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Large inhospitable areas and harsh climate conditions explain Canada's low population density
Canada, the second largest country in the world in terms of territorial extension, impresses with the contrast between its vast territory and small population. With about 38 million inhabitants, the country has an incredibly low population density, especially when compared to other countries of similar size. The reason for this is directly linked to a combination of geographical and climatic factors that make much of Canada is inhospitable to human habitation, according to the video on the Capital Financeiro channel.
Harsh climate: The main villain for the lack of population
The climate is undoubtedly the biggest obstacle for the population of Canada. Much of the country is located at high latitudes, near the Arctic Circle, which results in long and extremely cold winters. Regions such as Nunavut, which occupies an area almost as large as Mexico, have average annual temperatures below zero, which severely limits the development of economic activities and the viability of human settlements.
The northernmost provinces, such as Yukon and the Northwest Territories, also suffer from these adverse conditions. Combined with the extreme cold, the presence of permafrost — permanently frozen ground — It further complicates the construction of infrastructure and the practice of agriculture. In these regions, population density is so low that there are often more wild animals than people.
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Population concentrated in the south
Due to the challenging conditions in the north, most of the Canadian population is concentrated in urban areas in the south of the country. Cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa, located near the border with the United States, are home to almost 40% of Canada's total population. These cities not only offer a milder climate, but also better employment opportunities, education and infrastructure, attracting both Canadians and immigrants.
This population concentration is also result of increasing urbanization and continued migration to large urban centers, where economic development is more robust. Canada's immigration policies, which encourage the arrival of new residents, also tend to direct these people to these large cities, further increasing the population concentration in the south.
Challenging geography
In addition to climate, Canada's geography also presents significant challenges to settlement. The Canadian Shield, a vast area of ancient rocks covering much of the north of the country, is a region of poor soils, unsuitable for agriculture, and full of lakes and dense forests. This makes the area economically unviable for most human activities, contributing to its low population density.
Another important geographical barrier is the Rocky Mountains, that stretch from north to south Canada, creating a natural barrier to human development. To the west, the combination of mountains and boreal forests further limits the areas available for settlement.
Historical and economic impact
Historically, Canada's development has been centered in the south, where the milder climate allowed agriculture and trade with the United States and Europe. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the Great Lakes became the main axes of economic development, with cities like Montreal and Quebec City emerging as commercial and industrial centers.
This development trend has continued over the centuries, leaving the north of the country largely unexplored and uninhabited. Today, with the globalized economy, the southernmost regions continue to be the most attractive for investments and new opportunities, while the north remains a vast wilderness.
