Approximately how much of Canada is uninhabited?

Canada ranks 36th by population among countries of the world, comprising about 0.5% of the world's total, with more than 40 million Canadians as of 2024. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's second-largest country by total area (fourth-largest by land area).

Its border with the United States is the world's longest international land border. Canada’s vast landmass is characterized by diverse geography and climate, which contribute to the perception that 80% of the country is uninhabitable, meaning it is not suitable for human settlement. Factors such as forests, mountains, and tundra limit the suitability for human settlement and development. Additionally, the country’s harsh weather conditions, including cold temperatures and long winters, further restrict livability in many areas.

The vast majority of the country is sparsely inhabited, with most of its population south of the 55th parallel north. Just over 60 percent of Canadians live in just two provinces: Ontario and Quebec. Ninety percent of the entire population of Canada lives within 150 miles of the United States. Surprisingly, the southernmost tip of Canada is even with California. You can go south from Detroit, Michigan and enter Canada. And sixty percent of Canadians live south of Seattle, Washington.