Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Canada
CapitalOttawa
Population41,651,653
GDP$2.32tn
Area9,984,670 km²
RegionNorth America
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867, while retaining ties to the British crown. Canada gained legislative independence from Britain in 1931 and formalized its constitutional independence from the UK when it passed the Canada Act in 1982. Economically and technologically, the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across the world's longest international border. Canada faces the political challenges of meeting public demands for quality improvements in health care, education, social services, and economic competitiveness, as well as responding to the particular concerns of predominantly francophone Quebec. Canada also aims to develop its diverse energy resources while maintaining its commitment to the environment.
Reference: 1982, 1931Geography
Location
Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the conterminous US
Map references
North America
Area
total: 9,984,670 sq km
land: 9,093,507 sq km
water: 891,163 sq km
land: 9,093,507 sq km
water: 891,163 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than the US
Land boundaries
total: 8,892 km
border countries: US 8,891 km (includes 2,475 km with Alaska); Denmark (Greenland) 1.3 km
border countries: US 8,891 km (includes 2,475 km with Alaska); Denmark (Greenland) 1.3 km
Coastline
202,080 km
note: note: the Canadian Arctic Archipelago -- consisting of 36,563 islands, several of them among the world's largest -- gives Canada the longest coastline in the world
note: note: the Canadian Arctic Archipelago -- consisting of 36,563 islands, several of them among the world's largest -- gives Canada the longest coastline in the world
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate
varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north
Terrain
mostly plains with mountains in west, lowlands in southeast
Elevation
highest point: Mount Logan 5,959 m
lowest point: Atlantic/Pacific/Arctic Oceans 0 m
mean elevation: 487 m
lowest point: Atlantic/Pacific/Arctic Oceans 0 m
mean elevation: 487 m
Natural resources
bauxite, iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, uranium, rare earth elements, molybdenum, potash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydropower
Land use
agricultural land: 6.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 4.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 2.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 42% (2023 est.)
other: 51.4% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 4.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 2.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 42% (2023 est.)
other: 51.4% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
9,045 sq km (2015)
Reference: 2015Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Huron* - 35,972 sq km; Great Bear Lake - 31,328 sq km; Superior* - 28,754 sq km; Great Slave Lake - 28,568 sq km; Lake Winnipeg - 24,387 sq km; Erie* - 12,776 sq km; Ontario* - 9,790 sq km; Lake Athabasca - 7,935 sq km; Reindeer Lake - 6,650 sq km; Nettilling Lake - 5,542 sq km
note - Great Lakes* area shown as Canadian waters
note - Great Lakes* area shown as Canadian waters
Major rivers (by length in km)
Mackenzie - 4,241 km; Yukon river source (shared with the US [m]) - 3,185 km; Saint Lawrence river mouth (shared with US) - 3,058 km; Nelson - 2,570 km; Columbia river source (shared with the US [m]) - 1,953 km; Churchill - 1,600 km; Fraser - 1,368 km; Ottawa - 1,271 km; Athabasca - 1,231 km; North Saskatchewan - 1,220 km; Liard - 1,115 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Arctic Ocean drainage: Mackenzie (1,706,388 sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Mississippi* (Gulf of America) (3,202,185 sq km, Canada only 32,000 sq km), Nelson (Hudson Bay) (1,093,141 sq km), Saint Lawrence* (1,049,636 sq km, Canada only 839,200 sq km)
Pacific Ocean drainage: Yukon* (847,620 sq km, Canada only 823,800 sq km), Columbia* (657,501 sq km, Canada only 103,000 sq km)
note: note: watersheds shared with the US shown with *
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Mississippi* (Gulf of America) (3,202,185 sq km, Canada only 32,000 sq km), Nelson (Hudson Bay) (1,093,141 sq km), Saint Lawrence* (1,049,636 sq km, Canada only 839,200 sq km)
Pacific Ocean drainage: Yukon* (847,620 sq km, Canada only 823,800 sq km), Columbia* (657,501 sq km, Canada only 103,000 sq km)
note: note: watersheds shared with the US shown with *
Major aquifers
Northern Great Plains Aquifer
Population distribution
vast majority of the population lives in a discontinuous band within approximately 300 km (186 mi) of the southern border with the United States; the most populated province is Ontario, followed by Quebec and British Columbia
Natural hazards
continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to development; cyclonic storms form east of the Rocky Mountains, a result of the mixing of air masses from the Arctic, Pacific, and North American interior, and produce most of the country's rain and snow east of the mountains
volcanism: the vast majority of volcanoes in Western Canada's Coast Mountains remain dormant
volcanism: the vast majority of volcanoes in Western Canada's Coast Mountains remain dormant
Geography - note
note 1: second-largest country in the world (after Russia) and largest in the Americas; strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route; approximately 90% of the population is concentrated within 160 km (100 mi) of the US border
note 2: Canada has more fresh water than any other country, and almost 9% of Canadian territory is water; Canada has at least 2 million and possibly over 3 million lakes, more than all other countries combined
note 2: Canada has more fresh water than any other country, and almost 9% of Canadian territory is water; Canada has at least 2 million and possibly over 3 million lakes, more than all other countries combined
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Canadian(s)
adjective: Canadian
adjective: Canadian
Ethnic groups
Canadian 15.6%, English 14.7%, Scottish 12.1%, French 11%, Irish 12.1%, German 8.1%, Chinese 4.7%, Italian 4.3%, First Nations 1.7%, Indian 3.7%, Ukrainian 3.5%, Metis 1.5% (2021 est.)
note: note: percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic origin
Reference: 2021note: note: percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic origin
Languages
Languages: English (official) 87.1%, French (official) 29.1%, Chinese languages 4.2%, Spanish 3.2%, Punjabi 2.6%, Arabic 2.4%, Tagalog 2.3%, Italian 1.5% (2022 est.)
major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English)
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
Reference: 2022major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English)
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
Religions
Christian 53.3%, Muslim 4.9%, Hindu 2.3%, Sikh 2.1%, Buddhist 1%, Jewish 0.9%, Traditional (North American Indigenous) 0.2%, other religions and traditional spirituality 0.6%, none 34.6% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Age structure
0-14 years: 15.5% (male 3,098,478/female 2,929,148)
15-64 years: 63.4% (male 12,382,422/female 12,227,512)
65 years and over: 21% (2024 est.) (male 3,753,829/female 4,403,424)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 63.4% (male 12,382,422/female 12,227,512)
65 years and over: 21% (2024 est.) (male 3,753,829/female 4,403,424)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 56.8 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 23.9 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 23.9 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 42.6 years (2024 est.)
male: 41.4 years
female: 43.8 years
Reference: 2024male: 41.4 years
female: 43.8 years
Population growth rate
0.71% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
10 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
8.2 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
vast majority of the population lives in a discontinuous band within approximately 300 km (186 mi) of the southern border with the United States; the most populated province is Ontario, followed by Quebec and British Columbia
Major urban areas - population
6.372 million Toronto, 4.308 million Montreal, 2.657 million Vancouver, 1.640 million Calgary, 1.544 million Edmonton, 1.437 million OTTAWA (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
29.4 years (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Maternal mortality ratio
12 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.77 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 99.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.8% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.8% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 11.2% of GDP (2022)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 19.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 19.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.82 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
2.6 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 98.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 98.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.4% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 98.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.4% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
29.4% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 8 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.5 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 2 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.4 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 3.5 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 2 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.4 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 10.1% (2025 est.)
male: 12.3% (2025 est.)
female: 8% (2025 est.)
male: 12.3% (2025 est.)
female: 8% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
52.2% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years (2022 est.)
male: 15 years (2022 est.)
female: 17 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 15 years (2022 est.)
female: 17 years (2022 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 561,551 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 1,981 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 8,166 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 1,981 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 8,166 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Mark Carney | — | 2025-03-14 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Charles III | — | 2022-09-08 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Canada
etymology: the name is probably derived from the Huron or Iroquois word kanata, meaning village or camp
conventional short form: Canada
etymology: the name is probably derived from the Huron or Iroquois word kanata, meaning village or camp
Capital
name: Ottawa
geographic coordinates: 45 25 N, 75 42 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November
time zone note: Canada has six time zones
etymology: the city lies on the south bank of the Ottawa River, from which it derives its name; the river name comes from the Algonquin word adawe, meaning "to trade"
geographic coordinates: 45 25 N, 75 42 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November
time zone note: Canada has six time zones
etymology: the city lies on the south bank of the Ottawa River, from which it derives its name; the river name comes from the Algonquin word adawe, meaning "to trade"
Administrative divisions
10 provinces and 3 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories*, Nova Scotia, Nunavut*, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Saskatchewan, Yukon*
Legal system
common law system except in Quebec, where civil law based on the French civil code prevails
Constitution
history: consists of unwritten and written acts, customs, judicial decisions, and traditions dating from 1763; the written part of the constitution consists of the Constitution Act of 29 March 1867, which created a federation of four provinces, and the Constitution Act of 17 April 1982
amendment process: proposed by either house of Parliament or by the provincial legislative assemblies; there are 5 methods for passage though most require approval by both houses of Parliament, approval of at least two thirds of the provincial legislative assemblies and assent and formalization as a proclamation by the governor general in council; the most restrictive method is reserved for amendments affecting fundamental sections of the constitution, such as the office of the monarch or the governor general, and the constitutional amendment procedures, which require unanimous approval by both houses and by all the provincial assemblies, and assent of the governor general in council
Reference: 1982amendment process: proposed by either house of Parliament or by the provincial legislative assemblies; there are 5 methods for passage though most require approval by both houses of Parliament, approval of at least two thirds of the provincial legislative assemblies and assent and formalization as a proclamation by the governor general in council; the most restrictive method is reserved for amendments affecting fundamental sections of the constitution, such as the office of the monarch or the governor general, and the constitutional amendment procedures, which require unanimous approval by both houses and by all the provincial assemblies, and assent of the governor general in council
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: minimum of 3 of last 5 years resident in Canada
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: minimum of 3 of last 5 years resident in Canada
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Mary SIMON (since 26 July 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister Mark CARNEY (since 14 March 2025)
cabinet: Federal Ministry chosen by the prime minister usually from among members of his/her own party sitting in Parliament
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister for a 5-year term; after legislative elections, the governor general usually designates the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Commons as prime minister
note: note: the governor general position is largely ceremonial
Reference: 2025, 2022, 2021head of government: Prime Minister Mark CARNEY (since 14 March 2025)
cabinet: Federal Ministry chosen by the prime minister usually from among members of his/her own party sitting in Parliament
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister for a 5-year term; after legislative elections, the governor general usually designates the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Commons as prime minister
note: note: the governor general position is largely ceremonial
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament of Canada - Parlement du Canada
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: House of Commons
number of seats: 343 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 4/28/2025
parties elected and seats per party: Liberal Party (169); Conservative Party (144); Bloc Québécois (BQ) (22); Other (30)
percentage of women in chamber: 30.3%
expected date of next election: October 2029
Reference: 2029, 2025number of seats: 343 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 4/28/2025
parties elected and seats per party: Liberal Party (169); Conservative Party (144); Bloc Québécois (BQ) (22); Other (30)
percentage of women in chamber: 30.3%
expected date of next election: October 2029
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Senate
number of seats: 105 (all appointed)
percentage of women in chamber: 54.8%
number of seats: 105 (all appointed)
percentage of women in chamber: 54.8%
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Canada (consists of the chief justice and 8 judges)
judge selection and term of office: chief justice and judges appointed by the prime minister in council; all judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 75
subordinate courts: federal level: Federal Court of Appeal; Federal Court; Tax Court; federal administrative tribunals; Courts Martial; provincial/territorial level: provincial superior, appeals, first instance, and specialized courts
note: note: in 1999, the Nunavut Court -- a circuit court with the power of a provincial superior court, as well as a territorial court -- was established to serve isolated settlements
Reference: 1999judge selection and term of office: chief justice and judges appointed by the prime minister in council; all judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 75
subordinate courts: federal level: Federal Court of Appeal; Federal Court; Tax Court; federal administrative tribunals; Courts Martial; provincial/territorial level: provincial superior, appeals, first instance, and specialized courts
note: note: in 1999, the Nunavut Court -- a circuit court with the power of a provincial superior court, as well as a territorial court -- was established to serve isolated settlements
Political parties
Bloc Québécois
Conservative Party of Canada or CPC
Green Party of Canada
Liberal Party of Canada
New Democratic Party
Conservative Party of Canada or CPC
Green Party of Canada
Liberal Party of Canada
New Democratic Party
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Kirsten HILLMAN (since 17 July 2020)
chancery: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
telephone: [1] (844) 880-6519
FAX: [1] (202) 682-7738
email address and website: ccs.scc@international.gc.ca
https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/us-eu/washington.aspx?lang=eng
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco, Seattle
trade office(s): Houston, Palo Alto (CA), San Diego; note - there are trade offices in the Consulates General
Reference: 2020chancery: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
telephone: [1] (844) 880-6519
FAX: [1] (202) 682-7738
email address and website: ccs.scc@international.gc.ca
https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/us-eu/washington.aspx?lang=eng
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco, Seattle
trade office(s): Houston, Palo Alto (CA), San Diego; note - there are trade offices in the Consulates General
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Pete HOEKSTRA (since 29 April 2025)
embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8
mailing address: 5480 Ottawa Place, Washington DC 20521-5480
telephone: [1] (613) 688-5335
FAX: [1] (613) 241-7845
email address and website: OttawaNIV@state.gov
https://ca.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver
consulate(s): Winnipeg
embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8
mailing address: 5480 Ottawa Place, Washington DC 20521-5480
telephone: [1] (613) 688-5335
FAX: [1] (613) 241-7845
email address and website: OttawaNIV@state.gov
https://ca.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver
consulate(s): Winnipeg
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CD, CDB, CE (observer), EAPC, EBRD, EITI (implementing country), FAO, FATF, G-7, G-8, G-10, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAFTA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, USMCA, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Independence
1 July 1867 (union of British North American colonies); 11 December 1931 (recognized by UK per Statute of Westminster)
Reference: 1931National holiday
Canada Day, 1 July (1867)
Flag
description: two vertical bands of red on each side, with a white square between them; a large 11-pointed red maple leaf is centered in the white square
meaning: the maple leaf is a national symbol
meaning: the maple leaf is a national symbol
National symbol(s)
maple leaf, beaver
National color(s)
red, white
National anthem(s)
title: "God Save the King"
lyrics/music: unknown
history: royal anthem, as a Commonwealth country
lyrics/music: unknown
history: royal anthem, as a Commonwealth country
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 22 (10 cultural, 11 natural, 1 mixed) (2021)
selected World Heritage Site locales: L'Anse aux Meadows (c); Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (n); Dinosaur Provincial Park (n); Historic District of Old Quebec (c); Old Town Lunenburg (c); Wood Buffalo National Park (n); Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (c); Gros Morne National Park (n); Pimachiowin Aki (m)
Reference: 2021selected World Heritage Site locales: L'Anse aux Meadows (c); Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks (n); Dinosaur Provincial Park (n); Historic District of Old Quebec (c); Old Town Lunenburg (c); Wood Buffalo National Park (n); Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (c); Gros Morne National Park (n); Pimachiowin Aki (m)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of Canada | — | 443 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
high-income economy and second-largest US trading partner; key timber, oil, and gas industries; trade uncertainties and weak business investments contributing to economic slowdown; high and growing public debt; inflation moderating but remains above target range
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $2.341 trillion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $2.305 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $2.271 trillion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $2.305 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $2.271 trillion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $56,700 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $57,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $58,300 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $57,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $58,300 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 1.6% (2021 est.)
industry: 25.3% (2021 est.)
services: 66.4% (2021 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2021industry: 25.3% (2021 est.)
services: 66.4% (2021 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 54.4% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 20.9% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 22.9% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 1% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 33.3% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -33.3% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 20.9% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 22.9% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 1% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 33.3% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -33.3% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
wheat, rapeseed, maize, milk, barley, soybeans, potatoes, peas, oats, pork (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, fish products, petroleum, natural gas
Industrial production growth rate
0% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
22.868 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 13% (2024 est.)
male: 13.8% (2024 est.)
female: 12.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 13.8% (2024 est.)
female: 12.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2020: 29.9 (2020 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2020note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 9.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 3.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.5% (2020 est.)
highest 10%: 23.4% (2020 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2020highest 10%: 23.4% (2020 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 0% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 0% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $428.312 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $417.421 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $417.421 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 61.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
13.8% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$10.349 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$13.764 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$6.318 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$13.764 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$6.318 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $727.831 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $724.754 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $743.782 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $724.754 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $743.782 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 71%, China 5%, UK 3%, Japan 2%, Mexico 2% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, cars, gold, natural gas, refined petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $733.778 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $723.399 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $731.058 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $723.399 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $731.058 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 51%, China 11%, Mexico 6%, Germany 3%, Japan 3% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, trucks, vehicle parts/accessories, refined petroleum, crude petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $119.778 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $117.551 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $106.952 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $117.551 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $106.952 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Canadian dollars (CAD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 1.369 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 1.35 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 1.302 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 1.254 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 1.341 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 1.369 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 1.35 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 1.302 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 1.254 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 1.341 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$10.349 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$13.764 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$6.318 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$13.764 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$6.318 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $727.831 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $724.754 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $743.782 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $724.754 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $743.782 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 71%, China 5%, UK 3%, Japan 2%, Mexico 2% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, cars, gold, natural gas, refined petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $733.778 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $723.399 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $731.058 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $723.399 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $731.058 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 51%, China 11%, Mexico 6%, Germany 3%, Japan 3% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, trucks, vehicle parts/accessories, refined petroleum, crude petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 161.988 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 555.683 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 49.444 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 21.77 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 31.784 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 555.683 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 49.444 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 21.77 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 31.784 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 18.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
nuclear: 13.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 58.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023nuclear: 13.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 58.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors: 17 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 12.71GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 13.7% (2023 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 8 (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2023Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 12.71GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 13.7% (2023 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 8 (2025)
Coal
production: 50.687 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 20.092 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 35.447 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 7.03 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 6.582 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 20.092 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 35.447 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 7.03 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 6.582 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 5.688 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 2.377 million bbl/day (2024 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 170.3 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 2.377 million bbl/day (2024 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 170.3 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 194.105 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 131.887 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 82.537 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 29.058 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 2.067 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 131.887 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 82.537 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 29.058 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 2.067 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 311.599 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 10.897 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
12 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 11.2% of GDP (2022)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 19.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 19.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.82 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
2.6 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
29.4% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 10.1% (2025 est.)
male: 12.3% (2025 est.)
female: 8% (2025 est.)
male: 12.3% (2025 est.)
female: 8% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years (2022 est.)
male: 15 years (2022 est.)
female: 17 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 15 years (2022 est.)
female: 17 years (2022 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
common law system except in Quebec, where civil law based on the French civil code prevails
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Canada (consists of the chief justice and 8 judges)
judge selection and term of office: chief justice and judges appointed by the prime minister in council; all judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 75
subordinate courts: federal level: Federal Court of Appeal; Federal Court; Tax Court; federal administrative tribunals; Courts Martial; provincial/territorial level: provincial superior, appeals, first instance, and specialized courts
note: note: in 1999, the Nunavut Court -- a circuit court with the power of a provincial superior court, as well as a territorial court -- was established to serve isolated settlements
Reference: 1999judge selection and term of office: chief justice and judges appointed by the prime minister in council; all judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 75
subordinate courts: federal level: Federal Court of Appeal; Federal Court; Tax Court; federal administrative tribunals; Courts Martial; provincial/territorial level: provincial superior, appeals, first instance, and specialized courts
note: note: in 1999, the Nunavut Court -- a circuit court with the power of a provincial superior court, as well as a territorial court -- was established to serve isolated settlements
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Canadian Forces: Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force (2025)
note: note 1: the CAF is comprised of both a Regular Force and a Reserve Force; the Reserve Force is comprised of the Primary Reserve, Canadian Rangers, Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service, and the Supplementary Reserve; the Canadian Rangers are part of the Army Reserve Force and provide a limited presence in Canada's northern, coastal, and isolated areas for sovereignty, public safety, and surveillance roles
note 2: the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP or "Mounties") is under the Department of Public Safety; the Coast Guard is under the Department of Fisheries and Oceans
note: note 1: the CAF is comprised of both a Regular Force and a Reserve Force; the Reserve Force is comprised of the Primary Reserve, Canadian Rangers, Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service, and the Supplementary Reserve; the Canadian Rangers are part of the Army Reserve Force and provide a limited presence in Canada's northern, coastal, and isolated areas for sovereignty, public safety, and surveillance roles
note 2: the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP or "Mounties") is under the Department of Public Safety; the Coast Guard is under the Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2025: 2% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022Military Expenditures 2024: 1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 75,000 active-duty military personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the CAF's inventory is a mix of domestically produced equipment and imported weapons systems from Australia, Europe, Israel, and the US; in recent years, the leading supplier has been the US; Canada's defense industry develops, maintains, and produces a range of equipment, including aircraft, combat vehicles, naval vessels, and associated components (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
17 years of age for voluntary male and female military service (with parental consent); 16 years of age for Reserve and Military College applicants; Canadian citizenship or permanent residence status required; maximum 34 years of age; service obligation 3-9 years (2023)
note: note 1: Canada opened up all military occupations to women in 2001; women in 2023 comprised about 16% of the CAF
note 2: the CAF offers waivers to foreign nationals applying for military service only in exceptional cases — to individuals on international military exchanges, for example, or to candidates who have specialized skills in high demand
Reference: 2023, 2001note: note 1: Canada opened up all military occupations to women in 2001; women in 2023 comprised about 16% of the CAF
note 2: the CAF offers waivers to foreign nationals applying for military service only in exceptional cases — to individuals on international military exchanges, for example, or to candidates who have specialized skills in high demand
Military deployments
the CAF has approximately 1,000 military personnel forward deployed for NATO air, land, and sea missions in the European theater, including a ground task force in Latvia; it also contributes smaller numbers of air, ground, and naval forces to a variety of other NATO and international missions (2024)
note: note: in 2024, Canada announced plans to have a full 2,000-person brigade deployed to Latvia by 2026
Reference: 2026, 2024note: note: in 2024, Canada announced plans to have a full 2,000-person brigade deployed to Latvia by 2026
Military - note
the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are responsible for external security; the CAF’s core missions include detecting, deterring, and defending against threats to or attacks on Canada; the military also provides assistance to civil authorities and law enforcement as needed for such missions as counterterrorism, search and rescue, and responding to natural disasters or other major emergencies; it regularly participates in bilateral and multinational training exercises with a variety of partners, including NATO (Canada is one of the original members) and the US; the CAF also contributes to international peacekeeping, stability, humanitarian, combat, and capacity building operations, principally through NATO, but also with the UN and other security partners
Canada is part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD; established 1958); NORAD is a Canada/US bi-national military command responsible for monitoring and defending North American airspace; traditionally, a CAF officer has served as the deputy commander of NORAD; Canada’s defense relationship with the US extends back to the Ogdensburg Declaration of 1940, when the two countries formally agreed on military cooperation, including the establishment of the Permanent Joint Board on Defense (PJBD), which continues to be the highest-level bilateral defense forum between Canada and the US
British troops withdrew from Canada in 1871 as part of the US-UK Treaty of Washington; following the withdrawal, the first Canadian militia, known as the Royal Canadian Regiment, was organized in 1883 to protect Canadian territory and defend British interests abroad, which it did in the South African War (1899-1902), Canada’s first overseas conflict; militia units formed the backbone of the more than 425,000 Canadian soldiers that went to Europe during World War I in what was called the Canadian Expeditionary Force; the Royal Canadian Navy was created in 1910, while the Canadian Air Force was established in 1920 and became the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924; the Canadian Army was officially founded in 1942; a unified Canadian Armed Forces was created in 1968 (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1968, 1958, 1942Canada is part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD; established 1958); NORAD is a Canada/US bi-national military command responsible for monitoring and defending North American airspace; traditionally, a CAF officer has served as the deputy commander of NORAD; Canada’s defense relationship with the US extends back to the Ogdensburg Declaration of 1940, when the two countries formally agreed on military cooperation, including the establishment of the Permanent Joint Board on Defense (PJBD), which continues to be the highest-level bilateral defense forum between Canada and the US
British troops withdrew from Canada in 1871 as part of the US-UK Treaty of Washington; following the withdrawal, the first Canadian militia, known as the Royal Canadian Regiment, was organized in 1883 to protect Canadian territory and defend British interests abroad, which it did in the South African War (1899-1902), Canada’s first overseas conflict; militia units formed the backbone of the more than 425,000 Canadian soldiers that went to Europe during World War I in what was called the Canadian Expeditionary Force; the Royal Canadian Navy was created in 1910, while the Canadian Air Force was established in 1920 and became the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924; the Canadian Army was officially founded in 1942; a unified Canadian Armed Forces was created in 1968 (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Kirsten HILLMAN (since 17 July 2020)
chancery: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
telephone: [1] (844) 880-6519
FAX: [1] (202) 682-7738
email address and website: ccs.scc@international.gc.ca
https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/us-eu/washington.aspx?lang=eng
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco, Seattle
trade office(s): Houston, Palo Alto (CA), San Diego; note - there are trade offices in the Consulates General
Reference: 2020chancery: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
telephone: [1] (844) 880-6519
FAX: [1] (202) 682-7738
email address and website: ccs.scc@international.gc.ca
https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/us-eu/washington.aspx?lang=eng
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco, Seattle
trade office(s): Houston, Palo Alto (CA), San Diego; note - there are trade offices in the Consulates General
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Pete HOEKSTRA (since 29 April 2025)
embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8
mailing address: 5480 Ottawa Place, Washington DC 20521-5480
telephone: [1] (613) 688-5335
FAX: [1] (613) 241-7845
email address and website: OttawaNIV@state.gov
https://ca.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver
consulate(s): Winnipeg
embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8
mailing address: 5480 Ottawa Place, Washington DC 20521-5480
telephone: [1] (613) 688-5335
FAX: [1] (613) 241-7845
email address and website: OttawaNIV@state.gov
https://ca.usembassy.gov/
consulate(s) general: Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver
consulate(s): Winnipeg
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CD, CDB, CE (observer), EAPC, EBRD, EITI (implementing country), FAO, FATF, G-7, G-8, G-10, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAFTA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, USMCA, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | 1973-06-25 |
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1931-00-00 |
| G20 (G20) | member | — |
| Group of Seven (G7) | member | 1977-00-00 |
| NATO (NATO) | member | 1949-04-04 |
| OECD (OECD) | member | — |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1945-11-09 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CD, CDB, CE (observer), EAPC, EBRD, EITI (implementing country), FAO, FATF, G-7, G-8, G-10, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAFTA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, USMCA, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 561,551 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 1,981 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 8,166 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 1,981 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 8,166 (2024 est.)
Illicit drugs
USG identification: major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Terrorist group(s)
Hizballah; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
C
Airports
1,459 (2025)
Heliports
506 (2025)
Railways
total: 49,422 km (2021) note: 129 km electrified (2021)
standard gauge: 49,422 km (2021) 1.435-m gauge
Reference: 2021standard gauge: 49,422 km (2021) 1.435-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 716 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 22, container ship 1, general cargo 78, oil tanker 15, other 600
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 22, container ship 1, general cargo 78, oil tanker 15, other 600
Ports
total ports: 284 (2024)
large: 4
medium: 14
small: 58
very small: 149
size unknown: 59
ports with oil terminals: 59
key ports: Argentia, Canaport (St. John), Halifax, Hamilton, Montreal, New Westminster, Pond Inlet, Prince Rupert, Quebec, Sept Iles, St. John, Sydney, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Trois Rivieres, Vancouver, Victoria Harbor, Windsor
Reference: 2024large: 4
medium: 14
small: 58
very small: 149
size unknown: 59
ports with oil terminals: 59
key ports: Argentia, Canaport (St. John), Halifax, Hamilton, Montreal, New Westminster, Pond Inlet, Prince Rupert, Quebec, Sept Iles, St. John, Sydney, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Trois Rivieres, Vancouver, Victoria Harbor, Windsor
Environment
Environmental issues
air pollution and acid rain from vehicle emissions, coal-burning, and metal smelting severely affecting lakes and forests; seawater pollution from agriculture, industry, mining, and forestry
International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Marine Life Conservation
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Marine Life Conservation
Climate
varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north
Land use
agricultural land: 6.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 4.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 2.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 42% (2023 est.)
other: 51.4% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 4.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 2.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 42% (2023 est.)
other: 51.4% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 81.9% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.95% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.95% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 585.853 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 32.486 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 294.196 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 259.171 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 32.486 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 294.196 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 259.171 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
6.7 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 2,787.3 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 1,049.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 816.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 39.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 1,049.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 816.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 39.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 25.103 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 23.1% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 23.1% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 4.869 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 27.357 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 3.859 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 27.357 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 3.859 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
2.902 trillion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Geoparks
total global geoparks and regional networks: 5
global geoparks and regional networks: Perce; Stonehammer; Tumbler Ridge; Cliffs of Fundy; Discovery (2023)
Reference: 2023global geoparks and regional networks: Perce; Stonehammer; Tumbler Ridge; Cliffs of Fundy; Discovery (2023)
Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 10.897 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
2 public TV broadcasting networks, 1 in English and 1 in French, each with a large number of network affiliates; several private commercial networks, also with multiple network affiliates; a total of about 150 TV stations, accessible via multi-channel satellite and cable systems; mix of public and commercial radio, with over 1,000 licensed stations; public broadcaster Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) provides 4 radio networks, Radio Canada International, and radio services to ethnic populations in the north (2016)
Reference: 2016Internet country code
.ca
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 36,110,803 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 36,545,075 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 37,072,620 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 37,618,495 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 38,028,638 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 38,239,864 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 38,950,132 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 40,049,088 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 41,262,329 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 41,651,653 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $1,527,996,250,641 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $1,649,269,496,515 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $1,725,330,736,238 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $1,743,728,952,157 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $1,655,686,966,882 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $2,022,377,950,897 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $2,200,562,785,046 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $2,196,593,836,347 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $2,270,076,189,684 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $2,319,899,772,426 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8,332,892 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 8,805,839 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 1,114,493 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 1,273,577 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 1,248,046 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 1,255,998 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 1,255,259 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 1,307,957 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 1,310,121 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 1,347,381 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 329,455 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 372,685 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 420,224 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 387,685 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 256,592 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 198,867 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 459,988 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 433,842 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 368,599 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 326,204 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 41,651,653 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 40,467,728 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 36,991,981 | 2021 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 8,805,839 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 22.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 1,347,381 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 326,204 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 416,028 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 314,475 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 360 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 215 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.933 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 3.016 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 2.059 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 2.680 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 2.141 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.923 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 1.509 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1969; equal age of consent since 1987; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | Yes Domestic partnerships in Nova Scotia (2001); Civil unions in Quebec (2002); Adult interdependent relationships in Alberta (2003); Common-law relationships in Manitoba (2004) | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes Legal in some provinces and territories since 2003, nationwide since 2005 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | Yes Legal in some provinces and territories since 1996, nationwide since 2011 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes Since 1992; Includes transgender people | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination. Ban on conversion therapy since 2022 nationwide | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes / No Transgender people can change their gender and name without completion of medical intervention and human rights protections explicitly include gender identity or expression within all of Canada since 2017. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $2,319,899,772,426 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $55,698 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 1.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 2.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 6.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 82.1 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.3 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 82.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 94.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 31.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 32.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 63.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 104.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 4.8% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 14,093 kWh/person | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 23.8% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 11.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 4.7 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 39.5% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 94.1 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 42.5 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 39,738 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 45.4215° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -75.6919° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 56.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -109.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | Newfoundland Time Zone, Atlantic Time Zone, UTC−04:00, Eastern Time Zone, Central Time Zone, UTC−06:00, Mountain Time Zone, UTC−07:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | constitutional monarchy, federation, parliamentary system | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:13