UNIT-1 PHYSICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF AMERICA Structure 1.0 Learning objective 1.1 Physical location of North America 1.2 Physical location of South America 1.3 Summary 1.4 Keywords 1.5 Learning activity 1.6 Unit end questions 1.7 References 1.0 LEARNING OBJECTIVES After learning this unit, the student will be able to  Examine the physical location of north America  Analyze the physical location of South America 1.1 PHYSICAL LOCATION OF NORTH AMERICA 5 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 1.1 North America Map The longitude and latitude of North America 54.5260° N, 105.2551° W North America is the third-largest continent which extends from the tiny Aleutian Islands in the northwest to the Isthmus of Panama in the south. The continent includes island of Greenland in the northeast, small island countries and territories that dot the Caribbean Sea and western North Atlantic Ocean. In the north, the continent stretches halfway around the world, from Greenland to the Aleutians. But at Panama’s narrowest part, the continent is just 50 kilometres (31 miles) across. North America’s physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be considered separately. North America can be divided into five physical regions: the mountainous west, the Great Plains, the Canadian Shield, the varied eastern region, and the Caribbean. Mexico and Central America’s western coast are connected to the mountainous west, while its lowlands and coastal plains extend into the eastern region. Within these regions there are major biomes in the world. A biome is a community of animals and plants spreading over an extensive area with a relatively uniform climate. Some diverse biomes represented in North America include desert, grassland, tundra, and coral reefs. Western Region 6 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 1.2 North America Western Region Young mountains rise in the west. The most familiar of these mountains are probably the Rockies, North America’s largest chain. The Rockies stretch from the province of British Columbia, Canada, to the U.S. state of New Mexico. The Rocky Mountains are part of a system of parallel mountain ranges known as the Cordilleras. A cordillera is a long series of mountain ranges. Although cordilleras exist all over the world, in North America, “the Cordilleras” indicate the massive mountain ranges in the western part of the continent. The Cordilleras extend from Canada all the way to the Isthmus of Panama. The Sierra Madre mountain system is part of the Cordilleras. The Sierra Madre stretch from the southwestern United States to Honduras. The Sierra Madre include many high volcanoes (up to 5,636 meters, or 18,500 feet) that stretch across Mexico south of the cities of Guadalajara and Mexico City. Volcanic mountain ranges in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama are also considered part of the Cordilleras. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur frequently in this region. Volcanic activity can destroy towns and cities. It also contributes to the rich, fertile soils of the region. Some of the Earth’s youngest mountains are in the Cascade Range of the U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, and California. Some peaks began to form only about a million years ago—a blink of an eye in Earth’s long history. The mountains include temperate rain forest— a biome unique to the area. The temperate rain forest receives an incredible amount of precipitation, between 254 to 508 centimetres (100 to 200 inches) annually. However, it’s cool winters and mild summers promote the growth of mosses, ferns, fungi, and lichens. 7 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

The temperate rain forest supports a wide variety of life. The Sitka spruce, western red cedar, and Douglas fir are trees native to North America’s temperate rain forest. Some of these trees grow to more than 90 meters (300 feet) tall and 3 meters (10 feet) in diameter. Black bears, Roosevelt elk, and marmots are indigenous animal species. The three major desert regions of North America—the Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahua— are all in the American southwest and northern Mexico. These large deserts are located in the rain shadows of nearby mountains. The mountains block precipitation and accelerate the movement of hot, dry wind over these regions. The Sonoran is in the rain shadow of the Coast Ranges, the Mojave is in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada, and the Chihuahua is in the shadow of the Sierra Madre. Notable desert plant species includes the saguaro cactus, Joshua tree, and mesquite. Animal species include the roadrunner, Glia monster, and rattlesnake. In addition to mountains, deserts, and forests, the northern part of the western region of North America also has the richest deposits of oil and natural gas on the continent. Most of these deposits are located offshore, in the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. Great Plains Figure 1.3 Great Plains of North America The Great Plains lie in the middle of the continent. Deep, rich soil blankets large areas of the plains in Canada and the United States. Grain grown in this region, called the “Breadbasket of North America,” feeds a large part of the world. The Great Plains are also home to rich deposits of oil and natural gas. 8 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Much of the fertile soil was formed from material deposited during the most recent glacial period. This ice age reached its peak about 18,000 years ago. As glaciers retreated, streams of melted ice dropped sediment on the land, building layers of productive soil. The grassland or prairie regions of the Great Plains make up the largest biome in North America. Extreme weather prevents the growth of large plants but is perfectly suited to the native grasses that dominate the region. Native grasses vary in size from 2 meters (7 feet) in tallgrass prairies to only 20 or 25 centimetres (8 or 10 inches) in shortgrass prairies. Native animal species include bison, prairie dogs, and grasshoppers. Canadian Shield Figure 1.4 Canadian Shield, North America The Canadian Shield is a raised but relatively flat plateau. It extends over eastern, central, and north western Canada. The Canadian Shield is characterized by a rocky landscape pocked by an astounding number of lakes. The tundra, stretching along the northern borders of Alaska and Canada to the Hudson Bay area, is a biome common to the Canadian Shield. Tundra is where low temperatures and precipitation levels hinder tree growth. The tundra is characterized by permafrost—soil that is frozen for two or more years. This permafrost keeps moisture near the soil’s surface, promoting vegetation growth even in the extreme, Arctic conditions of the tundra. During the summer, this top layer of soil thaws less than 10 centimetres (only a few inches) down, forming numerous shallow lakes, ponds, and bogs. Lichens, mosses, algae, and 9 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

succulents take advantage of these shallow waters. In turn, they provide food for the caribou and musk ox that are typical of this area. Eastern Region Figure 1.5 North America Eastern Regions This varied region includes the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coastal plain. North America’s older mountain ranges, including the Appalachians, rise near the east coast of the United States and Canada. These areas have been mined for rich deposits of coal and other minerals for hundreds of years. The Atlantic coastal plain extends from river, marsh, and wetland regions east of the mountains toward the sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast. Wetland areas are a biome of the eastern region and consist of areas of land whose soil is saturated with permanent or seasonal moisture. The Florida Everglades is the largest wetland system in the United States, covering more than 11,137 square kilometres (4,300 square miles) of southern Florida. The Everglades is a biologically diverse region and contains several bordering ecosystems. Sawgrass marshes are the most iconic plant community of the Everglades and thrive on the slow-moving water of the wetlands. Alligators nest in the sawgrass, while wading birds such 10 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

as egrets, herons, spoonbills, and ibises make their breeding grounds in other wetland tree species, such as cypress and mangrove. Caribbean Region Figure 1.5 Caribbean Region Map The Caribbean Region includes more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. The region’s islands and smaller islets are varied in their topography; some have relatively flat and sandy terrain while others are rugged, mountainous, and volcanic. The coral reefs and cays of the Caribbean Sea are among the most spectacular biomes in North America. A reef is a ridge of jagged rock, coral, or sand just above or below the surface of the sea. Some coral reefs surround islands, such as the Bahamas, Antigua, and Barbados. Others are found off the Florida Keys, a chain of cays—small islands situated on a coral reef platform—near the southern coast of the U.S. state of Florida. Coral reefs are made of millions of tiny animals—corals—that form a hard shell around their bodies. This hard surface provides a rich community for algae and plants such as seagrass. Brightly coloured tropical fish, as well as sharks, sea turtles, sea stars, and sea horses, are animals native to the Caribbean’s coral reefs. Natural Wonders North America’s varied landscape features many natural wonders. It has deep canyons, such as Copper Canyon in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Denali, the continent’s highest peak, 11 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

stands at 6,194 meters (20,320 feet) within Denali National Park and Preserve in the U.S. state of Alaska. Yellowstone National Park, in the U.S. states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, has some of the world’s most active geysers. Canada’s Bay of Fundy has the greatest tidal range in the world. The Great Lakes form the planet’s largest area of freshwater. The Mississippi River, at 3,730 kilometres (2,320 miles) long, is one of the longest river systems in the world and drains all or parts of 31 U.S. states. 1.2 PHYSICAL LOCATION OF SOUTH AMERICA Figure 1.6 South America Map  South America, the fourth-largest continent, extends from the Gulf of Darién in the northwest to the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego in the south.  South America’s physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be considered separately.  South America can be divided into three physical regions: mountains and highlands, river basins, and coastal plains. Mountains and coastal plains generally run in a north-south direction, while highlands and river basins generally run in an east-west direction.  South America’s extreme geographic variation contributes to the continent’s large number of biomes. A biome is a community of animals and plants that spreads over an area with a relatively uniform climate. 12 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Within a few hundred kilometres, South America’s coastal plains’ dry desert biome rises to the rugged alpine biome of the Andes mountains. One of the continent’s river basins (the Amazon) is defined by dense, tropical rain forest, while the other (Paraná) is made up of vast grasslands. With an unparalleled number of plant and animal species, South America’s rich biodiversity is unique among the world’s continents. Mountains & Highlands South America’s primary mountain system, the Andes, is also the world’s longest. The range covers about 8,850 kilometres (5,500 miles). Situated on the far western edge of the continent, the Andes stretch from the southern tip to the northernmost coast of South America. There are hundreds of peaks more than 4,500 meters (15,000 feet) tall, many of which are volcanic. The highest peak in the Andes, Aconcagua, stands at 6,962 meters (22,841 feet) and straddles the Argentina-Chile border. Aconcagua is the tallest mountain outside Asia. High plateaus are also a feature of the Andes. The altiplano of Peru and Bolivia, for example, has an elevation of about 3,700 meters (12,300 feet). The Patagonia region of Argentina and Chile consists of lower-elevation plateaus and rugged glaciers. Most plants in the alpine biome are small, and their leaves are stiff and strong to protect them from frost and drought. The largest herb in the world, Puyaraimondii, is known as the Queen of the Andes. The leaves of this endangered species all grow from one woody stem, allowing moisture to run down the leaves to the base of the plant. Outside the Andes, South America has two principal highland areas: the Brazilian Highlands and the Guiana Highlands. Located south of the Amazon River in Brazil, the Brazilian Highlands are made up of low mountains and plateaus that rise to an average elevation of 1,006 meters (3,300 feet). The Guiana Highlands are located between the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers. The heavily forested plateau of the Guiana Highlands covers southern Venezuela, French Guiana, Guyana, northern Brazil, and a portion of south-eastern Colombia. River Basins South America has three important river basins: the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraguay/Paraná. 13 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

The Amazon River basin has an area of almost 7 million square kilometres (2.7 million square miles), making it the largest watershed in the world. The basin, which covers most of northern South America, is fed by tributaries from the glaciers of the Andes. Every second, the Amazon River empties 209,000 cubic meters (7,381,000 cubic feet) of freshwater into the Atlantic Ocean. The Amazon River is the life force of the equally vast Amazon rain forest, which makes up about half of the rain forest of the entire planet. This tropical biome has as many as 100 different tree species on a single acre, including the rubber tree, silk cotton tree, and Brazil nut tree. Other important plant species include palms, ferns, and rope like vines known as lianas that network throughout the rain forest’s dense canopy. The diversity of animal life in the Amazon rain forest is unsurpassed in the rest of the world. The rain forest is perfectly suited for arboreal, or tree-living, animals. More than 2 million species of insects are native to the region, including hundreds of spiders and butterflies. Primates are abundant—howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and capuchin monkeys—along with sloths, snakes, and iguanas. Thousands of native birds include brightly coloured macaws, parrots, toucans, and parakeets. The Orinoco River flows north of the Amazon. The Orinoco flows in a giant arc for more than 2,736 kilometres (1,700 miles), originating in the Guiana Highlands of northern Brazil and discharging in the Atlantic Ocean in Venezuela. The Orinoco River basin covers an area of about 948,000 square kilometres (366,000 square miles) and encompasses approximately 80 percent of Venezuela and 25 percent of Colombia. A vast savanna or grassland region, known as the Llanos, is the primary biome of the Orinoco River basin. The Llanos is primarily made up of grasses. Swamp grasses, sedges, and bunchgrass are found in wet, low-lying areas. Carpet grass is found in the higher and drier elevations. Like most grassland biomes, the Llanos is the perfect habitat for many bird species, including the scarlet ibis, bellbird, and umbrellabird. Important river species include the piranha, electric eel, and the Orinoco crocodile, which can reach a length of more than 6 meters (20 feet). The Paraguay/Paraná River basin covers almost 2.8 million square kilometres (1,081,000 square miles), which is much of south-eastern Brazil and Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern 14 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Argentina. The Paraná River includes Iguazu Falls, a massive series of waterfalls that extend for 2.7 kilometres (1.7 miles). Along with the Uruguay River, the Paraná River empties into the Rio de la Plata estuary between Argentina and Uruguay. The Rio de la Plata is the most populated region of both countries. The capital cities of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay, practically face each other across the estuary. The Paraguay/Paraná River basin supplies water to the plains biome, or Pampas, of South America. The Pampas have rich, fertile soil and predictable rainfall patterns. They are the most important grazing and cropland areas on the continent. Coastal Plains A coastal plain is an area of low, flat land next to a seacoast. South American coastal plains are found on the north-eastern coast of Brazil, on the Atlantic Ocean, and the western, Pacific coast of Peru and Chile. The coastal plains of north-eastern Brazil are extremely dry. The Brazilian Highlands act as a wedge that pushes moist sea winds away from the coastal plains. The western coastal plains are also extremely dry. They are trapped between the cold Peru Current to the west and the Andes Mountains to the east. The Peru Current brings cold water to the Pacific coast of Peru and Chile. This cold surface water results in thermal inversion: cold air at sea level and stable, warmer air higher up. Thermal inversion produces a thick layer of clouds at low altitudes. These low-lying clouds blanket much of the Pacific coast of South America. They do not allow precipitation to form. The Atacama Desert is part of the western coastal plain. The Atacama is considered the driest region in the world. The average rainfall is about 1 millimetre (0.04 inches) a year, and some parts of the Atacama have never had rain in recorded history. Very few plants grow in this desert. Even bacteria, insects, and fungi are scarce. Larger animal species are also rare, and include the grey fox, a type of deer called the huemul, and the viscacha—the largest member of the chinchilla family. Ocean birds, such as penguins, cormorants, and pelicans, are found on the desert coast. While Atacama lacks flora and fauna, it is a rich source of copper and a chief source of revenue for the Chilean economy. 15 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 1.7 The US. Atlantic Coastal Plain Province. 1.3 SUMMARY  North America occupies the northern portion of the landmass generally referred to as the New World.  Mainland North America is shaped roughly like a triangle, with its base in the north and its apex in the south; associated with the continent is Greenland, the largest island in the world, and such offshore groups as the Arctic Archipelago, the West Indies, Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands), and the Aleutian Islands  South America is bounded by the Caribbean Sea to the northwest and north, the Atlantic Ocean to the northeast, east, and southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the west 1.4 KEYWORDS  Biome-A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g. forest or tundra.  River Basins – A river basin is the portion of land drained by a river and its tributaries.  Highlands and Mountains - Highlands or uplands are any mountainous region or elevated mountainous plateau.  Coastal Plains - A coastal plain is flat, low-lying land adjacent to a sea coast. Some of the largest coastal plains are in Alaska and the southeastern United States.  Archipelago - An archipelago is an area that contains a chain or group of islands scattered in lakes, rivers, or the ocean. 16 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

1.5 LEARNING ACTIVITY 1. Learn about the cost of living and Tourist locations of North and South America ___________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ 1.6 UNIT END QUESTIONS A. Descriptive Questions Short Questions 1. Write a short note on Physical regions of North America 2. What are the important river basins in South America 3. Write a short note on diversity of Animal Life in Amazon Forest Long Questions 1. Explain about the physical location of North America 2. Discuss about Western region of North America 3. Describe about Mountains and highlands in South America 4. Describe about Natural Wonders of North America 5. Discuss in detail the location of North America in World Map B. Multiple Choice Questions 1. Which of the following North American waterfalls comprises of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls? a. Yosemite Waterfalls b. Niagara Falls c. Cumberland Falls d. Bash Bish Falls 17 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

2. Which of the following connects the South America to North America? a. Atlantic Ocean b. Isthmus of Panama c. Island of Tierra del Fuego d. Equator 3. Which of the following is the highest peak of South America? a. Mt. Quinto b. Mt. Etna c. Mt. Aconcagua d. Mt. Cotopaxi 4. Which of the following South American island is famous for its mysterious history and giant stone statues? a. Chiloe Island b. Margarita Island c. Easter Island d. Blanquilla Island 5. Which of the following lakes act as the dividing line between the USA and Canada? a. Athabasca Lake and Reindeer Lake b. Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River c. Erie Lake and Ontario Lake d. Superior Lake and Huron Lak Answers 1-b, 2-b, 3-c, 4-c, 5-b 18 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

1.7 REFERENCES Reference books:  Specific Country Guidebooks of Lonely Planet Publication.  DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Europe  A.K Bhatia – International Tourism.  International Geography for Travel and Tourism by John P.Wrades 19 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

UNIT 2 TOURIST DESTINATION CANADA Structure 2.0 Learning objective 2.1 General and basic facts of Canada 2.2 Various tourist destination of Canada 2.3 Summary 2.4 Keywords 2.5 Learning activity 2.6 Unit end questions 2.7 References 2.0 LEARNING OBJECTIVE After studying this unit, the students will be able to  State the basic and general facts about Canada  Describe the famous and top-rated tourist spots in Canada 2.1 GENERAL AND BASIC FACTS OF CANADA Canada is the second largest country in the world (after Russia) by land mass. Canada has a total area of 9.9 million sq. km. and touches the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic oceans (which is why its motto, “from sea to sea” is quite appropriate), making it the country with the longest coastline (243,791 km. long). It is composed of 10 provinces and three territories with Ottawa as its capital. 20 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 2.1 Canada Political Map 21 The provinces are:  Alberta (capital: Edmonton)  British Columbia (Victoria)  Manitoba (Winnipeg)  New Brunswick (Fredericton)  Newfoundland and Labrador (St. John’s)  Nova Scotia (Halifax)  Ontario (Toronto)  Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown)  Quebec (Quebec City)  Saskatchewan (Regina) The three territories are  Northwest Territories (Yellowknife)  Nunavut (Iqaluit)  Yukon (Whitehorse) Land of Lakes CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined. At last count, there may be as many as two million, with 563 lakes larger than 100 square kilometers. Canada’s largest include Lake Huron (Ontario), Great Bear Lake (Northwest Territories), and Lake Superior (Ontario). Lake Winnipeg, Canada’s fifth and the world’s 11th largest, is in Manitoba. Multicultural population  Canada is the first country in the world to adopt a policy of multiculturalism, embracing diversity and pluralism. Today, according to the Parliament of Canada’s Canadian Multiculturalism report, the country is home to people from over 250 ethnic origins. Around 6.2 per cent of the total Canadian population reported an Aboriginal identity and 22.3 per cent belong to a visible minority (2016 Census). The largest groups among these visible minorities come from Asia (including the Middle East), Africa and Europe. The largest individual source of immigrants is the Philippines, followed by India and China Democracy/Monarchy  Canada is a Parliamentary Democracy headed by a Prime Minister. However, it is also a constitutional monarchy with executive authority vested in the Queen. This means that the Queen is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.  A parliamentary democracy has three parts: The Sovereign (Queen), the Senate, and the House of Commons. Meanwhile, the government has three levels: federal, provincial and municipal. The federal government is based in Ottawa and is headed by the Prime Minister. Provincial and territorial governments are headed by premiers, while municipal governments are led by mayors Canada means village  The country’s name is derived from “Kanata”, a Huron-Iroquois word meaning village or settlement. Two Indigenous youths used this word to describe the settlement of Stadacona (now Quebec City) to European explorer Jacques Cartier. Cartier then used “Canada” to describe a bigger area beyond Stadacona. The use of this name soon spread throughout the entire region, surpassing its former name, New France. The maple leaf and other symbols 22 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 2.2 Maple leaf symbol of Canada  Did you know that it took 40 years for the Canadian parliament to finally decide on a Canadian flag?  The red and white flag with the prominent maple leaf was officially launched on February 15, 1965 (making Feb. 15 National Flag of Canada Day) after much debate and rigorous study.  But have you ever wondered why the maple leaf is so identified with Canada?  Well, for years even prior to the coming of European settlers, Indigenous Peoples have been using maple sap as a food staple. Throughout history, the image of the leaf found its way into Canadian coins, emblems and coats of arms. The maple tree is also very important to Canadians and is the official arboreal emblem. Today, Canada continues to produce three- quarters of the world’s maple syrup output.  Meanwhile, the beaver as a national emblem dates back to the 1700s, when the lucrative trade of beaver pelts (for fur hats) put Canada on the map. The Hudson’s Bay Company honored the animal by putting it in its coat of arms. Another Canadian symbol is the Maple Leaf Tartan designed by David Weiser which became an official symbol in 2011. Canada Day  Canada Day commemorates the signing of the British North America Act (today known as the Constitution Act, 1867) which created Canada. The statutory holiday is celebrated every July 1st, and was for a time, called Dominion Day. It marks the anniversary of the Confederation of three British colonies into four provinces: The United Province of Canada (Ontario and Quebec), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. “O Canada” 23 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Canada’s national anthem, “O Canada” was composed by Calixa Lavallee with lyrics written by Sir Adolphe Basile-Routhier. Several versions have been made of the anthem, but the version used today was written by Robert Stanley Weir, a lawyer from Montreal. National dish: Poutine  Canada’s national dish originated from Quebec in the 1950s. Made up of a tasty mix of French fries, cheese curds and gravy, Poutine has been claimed by numerous people, but its inventor has never been confirmed. Anyway, canucks (a nickname for Canadians) have eaten the wonderful dish in more ways than one. Inventions galore  What does basketball, the pacemaker, IMAX, and the Blackberry have in common? Yes, they were all invented by Canadians. Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian PE instructor in Massachusetts who wanted to create a game that can be played indoors during winter. Meanwhile, the first pacemaker was invented by electrical engineer John Hopps, and the IMAX (for Image Maximum) was created by Toronto-based Graeme Ferguson, Roman Kroitor, Robert Kerr and William Shaw. Lastly, the Blackberry cellphone is a product of Research in Motion (RIM), in Waterloo, Ontario. National pastime  Hockey is the national winter sport of Canada while lacrosse is the national summer sport. To give you an indication of how much Canadians love hockey, the Canada-US Men’s Gold Hockey Game at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics was the most watched television broadcast ever in Canadian history according to NHL.com.  Meanwhile, the women’s hockey team has also been dominating the Olympics, winning gold medals, the most recent of which was at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games. Geographic Statistics  Population: 37,806,989 (official estimate as of November 17, 2019.  Total land area: 9,984,670 square kilometers (includes freshwater areas)  Total freshwater area: 891,163 km square kilometers  Coastline: 202,080 kilometers (estimate)  Capital city: Ottawa, Ontario  Geographical coordinates: 60° 00 N, 95° 00 W  Bordering nations: United States of America (southern land border plus north western land border with Alaska for a total land border length of 8,893 kilometers), 24 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Greenland/Denmark (sea border, via Arctic Ocean), St. Pierre and Miquelon, France (sea border, via Atlantic Ocean)  Largest city: Toronto, Ontario Other facts  Motto: A mariusque ad mare (Latin) \"From Sea to Sea\"  Royal anthem: god save the queen  Largest city: Toronto  Official languages: English French  Currency: Canadian dollar Population 38,008,005 (38th) • Q4 2020 estimate 35,151,728 • 2016 census 3.92/km2 (10.2/sq mi) (185th) • Density GDP (PPP) 2020 estimate • Total $1.808 trillion (16th) • Per capita $47,568 (21st) GDP (nominal) 2020 estimate • Total $1.600 trillion (9th) • Per capita $42,080 (17th) Table 2.1 Population and GDP Total area  Canada is the second-largest country in the world with a total area of 9,984,670 km2, including 891,163 km2 of freshwater. This compares with Russia (17,098,242 km2), the United States (9,826,675 km2) and China (9,596,961 km2). Land border  Canada's border with the United States is the world's longest international border, at 8,890 km. This compares with the 6,846-km boundary between Russia and Kazakhstan and the 5,308 km frontier between Chile and Argentina. 25 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Coastline  Canada's coastline is the world's longest, measuring 243,042 km (includes the mainland coast and the coasts of offshore islands). This compares with Indonesia (54,716 km), Russia (37,653 km), the United States (19,924 km) and China (14,500 km). Highest mountain  Canada's highest mountain is Mount Logan (5,959 m). This compares with Mount McKinley (6,194 m) in the United States, Aconcagua (6,962 m) in Argentina and Mount Everest (8,850 m) in Nepal. Islands  Baffin Island, located in Nunavut, is Canada's largest island at 507,451 km2 and the fifth- largest island in the world. Greenland is the world's largest island, covering 2,166,086 km2. Manitoulin Island, located in Lake Huron, is the world's largest freshwater island, at 2,765 km2. Renewable freshwater  Canada produces the most renewable freshwater (109,837 m3) per person each year. This compares with Brazil (43,756 m3), Russia (31,628 m3), Australia (23,851 m3), the United States (9,980 m3), France (3,226 m3), China (2,181 m3), India (1,648 m3) and South Africa (1,028 m3). Freshwater  Freshwater covers 891,163 km2 in Canada. This compares with the United States (664,709 km2), Australia (58,920 km2) and Sweden (39,960 km2). Rivers  The Mackenzie River is Canada's longest river. It stretches 4,241 km through the Northwest Territories, Alberta and British Columbia and covers a drainage area of 1,805,200 km2. The Nile (6,650 km) is the world's longest river, followed by the Amazon (6,400 km). The Great Lakes  Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, with a total surface area of 245,000 km2, of which about one-third is in Canada. Lake Michigan is entirely within the United States. 26 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 2.3 Location of Canada Official Logos Figure 2.4 Evolution of official logos of Canada Treasury Board of Canada  The Government of Canada uses very specific branding on all their official signs and logos. The official logo of Canada, known as the Canada Wordmark, is the word “Canada” with a small Canadian flag over the “a” (seen above).  Any text on official Canadian signage is written in the Helvetica font. The shade of red in the flag, which the government calls FIP Red, is always Pantone 032, or hex color code #ff0000. Full details can be found in the Government’s Federal Identity Program technical specifications. Time and Dates Canadian Time 27 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Canadian clocks use the “12-hour” model (1:00 am to 12 noon, followed by 1:00 pm to 12 midnight) rather than 24-hour time.  Canada spans six time zones, Pacific (PT), Mountain (MT), Central (CT), Eastern (ET), Atlantic (AT) and Newfoundland (NT). Right now, the time in Canada’s major cities is: (The unusual Newfoundland time zone adds a mere 30 minutes to Atlantic/Halifax time.)  Every Canadian province and territory except Saskatchewan practices Daylight Savings. On the second Sunday in March, all Canadian clocks are set ahead one hour (“spring forward”), while on the first Sunday in November they are set back an hour (“fall back”). During that November to March period, Canada is said to be on Standard Time (also known as “Winter Time”); from March to November, it’s on Daylight Time (“Summer Time”).  The official time of Canada, according to the federal government, is set by the atomic clocks of the National Research Council. It is recorded in 24-hour Eastern Time. The government maintains a phone number which endlessly recites the official time: 1-613-745- 1576. 2.2 VARIOUS TOURIST DESTINATION OF CANADA  The second largest country in the world, Canada has no shortage of beautiful landscapes and unique sites for travelers to explore. From coast to coast to coast, the country is home to vibrant and culturally rich cities, along with incredible natural wonders.  In Western Canada, the Rocky Mountains and cities of Vancouver, Victoria, and Calgary dominate most itineraries. In Central Canada, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, are some of the most popular destinations. For those who venture out to Canada's Maritime Provinces in the east, the beauty of Gros Morne National Park, along with the cities of Halifax and St. John's, provide their own unique character.  Off the beaten path, but equally impressive, is Canada's North, where great rivers flow out to the Arctic Ocean, creating some incredible territory for canoeists, and where polar bears can be seen in the wild. Travelers can explore the remote beauty of places like Nahanni National Park and the towns and cities of Churchill, Whitehorse, and Yellowknife. 1. Niagara Falls 28 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 2.5 Niagara Falls  Niagara Falls is Canada's most famous natural attraction, bringing in millions of visitors each year. Located just over an hour's drive from Toronto, along the American border, these massive falls drop approximately 57 meters. You can see the falls at an astoundingly close distance from several key points.  Niagara Falls and the Niagara Gorge have been attracting tourists and daredevils for well over a century. Between the mid-19th and mid-20th centuries there were numerous attempts to plunge over the falls in various types of homemade boats and barrels. This, along with tightrope walkers and other spectacles, led to the adjacent town of Niagara Falls developing a carnival type atmosphere that still persists today. Families will enjoy a walk down Niagara's outrageous Clifton Hill leading to the gorge and falls. 2. Banff National Park & the Rocky Mountains Figure 2.6 Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains 29 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Banff National Park lies in the heart of the majestic Rocky Mountains in the province of Alberta, and showcases some of Canada's most beautiful scenery. Turquoise-colored lakes, snow-capped peaks, and glaciers are all easily accessible in this stunning park. The jewel of the park is Lake Louise, where green waters reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers, and visitors can stroll easily around the shores. Just a short distance is Moraine Lake, another impressive alpine lake with an even slightly more dramatic surrounding. The Icefields Parkway, which runs from Lake Louise to Jasper, is an unforgettable drive and another major attraction in Banff. At the south end of the park is the lovely little town of Banff, providing all kinds of options for accommodation, shopping, dining, and nightlife. Banff is also a major winter sports area and home to Lake Louise Ski Resort and Sunshine Village, two of Canada's most prominent ski destinations. 3. Toronto's CN Tower Figure 2.7 Toronto’s CN tower  On the shores of Lake Ontario in Canada's biggest city is the iconic CN Tower, one of Canada's most famous landmarks. The tower stands an impressive 553 meters high and dominates the skyline.  At the top, you can find fine dining in the revolving 360 restaurants, and enjoy a meal while looking out over the city and lake. The Look Out and the Glass Floor offer beautiful views out over the entire area. But even those who choose not to go up the tower will find 30 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

themselves stopping to stare at the structure, which is visible from almost everywhere in the city. At night, the tower is lit in different colors. 4. Old Quebec (Vieux-Quebec) Figure 2.8 Old Quebec  Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Canada's historic gems. Spread across the Upper and Lower Town of Quebec, this area contains the city's most historic buildings. The Lower Town, along the St. Lawrence River, is the site of the original settlement and home to the outstanding Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, as well as numerous other treasures. The Upper Town rests on 100-meter-high cliffs and is home to the Citadel, the Plains of Abraham, Place d'Armes, and the Parque Historique de l'Artillerie.  Old Quebec is one of Canada's most popular historical areas and is well developed for tourism. In addition to the historical sites, other highlights include artists displaying their works on Rue du Trésor; interesting museums, like the Musée de la Civilization; and unique shops and restaurants. 5. Whistler Figure 2.9 whistler 31 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Just a two-hour drive from Vancouver is the famous ski resort and village of Whistler. While Whistler has always been an important winter sports area, it has also developed into a popular summer destination, with golf, mountain biking, and a lively town atmosphere throughout the year.  The village gained international attention in 2010 when it became one of the locations for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The area offers world class skiing, hotels, and dining, as well as a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities and beautiful mountain scenery. 6. Ottawa's Parliament Hill Figure 2.10 Ottawa's Parliament Hill  Ottawa's Parliament Hill stands high above the Ottawa River and is graced by the Neo-Gothic-style Parliament buildings built in the last half of the 19th century. The most prominent feature is the Peace Tower, which divides the House of Commons and the Senate on either side. In front of the Parliament buildings is the Centennial Flame, lit in 1966 to commemorate the centenary of the Canadian Confederation, and behind the buildings is a sculpture garden.  In the summer, the Changing of the Guard takes place on the front lawn of the Houses of Parliament, weather permitting. Below Parliament Hill, a lovely walk runs alongside the Ottawa River. 7. St. John's Signal Hill National Historic Site 32 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 2.11 St. John's Signal Hill National Historic Site  At the entrance to St. John's harbor, overlooking the city and sea, is Signal Hill National Historic Site. It was here, in 1901, that the first wireless transatlantic signal was received. It also played a strategic role in the Seven Years war with France, although the current fortifications were built during the hostilities of 1812.  The Cabot Tower is one of the key sites of Signal Hill. It was built in 1897 to mark the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of Newfoundland. It also now commemorates Guglielmo Marconi's reception here in 1901 of the first transatlantic radio telegraphy signal, transmitted over a distance of 2,700 kilometers from Poldhu in England. In the tower are exhibitions on the history of Signal Hill and the history of communications (with a special section on Marconi). From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the coast as far as Cape Spear — the most easterly point of North America. 8. Old Montreal Figure 2.12 Old Montreal 33 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Old Montreal, lined with lovely historic buildings, is a place to go for great shopping and fine dining. While Montreal itself is a vibrant modern city, Old Montreal, down by the waterfront, is where most tourists come to soak up the atmosphere. Some of the must-see places in Old Montreal include Rue Bonsecours and the landmark Marché Bonsecours in the old town hall building, the interior of the beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica, the lively Place Jacques-Cartier, and the 1870s City Hall. 9. Polar Bears of Churchill, Manitoba Figure 2.13: Polar Bears  One of Canada's most unique attractions is the polar bear migration that sees these beautiful creatures make their way from land out onto the ice in Hudson Bay, near the town of Churchill in Northern Manitoba.  This small community opens itself up to tourists each fall. Tours take visitors out in tundra buggies with caged windows for close encounters with the polar bears. The prime viewing time occurs in October or November while the bears are waiting for the water to freeze before heading out onto the ice. 10. Vancouver Island 34 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 2.14: Vancouver Island  Although it is less than a two-hour ferry ride from the mainland, Vancouver Island can seem a world away. Most people head to Victoria, BC's capital city, for sightseeing and culture, but if you head north into the wild and remote landscapes, the island holds some unexpected and unforgettable experiences. Nature lovers can hit the best hiking trails on Vancouver Island and set themselves up at some beautiful camping locations. Those looking for more comfort can always turn to one of the island's lodges or resorts.  On the rugged west coast, a magnificent scene of huge ancient trees, sandy coves, and dramatic rocky shores reveals itself as you drive up to Tofino. Around this tiny but incredibly popular off-the-beaten-path tourist town, in nearby Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, you can find incredible hiking trails, endless beaches, great surfing spots, camping, and places where you can simply soak up nature in peace.  Tofino is a year-round destination, although in the storm season from November to March, many visitors come to appreciate the huge waves rolling ashore; some come to surf, and others come simply too cozy up next to a fire in one of resorts looking out over the Pacific Ocean.  Other destinations around the Island, include Nanaimo, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach, all on the eastern shore, looking out onto the Salish Sea. If you really want to get away from it all, head up to the far north of the island and explore Cape Scott Provincial Park. 11. Bay of Fundy 35 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 2.15 Bay of Fundy  The Bay of Fundy, located in Eastern Canada in between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is known for its amazing tides. The variation between high and low is the largest in the world, measuring up to a maximum of 19 meters (10 fathoms). While there are many ways to appreciate this natural wonder, some of the most popular locations and sights along the Bay of Fundy are the cliffs and rock formations at Hopewell Cape, Fundy National Park, the Fundy Trail Parkway, and Grand Manan Island. 12. Victoria's Inner Harbor Figure 2.16 Victoria’s Inner Harbor  Few Canadian cities have done such a beautiful job of developing their waterfront area as Victoria and its Inner Harbor. This is a great place for strolling, relaxing, shopping, dining, and watching street performers all against the backdrop of the harbor. 36 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 The centerpiece of this area is the historic Empress Hotel, one of the city's most lovely buildings. Over the years, the Empress has welcomed kings and queens and, today, features a traditional high tea, which is one of the highlights for many visitors coming to Victoria. While the harbor area is popular year-round, it is particularly lively during the summer months. 2.3 SUMMARY  Canada is the second largest country after Russia  The provinces and territories of Canada  It is called as ‘land of lakes’  ‘Canada’ which basically means ‘village’  Canada is a democratic country  The maple leaf plays an important role in an Canadians life and also in their flag and economy  The vast geographical area and the vast population  Canada is no less than any other country in aspect of travel  It has some mind-blowing exotic locations  The cities of Canada are very famous 2.4 KEYWORDS  Day light savings - the practice of advancing standard time by one hour in the spring of each year and of setting it back by one hour in the fall in order to gain an extra period of daylight during the early evening.  Spring forward - The expressions “spring ahead” and “spring up” are also used to describe the action of setting clocks 1 hour ahead for the start of DST in the spring. These terms are mainly used in the USA and Canada.  Standard time - a uniform time for places in approximately the same longitude, established in a country or region by law or custom.  Time Zone: A time zone is an area that observes a uniform standard time for legal, commercial and social purposes.  Province: A province is almost always an administrative division within a country or state. 37 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Lacrosse : a team game, originally played by North American Indians, in which the ball is thrown, carried, and caught with a long-handled stick having a curved L-shaped or triangular frame at one end with a piece of shallow netting in the angle. 2.5 LEARNING ACTIVITY 1. Find about the maple and its connection with Canada ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 2. Find out why Canada does not use 24-hour clock system ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 3. Find out why Canada uses 12-hour clock system ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 2.6 UNIT END QUESTIONS 38 A. Descriptive Questions Short Questions 1. Why is Canada called as land of lakes? 2. Where all did Canadians use the maple leaf and tree? 3. Why did Canada use the idea of \"spring forward\" and \"fall back\"? 4. What do you mean by FIP Red? 5. Write about the Government of Canada in relation to tourism. Long Questions 1. Elaborate the geographical features of Canada. 2. Explain any 5 tourist destinations in Canada. 3. Write about the Canadian time. 4. Discuss about Canada and its national flag. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

5. “Canada has no shortage of landscapes”-Discuss. 39 B. Multiple choice Questions: 1. Canada is the second largest country after Russia by_________. a. Landmass b. Sea area c. Population d. Literacy 2. What is the capital of Canada? a. Alberta b. Chile c. Ottawa d. Canada 3. The statutory holiday is celebrated every July 1st, and was for a time, called a. Dominion Day b. Republic Day c. Independence Day d. Origin Day 4. Which of the following invention is not from Canada? a. IMAX b. Blackberry c. Football d. Basketball 5. Largest city in Canada a. Toronto b. Ottawa CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

c. Canada d. Alberta Answers 1-a, 2-c, 3-a, 4-c, 5-a 2.7 REFERENCES Reference books:  Specific Country Guide Books of Lonely Planet Publication.  DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Europe  A.K Bhatia – International Tourism Management.  International Geography for Travel and Tourism by John P.Wrades 40 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

UNIT 3 TOURISM DESTINATIONS – USA 41 Structure 3.0 Learning objective 3.1 General and basic facts of USA 3.1.1 Map of USA 3.1.2 Geography of USA 3.1.3 20 Interesting facts about USA 3.2 More facts about USA 3.3 Various tourist destinations of USA 3.3.1 Famous landmarks of USA 3.3.2 Top rated tourist destination in USA 3.4 Summary 3.5 Keywords 3.6 Learning activity 3.7Unit end questions 3.8 References 3.0 LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this unit, the students will be able to  List more about USA  Outline about its geography  State about interesting facts about USA  Explore the various top-rated destinations in USA 3.1 GENERAL AND BASIC FACTS OF USA  Official Name: United States of America  Population: 324, 057, 300  Form of Government: Constitution-based federal republic  Capital: Washington, D.C.  Area: 9, 826, 630 square kilometers CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Major Mountain Ranges: Rocky Mountains, Appalachian Mountains  Major Rivers: Mississippi, Missouri, Colorado  Languages: English, Spanish  Money: U.S. dollar 3.1.1 Map of the USA Figure: 3.1 Location of the United States. 3.1.2 Geography of the USA  The United States of America (often referred to as the USA, or simply the US) is the world's third largest country in size (after Russia and Canada) and the third largest in terms of population (after China and India). Located in North America, the country is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean. Along the northern border is Canada, and along the southern border is Mexico. There are 50 states and the District of Columbia.  More than twice the size of the European Union, the United States has high mountains in the West and a vast, central plain. The lowest point in the country is in Death Valley, which 42 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

sits 86m below sea level, and the highest peak is Mount McKinley, standing a whopping 6,198m tall. 3.1.3 Interesting facts about USA 1. USA and its states  The USA is country on the North American continent that consists of 50 states, a federal district (District of Columbia) and 14 territories.  Five of the fourteen territories are inhabited: Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa. Puerto Rico is the biggest and most populous territory.  The 50 U.S. states and their flags are: Figure: 3.2 States and Its Flags 43 2. The national flag CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 The national flag of the USA has 13 stripes and 50 white stars on blue background. Figure: 3.3 The National Flag of the USA  The 13 stripes refer to the 13 British colonies that declared independence from the kingdom of Great Britain in 1776 and the 50 stars refer to the 50 U.S. states. 3. The motto  The motto of the USA is ‘In God We Trust’. 4. The national anthem  The anthem of the USA is called 'Star-Spangled banner' and the lyrics are based on a poem by Francis Scott Key in 1814. 5. Other national symbols Other national symbols of the USA include:  National animal: American Bison  National tree: Oak Tree  National bird: Bald Eagle  National Flower: Rose 6. The capital of USA  The capital city of the USA is called Washington D.C. D.C. stands for District of Columbia. Washington D.C. has about 7.5 million inhabitants. 7. Borders of USA 44 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 The USA shares land borders with Canada and with Mexico. The border shared with Canada is the longest international border in the world. It is 8,891 km/ 5,525 miles long. The other international border of the USA with Mexico is 3,145 km/ 1,954 miles long.  The USA borders the Atlantic Ocean along the East Coast and the Pacific Ocean along the West Coast. 8. The third largest  The USA is the third largest country in the world. The USA are smaller than Russia or Canada, but larger than China, if all territories as well as coastal and territorial waters are included. 9. The population of USA  The USA is the third most populous country in the world after China and India. The USA is home to 330 million inhabitants.  Almost 40% of all Americans live close in the East Coast states, while about 16% live along the West Coast states. 83% of the population lives in urban areas. 10. Cities of USA  Largest city in the USA is New York with almost 8.4 million inhabitants is the USA's biggest city. Other large cities in the USA include:  Los Angeles: 3.9 million inhabitants  Chicago: 2.7 million inhabitants  Brooklyn: 2.3 million inhabitants  Houston: 2.3 million inhabitants 11. Extreme and least populated place  The most populous U.S. state is California with almost 40 million inhabitants. The least populous state is Wyoming with about 580,000 inhabitants. 12. The Alaska 45 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 The largest U.S. state by land area is Alaska. Alaska is a bit more than twice the size of Texas and four times the size of California. On a global scale, Alaska is roughly the size of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and France combined! 13. The Independence Day  The national holiday of the United States of America is called Independence Day and is celebrated on 4 July and is commonly referred to as Fourth of July.  This holiday commemorates the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and is celebrated as a federal holiday since 1941. 14. A little history  A little history of the USA: Native American settled on the continent in about 15,000 BC. Leif Eriksson, the Viking explorer reached the North American continent already in around 1000 AD. The European colonialization started in 1492 with the arrival of explorer Christopher Columbus.  The first permanent settlement of the British in America, Jamestown in the Colony of Virginia, dates back to 1607. The British Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 and founded Plymouth Colony.  In 1626 New Amsterdam, which today is Manhattan, and other settlements along the Hudson River were established by Dutch settlers in a region they referred to as New Netherland.  By the 17th and 18th century, Britain had established thirteen colonies along the East Coast of the continent. 15. When was the USA formed  On 4 July 1776, the thirteen British colonies signed the Declaration of Independence from the kingdom of Britain. 16. The first president  He was elected in 1789. Presidential elections are held every four years since 1792. Currently, Joe Biden is the 46th president of the USA.  The president resides in the White House building where there are also the offices of the president since 1800. 17. Languages in the USA 46 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 English is the most commonly used language of the USA; however, more than 300 languages are spoken in the country. 78% of all American say that they speak only English. About 13% speak mainly Spanish.  There are no official languages in the country, however, English is an official language in all states.  American English also has many words that differ from the British English: 18. Famous people Among the American people everybody should have heard of are:  George Washington (1732 - 1799): first president of the USA  Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865): president during the American Civil War and fighter for the abolishment of slavery  Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826): one of the founding fathers of the nation, author of the Declaration of Independence  Sequoyah (1767-1843): inventor of the Cherokee alphabet  Pocahontas (1595 - 1617): native American who save Jamestown chief and became the wife of British colonist John Rolfe  Neil Armstrong (1930 - 2012): astronaut and first man on the Moon  Amelia Earhart (1897 - 1937): first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean  Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 - 1962): first lady and civil rights activist  Walt Disney (1901 - 1966): film producer 'Cinderella' and founder of the Disney theme parks  Ella Fitzgerald (1918 - 1996): jazz singer and musician  Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 - 1968): leader of the Civil Rights Movement  Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987): film director and artist, famous for his painting of Campbell Soup Cans Ellen Ochoa (born 1958): engineer and first female Hispanic astronaut 19. The U.S. economy  The USA has highly diversified industries and the second largest industrial output of the world behind China. Major industries include: petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, chemicals, food production and telecommunications.  The main agricultural products are wheat, corn, beef, pork and timber products. 47 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

20. The US dollar  The U.S. American money is called the United States Dollar or in short US dollar. The American currency was first introduced in 1792 as the country's standard currency.  The US banknotes available now are in denominations from 1 US$ to 100 US$.  The American banknotes each show one of the founding fathers of the USA on the front, and a famous landmark on the back side.  Did you know that there are still banknotes in circulation with denominations from US$500 up to 10,000 US$ which are still valid and highly sought-after collectors' items! 1 US Dollar equals 100 cents.  The Federal Reserve System, which is the American central banking system, was founded in 1912 and is located in Washington D.C. 3.2 MORE FACTS ABOUT THE USA Time Zones: Continental USA spans over five time zones. There are additional time zones for Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the various islands. Daylight savings time (\"spring forward, fall back\") applies from March to November in Continental USA, except most of Arizona. NATO: The USA is one of the 12 founding members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Today the international alliance includes 30 countries from Europe and North America. The NATO was founded in 1949. Unemployment: In May 2020 there are 41 million unemployed people in the USA. The unemployment rates in the USA stands at 14.7%, the figure has risen substantially due to the Covid-19 crisis. 3.3 VARIOUS TOURISTS' DESTINATION OF USA 3.3.1 Famous Landmarks of USA Among the most visited tourist sites and landmarks in the USA are:  Empire State Building in New York/New York  Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.  Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco/California  Mount Rushmore in Keystone/South Dakota 48 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

3.3.2 Top rated tourist's destinations of USA  The United States is a vast land and, as a result, most people plan their trips within a given region, be it the East Coast, the Southwest, the beaches of Florida or California, or outlying regions like Hawaii and Alaska. There are plenty of options for travelers with incredible sights sprinkled across the country. The USA is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and some of the most recognizable icons on the globe. For anyone in the enviable position of having unlimited time and resources, these are the top attractions to include on your itinerary. 1 Grand Canyon Figure: 3.4 Grand Canyon  This incredible natural attraction is one of the most visited places in the United States. Carved out by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon cuts deep into the landscape, creating dramatic cliff walls and ledges. Visitors standing on the rim of the canyon can see down to the canyon floor a mile below, and look out over the ridges and cliffs that run as far as the eye can see.  The South Rim is the most visited section of Grand Canyon National Park, with a large visitor's center, regular bus service along the Rim in the high season, and a walkway that runs along the canyon with numerous viewing points and platforms. The North Rim, which also has lookout areas, provides a different perspective. This section of the park has limited access from November to May due to snow and winter conditions. 2 Niagara Falls 49 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure: 3.5 Niagara Falls  Situated along the Canada-US border, Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. The water from Lake Erie flows into Lake Ontario over these massive waterfalls, known for the great quantity of water that is constantly tumbling over the vertical drop. The amount of water going over the falls is actually reduced in winter, when more water is used to produce hydroelectric power. Most visitors will not notice a difference.  Niagara Falls is actually a set of three falls, consisting of the largest section known as Horseshoe Falls, a second section on the American side of the river known as the American Falls, and a much thinner section located next to the American Falls, known as Bridal Veil Falls. On clear days, the plume of mist rising from Niagara Falls can be seen from as far away as the CN Tower in downtown Toronto, Canada, on the opposite shore of Lake Ontario. 3 Statue of Liberty Figure: 3.6 Statue of liberty 50 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)