#37 in world Americas UN member

Canada

Ottawa Americas North America

Canada is a vast North American nation characterized by its diverse geography and robust economic framework. Current estimates place the population at approximately 43.8 million people, while the GDP per capita is projected to be 56,043 USD.

Where is Canada?

Canada

Continent
Americas
Country
Canada
Coordinates
60.00°, -95.00°

Population Details

Population
44M
Area
9,984,670 km²
Density per km²
4 / km²
Growth rate
+2.96%
Annual growth
+1.3M people
Daily growth
+3.6K people
World population share
0.54%

Population Trend

Historical series from 1960 to 2026

Start 18M Latest 44M

Population & Social Snapshot

Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Canada

Age Distribution

0-14 years 6.6M
15-64 years 28M
65+ years 8.7M

Urbanization

82.7% Urban
36M
Urban 36M
Rural 7.6M

Health & Education Benchmarks

Life Expectancy at Birth +11%
82.1 years
World avg: 74.0 years
Fertility Rate -47%
1.25 births per woman
World avg: 2.35 births per woman
Infant Mortality Rate -75%
4.7 per 1,000 live births
World avg: 18.6 per 1,000 live births
Internet Users +30%
94.4 % of population
World avg: 72.5 % of population

Demographics

Quick Facts

Capital
Ottawa
Region
Americas
Area
9,984,670 km²
Languages
English, French
Currency
Canadian dollar ($)
Timezones
UTC-08:00, UTC-07:00, UTC-06:00, UTC-05:00, UTC-04:00, UTC-03:30
UN Member
Yes

Neighboring Countries

Economy

The country maintains a significant global presence, with a nominal GDP that ranks global 9 of 212 and regional (Americas) 2 of 45. According to the latest available data, the GDP per capita stands at 54,340 USD with an annual growth rate of 1.55%. The labor market currently shows an unemployment rate of 6.907%, which ranks global 63 of 186. This economic activity is largely driven by a wealth of natural resources, including petroleum and minerals, alongside a sophisticated service sector and advanced manufacturing.

Society

Social well-being in the country is reflected in a life expectancy of 82.1 years, which ranks global 34 of 215. Connectivity is exceptionally high, with 94.35% of the population identifying as internet users, ranking global 36 of 212. While the urban population has reached 82.7%, the fertility rate currently stands at 1.25 births per woman. These demographic trends are supported by a strong education system and a diverse population where approximately 34.6% of residents report no religious affiliation.

Climate & Environment

The climate varies significantly across the 9,984,670 km² (3,855,103 sq mi) territory, ranging from the maritime conditions of the coasts to the harsh subarctic temperatures of the interior. Most southern regions experience four distinct seasons with summer highs often exceeding 25 °C (77 °F) and winter lows frequently dropping below -15 °C (5 °F).

Government & Politics

Government Type
federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Independence
1867-07-01 (United Kingdom)

Canada is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy and a member of the United Nations. The government operates under the principles of responsible government, where the executive branch is drawn from and accountable to the bicameral Parliament. The head of state is the British monarch, represented locally by a Governor General who performs mostly ceremonial duties. The head of government is the Prime Minister, who leads the party with the most seats in the House of Commons. The legislature consists of the appointed Senate and the elected House of Commons, both located in the capital, Ottawa. Power is divided between the federal government and 10 provincial governments, which hold significant jurisdiction over healthcare, education, and natural resources. The three northern territories have delegated powers from the federal level. The judicial system is independent, topped by the Supreme Court of Canada. This political structure emphasizes multiculturalism and bilingualism, recognizing both English and French as official languages.

History

The history of Canada spans millennia, beginning with the diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples. European contact intensified in the late 15th century with voyages by explorers like John Cabot and Jacques Cartier. The region became a site of intense colonial rivalry between France and Great Britain. Following the Seven Years' War, the Treaty of Paris in 1763 ceded New France to Britain. The modern Canadian state began to take shape on 1 July 1867, with the Confederation of four provinces—Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia—under the British North America Act. This established Canada as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire. Over the following decades, Canada expanded westward to the Pacific, incorporating more provinces and territories and completing a transcontinental railway. The nation’s participation in World War I and World War II significantly increased its international prestige and fostered a distinct national identity. Full legislative autonomy from the United Kingdom was achieved through the Statute of Westminster in 1931, though the constitution was not fully patriated until the Constitution Act of 1982. This act included the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, solidifying Canada's status as a sovereign, rights-based democracy. Today, Canada is recognized for its stable governance and high life expectancy, which recent data places at 82.1080487804878 years.

Notable Facts

  • The country possesses the longest coastline in the world, stretching 202,080 km (125,567 mi).
  • Canada is the second-largest country by land area, covering 9,984,670 km² (3,855,103 sq mi).
  • Mount Logan is the highest point in the nation, reaching an elevation of 5,959 m (19,551 ft).
  • The nation is officially bilingual, recognizing both English and French as its primary languages.
  • Current estimates show an estimated 2026 population of 44 million people, with over 82% residing in urban areas.

Geography

Highest Point
Mount Logan (5,959 m)
Lowest Point
Atlantic Ocean (0 m)
Coastline
202,080 km

Explore weather and climate data for cities in Canada

Monthly averages for Ottawa

January
Poor
Temp
-4°C / -12°C
Feels Like
-8°C / -17°C
Rain
10days (72 mm) Wet
Sun
5.2h Fair
Humidity
78% Humid
Snow Days
17days
February
Poor
Temp
-2°C / -12°C
Feels Like
-7°C / -18°C
Rain
11days (67 mm) Wet
Sun
6.6h Fair
Humidity
73% Muggy
Snow Days
16days
March
Poor
Temp
5°C / -5°C
Feels Like
1°C / -10°C
Rain
13days (86 mm) Wet
Sun
7.9h Good
Humidity
68% Muggy
Snow Days
10days
April
Poor
Temp
12°C / 2°C
Feels Like
9°C / -2°C
Rain
12days (108 mm) Wet
Sun
9h Good
Humidity
63% Muggy
Snow Days
4days
May best
Good
Temp
20°C / 8°C
Feels Like
19°C / 5°C
Rain
11days (82 mm) Wet
Sun
10.8h Excellent
Humidity
63% Muggy
June best
Excellent
Temp
24°C / 14°C
Feels Like
25°C / 13°C
Rain
13days (103 mm) Wet
Sun
11.5h Excellent
Humidity
71% Muggy
July best
Excellent
Temp
27°C / 16°C
Feels Like
29°C / 17°C
Rain
12days (110 mm) Wet
Sun
12.2h Excellent
Humidity
75% Muggy
August best
Excellent
Temp
25°C / 15°C
Feels Like
27°C / 15°C
Rain
12days (109 mm) Wet
Sun
10.8h Excellent
Humidity
78% Humid
September best
Excellent
Temp
22°C / 10°C
Feels Like
21°C / 9°C
Rain
8days (69 mm) Wet
Sun
9.6h Good
Humidity
78% Humid
October
Fair
Temp
15°C / 5°C
Feels Like
13°C / 2°C
Rain
11days (89 mm) Wet
Sun
7.1h Good
Humidity
78% Humid
Snow Days
1days
November
Poor
Temp
6°C / -1°C
Feels Like
2°C / -5°C
Rain
12days (72 mm) Wet
Sun
5.3h Fair
Humidity
77% Humid
Snow Days
9days
December
Poor
Temp
0°C / -7°C
Feels Like
-5°C / -12°C
Rain
14days (95 mm) Wet
Sun
3.7h Poor
Humidity
80% Humid
Snow Days
16days
Month Temp Feels Like Rain Sun Humidity Status Details
January -4°C / -12°C -8°C / -17°C 10days (72 mm) Wet 5.2h Fair 78% Humid Poor View Details
February -2°C / -12°C -7°C / -18°C 11days (67 mm) Wet 6.6h Fair 73% Muggy Poor View Details
March 5°C / -5°C 1°C / -10°C 13days (86 mm) Wet 7.9h Good 68% Muggy Poor View Details
April 12°C / 2°C 9°C / -2°C 12days (108 mm) Wet 9h Good 63% Muggy Poor View Details
May best 20°C / 8°C 19°C / 5°C 11days (82 mm) Wet 10.8h Excellent 63% Muggy Good View Details
June best 24°C / 14°C 25°C / 13°C 13days (103 mm) Wet 11.5h Excellent 71% Muggy Excellent View Details
July best 27°C / 16°C 29°C / 17°C 12days (110 mm) Wet 12.2h Excellent 75% Muggy Excellent View Details
August best 25°C / 15°C 27°C / 15°C 12days (109 mm) Wet 10.8h Excellent 78% Humid Excellent View Details
September best 22°C / 10°C 21°C / 9°C 8days (69 mm) Wet 9.6h Good 78% Humid Excellent View Details
October 15°C / 5°C 13°C / 2°C 11days (89 mm) Wet 7.1h Good 78% Humid Fair View Details
November 6°C / -1°C 2°C / -5°C 12days (72 mm) Wet 5.3h Fair 77% Humid Poor View Details
December 0°C / -7°C -5°C / -12°C 14days (95 mm) Wet 3.7h Poor 80% Humid Poor View Details

Temperature

36°C 30°C 24°C 18°C 12°C 6°C 0°C -6°C -12°C -18°C -24°C JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High Low

Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: -4°C / -12°C . Feb: -2°C / -12°C . Mar: 5°C / -5°C . Apr: 12°C / 2°C . May: 20°C / 8°C . Jun: 24°C / 14°C . Jul: 27°C / 16°C . Aug: 25°C / 15°C . Sep: 22°C / 10°C . Oct: 15°C / 5°C . Nov: 6°C / -1°C . Dec: 0°C / -7°C .

Rainfall

0 mm 20 mm 40 mm 60 mm 80 mm 100 mm JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rainfall

Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 72 mm. Feb: 67 mm. Mar: 86 mm. Apr: 108 mm. May: 82 mm. Jun: 103 mm. Jul: 110 mm. Aug: 109 mm. Sep: 69 mm. Oct: 89 mm. Nov: 72 mm. Dec: 95 mm.

Frequently Asked Questions

The population of Canada is approximately 44M (2024).

The capital of Canada is Ottawa.

Canada's GDP per capita is $56K (2024).

Life expectancy in Canada is 82.11 years (2024).

Canada covers 9,984,670 km² (3,855,101 sq mi).

Canada is very sparsely populated, with about 4 people per km² — well below the global average of 60.

Canada's population is growing rapidly at 3.0% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Yes — based on GDP per capita, Canada falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $56K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Canada reports a low intentional homicide rate of 2.0 per 100,000 people, below the global average.

Canada has 2 official languages: English, French.

Canada uses the Canadian dollar ($) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Canada are May, June, July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.

The current population is estimated at approximately 43.8 million people. Recent data shows an annual population growth rate of 2.96%, which is high for a developed nation and is largely driven by international migration. This growth places Canada global 37 of 215 for total population size according to recent rankings.

Canada has one of the largest economies in the world, with a nominal GDP of approximately 2.24 trillion USD. This economic output ranks global 9 of 212 and regional (Americas) 2 of 45. The GDP per capita is estimated at 56,043 USD, reflecting a high standard of living for its residents.

The life expectancy at birth in Canada is 82.1 years. This figure ranks global 34 of 215, reflecting the country's high-quality universal healthcare system and overall social stability. It remains one of the highest life expectancy rates in the Americas, supported by a strong focus on public health and safety.

Recent data indicates an unemployment rate of 6.907%. This labor market performance ranks global 63 of 186 for the lowest unemployment. The rate fluctuates based on regional economic conditions, particularly in provinces heavily dependent on the natural resources sector, such as oil and gas production or large-scale mining operations.

High-speed connectivity is widespread, with 94.35% of the population having access to the internet. This high level of digital integration ranks global 36 of 212. The government continues to invest in expanding broadband infrastructure, particularly for remote and rural communities in the northern regions of the country's vast territory.

Canada is a bilingual nation with two official languages: English and French. These languages are central to the country's federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy. While English is the primary language for most of the population, French is the predominant language in the province of Quebec and is spoken in various communities nationwide.

Canada is ranked 37th in the world by population. Within its region, it is the 6th most populous country in the Americas and ranks 3rd in North America. This ranking reflects a steady increase in its global demographic standing compared to previous decades.

The current estimate for Canada's population density is 5 people per km² (13 per sq mi). Despite being the second-largest country by area, Canada ranks 206th globally for density. Most of the population is concentrated in a narrow southern band near the border with the United States.

The fertility rate in Canada is approximately 1.25 births per woman. This rate is well below the replacement level of 2.1, placing Canada 190th globally for fertility. To address the resulting labor shortages and aging population, the country maintains an active policy of welcoming skilled immigrants.

Approximately 82.7% of Canada's population resides in urban areas. This high urbanization rank, 51st globally, indicates that the vast majority of people live in large metropolitan regions. These urban centers, particularly Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, serve as the primary hubs for the country's economic and cultural life.

All Indicators

Explore Canada's data across 50+ indicators

Last updated: