USA

• Population 302 million; the world’s third largest and approx 4.5% of the global population and growing at approx 0.8% a year
• By 2050 the US population is predicted to be 420 million, still the third largest (with India as number one and China number two)
• Population demographic 74% white, hispanic 15%, black 12%, asian 4.%
• The most populated regions are the Western states 23% and South 36%
• The US has the highest level of output in the world, with GDP valued at US$13.8 trn in 2007.
• Real GDP growth 2008 up 0.8%.
• Third largest producer of oil in the world, and its largest consumer.
• World's number one producer of electrical and nuclear energy, as well as liquid natural gas, aluminum, sulfur, phosphates, and salt.
• World's top producer of corn and soybeans.
• Leading export commodity is electrical machinery, vehicles constitute the leading import
• Information-communications-technology industries accounted for 3.9% of the economy but for 22.3% of real economic growth FY 2007
• Estimated tech spend 2008 $533 billion (<+3%)

(Source: Economist, US Census Bureau, US Dept. of Commerce)

Canada

• Population 33.1 m majority of which live in a narrow strip (160 km wide) north of the US border.
• 70% of Canadians are English-speakers; about 15% speak only French but these form the majority in Quebec.
• The Canadian economy is the 13th largest in the world.
• Real GDP for 2008 forecasted up 1.8%.
• The US absorbs 76% of Canada’s exports and is the source of 65% of its goods imports.
• World's largest producer of zinc and uranium

(Source: Economist, Bank of Canada, Statistics Canada)