In population geography of the Western Hemisphere, which of the following countries has the largest population?

Introduction / Context:
The Western Hemisphere includes North America and South America, along with associated islands. Comparing populations of major countries in this hemisphere is a common topic in population geography and general knowledge. This question asks you to identify which country among Canada, the United States, Brazil, and Mexico has the largest total population in the Western Hemisphere.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The regional frame is the Western Hemisphere.
• Countries listed are Canada, the United States, Brazil, and Mexico.
• We must choose the one with the largest population.
• We assume modern approximate population rankings, where the United States has more people than Brazil, Canada, or Mexico.

Concept / Approach:
On a global scale, the United States ranks among the most populous countries of the world, with a population greater than that of Brazil, Mexico, and Canada. Brazil is also highly populated but remains behind the United States. Mexico has a significant population but is smaller than both the United States and Brazil, while Canada, despite its large land area, has a relatively small population. Therefore, the United States is the most populous country in the Western Hemisphere among the choices given.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider each country listed and recall its approximate population rank globally. Step 2: The United States is commonly known to be one of the top three most populous countries in the world, ranking ahead of Brazil and Mexico. Step 3: Brazil is the most populous country in South America but still has fewer people than the United States. Step 4: Mexico, while populous, has a smaller population than both the United States and Brazil. Step 5: Canada has a very large territory but a relatively low population, far below that of the other three countries listed. Step 6: Since the United States has the largest population among these countries, it is the correct answer for the Western Hemisphere.

Verification / Alternative check:
Population tables and atlases show that the United States population exceeds that of Brazil and Mexico by a clear margin, while Canada population is much lower. In rankings of Western Hemisphere countries by population, the United States consistently appears first, followed by Brazil and then Mexico. This ordering confirms that the United States is the largest in terms of population in this region and must be chosen as the correct option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Canada: Large in area but not in population, with fewer people than the United States, Brazil, or Mexico.
• Brazil: The most populous South American country but still behind the United States in total population.
• Mexico: Population is significant but smaller than that of both the United States and Brazil.

Common Pitfalls:
Because Brazil is geographically large and heavily populated, some learners may guess it is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Others may confuse area with population and think Canada must be first because of its size on the map. To avoid these errors, remember that, in this hemisphere, the United States has the largest population, followed by Brazil and then Mexico, while Canada remains far lower in population despite its huge area.

Final Answer:
The largest country in the Western Hemisphere in terms of population is the United States.