Between 1996 and 2001, the nation's population increased by 1 160 333 people, a gain of 4%. Canada has experienced one of the smallest census-to-census growth rates in its population. The Census counted 30 007 094 people in Canada on May 15, 2001, compared with 28 846 761 in 1996. Only three provinces and one territory registered growth rates above the national average of 4%. Alberta's population surged by 10.3%, compared with 5.9% between 1991 and 1996. Ontario gained 6.1%, British Columbia 4.9% and Nunavut 8.1%.