A city built on islands, Richmond is North America's most Asian-populated urban center.

Countries & Cities · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Richmond, British Columbia, is a unique delta city where the ground sits just one meter above sea level. Home to the Vancouver International Airport and a majority-Asian population, this island municipality balances a rich agricultural history with a high-density, transit-oriented future, all while protected by a complex dyke system.

Richmond is a city defined by its geography. Occupying most of the islands in the Fraser River delta, including the primary Lulu Island and Sea Island, the city sits on alluvial soil that averages only one meter above sea level. This low elevation makes the city prone to flooding, necessitating a protective network of dykes. While these barriers provide security against high tides and the Fraser River's spring freshets, they face potential risks from soil liquefaction during earthquakes. Because of the high water table, traditional basements are rare, and building heights were historically restricted to three stories until the late 1980s.

The city's demographic profile is distinct within Canada. As of the 2021 census, 73.4% of the population is of Asian descent, with East Asian Canadians forming a 57.1% majority. This cultural landscape is reflected in the city's commercial hubs, such as the 'Golden Village' along No. 3 Road, and the presence of two of North America's largest Buddhist temples. The city also holds the highest immigrant population in Canada at 60%. This diversity has deep roots; while Indigenous Coast Salish peoples have inhabited the area for centuries, Japanese Canadians established a significant presence in the fishing village of Steveston in the 1800s, though this community was devastated by forced internment during the 1940s.

Economically, Richmond is a vital regional hub. It supports approximately 100,000 jobs across sectors ranging from aviation and high-tech manufacturing to agriculture. Despite its urban density, the Agricultural Land Reserve protects nearly 5,000 hectares of farmland, where the city produces a significant portion of British Columbia's cranberries and blueberries. Looking forward, city planners are executing a major expansion of the City Centre, anchored by the Canada Line transit system. This development aims to triple the area's population to 120,000 residents, signaling a shift toward high-density, transit-oriented living that contrasts with the city's humble origins as a collection of agricultural and fishing settlements.

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