Nova Scotia’s Population Demographics by Ethnicity

Nova Scotia, located on Canada’s east coast, showcases a population predominantly of European descent, with growing multicultural communities and a significant Indigenous presence. According to the 2021 Census, Nova Scotia’s ethnic makeup reflects its rich history and evolving diversity.

Key Insights on Nova Scotia Demographics:

• White Nova Scotians make up the majority at 84.3% of the population.
• The Indigenous population accounts for 5.3%, reflecting Nova Scotia’s deep Indigenous heritage, particularly the Mi’kmaq Nation.
• The Black community, at 2.1%, has a historical presence dating back centuries, making it one of the oldest Black communities in Canada.
• The South Asian community also represents 2.1%, tied with the Black population and those identifying with two or more ethnicities.

Nova Scotia’s Cultural Identity

Nova Scotia’s cultural landscape is shaped by its Acadian, Mi’kmaq, Scottish, and African Nova Scotian roots, combined with growing immigrant communities. Urban areas like Halifax are hubs of cultural diversity, fostering growth in various ethnic populations and cultural exchanges.

Nova Scotia Population by Ethnicity (2021)

Ethnicity	Population	% of Population
White	806,245	84.3%
South Asian	20,360	2.1%
Chinese	10,390	1.1%
Black	19,950	2.1%
Filipino	6,115	0.6%
Arab	10,540	1.1%
Latin American	2,900	0.3%
Southeast Asian	1,985	0.2%
West Asian	1,845	0.2%
Korean	2,625	0.3%
Japanese	495	0.1%
Other ethnicities	1,365	0.1%
Two or more ethnicities	19,920	2.1%
Indigenous peoples	51,125	5.3%

FAQ

1. What is the largest ethnic group in Nova Scotia?
The largest ethnic group in Nova Scotia is White, accounting for 84.3% of the population.

2. What percentage of Nova Scotia’s population is Indigenous?
Approximately 5.3% of Nova Scotia’s population identifies as Indigenous, reflecting a significant presence of the Mi’kmaq people.

3. Which visible minority group is the largest in Nova Scotia?
The largest visible minority groups in Nova Scotia are South Asians and the Black community, each making up 2.1% of the population.

Source:

Statistics Canada. Table 98-10-0324-01  Visible minority and population group by generation status: Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations with parts