Canada Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
Canada's physicians was 3.06 in 2025, ranked 55th globally. This represents a 8.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Canada's physicians stood at 3.06 in 2025, a rise of +0.24 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 3.06 by 2025. Canada ranked 55th globally.
Canada's physician-to-population ratio has exhibited a steady upward trajectory since its trough in 1961, when it stood at 1.10 physicians per 1,000 people. Over the past several decades, this indicator has improved significantly, reaching its all-time peak of 3.06 physicians per 1,000 people in 2025, ranking Canada 55th globally. Notably, this rate surpasses that of peer country Barbados, which boasts a comparable ratio of 3.07 physicians per 1,000 people. In contrast, Canada's ratio has maintained a relatively stable pace since the 1990s, with some fluctuations. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, shifts in demographic trends, particularly in the aging population and urbanization, may impact the country's physician-to-population ratio, potentially necessitating adjustments to healthcare workforce planning and resource allocation.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 3.18 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 3.06 | - | - |
| 2025 | 3.06 | +0.24 | #55 |
| 2023 | 2.82 | +0.00 | #20 |
| 2022 | 2.81 | +0.37 | #56 |
| 2021 | 2.44 | +0.03 | #65 |
| 2020 | 2.42 | −0.00 | #63 |
| 2019 | 2.42 | +0.01 | #61 |
| 2018 | 2.41 | −0.20 | #62 |
| 2017 | 2.61 | +0.30 | #54 |
| 2016 | 2.31 | −0.23 | #58 |
| 2015 | 2.54 | +0.04 | #50 |
| 2014 | 2.50 | +0.05 | #52 |
| 2013 | 2.45 | +0.05 | #52 |
| 2012 | 2.40 | +0.36 | #53 |
| 2010 | 2.04 | +0.08 | #59 |
| 2008 | 1.96 | +0.05 | #59 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Canada matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada's physicians was 3.06 in 2025. Ranked 55th globally. This represents a 8.6% increase from the previous year.
Canada's physicians peaked at 3.06 in 2025.
The lowest physicians in Canada was 1.10 in 1961.
Canada ranks 55th globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Canada's physicians is projected to reach 3.06 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of Canada in 2025 was 3.06. This ranks 55th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_canada_physicians,
title = {Canada Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/canada/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}