Country Profile: Canada

Canada, a country of vast distances and rich natural resources, became a self-governing dominion in 1867, maintaining ties to the British crown. Situated in Northern North America, it is the second-largest country in the world, bordered by the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, and shares the longest international border with the United States. With a population of over 39 million, Canada exhibits a high-income economy driven by timber, oil, and gas, while navigating challenges in health care, education, and social services. Governed as a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, Canada remains committed to environmental stewardship alongside economic growth.

Geography

Canada is located in Northern North America, bordered by the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Arctic Oceans. The country's terrain features plains and mountains, with the highest point being Mount Logan at 5,959 meters. Canada boasts the world's longest coastline, largely due to its numerous islands, and has a diverse climate ranging from temperate in the south to arctic in the north.

• 9,984,670 sq km: Total area, making Canada the second-largest country globally.
• 202,080 km: Canada's coastline, the longest in the world.
• 42%: Percentage of land covered by forests.
• 6.5% (2023): Total agricultural land.
• 8,892 km: Total land borders, primarily with the US.

People and Society

With an estimated population of approximately 39.2 million in 2025, Canada is a multicultural nation characterized by a blend of ethnicities, predominantly Canadian, English, and French. The country has two official languages, English and French, reflecting its diverse heritage. Urbanization is high, with around 81.9% of people living in urban areas. While the population growth rate stands at 0.73%, it faces challenges such as aging demographics, with 21% of the population aged 65 and older.

• 84.2 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
• 9.12 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025).
• 51.6%: Proportion of currently married women aged 15-49 (2021).
• 2.82: Physicians per 1,000 population (2023).
• 34.6%: Percentage of population identifying as having no religious affiliation (2021).

Economy

Canada is recognized as a high-income economy and the second-largest trading partner of the US. The economy is primarily driven by the timber, oil, and gas industries, with ongoing challenges related to trade uncertainties and high public debt. The projected real GDP for 2024 is approximately $2.341 trillion, with a growth rate of 1.5%. The unemployment rate has seen some fluctuations, estimated at 6.5% in 2024.

• $2.341 trillion: Real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
• $56,700: Real GDP per capita (2024).
• 6.5%: Unemployment rate projected for 2024.
• 71%: Percentage of exports going to the USA (2023).
• 20.9%: Government consumption as a share of GDP (2023).

Government

Canada operates as a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with a capital located in Ottawa. The country comprises 10 provinces and 3 territories. The legislative structure is bicameral, consisting of the House of Commons and the Senate. Key figures in governance include the Prime Minister and the Governor General, representing the monarch in Canada.

• King CHARLES III: Current head of state since September 8, 2022.
• Prime Minister Mark CARNEY: Assumed office on March 14, 2025.
• 343 seats: Total in the House of Commons, with the latest election held on April 28, 2025.
• 30.3%: Percentage of women in the House of Commons (2023).
• 10 provinces and 3 territories make up Canada's administrative divisions.

Energy

Canada is rich in energy resources, with a significant reliance on hydropower which constitutes 58.6% of its installed capacity. The country achieves 100% electrification and is involved in various forms of energy production, including fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

• 161.988 million kW: Total installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
• 5.688 million bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023).
• 194.105 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production (2023).
• 82.537 billion cubic meters: Total natural gas exports (2023).
• 31.784 billion kWh: Transmission and distribution losses (2023).

Environment

Canada faces environmental challenges such as air pollution and acid rain affecting lakes and forests. The country is active in numerous international environmental agreements to address these issues. It showcases a commitment to sustainable land and resource use, with 42% of its land area covered in forests.

• 585.853 million metric tonnes: Total carbon dioxide emissions (2023).
• 6.5%: Agricultural land as of 2023.
• 23.1%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
• 2.902 trillion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).
• 100%: Access to improved sanitation facilities in urban areas (2022).

Transportation

Canada boasts a robust transportation network, including 1,459 airports and extensive railway systems, facilitating domestic and international trade. The country is well-connected through its various ports, with 284 total ports enhancing maritime trade.

• 49,422 km: Total length of railways (2021).
• 716: Total vessels in the merchant marine (2023).
• 506: Total heliports (2025).
• 1,459: Number of airports (2025).
• 284 total ports: Including large, medium, and small classifications (2024).

Communications

Canada has a high rate of internet and mobile phone usage, with 94% of the population using the internet. The telecommunications infrastructure includes a mix of public and private broadcasting networks.

• 17 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
• 37.4 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
• 28: Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2024).
• 94%: Percentage of the population with internet access (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	39,187,155 (2025 est.)
Area	9,984,670 sq km	Second-largest globally
GDP	$2.341 trillion (2024 est.)	Real GDP (PPP)
Unemployment Rate	6.5% (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	311.599 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	9.12 births/1,000 (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth	84.2 years (2024 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	1.43 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Literacy Rate	99% (2023 est.)
Municipal Water Withdrawal	4.869 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)