Map of Northwest Territories and Nunavut

Description:
This map shows cities, towns, villages, rivers, lakes, major highways, secondary roads, islands, and national parks in Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Northwest Territories and Nunavut: Division of Canada's North

The Northwest Territories and Nunavut are two of Canada's three territories, occupying most of the country's Arctic and subarctic regions. They share an extensive border running approximately 3,550 kilometers across some of the most remote and sparsely populated areas of North America.

Border Formation and Geography

Nunavut was officially separated from the Northwest Territories on April 1, 1999, creating Canada's newest territory and the largest Indigenous land claim settlement in Canadian history. The border runs from the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border northward, generally following the 102nd meridian and then curving northeastward through the central Arctic. It passes through Victoria Island, dividing it between the two territories, and continues through various Arctic islands before reaching the northern limits of Canadian sovereignty.

The border region encompasses tundra, permafrost, Arctic archipelago islands, and vast uninhabited wilderness. Most of the boundary crosses areas with no permanent human settlement. Winter temperatures regularly fall below -40°C, and much of the region remains ice-covered for most of the year.

Political and Administrative Structure

Both territories have smaller populations and less autonomy than Canadian provinces. The Northwest Territories has approximately 45,000 residents, while Nunavut has about 40,000. Yellowknife serves as the capital of the Northwest Territories with roughly 20,000 inhabitants. Iqaluit is Nunavut's capital with approximately 8,000 residents. Neither territory has political parties in their legislatures, operating instead through consensus government systems.

Demographic Composition

Nunavut has an Inuit majority, with approximately 85% of residents being Inuit. The territory was created specifically to provide Inuit self-governance and cultural preservation. The Northwest Territories has a more diverse population including Inuit, Dene, Métis, and non-Indigenous residents. Eleven official languages are recognized in the Northwest Territories, while Nunavut recognizes four: English, French, Inuktitut, and Inuinnaqtun.

Economic Activities

Mining dominates both territorial economies. The Northwest Territories produces diamonds from several major mines near Yellowknife, making Canada one of the world's leading diamond producers. Gold, uranium, and tungsten are also extracted. Nunavut's economy depends on mining operations producing gold, iron ore, and other minerals, along with traditional activities including hunting, fishing, and handicrafts. Both territories face significant economic challenges due to high transportation costs, limited infrastructure, and harsh climate conditions.

Resource Management Issues

The division created complex questions regarding resource sharing and environmental management. Caribou herds migrate across the border, requiring coordinated wildlife management. Climate change impacts both territories similarly, with melting permafrost, changing animal migration patterns, and increased accessibility through reduced ice cover creating both opportunities and challenges. The territories cooperate on various environmental and development issues while maintaining distinct policy approaches reflecting their different demographic compositions.