Yukon

Yukon lies in the westernmost part of Canada and is the smallest among the three Canadian federal territories. The name had been derived from the Yukon River. The meaning of Yukon is "Great River" in Gwich’in language.

Geography
The thinly populated Yukon is the home of snow-melting lakes and perpetual snow covered mountains. The territory of Yukon is shaped in the form of a right-angled triangle which borders the American state of Alaska on the west extending for about 752 miles. The Northwest Territories lies on the east of Yukon and British Columbia is on the south of the territory. The Beaufort Sea lies on the northern coast. The capital of Yukon is Whitehorse. Mount Logan, which is the highest point in Canada is located in the southwest part of Yukon. Some of the national parks in this area include Kluane National Park and Reserve, and Iwavik National Park. Major part of Yukon has a large number of watersheds. Some examples are Mackenzie River, Alsek-Tatshenshini, and lakes such as Atlin Lake, Teslin Lake, Marsh Lake and Tagish Lake.

Climate
The climate of the territory of Yukon is predominantly Arctic and subarctic with extremely dry, long and cold winters. The short summer with prolonged sunshine hours is ideal for the growth of hardy crops, vegetables and a vast collection of fruits and flowers to blossom.

History
Much before the Europeans arrived, northern and central Yukon escaped glaciations since it belonged to Bering land bridge. The inland and coastal First Nations already had vast trading networks and Europeans coming into the region started in the early part of the 19th century with fur trading. The Missionaries and Western Union Telegraph Expedition followed subsequently. A population increase took place towards the later part of the 19th century when rumors of existing gold trickled down resulting in the establishment of the police force, prior to the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897. The increase in population as a result of the gold rush resulted in the Yukon district separating from the Northwest Territories, and creation of an independent territory of Yukon in the year 1898.

Demographics
The 2001 census of Canada states that the biggest ethnic group of Yukon is the English. First Nations, Scottish, Irish, German and French follow the English. English and French were the most commonly spoken languages. The population of Yukon is mostly secularized. The largest denominations, according to adherents’ numbers were the Roman Catholic Church, followed by the Anglican Church of Canada and the United Church of Canada.

Economy
Traditionally, mining industry has played an important role in Yukon’s economy. The scenic wonders along with the outdoor recreational scopes have led to tourism being the second vital industry in Yukon. Manufacturing industries inclusive of furniture, handicrafts and clothing, and hydroelectricity follow tourism.

Cities
The communities of Yukon include:

• Whitehorse (capital)
• Watson Lake
• Dawson
• Haines Junction

Famous people
Some of the famous people from Yukon include:

• Jerry Alfred - musician
• Pierre Berton – writer
• Carol Geddes — filmmaker


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