Why is British Columbia unique within Canada? What forces have made its landscape so rugged, its climate so varied, its population so diverse? Why did settlers come to the region, and what effect has their presence had on First Nations? What prompted so many Asian immigrants to come but then leave for other parts of the country? How have the rich resources of the land been exploited and managed?

In this fully updated edition of a now classic text, Brett McGillivray adopts mainly a thematic rather than a regional approach to answer these questions. Beginning with a regional overview and introduction to geographic concepts he moves to discuss the physical processes that produced a spectacular variety of mountains, lakes, fjords, forests, and minerals. His thematic exploration traces the province’s historical geography, including First Nations ways of life, colonization, Asian immigration, and the bitter history of institutionalized racism. Detailed accounts of the province’s economic geography– forestry, fisheries, metal mining, energy supply and demand, agriculture, water, and tourism – culminate in a discussion of contemporary issues such as urbanization, economic development, and resource management.

This comprehensive introduction to BC’s physical and human geography is enhanced by new and updated figures, graphs, and maps and by new discussions, including how globalization, climate change, and recession are influencing the province and its people.