Canada

World Book Index

Introduction

Background
Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867, while retaining ties to the British crown. Canada aims to develop its diverse energy resources while maintaining its commitment to the environment.

Geography

Area
total : 9,984,670 sq km
land: 9,093,507 sq km
water: 891,163 sq km

Climate
varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north

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

People and Society

Population
total: 38,794,813 (2024 est.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

Population growth rate
0.71% (2024 est.)

Government

Government type
federal parliamentary democracy (Parliament of Canada) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm; federal and state authorities and responsibilities regulated in constitution

Capital
name: Ottawa

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)

Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Kirsten HILLMAN (since 17 July 2020)

Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Pete HOEKSTRA (since 29 April 2025)

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)
$2.341 trillion (2024 est.)
$2.305 trillion (2023 est.)
$2.271 trillion (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$56,700 (2024 est.)
$57,500 (2023 est.)
$58,300 (2022 est.)

Exports
$727.831 billion (2024 est.)
$724.754 billion (2023 est.)
$743.782 billion (2022 est.)

Exports - partners
USA 71%, China 5%, UK 3%, Japan 2%, Mexico 2% (2023)

Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, cars, gold, natural gas, refined petroleum (2023)

Imports
$733.778 billion (2024 est.)
$723.399 billion (2023 est.)
$731.058 billion (2022 est.)

Imports - partners
USA 51%, China 11%, Mexico 6%, Germany 3%, Japan 3% (2023)

Imports - commodities
cars, trucks, vehicle parts/accessories, refined petroleum, crude petroleum (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.939, ranking it 16th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 60th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 5.977. (more information)