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Canada's Economy

Canada at a Glance

An overview of Canada's economy - its size, resources, services and immigration-driven population growth - and its place among rich countries.

Canada is the world’s second-largest country by area but has about 41 million people.

Size

  • Among the world’s 10 largest economies.
  • A G7 member.

Economy

  • Services make up most of GDP.
  • Resources: oil, gas, minerals, timber, wheat and potash.
  • Manufacturing: cars, aerospace and food processing.

Population

  • Most Canadians live within about 200 km of the US border.
  • Population growth depends heavily on immigration.

Cities

Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver are major economic centres.

Challenges

  • Housing affordability.
  • Productivity growth.
  • Trade dependence on the US.

Canada has a large Indian diaspora, among the largest outside Asia.

The border belt

A map of Canada's population shows most people living in a thin strip along the US border, near markets and a milder climate.

Thinking a huge country means a huge population

Canada has about 41 million people.

Key takeaways
  • Canada has about 41 million people and is a G7 member.
  • Services dominate, with major resource sectors.
  • Most people live near the US border.
  • Immigration drives population growth.
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