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Demographics
Welcome to Trendlines, where we explore issues shaping the world and their impacts on Canada. Our demographics section explores shifting population trends from growth rates and age distribution to migration and urbanization. This section breaks down key demographic data from credible sources to show how countries are responding to the most pressing issues facing people and places.
Key Indicators
Population (2023)
Population growth (2023)
Life expectancy at birth (2023)
What is the median household income in the United States?
The median household income in the United States in 2024 was $81,604. Learn how it compares across household types.
What is the largest city in the United States by population?
With a population of 8,478,072, New York City, New York, is the largest city in the United States by population in 2024, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. See where other cities rank.
What is the Human Development Index, and what does it reveal?
The Human Development Index (HDI), developed by the United Nations, provides a snapshot of a country’s performance across three key dimensions: health, education, and standard of living. See where countries rank.
What is the link between healthcare spending and life expectancy among OECD members?
In most cases, the more a country spends on healthcare per capita, the greater the life expectancy. See how healthcare spending affects life expectancy across the OECD’s 38 members.
Which OECD countries spend the most on healthcare per capita?
In 2024, the average health care spending across the OECD stood at nearly USD $6,000 per person, when adjusted for differences in purchasing power. The United States was the top spender, while India spent the least. See where other OECD nations rank.
Which country has the highest area of land covered by forest?
Forests are present on every continent except Antarctica and present in all but four countries. Explore which countries have the most forest area.
How long is the average retirement period across the OECD?
Across the OECD, men typically spend 18.6 years in retirement while women enjoy 22.8 years after leaving the workforce. Find out how retirement periods compare across OECD nations.
Which OECD countries spend the most on public pensions?
For many, pensions are an essential source of income during retirement. Find out how much members of the OECD spend on public pension expenditures.
When do people in OECD countries typically retire?
Workers across the 38 Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) member states are retiring later. Learn who works the longest and who retires the earliest.
How is the United Nations funded?
On December 31, 2025, the UN General Assembly approved a regular budget of $3.45 billion for 2026. All members of the UN are required to contribute, but the amount varies. Learn who contributes the most and what happens when members fail to meet their financial obligations.
How is global population growth reshaping the world—and Canada?
See how global population surged from 3 billion in 1960 to over 8.14 billion by 2024 and how Canada’s demographic future hinges on immigration from fast-growing regions.
Which country has the highest life expectancy?
See which countries lead the world in life expectancy in 2023, with insights on global averages, regional trends, and differences between men and women.
What is the largest city in the world by population?
Tokyo tops the global rankings of the world’s largest cities with an urban agglomeration of about 37 million people (2025). Discover the world’s most populous megacities by metro size.