The Nine Nations of North America

Garreau says the standard political map of North America—divided into Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, then by states or provinces—is not very helpful for understanding the continent's real social, economic, and cultural dynamics. Instead, he suggests nine distinct 'nations,' each with its own capital, economy, history, and unique perspective. These nations often cross existing international and state borders. This shows that shared identity and interests are shaped more by geography, settlement patterns, resources, and economic activiti...

The Foundry, covering the industrial Midwest and parts of the Northeast U.S. and Ontario, Canada, is known for its past reliance on heavy manufacturing. Once the heart of North American prosperity, this region now faces the challenges of deindustrialization, economic change, and population loss. Its identity is tied to its blue-collar work ethic, union history, and the physical reminders of its industrial past. Despite economic struggles, a strong sense of community and a drive for new ideas remain, often through new manufacturing or ...

Mexamerica is a blend of Anglo and Hispanic cultures, stretching from Los Angeles through the American Southwest and into Northern Mexico. This region is defined by its unique population, fluid languages, and cultural mix, seen in food, music, architecture, and social customs. Garreau stresses that this is not just a 'border region' but a unified nation with its own economic drivers, often linked to cross-border trade, agriculture, and tourism. The constant movement of people, ideas, and goods across the official U.S.-Mexico border st...

The Empty Quarter is a huge, sparsely populated nation covering the Rocky Mountain states, the Canadian Prairies, and parts of the Pacific Northwest. Its identity is linked to its vast natural resources—minerals, timber, oil, and gas—and the industries built around them. Known for a strong sense of individualism, self-reliance, and often doubt about distant government power, its people value open spaces and a rugged way of life. While its economy relies on resource cycles, the region also deals with environmental care, Indigenous righ...

Ecotopia, along the Pacific coast from Northern California through Oregon, Washington, and into British Columbia, is a nation known for its progressive politics, technology, and strong environmental awareness. It hosts major tech hubs and a population focused on sustainability, alternative lifestyles, and social justice. While economically strong, driven by industries like software, aerospace, and renewable energy, this nation also deals with fast urbanization, housing costs, and keeping its distinct culture amid growth. Its residents...

Garreau identifies 'The Islands' as a nation including South Florida, the Caribbean islands, and parts of the Gulf Coast. This region is known for its tropical climate, diverse immigrant populations (especially from Latin America and the Caribbean), and its role as a center for international trade, tourism, and finance. It has a distinct culture, often lively and multicultural, with strong ties to both the U.S. and various Latin American countries. While economically active, it also faces unique challenges from climate change (hurrica...

Dixie, covering the traditional American South, is perhaps the most culturally distinct of Garreau's nations. It is defined by its farming past, the legacy of slavery and the Civil War, its strong religious traditions (the Bible Belt), and a mix of hospitality and conservatism. While seeing much economic change and population shifts, Dixie's core identity remains, shown through its music, food, dialects, and politics. This nation often sees itself as separate from the rest of the United States, with a deep sense of place and heritage ...

Quebec is a unique nation due to its main French language and distinct culture, setting it apart from the rest of English-speaking North America. This nation has a long history of self-preservation, seen in its unique legal system (civil law), education, and a strong sense of national pride, often leading to independence movements. Its economy is varied, with Montreal as a major cultural and economic hub. Garreau stresses that Quebec's distinctiveness is a powerful force, shaping its internal politics, its relationship with the rest o...

The Breadbasket includes the large farming plains of the American Midwest and parts of the Great Plains, extending into the Canadian Prairies. This nation's identity is mostly tied to its role as a main food producer, known for vast farmlands, a strong work ethic, and a deep connection to the land. Its economy relies on commodities like corn, wheat, and soybeans, making it sensitive to global market changes and weather. The culture is often conservative, community-focused, and based on traditional values. While often overlooked in nat...