The demographics of Canada reflect a diverse and evolving population shaped by immigration, urbanization, and cultural diversity. As of 2024, Canada’s population reached 41.4 million people, making it one of the fastest-growing countries in the G7. The main driver of population growth is immigration, with Canada maintaining one of the highest per-capita immigration rates in the world. The demographic profile also reveals low fertility rates, an aging population, and significant ethnic diversity, making Canada a unique case study among advanced economies.
Population Trends
According to Statistics Canada, the population stood at 41,465,298 by late 2024. Growth slowed slightly with a projected 0.66% increase in 2025. Birth rates continue to fall, estimated at 9.94 births per 1,000 people in 2025, while the death rate stands near 8.12 per 1,000. Life expectancy remains high at 83.8 years, with women averaging 86.2 years compared to 81.5 years for men.
Population distribution is uneven, with most residents living within 300 km of the U.S. border. The most populous provinces are Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. Major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver account for much of Canada’s demographic concentration.
Age and Fertility
The age structure of Canada highlights the challenges of an aging society. In 2025, about 18.9% of the population is over 65, compared with 15.9% under age 15. The median age is 41.8 years, reflecting one of the oldest populations globally.
Canada’s fertility rate is at a record low of 1.26 children per woman in 2023, well below the replacement level of 2.1. The highest fertility rate is found in Nunavut (2.48), while British Columbia records the lowest at 1.00. Mothers now have their first child at an average age of 31.3 years, placing Canada among the world’s late-childbearing nations.
Ethnicity and Visible Minorities
The ethnic composition of Canada is highly diverse. In 2021, about 69.8% of the population identified as White, while 26.5% identified as visible minorities. The largest groups include South Asian (7.1%), Chinese (4.7%), and Black Canadians (4.3%). The Indigenous population makes up about 5%, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.
Over 450 ethnic origins were self-reported in the last census, with many Canadians also identifying simply as “Canadian.” Statistics Canada projects that visible minorities will represent up to 43% of the total population by 2041, reshaping Canada’s cultural landscape.
Languages
Canada is officially bilingual, with English (55.9%) and French (20.6%) as the main languages. However, linguistic diversity is expanding rapidly. Among non-official languages, Mandarin, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, and Arabic are most widely spoken. By 2021, over 29% of Canadians reported knowledge of French, while more than 12% spoke a non-official language at home.
Immigrant communities maintain strong linguistic traditions, particularly in metropolitan centers such as Toronto and Vancouver. Indigenous languages, including Cree and Inuktitut, remain vital in northern regions, though many are endangered.
Immigration
Immigration is the primary engine of population growth. In 2021, Canada admitted 405,330 new immigrants, marking the highest intake in its history. By 2023, over 8.3 million people, or 23% of the population, were immigrants, ranking Canada among the world’s most immigrant-friendly nations.
Immigrants predominantly settle in major cities, with Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver being the top destinations. Refugees also form a significant share, as Canada accepts over 10% of global resettled refugees annually. By 2041, immigrants are projected to make up between 29% and 34% of Canada’s total population, while nearly half of Canadians will have at least one foreign-born parent.
Religion
Religion in Canada reflects increasing secularization. In 2021, 53.3% of Canadians identified as Christian, down from 67.3% in 2011. Roman Catholicism (29.9%) remains the largest denomination, followed by various Protestant groups. Non-Christian faiths are growing, with Islam (4.9%), Hinduism (2.3%), and Sikhism (2.1%) among the fastest-rising.
The non-religious population has surged to 34.6%, reflecting broader cultural shifts. Indigenous spiritual practices persist in some communities, while other global religions such as Buddhism and Judaism maintain smaller but established presences.
Employment and Social Indicators
As of June 2025, the unemployment rate stood at 6.9%, with youth unemployment significantly higher at 14.2%. By contrast, older workers (55+) face lower unemployment at just 4.5%. Educational attainment remains high, with an average of 16 years of school life expectancy.
Canada continues to face challenges in housing affordability, regional disparities, and supporting its aging population. However, its robust immigration system and cultural diversity help sustain growth.
Conclusion
The demographics of Canada reveal a nation undergoing rapid transformation. Low fertility rates and an aging population are balanced by record-high immigration, which sustains labor markets and cultural diversity. With nearly half of its population projected to be immigrants or second-generation by 2041, Canada’s demographic future will remain closely tied to global migration, multiculturalism, and inclusive social policies.
