2016 Census: Canada is the fastest growing country among G7 nations

Feb 8 2017, 11:14 pm

Canada’s population is on the rise.

According to population data from the 2016 Census, Canada has seen its population increase by 1.7 million people (or 5 percent) in the last five years – just slightly lower than the 5.9 percent population growth recorded between 2006 to 2011.

Internationally, this ranks Canada as the fastest growing country among G7 nations.

Canada G7 growth

Stats Can

G7 country Percentage change (%)
2011 to 2016 2006 to 2011 2001 to 2006
Canada 5.0 5.9 5.4
United States 3.9 4.4 4.8
United Kingdom 3.0 3.5 2.5
Italy 2.4 3.2 3.5
France (métropolitaine) 2.2 2.8 3.6
Germany 0.5 -0.8 -0.2
Japan -0.7 0.0 0.4
In relation to G20 countries, Canada ranks eighth in average annual population growth behind Saudi Arabia, Turkey, South Africa, Australia, Mexico, Indonesia, and India.
Chart 1: Average annual population growth rate among G20 and G7 countries, 2011 to 2016¹

Stats Can

Per the newly released data, Canada’s population growth can be attributed mainly to a migratory increase (the difference between the number of immigrants and emigrants) with newcomers to Canada representing about two-thirds of the population growth.

Natural increase (the difference between the number of births and deaths) accounted for the remaining one-third of the population growth in the last five years.

Thumbnail for Infographic 1: Annual average growth rate, natural increase and migratory increase per intercensal period, Canada, 1851 to 2056

Canada’s continued growth is projected to become “increasingly linked to migratory increase” in the years to come as Canada’s natural growth rate is impacted by low fertility and an aging population.

See also
Daily Hive StaffDaily Hive Staff

+ News
+ Canada
ADVERTISEMENT