Natural Resources Canada
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Population Density, 1996
Abstract
The majority of the Canadian population, about 60% is concentrated within a thin belt of land representing 2.2% of the land between Windsor, Ontario and Quebec City. Even though Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of land area, it only ranks 33rd in terms of population. The agricultural areas in the Prairies and eastern Canada have higher population densities than the sparsely populated North, but not as high as southern Ontario or southern Quebec.
This map illustrates the population density for each census division in 1996. Population density was calculated by taking the total population of the census division and dividing by its total area in square kilometres.
The majority of Canada's population occurs in the southernmost part of the country. The agricultural areas in the Prairies and eastern Canada have higher population densities than the sparsely populated North, but not as high as southern Ontario or southern Quebec. The agricultural and resource based economy support a medium or low-density population.
To properly interpret this map, please consult the text Data and Mapping Notes.
