Alberta: From Founding to Present – A Comprehensive Overview

Alberta, Canada's fourth most populous province, has a rich history and a dynamic socio-economic landscape. On September 1, 1905, Alberta was established as a province, named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria.

• Population Growth: Alberta's population has seen significant growth, from approximately 73,000 in 1901 to an estimated 4,262,635 in 2021.

• Urbanization: As of 2021, about 81% of Albertans resided in urban areas, with the Calgary–Edmonton Corridor being the most densely populated region.

Economic Development

• Energy Sector Boom: The discovery of oil at Leduc No. 1 in 1947 marked a turning point, establishing Alberta as a leading oil and natural gas producer.

• Modern Economy: By 2024, Alberta's GDP reached approximately CAD 351.4 billion, with the energy sector remaining a cornerstone. In 2023, companies invested around CAD 769 million in well closures, addressing environmental concerns.

Social Indicators

• Income Levels: In 2020, the median total income for individuals aged 15 and over was CAD 44,800, with a median after-tax income of CAD 40,400.

• Education: As of 2016, approximately 1.77 million residents held a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree, indicating a well-educated workforce.

• Language Proficiency: In 2021, 98.37% of Albertans reported proficiency in English, while 6.23% were proficient in French. Tagalog (4.13%), Punjabi (3.03%), and Spanish (2.78%) were among the most spoken non-official languages, reflecting the province's multicultural fabric.