Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories, federally administered region of Canada comprising that part of the mainland north of latitude 60°N lying between the Yukon Territory on the west and Hudson Bay on the east. The islands in Hudson Bay, James Bay, and Hudson Strait are included, as are all islands north of the mainland. The territories are divided into 3 districts: Keewatin on the mainland in the east, Mackenzie on the mainland to the west, and Franklin in the north, including all the Arctic islands. About half the region lies north of the Arctic Circle. Two-thirds of the mainland is covered by the Mackenzie River and its tributaries and by lakes like the Great Bear and Great Slave. The Mackenzie Mountains to the west rise to 9,000 ft (2,743 m). More than 60% of the population is composed of Inuit (Eskimo) and Native Americans. The Mackenzie District is the most developed area and has the largest towns: Yellowknife (the capital), Fort Smith, and Inuvik. The principal industries are mining, fishing, and trapping. The territory produce all of Canada's tungsten, 44% of its lead, 26% of its zinc, 20% of its silver, and 13% of its gold. Uranium exploration is continuing. There has also been oil and gas exploration. The region was part of a larger area sold to Canada in 1870 by the Hudson's Bay Company. The Territories' boundaries were established in 1912.

See also: Canada.