How Old Is Canada as of 2024?

Canada is a vast country known for its scenic beauty, friendly people, and multicultural society. Stretching 3.8 million square miles, it’s the second-largest country in the world. Although Canada has only been around as a country since the mid-1800s, people have been living in the region for over 12,000 years. Just how old is Canada? Let’s take a look at its founding and some of the fascinating events that led to the creation of the nation of Canada.

How old is Canada as of 2024?

Canada officially became a country on July 1, 1867, when the British Parliament passed the British North America Act, also known as the Constitution Act. As of July 2024, Canada will be 157 years old. On this date, the various territories of Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada) became one nation. However, Canada still retained its ties to the British Empire.

Canadians celebrate July 1st as Canada Day to commemorate the day Canada became self-governing. Canada Day is observed with parades, fireworks, concerts, family-friendly events, and barbecues.

When Was Canada Populated?

Although Canada officially became a country in 1867, prehistoric people arrived in the area about 12,000 years ago. During the last Ice Age, much of the world’s water was frozen into ice. Ocean levels were lower than today and there were many land bridges across continents that are now separated by the seas. People crossed an ancient land bridge between Siberia and Alaska into North America. They likely were following large animals to hunt across the land bridge, including caribou, wolves, muskox, bison, and mammoths. The early people settled across the land, eventually forming farming and fishing communities. 

The First European Explorers Were Vikings

Long before Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue, Vikings explored North America. The first known European settlement in Canada was in Newfoundland in the 11th century. 

In the 15th century, French and English explorers arrived, and by the 16th and 17th centuries, France, England, and the Netherlands established colonies. The 18th and 19th centuries brought struggles to the area between the European powers who all wanted control of the rich and resourceful land. However, it was the Constitution Act of 1867 that gave Canada more control over governing itself. 

When Did Canada Become a Fully Independent Country?

Although Canada was 157 years old in 2024, it didn’t gain full independence from England until 1982 when Canada adopted its own constitution. Today, Canada has a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. King Charles III, King of England, is also known as the King of Canada. However, his role is as the Head of State, and not as a leader. Canada has a Prime Minister as the Head of Government.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © BUTENKOV ALEKSEI/Shutterstock.com