Fast Facts: The Northwest Territories is a federal territory located in the northern region of Canada, just north of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The capital and largest city is Yellowknife. Previously, the Northwest Territories incorporated an immense region in northern Canada that included portions of present day Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Northwest Territories Careers: A 2006 Canada Census of Population estimated the population of the Northwest Territories at just over 41,000. In terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) the top industries are mining, trapping and services.
Northwest Territories Economy: Precious reserves of gold, diamonds, natural gas and oil drive the economy of the Northwest Territories; diamonds from the region are often considered a humane alternative to the “blood diamonds” of Africa. If it were a country, the Northwest Territories would rank first in the world in GDP per capita.
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Location, Location, Location: The federal territory of Canada is located in the northern region of the country with the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan to its south.
Cities: The capital and largest city is Yellowknife.
A Closer Look: The Northwest Territories once incorporated an immense region in the northwest region of the country including the present day provinces of Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Yukon and Nunavut territories.
Did You Know? The Northwest Territories maintains an unusual consensus system of government with no political parties.
Population: 41,055, as estimated by Canada Census of Population, 2006.
Business Environment: Canada was ranked 2nd of 181 countries in a 2009 “Best Country to Start a Business” by DoingBusiness.org.
Top Industries: In terms of GDP: (1) mining; (2) trapping; and (3) services.
Taxes: The Canada Revenue Agency reports: a Progressive Income Tax Rate; and no Regional Sales Tax. Cost of Living: The Consumer Price Index had increased to 116.9 in June of 2009 (from 100.0 in the Year 2002). according to Statistics Canada, 2009.
Weather: Average Temperature (in °F.) – Jan: 20; Apr: 43; July: 69; Oct: 48, according to Weather.com.
K-12: Canada ranked 2nd of 17 peer countries in a 2008 Conference Board of Canada Ranking.
In General: The economy in the Northwest Territories is based primarily on mining, while government services and tourism join the service industry as other leading contributors.
Service Industry: The service industry is led primarily by military and government services along with occupations related to the territory’s valuable tourism.
Agriculture: The geography and climate of the region make agriculture a near obsolete enterprise in the Northwest Territories. However, the historic fur trapping industry remains profitable today.
Manufacturing: The Northwest Territories manufacturing industry relies heavily upon its mining enterprises, particularly the processing and export of valuable oil and natural gas reserves.
Mining: Mined products drive the Northwest Territories economy, with geological resources including precious reserves of gold, diamonds, natural gas and oil.
A Closer Look: Diamonds from the Northwest Territory are often regarded as a respectable alternative to the infamous ‘blood diamonds’ of the African continent.
Did You Know? With its scarce population and vast supply of valuable natural resources, the Northwest Territories per capita Gross Domestic Product would typically rank first in the world if it were considered its own country.
Sources: In addition to specific citations noted in this “Career Information” section, supplementary source materials include: Canada Statoids; Infoplease.com; and Wikipedia.com.