About Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, the beautiful maritime jewel of Canada, has long tempted travelers and settlers alike with its sweeping coastlines and deep-rooted history. Resting on the country’s eastern coast, this province seamlessly melds the charm of old-world traditions with the vibrancy of modern living.
Boasting a population of just under one million, it might be easy to overlook Nova Scotia in favor of Canada’s larger, more bustling provinces. Yet, that would be a mistake. The unique blend of Gaelic, Indigenous, and Acadian cultures crafts an enchanting tapestry of traditions, festivities, and folklore that few places can rival.
From the Cabot Trail’s winding roads, enveloped by breathtaking highland vistas and dramatic coastal cliffs, to the bustling streets of Halifax, echoing with melodies of folk music and the tantalizing aroma of fresh seafood, Nova Scotia has something for everyone. Its residents, known for their warmth and friendliness, stand as the living testament to the province’s rich tapestry of cultures.
But it’s not just about scenery and culture; it’s about potential and promise. Nova Scotia is a hub for industries as diverse as its people. From the rapidly growing tech sector in Halifax to the traditional fisheries that have sustained communities for centuries, the economic tapestry is as intricate as it is robust.
The province’s educational institutions, like Dalhousie University and Saint Francis Xavier University, act as beacons of learning, drawing students from all over the world. The synergy between these academic institutions and burgeoning industries propels Nova Scotia into a future that promises growth and innovation.
Nevertheless, while modernity is embraced, the province’s history is revered. The echoes of the past can be heard in the rhythm of the waves crashing against Peggy’s Cove, seen in the intricate architecture of Lunenburg, and felt in the poignant stories of the Mi’kmaq people.
For those seeking an immersive experience, be it through business, travel, or academic pursuits, this eastern Canadian haven promises both familiarity and discovery in equal measure.
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Nova Scotia
Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Nova Scotia has a population of around 969,383 people. The province's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Newfoundland and Labrador has increased by 4.96%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 923,598 | 969,383 | +4.96% |
Population By Genders
The male population of Nova Scotia is around 471,730 while the female population is around 497,650.
Of the 969,383 total population in Nova Scotia, the largest gender is female with around 497,650 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 471,730 | 497,650 | +5.21% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Nova Scotia has an aging population. The majority of the population is people aged 55 to 59 years old, accounting for 8.00% of the total population. The province median age is 45.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 to 59 years | 37,205 7.90% | 39,870 8.00% | 6.68% | 77,080 8.00% |
| 60 to 64 years | 37,085 7.90% | 39,850 8.00% | 6.94% | 76,935 7.90% |
| 65 to 69 years | 32,735 6.90% | 35,665 7.20% | 8.22% | 68,395 7.10% |
| 50 to 54 years | 30,595 6.50% | 33,175 6.70% | 7.78% | 63,775 6.60% |
| 25 to 29 years | 30,375 6.40% | 30,050 6.00% | 1.07% | 60,430 6.20% |
| 30 to 34 years | 29,295 6.20% | 30,285 6.10% | 3.27% | 59,575 6.10% |
| 70 to 74 years | 28,295 6.00% | 31,140 6.30% | 9.14% | 59,435 6.10% |
| 45 to 49 years | 28,415 6.00% | 30,785 6.20% | 7.70% | 59,200 6.10% |
| 20 to 24 years | 30,115 6.40% | 27,890 5.60% | 7.39% | 58,005 6.00% |
| 35 to 39 years | 27,960 5.90% | 29,790 6.00% | 6.14% | 57,755 6.00% |
| 40 to 44 years | 26,900 5.70% | 29,515 5.90% | 8.86% | 56,420 5.80% |
| 10 to 14 years | 25,505 5.40% | 23,795 4.80% | 6.70% | 49,300 5.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 24,770 5.30% | 23,410 4.70% | 5.49% | 48,180 5.00% |
| 5 to 9 years | 24,055 5.10% | 23,015 4.60% | 4.32% | 47,070 4.90% |
| 0 to 4 years | 20,610 4.40% | 19,735 4.00% | 4.25% | 40,340 4.20% |
| 75 to 79 years | 18,400 3.90% | 20,925 4.20% | 12.07% | 39,325 4.10% |
| 80 to 84 years | 11,095 2.40% | 14,040 2.80% | 20.98% | 25,130 2.60% |
| 85 years and over | 8,325 1.80% | 14,715 3.00% | 43.43% | 23,035 2.40% |
| 85 to 89 years | 5,860 1.20% | 8,740 1.80% | 32.95% | 14,595 1.50% |
| 90 to 94 years | 2,050 0.40% | 4,300 0.90% | 52.33% | 6,345 0.70% |
| 95 to 99 years | 375 0.10% | 1,435 0.30% | 73.87% | 1,805 0.20% |
| 100 years and over | 50 0.00% | 245 0.00% | 79.59% | 290 0.00% |
Broader Age Groups
If the province's population is divided into broader age groups, most of the population falls into the 15 to 64 years age group. The group accounts for 63.70% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 22.20% and 14.10%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Nova Scotia are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 64.20% | 63.20% | 63.70% |
| Median age of the population | 44.40% | 46.80% | 45.60% |
| Average age of the population | 43.20% | 45.20% | 44.20% |
| 65 years and over | 21.00% | 23.40% | 22.20% |
| 0 to 14 years | 14.90% | 13.40% | 14.10% |
Explore Nova Scotia Through Videos
Population of Nova Scotia by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Nova Scotia is quite diverse, which contributes to the province's vibrant cultural landscape. Nova Scotia is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the province appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in the province are Scottish, which accounts for 26.91% of the total population, followed by English (22.80%), Irish (20.47%), Canadian (15.83%), and French (11.89%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include German, Caucasian (White), Acadian, European, and British Isles.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish | 26.40% | 27.39% | 26.91% |
| English | 22.33% | 23.24% | 22.80% |
| Irish | 19.60% | 21.30% | 20.47% |
| Canadian | 15.89% | 15.77% | 15.83% |
| French | 11.59% | 12.17% | 11.89% |
| German | 8.87% | 9.29% | 9.09% |
| Caucasian (White) | 5.97% | 6.09% | 6.03% |
| Acadian | 4.89% | 5.39% | 5.15% |
| European | 4.81% | 4.65% | 4.73% |
| British Isles | 3.36% | 3.38% | 3.37% |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 272,980 of Nova Scotia's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 19.45% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 15.40% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.20%, 5.35%, and 2.65%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 166,475 | 19.45% |
| 1 person | 131,850 | 15.40% |
| 3 persons | 61,700 | 7.20% |
| 4 persons | 45,700 | 5.35% |
| 5 or more persons | 22,500 | 2.65% |
Income in Nova Scotia
Analyzing income distribution in Nova Scotia can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Nova Scotia is $38,000.
A region's per capita data sheds light on the average income earned per person living in it. Since per capita income is calculated by dividing the region's total income by its population, it quantifies the population's economic situation on an individual basis.
Such data offers insights into the province's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Nova Scotia population or around 644,830 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $30,000 to $49,999, and $50,000 to $79,999 with around 557,155 and 422,580 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Nova Scotia's median household income is $71,500, according to 2020 data.
The data provides important insights into the province's economic landscape as well as the living standards of its population.
Analyzing such data enables researchers, policymakers, and businesses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the province's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Nova Scotia
This data sheds light on the distribution of Nova Scotia residents across educational milestones.
Such information is crucial in shaping the province’s policies on education, workforce development strategies, and initiatives that aim to improve access to quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities.
60.95% or most of the Nova Scotia population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 27.05% of the population has a Bachelor's degree or higher, 25.65% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 13.40% has No certificate, diploma or degree.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 364,675 | 429,715 | 794,385 | 60.95% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 147,140 | 202,855 | 349,995 | 27.05% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 173,010 | 171,215 | 344,220 | 25.65% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 103,130 | 85,045 | 188,175 | 13.40% |
Employment in Nova Scotia
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Nova Scotia. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Newfoundland and Labrador is at 7.58% which is quite high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 51.90% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.58% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the province who work as an employee. The majority of Nova Scotia's population (around 69.20%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the province, there are 33,765 men and 21,450 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 55,210.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 33,765 | 21,450 | 55,210 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Nova Scotia industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Nova Scotia is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Nova Scotia has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (15%) works in the health care and social assistance sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 12%, followed by Public administration at 9%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 12,720 | 57,875 | 15% |
| Retail trade | 26,950 | 32,040 | 12% |
| Public administration | 23,425 | 18,635 | 9% |
| Educational services | 11,695 | 26,730 | 8% |
| Construction | 31,760 | 3,960 | 7% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 17,375 | 14,025 | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 22,855 | 8,355 | 6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 12,680 | 17,330 | 6% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 12,935 | 8,600 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 15,510 | 4,420 | 4% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 9,340 | 10,060 | 4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 13,890 | 3,990 | 4% |
| Finance and insurance | 6,485 | 10,000 | 3% |
| Wholesale trade | 8,170 | 3,230 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 4,445 | 4,600 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 4,695 | 3,565 | 2% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 3,490 | 3,080 | 1% |
| Utilities | 2,685 | 970 | 1% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 2,730 | 335 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 280 | 370 | 0% |
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the province. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 134,235 | 144,470 | 278,705 | 65.50% |
| Worked at home | 39,780 | 48,360 | 88,135 | 20.70% |
| No fixed workplace address | 44,135 | 13,175 | 57,310 | 13.50% |
| Worked outside Canada | 810 | 235 | 1,040 | 0.20% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Nova Scotia residents travel to school or work. It highlights the frequency of different modes of transportation like walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transit.
The data is pivotal in the making of transportation policies as well as the development of transit systems. Ultimately commuting data contributes to improving the quality of life of Nova Scotia residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Nova Scotia spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the province's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the province.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 38.40% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 36.70% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 15.40% |
| 60 minutes and over | 4.80% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 4.70% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Nova Scotiashed light on its societal dynamics. It captures the diverse types of marital statuses of the population.
Long-term commitments, such as common-law partnerships, civil unions, and marriages, reflect the province's social fabric. We can gain insights into Nova Scotia's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights province's linguistic diversity, showing elegances of solo language as well as bilingual harmonies. Other than language, it also shows the cultural landscape in Canada.
English is the most spoken official language in Nova Scotia. About 926,860 people living in the province speak English, 26,775 people speak French, 3,030 people speak Neither English nor French language, and 2,320 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 926,860 |
| French | 26,775 |
| Neither English nor French | 3,030 |
| English and French | 2,320 |
Religion
Nova Scotia is predominantly Christian. About 556,115 of its population is Christian (256,255 males and 256,255 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 1.5% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Sikh, both represent 0.9% and 0.5% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.3% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 58.2% |
| Islam | 1.5% |
| Hindu | 0.9% |
| Sikh | 0.5% |
| Buddhist | 0.3% |
| Jewish | 0.2% |