Canada vs United States
Canada has a population of 41.7M, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 8.2 times more populous than Canada. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 12.8 times larger than Canada's ($2.24T). Canada covers 9,984,670 km², 1.0 times larger than United States's 9,525,067 km². Life expectancy in Canada stands at 81.6 years, 3.3 years higher than United States's 78.4 years.
CanadaUnited States| Population | -87.8%41.7M | +716.6%340.1M |
| Area | +4.8%9,984,670 km² | -4.6%9,525,067 km² |
| GDP | -92.2%$2.24T | +1181.4%$28.75T |
| GDP Per Capita | -35.7%$54,340.348 | +55.6%$84,534.041 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.2%81.6 yrs | -4.0%78.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -20.0%4.4 | +25.0%5.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +64.5%6.9% | -39.2%4.2% |
| Capital | Ottawa | Washington, D.C. |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | English, French | English |
| Currencies | CAD ($) | USD ($) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
United States is 8.2 times more populous than Canada, with 340.1M residents compared to 41.7M. Canada is a nation of 41.7M people, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Canada averages 4 people per km² (sparse), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). United States has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Canada.
Economy Comparison
Canada is classified as a high-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 12.8 times larger than Canada's ($2.24T). Canada's GDP per capita of $54,340.348 is 303% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of United States are on average 1.6 times wealthier than those in Canada.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Canada is 81.6 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 3.3 years. Canada (81.6 years) is 9.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years. At 5.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, United States's infant mortality is 25% higher than Canada's 4.4.
Geographic Comparison
Canada (9,984,670 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than United States (9,525,067 km²). Canada shares borders with 1 country, while United States borders 2 countries. Canada spans 6 timezones, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Both Canada and United States are located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: North America and North America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Canada and United States is in GDP: Canada's $2.24T compared to United States's $28.75T represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Canada and United States is in population: Canada's 41.7M compared to United States's 340.1M represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Canada and United States is in GDP per capita: Canada's $54,340.348 compared to United States's $84,534.041 represents a 36% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Canada's high-income economy and United States's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
United States has a GDP per capita of $84,534.041, which is 1.6x that of Canada ($54,340.348). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in United States is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
United States is 8.6x more densely populated than Canada (36 vs 4 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Canada's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Canada live an average of 3.3 years longer than those of United States (81.6 vs 78.4 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
United States's economy grew at 2.8% compared to Canada's 1.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though United States has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Canada or United States by population?
United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Canada's 41.7M. United States is 8.2 times more populous than Canada.
Which country has a higher GDP, Canada or United States?
United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Canada's $2.24T. United States's economy is 12.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Canada and United States?
Canada has a higher life expectancy at 81.6 years, compared to United States's 78.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.3 years. Canada's life expectancy is 9.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while United States's is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Canada or United States?
Canada is larger by land area, covering 9,984,670 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km². Canada is 1.0 times larger than United States.
What languages are spoken in Canada and United States?
Canada recognizes the following languages: English, French. United States recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Canada or United States?
Canada has lower inflation at 2.4%, compared to United States's 2.9%. Canada's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while United States's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.