Yukon is one of 13 provinces and territories of Canada located in the northwest region of the country. It is sparsely populated with vast wilderness areas , with an economy based on mining, tourism, government services.
Yukon is the westernmost and also the smallest of Canada’s territories. The capital is Whitehorse, which is also the largest city in the territory. Yukon has a total area of 482,443 square kilometers (186,272 square miles).
Yukon 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.
Significant gold and other mineral mining operations.
Growing tourism sector focused on wilderness and adventure travel.
Public administration is a major employer in the territory.
Forestry and renewable resource management.
Average Age
39 years
Median Age
38 years
Female (49.5%)
Male (50.5%)
The 2021 census found the racial and ethnic composition of Yukon was:
Indigenous (23.3%)
European (64.5%)
Asian (7.8%)
Other (4.4%)
English (84.8%)
French (4.4%)
Indigenous (1.8%)
Other (9.0%)
Average Household Income
$105,600
Median Household Income
$94,800
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Athapaskan-speaking peoples including the Gwich'in, Han, and Tutchone lived in the region for thousands of years.
Hudson's Bay Company established trading posts in Yukon.
The Klondike Gold Rush brought tens of thousands of prospectors to the region, transforming the territory.
Yukon became a separate territory to better manage the influx of people during the Gold Rush.
The Alaska Highway was built through Yukon during World War II, ending the territory's isolation.
The Umbrella Final Agreement established a framework for Yukon First Nations self-government.