This booklet, one of a series featuring the Canadian provinces, presents a brief overview of Northwest Territories and is suitable for teacher reference or student reading. Separate sections discuss geography, history and people, land claims, the economy, the government, and recreation and the arts. Specific topics include the expansive size and extreme climate of the Northwest Territories, the early settlement of native peoples and European explorers, and the unique history of law enforcement in the region. Reference is made to the controversial Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry, which in recent years has raised a variety of issues concerning the rights of the native people in the Northwest Territories. The small scale economy is described as heavily reliant on mineral exploration and a growing communications industry. Industrial development is seen as threatening to the native economy and way of life, which leads to a discussion of the role of the territorial government and its responsibilities to the rights of northerners, conservation of wildlife, and preservation of cultural identity. The final section describes three national parks, traditional forms of northern recreation, and the growing handicraft business in the region. In addition, a simple map showing Canada's major cities and provinces is included. (LH)