Map of area covered by the NADC
Northern Alberta, with 10% of the province's population, has 20% of provincial farms and 20% of provincial farm land. The north produces many specialty crops, including over 40% of Canada's forage seed. Canola, peas and honey are also important crops. A diversified livestock industry includes bison, elk and ostrich herds in addition to cattle and hogs.
Northern Alberta's oil sands account for 21% of Canada's crude oil production, and this percentage is increasing. The north also accounts for one third of Alberta's conventional oil and gas activity.
The north has 90% of Alberta's forests. Pulp and paper mills and sawmills in the region produce standard and specialty products, principally for international markets.
Wood Buffalo National Park in northeastern Alberta is Canada's largest park. It encompasses the Peace-Athabasca delta, the largest freshwater delta in the world.
The city of Grande Prairie, in northwestern Alberta, is closer to Japan than Vancouver, BC is . Northerners are developing strategic links with the Pacific Rim and the United States to expand the regional economy.
Leading edge telecommunications applications in health and education are helping residents of northern communities access health care and post-secondary education.
| Demographics | ||||
| NADC Region | Compared to Alberta | Alberta | Year | |
| Geographic Area (Km2) | 380,299.5 | 60% | 638,232.7 | 1996 |
| Population | 251,223 | 9.3% | 2,696,826 | 1996 |
| Average Family Income | $55,175 | 3% Below average | $56,916 | 1996 |
| Families with average income less than $20,000 | 9,790 | 4% Same | 93,235 | 1996 |
| Agriculture and Forestry Indicators | ||||
| NADC Region | Compared to Alberta | Alberta | Year | |
| Number of Farms | 11,465 | 19% | 59,007 | 1996 |
| Area Farmed (acres) | 9.8 million | 19% | 52 million | 1996 |
| Crop Production (tonnes) | 5 million | 21% | 26 million | 1996 |
| Livestock Production | 0.865 million | 11% | 8.1 million | 1996 |
| Farm Receipts | $0.835 million | 10.4% | $7.9 million | 1996 |
| Timber Harvest (m3) | 12.324 million | 73.3% | 16.8 million | 1997 |
| Oil and Gas Indicatiors | ||||
| NADC Region | Compared to Alberta | Alberta | Year | |
| Natural Gas Productions (m3) | 47,805 | 37.4% | 127,670 | 1996 |
| Crude Oil Production all Fields (m3) | 20.5 million | 42.4% | 48.2 million | 1996 |
| Oil Sands Production (m3) | 16 million | 100% | 16 million | 1996 |
| GDP by Industry Sector* | ||||
| GDP Agriculture (M$) | $225 | 10.4% | $2,165 | 1996 |
| GDP Oil, Gas and Minerals (M$) | $6,026 | 38.1% | $15,811 | 1996 |
| GDP Forestry, Wood and Paper (M$) | $1,198 | 73.3% | $1,634 | 1996 |
| GDP All other Industry Sectors (M$) | $5,450 | 8% | $63,093 | 1996 |
| GDP Total NADC Region (M$) | $12,526 | 15.1% | $82,912 | 1996 |