What was a major demographic characteristic of Canada during its early years?

During the early years of Canada's formation in the mid to late 19th century, a significant demographic characteristic was that a majority of the population lived in rural areas. This was reflective of the agrarian society of the time, where farming was the dominant way of life for most Canadians. The economy was primarily based on agriculture, and many families were engaged in farming, contributing to a predominantly rural lifestyle.

This rural demographic played a critical role in shaping Canadian society and its development, as these communities were often small and close-knit, relying heavily on agriculture and local resources. It wasn’t until later in Canada's history that urbanization began to significantly change the demographic landscape, leading to larger urban populations and a shift in economic activities.

The other characteristics mentioned, such as a diverse urban population, a primarily indigenous population, and a high level of immigration, did not accurately represent the majority of Canadians during this early period. Urbanization and immigration increased in later years, but initially, the rural demographic was a defining trait of the Canadian population.