Lithuanians in Canada – Interesting Statistics (2016)

There are 59,285 people of Lithuanian ethnic origin (self-identified) living in Canada. We are a small portion of Canada’s population of 35 million people. Lithuania is a country with a population (2.872 million) equal to that of Canada’s largest city (Toronto – 2.81 million). (Hover over the chart to see the Lithuanian population.). For a pdf version of this page click here

Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Statistics Canada catalogue no. 98-400-X2016187.

Lithuanians in the European Union

The proportion of Lithuanians in the Canadian population (.2%) is smaller than the proportion of Lithuanians in the European Union (.6%):

Source: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/8102195/3-10072017-AP-EN.pdf

Ethnic Groups in Canada

And compare our small population of 59 thousand Lithuanians with the 20 largest ethnic groups in Canada:

Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Statistics Canada catalogue no. 98-400-X2016187.

Distribution of Lithuanians in Canada: By Province

We live in almost every province and territory of Canada, although most of the 59 thousand Canadian Lithuanians live in Ontario.

Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Statistics Canada catalogue no. 98-400-X2016187.

Distribution of Lithuanians in Canada: By City

Along with other Canadians we now live primarily in Canada’s cities.

Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Statistics Canada catalogue no. 98-400-X2016187.

Lithuanian Canadians by Age Group

The Canadian census showed that, in 2016, the Lithuanian population in Canada is predominantly in the working adult age group, with a second large group nearing or at retirement. Although the school age group is small, there is a growing population of children.

Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Statistics Canada catalogue no. 98-400-X2016187.

Education

We are a well educated population. Of the 49 thousand Lithuanian Canadian responses to the 2016 Census education questions, including all age groups, the largest group had a university degree at bachelor or advanced level.

Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Statistics Canada catalogue no. 98-400-X2016189.

Immigration since 1980

We have come to Canada in waves:

  • a first wave prior to World War II
  • a second wave, primarily of displaced persons, after World War II
  • a third wave following Lithuania’s independence in 1990

Now we come to Canada for a variety of reasons:

Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Statistics Canada catalogue no. 98-400-X2016202.

Migration has grown over the decades and can be expected to continue to the end of this decade. Although we maintain our Lithuanian identity we tend to assimilate. Of the 59 thousand identified Lithuanians in Canada, less than 2 thousand of us continue to maintain solely Lithuanian citizenship (Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Statistics Canada catalogue no. 98-400-X2016215). For additional information on immigration consult Statistics Canada.

The Generations

On the chart below the third generation (and beyond) is the largest segment.

Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Statistics Canada catalogue no. 98-400-X2016204.

Language and Culture

Trends clearly indicate that use of the Lithuanian language is declining.

Source: Statistics Canada, 2016 Census of Population, Statistics Canada catalogue no. 98-400-X2016060, 345 and 065.

Language schools across Canada facilitate Lithuanian language retention. We maintain our heritage through a network of social, religious and cultural groups across Canada. For additional language and cultural resources please visit: The Lithuanian Canadian Community (Kanados Lietuvių Bendruomenė).
Click here to see the questionnaire used by Statistics Canada to collect data for the charts.

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