Demographics of Canada

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Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world, and that's something Canadians are genuinely proud of. As of the most recent census, Canada's population is approximately 40 million people. While that might sound like a lot, remember that Canada is enormous — meaning the population is spread out across a huge area, with most people living within 200 kilometres of the US border.

Canada's biggest cities are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Toronto alone is home to over 6 million people in its metropolitan area, making it by far the largest city. Other major cities include Calgary, Ottawa (the national capital), Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Halifax. If you're settling in one of these urban centres, you'll find a vibrant, cosmopolitan community with people from virtually every country in the world.

Canada is officially a multicultural country — that's actually written into law through the Canadian Multiculturalism Act of 1988. The country actively encourages people to maintain their cultural identities while also participating in Canadian society. This is sometimes described as a 'cultural mosaic,' in contrast to the 'melting pot' idea associated with the United States. In Canada, the goal is for different cultures to coexist and enrich each other rather than blend into one.

A large portion of Canada's population growth comes from immigration. In recent years, Canada has welcomed hundreds of thousands of new permanent residents each year from countries like India, China, the Philippines, Nigeria, and many others. As a new immigrant, you are very much part of Canada's story and future.

Canada also has two official languages — English and French. About 75% of the population speaks English as a first language, while around 22% speak French, the majority of whom live in Quebec. You'll find bilingual signage, government services, and communities throughout the country.