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Demographics show the statistical data about a population, such as average age, labour force participation, regional population, language used and more. This information helps with understanding labour market trends.
See how the age breakdown of B.C.'s population is expected to change over time—slide the arrow along the timeline below.
Source: Estimates - Statistics Canada Projections - BC Stats, July 2016
B.C. is home to a diverse population that speaks many different languages. The most popular non-official ones are listed below along with the number and percentage of people that use it as their mother tongue. In 2010, 28% of British Columbians reported having a non-official language as their mother tongue.
Source: 2011 National Household Survey
Participation rate refers to the percentage of the population 15 years and older that is either employed or looking for work. As B.C.'s population ages, participation rates are expected to fall.
Source: British Columbia Labour Force Participation Rate Projections: 2013 Edition (BC Stats)
British Columbia is a large province with seven different economic regions. The majority of British Columbians live in the Lower Mainland (Mainland / Southwest). The least densely populated areas of British Columbia are two northern regions: Northeast and North Coast & Nechako.