Did you know that nearly 75% of Canada’s population lives within just 150 kilometers of the U.S. border?
For a country that is the second-largest in the world by land area, this statistic surprises many people. So why does most of Canada’s population hug the southern edge of the map?
Let’s break it down.
❄️ Geography and Climate Shape Everything
Canada may be enormous, but much of it is extremely cold and difficult to live in. As you move farther north:
- Winters become longer and harsher
- Summers grow shorter
- Farming becomes nearly impossible
- Infrastructure and large cities are harder to sustain
Harsh climate isn’t just uncomfortable—it directly limits food production, transportation, and economic development.
🌱 Early Settlers Chose the South
When European settlers first arrived, they naturally chose areas where agriculture was possible. Southern Canada offered:
- Milder temperatures
- Fertile land
- Access to rivers and trade routes
Over time, these small farming communities expanded and evolved into major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Once cities are established, growth tends to compound around them.
🤝 Economic Gravity of the United States
Another major reason is economics.
The United States is Canada’s largest trading partner. Living close to the border means:
​- Lower transportation and logistics costs
- More cross-border trade
- Greater access to jobs and industries
- Faster movement of goods and services
Industries, supply chains, and people naturally cluster where economic opportunity is strongest—and that’s along the U.S.–Canada border.