According to the latest figures released, Canada's population grew at the rate of 1.1 percent during the year till 30 June, 2012.

With the growth rate of 1.1 per cent, the country has the fastest growth population among all of the G8 countries. The main reason for the growth in the population numbers is due to immigration into the country from various parts of the world.

The US had the second fastest growing population with a growth rate of 0.7 percent during the previous year. Japan was the lowest on the list with a shrinking population. The Japanese population fell 0.3 percent during the same period.

Canada attracted immigration from several countries as it maintained the highest immigration levels in the world as a percentage of its population. Among the states, Alberta recorded the fastest growing population with a growth rate of 2.5 percent.

Alberta has the highest per capita GDP in Canada and it attracted immigrants from within the country as well as from abroad and it also recorded natural growth. Saskatchewan also emerged as a province with high population growth.