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Nunavut - Introduction
Introductory Comment
Nunavut, the central and eastern part of the Northwest Territories, became a separate Canadian territory on 1-Apr-99. The new territory is, in effect, a homeland for the Inuit (sometimes incorrectly called Eskimos), the original inhabitants of the region. Nunavut includes Baffin and Ellesmere islands and the surrounding region, stretching almost to the North Pole. It encompasses the Keewatin, Baffin, and Kitikmeot regions of the Northwest Territories - the eastern and northern parts. Nunavut is bordered by the Inuvik and Fort Smith regions of Northwest Territories to its west, the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan to its south, and Baffin Bay and the Labrador Sea to its east. According to one map the Belcher islands in the southeast of Hudson Bay are part of Nunavut. Another map also includes Akimiski Island in southwestern James Bay. It seems likely that at least some of the other smaller islands in Hudson Bay and possibly James Bay are included.
Area
772,000 square miles (approximately one fifth of Canada's land area). Largest province or territory of Canada.
Furthest North to Furthest South
As well as a large area of the Canadian mainland and the islands of the Canadian Arctic, Nunavut also includes some islands in Hudson Bay. It may also include some islands in James Bay (maps vary in this respect).
If the islands in Hudson Bay and James Bay are excluded: very approximately 1650 miles.
If the islands in Hudson Bay are included: very approximately 1800 miles.
If the islands in James Bay are also included: very approximately 2050 miles.
Furthest East to Furthest West
Very approximately 1600 miles.
Population Density
No information available. I would think that it would be safe to assume that the population density of Nunavut is unlikely to exceed Northwest Territories' figure of 1 person per 23 square miles.
Official Abbreviation
NU.
Licence Plate
The same polar bear shape with the wording "Explore Canada's Arctic" above the number as the Northwest Territories plate, but coloured blue or pink and with the word "Nunavut" below the number. There may be other possible colours.
Territorial Highway Marker Shield Design
No information available.
Derivation of Name
The word Nunavut means "Our Land" in the Inuit (sometimes mistakenly called Eskimo) language.
Nickname
No information available.
Climate
No information available, but I would think that it would be safe to assume that the climate would be likely to be similar to that of the coldest parts of Northwest Territories.
Official Tourism Office
Use the Northwest Territories number (1-800-661-0788), as far as I know.
Highway Conditions
Departments of Transportation etc for each US state and Canadian province
Other Comments
Daniel M. Maggin kindly sent me an EMail to say that the capital of Nunavut is its largest city, Iqaluit. Daniel says this was decided by means of a referendum and Iqaluit won by far most of the votes. Iqaluit, formerly called Frobisher Bay, is located on Frobisher Bay near the southeastern tip of Baffin Island.
Nunavut
Amusing, Interesting And Mysterious Place Names
Native Americans
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Most recently modified 30-Jan-06