New Brunswick differs from the other Maritime Provinces both physiographically, and climatologically. Both Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are either wholly or almost completely surrounded by water; oceanic effects, therefore, tend to define their climate, economy, and culture. On the other hand, New Brunswick—although it has a significant seacoast—is sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean proper and has a large interior that is removed from oceanic influences. As a result, the climate tends to be more continental in character rather than maritime and the economy of New Brunswick is based more on the province's river systems rather than its seacoasts.