Nunavut is one of 13 provinces and territories of Canada located in the far north region of the country. It is Canada's newest territory, established in 1999, is predominantly inhabited by Inuit peoples, with an economy based on traditional activities, mining, government services.
Nunavut is Canada’s largest and most northerly territory. It comprises part of the mainland and a huge scattering of islands. This region is the 5th largest inter-country land area in the world. Most people who inhabit Nunavut today are residents of the territory’s capital city of Iqaluit.
Nunavut has a varied climate based on its geography:
• Northern Region
Subarctic climate with long, harsh winters and shorter, cooler summers.
• Southern Region
Milder climate, particularly in coastal areas, with moderate temperatures.
Growing mining sector including gold and iron ore.
Hunting, fishing, and traditional Inuit arts and crafts.
Public administration is the largest employer.
Emerging tourism sector focused on cultural and arctic experiences.
Average Age
27 years
Median Age
26 years
Female (48.7%)
Male (51.3%)
The 2021 census found the racial and ethnic composition of Nunavut was:
Inuit (84.2%)
White (13.3%)
Other Indigenous (1.2%)
Filipino (0.6%)
Other (0.7%)
Inuktitut (65.3%)
English (31.6%)
French (1.8%)
Other (1.3%)
Average Household Income
$73,400
Median Household Income
$68,200
Poverty Rate
21.8%
Thule people, ancestors of today's Inuit, migrated across the Arctic, developing technologies perfectly adapted to the harsh environment.
Martin Frobisher made the first documented European contact with the Inuit of Baffin Island.
The Canadian government relocated many Inuit families to High Arctic settlements, disrupting their traditional way of life.
The Inuit Tapirisat of Canada proposed the creation of Nunavut as part of their land claims process.
The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement was finalized, the largest Indigenous land claim settlement in Canadian history.
Nunavut officially separated from the Northwest Territories, becoming Canada's newest territory and the largest Indigenous-governed region in North America.