What is the 49th Parallel?

• A. The straight border between Canada and the United States.
• B. A coastal boundary along Vancouver Island.
• C. A line that runs north-south through the center of Canada.
• D. The border defined by the Oregon Treaty.

Answer: (A)

The 49th parallel is a line of latitude at 49 degrees north, which was used to draw the boundary between Canada and the United States. Because it’s a latitude line, it runs roughly east-west, creating a straight border across much of the continent from the Rocky Mountains toward the Pacific. It isn’t a boundary along a coast, and it isn’t a north-south line through the center of Canada. The Oregon Treaty helped establish this border along that parallel in the western portion, with some adjustments near the Pacific coast. In short, it’s the straight border between Canada and the United States.