Nunavut’s population rests at approximately 31,152, which makes it one of the most scarcely populated areas in the whole world. To put it in perspective, if Nunavut was its own country it would be the 13th largest in the world in terms of landmass.
Nunavut is Canada’s newest territory – once a part of Northwest Territories, it began to be classified in its own right in 1999. Nunavut’s geography is composed mostly of water and glaciers, especially in the north.
After Nunavut was created, it created ‘four corners’ in Canada, comprising Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Although Nunavut only recently became an independent territory, there is evidence of life there dating back more than 4000 years.
The language
Nunavut is one of the few territories or provinces where English or French is not the main language. In fact, a rare language, Inuktitut, is the territory’s main language. Scholars have proposed a 20-year plan to create a more balanced Nunavut language. This would encourage English as a main or, at least, more significant secondary language alongside the dominating Inuktitut language.
Mining in Nunavut
Nunavut’s economy thrives on the mines that carry precious metals such as diamonds, nickel and copper. There are several mining projects currently in the works that, it is hoped, bring in more jobs and more money for Nunavut. Virtually the entire territory is funded by the success of the mining season.
The climate
Unlike other nearby territories with similar climates, Nunavut doesn’t have a large tourist season. Nunavut is surrounded by scenic land and water; however, its winters and summers are cold, making a trip to Nunavut a demanding prospect for most. But if you enjoy colder weather and a quiet lifestyle it may be just the destination for you.
