Lesson 1/55 min
The three countries of North America
North America has three big countries: Canada, the United States and Mexico. Memory trick CUM: C = Canada, U = US, M = Mexico. Central America and the Caribbean islands also belong to the continent geographically; they come in a later lesson.
Capital, currency, coloniser and independence (as in the book)
| Country | Capital | Currency | Ruled by | Independence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Ottawa | Canadian dollar | United Kingdom | 1867 |
| United States | Washington, D.C. | US dollar | United Kingdom | 1776 |
| Mexico | Mexico City | Peso | Spain | 1810 |
Did you know?: Mexico began its fight for independence on 16 September 1810, the year the book gives. Canada's 1867 is the year of Confederation.
Canada
- The world's second-largest country by area; the largest in North America.
- It was formerly called British North America; Vancouver Island is in Canada.
- Canada was a British colony, but Quebec was a French colony. Most people in Quebec speak French; the French-speaking community is largest in Quebec province (20th BCS).
- Canada's space agency is the CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
- According to the book, Bangladeshi expatriates in Canada played the biggest part in winning recognition of 21 February as International Mother Language Day.
- Canada's head of state is the British monarch (now Charles III). The book mentions the British queen's portrait on its currency (the answer to an exam question is Canada); that was Elizabeth II.
Prime ministers of Canada
| Name | Known for |
|---|---|
| Pierre Trudeau | 15th prime minister; 1968–1979 and 1980–1984; Liberal Party |
| Justin Trudeau | Pierre's son; born 25 December 1971; 23rd prime minister from 2015; the second-youngest after Joe Clark; resigned in March 2025 |
| Mark Carney | 24th prime minister; sworn in 14 March 2025; won the 28 April 2025 election with a minority government; former central banker (Bank of Canada and Bank of England) |
Mexico
- Capital Mexico City; currency peso; a Spanish colony.
- The first UN World Conference on Women was held in Mexico City in 1975.
- First woman president: Claudia Sheinbaum; sworn in on 1 October 2024.
Watch out: The book calls Mexico's Popocatépetl the highest volcano of North America. In fact Mexico's highest peak and volcano is Pico de Orizaba (about 5,636 m), taller than Popocatépetl. The book also says water hyacinth came from Mexico and that Mexico City is the most polluted city; these are not reliable and are left out here.
Who leads now (November 2026, per news reports)
| Country | Leadership |
|---|---|
| United States | President Donald Trump (second term, since 20 January 2025) |
| Canada | Prime Minister Mark Carney; head of state King Charles III |
| Mexico | President Claudia Sheinbaum (since 1 October 2024) |
| Cuba | President Miguel Díaz-Canel |
| Haiti | Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, alone in charge (acting head of state) since the Transitional Presidential Council's mandate ended on 7 February 2026 |
| Panama | President José Raúl Mulino |
| Honduras | President Nasry Asfura |
Watch out: Leaders change. The book's leader details are out of date (for example Justin Trudeau as “present prime minister” and the Biden-era cabinet); check recent news before your exam.
Check yourself
Which three countries make up North America?
At a glance
- 1
North America's 3 countries: Canada (Ottawa), the United States (Washington, D.C.), Mexico (Mexico City); memory trick CUM.
- 2
Canada is the world's second-largest country; French speakers are most numerous in Quebec (20th BCS).
- 3
Canada's space agency is the CSA; the prime minister is Mark Carney (24th, since 14 March 2025).
- 4
Justin Trudeau became the 23rd prime minister in 2015; Pierre Trudeau was the 15th.
- 5
Mexico's currency is the peso; its first woman president is Claudia Sheinbaum (2024).
- 6
The first UN World Conference on Women was held in Mexico City in 1975.