Canada profile

Demography and Health

Canada combines a large, diverse population with a high-performing health system. The population stands at about 41.3 million in 2024 (41,288,599), and life expectancy at birth is 81.6 years (2023), placing the country among high-income nations with strong longevity. The crude birth rate is 8.8 per 1,000 people (2023), while the crude death rate is 8.1 per 1,000 (2023), signaling an aging demographic trend that is partially offset by notable net migration, which reached 368,599 in 2024. This migration dynamic supports labor supply and demographic renewal in the face of modest fertility. In health care, current health expenditure accounts for 11.2% of GDP (2023), with domestic general government health expenditure per capita, PPP, around 4,803 international dollars (2023), underscoring substantial public investment in health services. The health workforce is solid, with physicians numbering 2.5 per 1,000 people in 2022, and life expectancy well above many peers. Child mortality remains a concern but is mitigated by access to care, with under-5 mortality at 5.1 per 1,000 live births (2023). Nutritional status is generally good, as undernourishment affects 2.5% of the population (2022). Digital inclusion is high—about 94% of the population uses the Internet (2023)—while suicide mortality stands at 9.44 per 100,000 population (2021), highlighting ongoing public health and mental health considerations alongside a strong overall health framework. The unemployment rate is 5.42% in 2023, reflecting resilience in the job market within a high-income context.

Economy

Canada’s economy is characterized by high living standards and diversified capacity, with GDP per capita at 54,283 US dollars in 2024 and GDP per capita, PPP, at 65,463 international dollars, signaling strong income levels and purchasing power. Macro stability is underscored by an inflation rate of 2.38% in 2024 and an unemployment rate of 5.42% in 2023, indicating a resilient labor market. The country maintains a near-balanced external position, with a current account balance of −0.462% of GDP in 2024 and net foreign direct investment inflows of 2.77% of GDP in 2024, reflecting sustained investor confidence and integration into global capital markets. In defense, military expenditure reached 27.22 billion US dollars in 2023, underscoring security commitments in a broad strategic environment, while overall macro indicators point to a mature, open economy. Canada generates substantial value through high-tech and knowledge-based sectors, reinforced by a R&D intensity of 1.7% of GDP in 2023 and a robust innovation ecosystem. Social spending remains prominent, with health expenditure comprising a sizable share of GDP and substantial public health outlays, consistent with the country’s broader social model. The economy is export-oriented and technologically advanced, aided by strong institutions and a highly skilled workforce.

Trade and Investment

Canada operates with an open, highly integrated trade and investment regime. Exports of goods and services account for 32.5% of GDP in 2024, with imports at 32.7% of GDP, indicating a balanced and globally connected economy that participates actively in supply chains across North America and beyond. Foreign direct investment net inflows total 2.77% of GDP in 2024, demonstrating ongoing international capital attraction and capacity to fund productivity-enhancing projects. The country is known for its advanced manufacturing and services, including a vibrant high-technology sector that generated 37.3 billion US dollars in high-tech exports in 2024. Patent activity remains strong, with 4,710 resident applications in 2021, signaling ongoing innovation capacity. Transport and logistics infrastructure are well developed, with the Logistics Performance Index scoring 4.3 out of 5 in 2022, reflecting efficient trade-related infrastructure and services that facilitate cross-border commerce. The external sector thus blends a sizeable trade footprint with substantial technology exports and a favorable investment climate, supported by near-balanced current accounts and a diversified export base.

Governance and Institutions

Canada’s governance framework is characterized by mature, well-functioning institutions with strong rule-of-law features. Political stability and absence of violence/terrorism score 0.822 in 2023, indicating a stable political environment. Regulatory quality stands at 1.64, and the Rule of Law is 1.47 (2023), with Control of Corruption at 1.67 and Government Effectiveness at 1.52, all reflecting robust policy frameworks, credible institutions, and a high capacity for enforcement and service delivery. These indicators collectively point to a predictable business and public governance environment that supports investment, innovation, and social welfare programs. The combination of stable governance, credible regulatory structures, and effective public administration underpins Canada’s social model, its transparent judiciary, and its respect for civil liberties, contributing to a favorable climate for both domestic advancement and international cooperation. While challenges exist in areas such as mental health policy and social inclusion, the overarching governance portrait is one of resilience, credibility, and adaptability in a complex, globalized economy.

Infrastructure and Technology

Canada demonstrates advanced infrastructure and a strong technology backbone, essential for productivity and global competitiveness. The Logistics Performance Index scores 4.3 out of 5 (2022), indicating high-quality trade and transport-related infrastructure. Digital connectivity is exceptional, with 94% of the population online in 2023, enabling widespread e-services, digital commerce, and innovation ecosystems. In the technology domain, high-technology exports reach 37.25 billion US dollars in 2024, while resident patent applications total 4,710 in 2021, ranking 13th among peers and signaling a robust innovation pipeline. Research and development intensity stands at 1.7% of GDP in 2023, underscoring a sustained commitment to science and technology that feeds into industry, health, and education. The health sector is well supported by government health spending per capita, PPP at about 4,803 international dollars (2023), and a physician density of 2.5 per 1,000 people (2022), reflecting a well-developed medical infrastructure that complements private sector capabilities. Collectively, these elements position Canada as a technologically advanced, well-connected economy with the capacity to translate research into practical productivity gains and improved public services.

Environment and Sustainability

Canada faces environmental dynamics shaped by a large, energy-intensive economy and ambitious climate and sustainability goals. Total greenhouse gas emissions excluding LULUCF per capita are 18.7 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year (2023), reflecting both resource-based activity and ongoing decarbonization efforts. Renewable energy accounted for 23.8% of final energy consumption in 2021, with hydro playing a central role in Canada’s clean energy mix, complemented by other renewables. The level of water stress, measured as freshwater withdrawals as a share of available resources, is relatively low at 3.73% (2021), indicating favorable water resources management in many regions. The prevalence of undernourishment remains low at 2.5% (2022), consistent with high food security and productive agriculture. These environmental indicators point to a country that prioritizes emissions reductions and clean energy transition while balancing economic activity, resource use, and social well-being. Ongoing policy efforts across federal and provincial lines focus on decarbonization, adaptation to climate impacts, and sustainable infrastructure to reconcile economic performance with environmental stewardship.