World · permanent entity record · CA

Canada

Thirty-second orientation

Canada at a glance

Capital: Ottawa; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 41,651,653; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 9,984,670 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Canadian(s); adjective: Canadian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: federal parliamentary democracy (Parliament of Canada) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm; federal and state authorities and responsibilities regulated in constitution; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
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.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Canada through time

1945-11-09
Admitted to the United Nations
Canada became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	41,651,653World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 39,187,155 (2025 est.) male: 19,515,416 female: 19,671,739CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-20

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $2.32 trillion; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $55,698; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 82.1 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 82.9%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 100.0%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 94.4%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Ottawa; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 9,984,670 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 41,651,653; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Source footnote: Preliminary. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: Canadian dollars (CAD); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
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.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Canadian(s); adjective: Canadian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: federal parliamentary democracy (Parliament of Canada) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm; federal and state authorities and responsibilities regulated in constitution; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1945-11-09; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: North America; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “North America.”
Coastline: 202,080 km 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: red, white; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: maple leaf, beaver; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: Mount Logan · 19,551 ft (5,959 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Atlantic/Pacific/Arctic Oceans · 0 ft (0 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Not a member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-20 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

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.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Geography21 fields

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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geographic coordinates: 60 00 N, 95 00 W; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Map references: North America; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area: total : 9,984,670 sq km land: 9,093,507 sq km water: 891,163 sq km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area - comparative: slightly larger than the US; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land boundaries: total: 8,892 km border countries (2): US 8,891 km (includes 2,475 km with Alaska); Denmark (Greenland) 1.3 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coastline: 202,080 km 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Terrain: mostly plains with mountains in west, lowlands in southeast; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Elevation: highest point: Mount Logan 5,959 m lowest point: Atlantic/Pacific/Arctic Oceans 0 m mean elevation: 487 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 6.5% (2023 est.) arable land: 4.3% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 2.1% (2023 est.) forest: 42% (2023 est.) other: 51.4% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Irrigated land: 9,045 sq km (2015); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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: watersheds shared with the US shown with *; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major aquifers: Northern Great Plains Aquifer; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

People and Society33 fields

Population: total: 39,187,155 (2025 est.) male: 19,515,416 female: 19,671,739; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Nationality: noun: Canadian(s) adjective: Canadian; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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: percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic origin; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Age 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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 57.7 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 23.8 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 33.9 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 2.9 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Median age: total: 42.8 years (2025 est.) male: 41.4 years female: 43.8 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population growth rate: 0.73% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Birth rate: 9.12 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Death rate: 7.75 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Net migration rate: 5.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 81.9% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.95% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Sex 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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Mother's mean age at first birth: 29.4 years (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 12 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 3.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 4.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 4 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 84.2 years (2024 est.) male: 81.9 years female: 86.6 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total fertility rate: 1.43 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 0.7 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Drinking water source: urban: 99.3% of population (2022 est.) rural: 99.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 99.2% of population (2022 est.) urban: 0.7% of population (2022 est.) rural: 0.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 0.8% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Health expenditure: 11.2% of GDP (2022) 19.5% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Physician density: 2.82 physicians/1,000 population (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Hospital bed density: 2.6 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Sanitation facility access: urban: 98.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 98.8% of population (2022 est.) total: 98.6% of population (2022 est.) urban: 1.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 1.2% of population (2022 est.) total: 1.4% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 29.4% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Alcohol 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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Tobacco use: total: 10.1% (2025 est.) male: 12.3% (2025 est.) female: 8% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 51.6% (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Education expenditure: 4.9% of GDP (2022 est.) 10.7% national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 16 years (2022 est.) male: 15 years (2022 est.) female: 17 years (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Environment12 fields

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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 6.5% (2023 est.) arable land: 4.3% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 2.1% (2023 est.) forest: 42% (2023 est.) other: 51.4% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 81.9% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.95% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Carbon dioxide 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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 6.7 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Methane 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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 25.103 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 23.1% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total renewable water resources: 2.902 trillion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geoparks: total global geoparks and regional networks: 5 global geoparks and regional networks: Perce; Stonehammer; Tumbler Ridge; Cliffs of Fundy; Discovery (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Government26 fields

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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Government type: federal parliamentary democracy (Parliament of Canada) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm; federal and state authorities and responsibilities regulated in constitution; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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"; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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*; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legal system: common law system except in Quebec, where civil law based on the French civil code prevails; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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: the governor general position is largely ceremonial; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch: legislature name: Parliament of Canada - Parlement du Canada legislative structure: bicameral; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch - upper chamber: chamber name: Senate number of seats: 105 (all appointed) percentage of women in chamber: 54.8%; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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: 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Political parties: Bloc Québécois Conservative Party of Canada or CPC Green Party of Canada Liberal Party of Canada New Democratic Party; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Independence: 1 July 1867 (union of British North American colonies); 11 December 1931 (recognized by UK per Statute of Westminster); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National holiday: Canada Day, 1 July (1867); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National symbol(s): maple leaf, beaver; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National color(s): red, white; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National coat of arms: The current design of the Royal Coat of Arms of Canada was adopted in 1921 and references the four nations that helped found Canada. England is represented with royal lions, a union flag, and a rose, and Scotland with a royal lion, a unicorn, and a thistle. Ireland’s symbols include a harp and a shamrock, and France’s symbols are a royal fleur-de-lis and a royal flag. The maple leaves are the Canadian national symbol. A red circle displays the motto Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam (Desiring a Better Country), and a blue ribbon displays A Mari usque ad Mare (From Sea to Sea).; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National anthem(s): title: "O Canada" lyrics/music: Adolphe-Basile ROUTHIER [French], Robert Stanley WEIR [English]/Calixa LAVALLEE history: adopted 1980; originally written in 1880, it served as an unofficial anthem for many years; the original version had four verses, but the anthem today officially consists of one verse in French and one in English _____ title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: royal anthem, as a Commonwealth country; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Economy30 fields

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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $2.341 trillion (2024 est.) $2.305 trillion (2023 est.) $2.271 trillion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP growth rate: 1.5% (2024 est.) 1.5% (2023 est.) 4.2% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP per capita: $56,700 (2024 est.) $57,500 (2023 est.) $58,300 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $2.241 trillion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.4% (2024 est.) 3.9% (2023 est.) 6.8% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.6% (2021 est.) industry: 25.3% (2021 est.) services: 66.4% (2021 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Agricultural products: wheat, rapeseed, maize, milk, barley, soybeans, potatoes, peas, oats, pork (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industries: transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, fish products, petroleum, natural gas; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industrial production growth rate: 0% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Labor force: 22.868 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Unemployment rate: 6.5% (2024 est.) 5.5% (2023 est.) 5.3% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 13% (2024 est.) male: 13.8% (2024 est.) female: 12.1% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 29.9 (2020 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Average household expenditures: on food: 9.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 3.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.5% (2020 est.) highest 10%: 23.4% (2020 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Remittances: 0% of GDP (2024 est.) 0% of GDP (2023 est.) 0% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Budget: revenues: $428.312 billion (2023 est.) expenditures: $417.421 billion (2023 est.) note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Public debt: 61.3% of GDP (2023 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Taxes and other revenues: 13.8% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Current account balance: -$10.349 billion (2024 est.) -$13.764 billion (2023 est.) -$6.318 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports: $727.831 billion (2024 est.) $724.754 billion (2023 est.) $743.782 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - partners: USA 71%, China 5%, UK 3%, Japan 2%, Mexico 2% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, cars, gold, natural gas, refined petroleum (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports: $733.778 billion (2024 est.) $723.399 billion (2023 est.) $731.058 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - partners: USA 51%, China 11%, Mexico 6%, Germany 3%, Japan 3% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - commodities: cars, trucks, vehicle parts/accessories, refined petroleum, crude petroleum (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $119.778 billion (2024 est.) $117.551 billion (2023 est.) $106.952 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exchange rates: Canadian dollars (CAD) per US dollar - 1.369 (2024 est.) 1.35 (2023 est.) 1.302 (2022 est.) 1.254 (2021 est.) 1.341 (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Energy8 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 311.599 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 11 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 37.4 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 94 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet country code: .ca; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 94% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 17 million (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 43 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transportation6 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: C; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Airports: 1,459 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Heliports: 506 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Railways: total: 49,422 km (2021) note: 129 km electrified (2021) standard gauge: 49,422 km (2021) 1.435-m gauge; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Merchant marine: total: 716 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 22, container ship 1, general cargo 78, oil tanker 15, other 600; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Military and Security7 fields

Military and security forces: Canadian Forces: Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force (2025) 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") are under the Department of Public Safety; the Coast Guard is under the Department of Fisheries and Oceans; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military expenditures: 2% of GDP (2025 est.) 1.5% of GDP (2024 est.) 1.3% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 75,000 active-duty military personnel (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the CAF's inventory is a mix of domestically produced and imported weapons systems from Australia, Europe, Israel, the UK, 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; it also collaborates with the defense industries of allied countries such as the UK (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military service age and obligation: 17 years of age for men and women for voluntary military service (with parental consent); 16 years of age for Reserve and Military College applicants; Canadian citizenship or permanent residence status required; service obligation 3-9 years depending on the position (2025) note 1: Canada opened up all military occupations to women in 2001; women in 2024 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military deployments: approximately 2,000 Latvia (NATO); the CAF also has air and naval assets supporting NATO missions (2025) note: in 2024, Canada announced plans to have a full 2,000-person brigade deployed to Latvia by 2026; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Space4 fields

Space agency/agencies: Canadian Space Agency (CSA; established 1989) (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Space launch site(s): developing commercial space port sites in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland (2025) note: the Churchill Rocket Research Range in Manitoba was used for rocket testing from 1956-1985; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Space program overview: has a national space strategy and a long history of developing space-related technologies; designs, builds, operates, and tracks communications, remote sensing (RS), multi-mission, and scientific/testing satellites; has an astronaut program; involved in the development and production of advanced communications systems, lunar rovers, planetary probes, robotics, sensors, and space telescopes; participates in international space programs, including the International Space Station, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Square Kilometer Array radio telescope, and the James Webb Space Telescope; Cooperating State of the ESA since 1979 and participates in a variety of ESA programs, such as the Copernicus Earth observation project; works with numerous foreign space agencies and commercial entities, including those of Argentina, Brazil, individual ESA and EU member states, Japan, India, and particularly the US; has an active commercial space sector (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Key space-program milestones: 1959-1962 - launched first domestically built sounding rocket (Black Brant 1); first domestically designed and built satellite (Alouette) launched by US 1972-1973 - first domestic communications satellites (Anik A-1 and Anik A-2) launched by US, making Canada first country to employ satellites for domestic communications 1970s - began participating in US Space Shuttle (first Canadian in space on Shuttle in 1984) and US Mars probe/exploration programs 1995 - first Canadian-built, radar-capable remote sensing satellite (Radarsat-1) launched by US 2019 - began participating in US/NASA Lunar Gateway orbital station program; launched constellation of remote sensing satellites (RADARSAT Constellation Mission) 2020 - signed the US-led Artemis Accords for space exploration (active participant in planned Moon missions under the Artemis program); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Terrorism1 fields

Terrorist group(s): Hizballah; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transnational Issues2 fields

Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees: 561,551 (2024 est.) IDPs: 1,981 (2024 est.) stateless persons: 8,166 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Illicit drugs: USG identification: major precursor-chemical producer (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

The underlying United States government material is public domain. The Almanac’s reuse terms do not change the legal status of this preserved source layer.

Canada at a glance

Canada through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

Maintained profile