Exploring the Growth and Diversity of Canada’s Muslim Population: 2001-2021
Canada has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its demographic landscape over the last two decades, particularly regarding its Muslim population.
According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the proportion of Muslims in the Canadian population more than doubled from 2.0% in 2001 to 4.9% in 2021. This growth highlights not only an increase in numbers but also a diversification of cultures, languages, and age demographics within Canadian society.
As of 2021, the Muslim population in Canada was relatively young, with a median age of 30 years, compared to the national median age of 41. The younger demographic is particularly pronounced within age groups, with 65.4% of Canadian Muslims aged between 0 and 64 years, suggesting a vibrant and dynamic community that could contribute significantly to Canada’s social and economic fabric in the coming decades.
The largest racialized subgroup within the Muslim population is South Asian, reflecting the substantial immigration patterns from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. In fact, the top countries of birth for Muslims residing in Canada include Pakistan, Iran, Morocco, Algeria, Bangladesh, Syria, Afghanistan, India, and Lebanon.
In terms of linguistic diversity, the 2021 data reveals a rich tapestry of languages spoken within the Muslim community. The most common languages spoken at home include English, Arabic, French, Urdu, and Persian, among others. This variety showcases the multicultural influences that exist within Canada’s Muslim population, contributing to the broader mosaic of Canadian society.
The distribution of the Muslim population across Canada varies significantly by province. Ontario is home to the largest number of Muslims, followed by Quebec and British Columbia. Specifically, Ontario holds approximately 579,640 Muslims, representing 6.7% of the province’s total population. In contrast, provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island have notably smaller Muslim communities, indicating regional diversity in population concentrations.
