Interior Plains or Prairies

Look on the map and find the Interior Plains. A plain is a large piece of flatland. It is located between the Canadian Shield and Cordillera. The Interior Plains are in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, northern British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and the Yukon.

Most of the Interior Plains are flatlands. As you move towards the east, the elevation of the flatlands gets lower. There are also hills, cliffs, valleys, forests, low mountains, and sand dunes in the Interior Plains. Surprised?

Most of the population is in the southern area of the Interior Plains.

The Interior Plains are quite dry. Most cities are located near water sources.

Farming is important in the Interior Plains. Barley, oats, wheat, flax, canola, corn, sugar beets, and potatoes are grown here. Hens, pigs, and cattle are also raised. The mining industry is also important. Uranium, gold, zinc, copper, coal, natural gas, and oil are all mined in the Interior Plains. Many products from the Interior Plains are exported.