Country | Canada |
Population | 662248 |
Area | 123.63 km2 (47.73 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC−08:00 (PST) |
Coordinates | 49.24966, -123.11934 |
Highest elevation | 152 m (501 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Vancouver, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, is the most populous city in the province and a significant urban center in western Canada. As of the 2021 Canadian census, Vancouver’s population stands at 662,248, up from 631,486 in 2016. The greater Metro Vancouver area boasts a population of 2.6 million, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada. Including the Fraser Valley, the regional population exceeds 3 million.
With a population density of over 5,700 people per square kilometer, Vancouver is the densest city in Canada and ranks fourth in North America, after New York City, San Francisco, and Mexico City. The city is renowned for its ethnic and linguistic diversity, with 49.3 percent of residents being non-native English speakers, 47.8 percent native speakers of neither English nor French, and 54.5 percent belonging to visible minority groups.
Vancouver’s livability consistently ranks it among the top cities globally, though it also faces challenges with housing affordability, being one of the most expensive cities in terms of housing. The city’s urban planning philosophy, known as Vancouverism, focuses on high-density living integrated with natural spaces, promoting a balanced urban environment.
The area now known as Vancouver has been inhabited for over 10,000 years by Indigenous peoples, including the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. The modern city began as Gastown, established by a tavern owner named Gassy Jack on July 1, 1867. Gastown evolved into Granville, Burrard Inlet, and was eventually renamed Vancouver in 1886, coinciding with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway by 1887. The city’s strategic location on the Pacific Ocean has made it a crucial trade link between the Asia-Pacific region, East Asia, Europe, and Eastern Canada.
Vancouver has hosted numerous international events, including the 1954 Commonwealth Games, UN Habitat I, Expo 86, APEC Canada 1997, the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and several matches of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the finals held at BC Place in Downtown Vancouver. The city is also the birthplace of Greenpeace, founded in 1969, and has been the permanent home of TED conferences since 2014.
The Port of Vancouver is a major economic driver, being the fourth-largest port by tonnage in the Americas, the busiest and largest in Canada, and the most diversified in North America. While forestry remains Vancouver’s largest industry, tourism is the second-largest, drawing visitors with the city’s stunning natural scenery and vibrant urban life. Vancouver is also a significant film production hub, earning the nickname “Hollywood North” due to the extensive number of film studios and production facilities in the city and nearby Burnaby.
Vancouver’s economy is diverse, with strong sectors in technology, film and television, tourism, and natural resources. The city is known for its high quality of life, advanced infrastructure, and sustainable urban planning. It is home to numerous educational institutions, including the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU), which contribute to a highly educated workforce and vibrant research community.
In summary, Vancouver is a dynamic and diverse city, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic vitality. Its strategic location, strong economy, and commitment to sustainability make it one of the most desirable places to live and work in the world.
Leave a Reply