What are the characteristics of a census metropolitan area?

Characteristics of a Census Metropolitan Area

A census metropolitan area (CMA) is a geographical area in Canada that is home to at least 100,000 people and has a population density of at least 400 people per square kilometer. CMAs are typically centered around a large urban area, such as a city or town.

There are 35 CMAs in Canada, and they account for over two-thirds of the country’s population. The largest CMA is the Toronto CMA, which has a population of over 6 million people. The smallest CMA is the Victoria CMA, which has a population of just over 300,000 people.

CMAs are important economic and cultural centers for Canada. They are home to a large number of businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions. CMAs also offer a wide range of cultural amenities, such as museums, theaters, and sports venues.

The following are some of the key characteristics of a CMA:

• Population: CMAs must have a population of at least 100,000 people.
• Population density: CMAs must have a population density of at least 400 people per square kilometer.
• Urban core: CMAs must have an urban core of at least 50,000 people.
• Adjacent areas: CMAs must include adjacent areas that are economically and socially integrated with the urban core.

CMAs are designated by Statistics Canada, the federal government agency responsible for collecting and disseminating statistical data. Statistics Canada uses a variety of data sources to determine the boundaries of CMAs, including census data, population estimates, and economic data.

CMAs are used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Planning: CMAs are used by governments and businesses to plan for the future. They help to identify areas that are growing rapidly and areas that are in need of investment.
• Funding: CMAs are used by governments to distribute funding for infrastructure projects, such as roads, schools, and hospitals.
• Research: CMAs are used by researchers to study a variety of topics, such as population trends, economic development, and social change.

CMAs are an important part of the Canadian economy and society. They are home to a large number of people and businesses, and they offer a wide range of cultural and economic opportunities.