About Nunavut
Nunavut, the largest of Canada’s territories, is a land of unparalleled beauty and rich indigenous culture. Located in the northernmost reaches of the country, this vast expanse is home to a resilient population and is far more than just a province; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.
Covering almost 2 million square kilometers, Nunavut is an Arctic wonderland, characterized by icy tundras, towering mountain ranges, and pristine fjords. Its natural beauty is awe-inspiring, attracting adventurers from around the globe.
While the population of Nunavut is relatively small, at almost 40,000 residents, its cultural richness is immeasurable. Indigenous Inuit traditions are woven into the very fabric of life here, with art, storytelling, and throat singing serving as a living testament to their heritage.
One can’t discuss Nunavut without mentioning its incredible wildlife. The region is a haven for Arctic creatures, including polar bears, narwhals, and bowhead whales. It’s a place where the wild reigns supreme, and nature’s rhythm dictates daily life.
The territory’s capital, Iqaluit, is a vibrant hub where modernity meets tradition. Its bustling population is at the heart of Nunavut, and it serves as a bridge between ancient customs and contemporary aspirations.
Nunavut is not just a remote corner of Canada; it’s a living testament to the resilience of its population and the enduring beauty of the Arctic wilderness. As the territory continues to evolve, it remains a place where the past and future coexist, and where the spirit of the land is celebrated in every facet of life.
Photos of Places & Sceneries in Nunavut
© Sheree Blanch
© Sheree Blanch
© George BenaroyaPopulation Characteristics
According to the latest census, Nunavut has a population of around 36,858 people. The territory's population is in increased . Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Newfoundland and Labrador has increased by 2.54%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 35,944 | 36,858 | +2.54% |
Population By Genders
The male population of Nunavut is around 18,770 while the female population is around 18,090.
Of the 36,858 total population in Nunavut, the largest gender is male with around 18,770 women within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 18,770 | 18,090 | +3.62% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Nunavut has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 0 to 4 years old, accounting for 11.90% of the total population. The territory median age is 25.60.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 years | 2,295 12.20% | 2,085 11.50% | 9.15% | 4,385 11.90% |
| 5 to 9 years | 2,030 10.80% | 1,965 10.90% | 3.20% | 3,990 10.80% |
| 10 to 14 years | 1,850 9.90% | 1,850 10.20% | 0.00% | 3,705 10.10% |
| 15 to 19 years | 1,535 8.20% | 1,550 8.60% | 0.97% | 3,085 8.40% |
| 30 to 34 years | 1,555 8.30% | 1,485 8.20% | 4.50% | 3,040 8.20% |
| 25 to 29 years | 1,470 7.80% | 1,520 8.40% | 3.29% | 2,990 8.10% |
| 20 to 24 years | 1,475 7.90% | 1,385 7.70% | 6.10% | 2,860 7.80% |
| 35 to 39 years | 1,195 6.40% | 1,175 6.50% | 1.67% | 2,370 6.40% |
| 40 to 44 years | 1,085 5.80% | 1,025 5.70% | 5.53% | 2,110 5.70% |
| 50 to 54 years | 995 5.30% | 990 5.50% | 0.50% | 1,985 5.40% |
| 45 to 49 years | 965 5.10% | 960 5.30% | 0.52% | 1,930 5.20% |
| 55 to 59 years | 840 4.50% | 770 4.30% | 8.33% | 1,615 4.40% |
| 60 to 64 years | 625 3.30% | 565 3.10% | 9.60% | 1,190 3.20% |
| 65 to 69 years | 395 2.10% | 325 1.80% | 17.72% | 720 2.00% |
| 70 to 74 years | 260 1.40% | 225 1.20% | 13.46% | 485 1.30% |
| 75 to 79 years | 115 0.60% | 105 0.60% | 8.70% | 220 0.60% |
| 80 to 84 years | 50 0.30% | 50 0.30% | 0.00% | 105 0.30% |
| 85 years and over | 35 0.20% | 50 0.30% | 30.00% | 80 0.20% |
| 85 to 89 years | 30 0.20% | 35 0.20% | 14.29% | 60 0.20% |
| Average age of the population | 28 28.30% | 28 28.20% | 0.00% | 28 28.30% |
Broader Age Groups
If the territory'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 62.90% of the population. The other age groups, 0 to 14 years and 65 years and over, account for 32.80% and 4.40%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Nunavut are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age of the population | 25.60% | 25.80% | 25.60% |
| 65 years and over | 4.60% | 4.20% | 4.40% |
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Population of Nunavut by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Nunavut is quite diverse, which contributes to the territory's vibrant cultural landscape. Nunavut 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 Inuit, which accounts for 83.88% of the total population, followed by Scottish (5.72%), Irish (4.32%), English (3.84%), and Canadian (2.80%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Newfoundland and Labrador include French, German, Caucasian (White), European, and Filipino.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inuit | 83.07% | 84.71% | 83.88% |
| Scottish | 5.76% | 5.72% | 5.72% |
| Irish | 4.49% | 4.16% | 4.32% |
| English | 4.06% | 3.61% | 3.84% |
| Canadian | 2.88% | 2.72% | 2.80% |
| French | 2.50% | 2.30% | 2.40% |
| German | 1.70% | 1.66% | 1.67% |
| Caucasian (White) | 1.64% | 1.64% | 1.65% |
| European | 1.10% | 1.08% | 1.09% |
| Filipino | 0.67% | 1.03% | 0.83% |
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 4,275 of Nunavut's population live in a single-detached house. In addition, most of them are living in 5 or more persons household.
Household Size
About 16.35% of the population lives in 5 or more persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 9.85% of the population. 2 persons, 3 persons, and 4 persons households account for 9.65%, 7.15%, and 7.05%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 5 or more persons | 3,245 | 16.35% |
| 1 person | 1,955 | 9.85% |
| 2 persons | 1,915 | 9.65% |
| 3 persons | 1,415 | 7.15% |
| 4 persons | 1,400 | 7.05% |
Income in Nunavut
Analyzing income distribution in Nunavut can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Nunavut is $37,600.
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 territory's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Nunavut population or around 15,940 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 9,700 and 8,455 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Nunavut's median household income is $118,000, according to 2020 data.
The data provides important insights into the territory'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 territory's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Nunavut
This data sheds light on the distribution of Nunavut 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.
48.50% or most of the Nunavut population has a No certificate, diploma or degree. 33.65% of the population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree, 17.80% has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 12.35% has Bachelor's degree or higher.
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 10,640 | 9,800 | 20,440 | 48.50% |
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 6,610 | 7,095 | 13,695 | 33.65% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 3,755 | 3,710 | 7,460 | 17.80% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 2,045 | 2,965 | 5,015 | 12.35% |
Employment in Nunavut
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Nunavut. 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 9.92% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 48.69% |
| Unemployment rate | 9.92% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the territory who work as an employee. The majority of Nunavut's population (around 63.30%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the territory, there are 295 men and 165 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 455.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 295 | 165 | 455 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Nunavut industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Nunavut is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Nunavut has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (29%) works in the public administration sector. The Retail trade sector comes second at 11%, followed by Educational services at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public administration | 2,075 | 2,145 | 29% |
| Retail trade | 765 | 845 | 11% |
| Educational services | 420 | 1,110 | 11% |
| Health care and social assistance | 290 | 1,015 | 9% |
| Construction | 530 | 90 | 4% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 460 | 130 | 4% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 300 | 115 | 3% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 295 | 100 | 3% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 260 | 125 | 3% |
| Accommodation and food services | 130 | 225 | 3% |
| Utilities | 290 | 45 | 2% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 160 | 165 | 2% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 165 | 150 | 2% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 150 | 100 | 2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 130 | 20 | 1% |
| Information and cultural industries | 70 | 75 | 1% |
| Finance and insurance | 35 | 70 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 65 | 35 | 1% |
| Manufacturing | 55 | 25 | 1% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 | 10 | 0% |
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the territory. 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 | 4,610 | 5,255 | 9,870 | 82.60% |
| No fixed workplace address | 875 | 330 | 1,205 | 10.10% |
| Worked at home | 425 | 450 | 870 | 7.30% |
| Worked outside Canada | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0.10% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Nunavut 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 Nunavut residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Nunavut spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the territory's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the territory.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 87.30% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 9.90% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 1.20% |
| 60 minutes and over | 1.20% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 0.40% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Nunavutshed 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 territory's social fabric. We can gain insights into Nunavut's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights territory'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 Nunavut. About 33,955 people living in the province speak English, 2,025 people speak Neither English nor French, 575 people speak French language, and 95 people speak English and French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 33,955 |
| Neither English nor French | 2,025 |
| French | 575 |
| English and French | 95 |
Religion
Nunavut is predominantly Christian. About 26,915 of its population is Christian (13,510 males and 13,510 females).
The second largest religion in the province is Muslim with 0.4% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Hindu and Jewish, both represent 0.2% and 0.1% of the population, while Buddhist represent 0.0% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 73.5% |
| Islam | 0.4% |
| Hindu | 0.2% |
| Jewish | 0.1% |
| Buddhist | 0.0% |
| Sikh | 0.0% |