As of April 1, 2005, Alberta's population is estimated to be 3,236,906. This represents a yearly increase of approximately 46,500 persons (or 1.46% growth) since April 1, 2004. The Alberta economy has been strong for many years and as a result, the province continues to experience the highest net interprovincial migration in Canada.

The main language spoken is English, although many other languages are spoken because of Alberta's multinational population.

Alberta's population is highly-skilled. Most people live in urban centres. Albertans, in general, are described as being strongly independent and entrepreneurial.

More information about Alberta's people

Architecture

Since many settlers didn't make it out west to Alberta until the late 1800s or early 1900s, the architectural style of many buildings in Alberta is relatively new. Over the past decade, Alberta's economy has been very strong. As a result, many new buildings are going up to accommodate the influx of people.

• Legislature Building facts (pdf)
• Alberta's Government House
• Alberta museums and historic sites

Archaeology

Alberta is a land with a rich record of the past going back hundreds of millions of years. There is even a dinosaur named after the province - the Albertosaurus!

• Royal Tyrrell Museum
• Dinosaur Provincial Park
• Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park

Culture

Alberta's population is made up of many ethnic backgrounds. Newcomers are encouraged to keep their traditions when they move here. Albertans are fortunate to be exposed to so many different foods, dances and cultures, as part of everyday life.

The province celebrates multiculturalism by celebrating the first Monday in August as Heritage Day, a statutory holiday.

Environment

Albertans treasure their outdoors. Whether it's taking a stroll through a river valley, hiking through the mountains, exploring the wind-shaped hoo-doos, cross-country skiing through a field, or camping in the forest under the stars - Albertans have many places to enjoy.

Alberta has created the first provincial electronic recycling program in Canada. In addition, Alberta's tire recycling program is increasingly recognized as one of the best recycling programs in Canada and around the world. Alberta's air quality was rated as "good" 98% of the time with no "poor" days.

Albertans also enjoy the most days of sunshine in Canada.

• Alberta Recycling Management Authority

Film

Alberta's natural beauty, low tax regime and skilled labour has made it an attractive location for several Hollywood movies. Some examples of movies filmed in Alberta include, "September Dawn", "The Assassination of Jesse James", "Doctor Zhivago", "Legends of the Fall", "Shanghai Noon", and "The Edge".

Local-based film productions are also an important part of Alberta's cultural community.

• Alberta Film

Research and Development

Alberta is a centre for research and development, particularly in the medical field, with examples such as:

• Islet Transplant Program
• The National Institute of Nanotechnology
• Alberta centers of excellence, such as the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the Alberta Bone and Joint Institute

Alberta routinely attracts top researchers and health specialists from across the county.

Sports

Did you know?

Between 1915 and 1940, the Edmonton Grads, a team of female basketball players, played 522 games, against men's and women's teams from across Canada and throughout the United States and Europe. Of those 522 games, the Grads won 502: including Western Canadian and Canadian championships and Olympic exhibition games.

Alberta is home to two National Hockey League teams (the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames) and two Canadian Football League teams (the Edmonton Eskimos and the Calgary Stampeders).

Alberta has hosted many international sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games in 1978, the Universiade Games in 1983, the Winter Olympics in 1988, the World Games in Track and Field in 2001, the World Masters Games in 2005 and the Grand Prix in 2005.

Population

2000-2004 Average Annual Growth (per cent)*

* Annual population based on 3rd quarter (July) estimates.
Sources: Statistics Canada

• Over the past five years, Alberta's population has grown the fastest among the provinces.
• In 2004, Alberta's population growth of 1.4% also led the provinces.

Net interprovincial migration

2000-2004 Annual Average (net number of interprovincial migrants)*

* July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2004
Sources: Statistics Canada

• Alberta has the highest number of interprovincial migrants in Canada.
• From July 2003 to June 2004, a net of 10,902 migrants came to Alberta from other provinces. The only other provinces to experience positive net interprovincial migration during this time were British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, at 7,333 and 299, respectively.

Demographic information — quarterly demographic statistics including population growth, births, deaths, international migrants and interprovincial migrants

Population and migration charts source: Budget 2005, Alberta Advantage section