The city's population is estimated to be 602,231 (2005) and that of the metropolitan area 2,186,965 (2001 census). Some predict that by 2020, the population of the metropolitan area will be 2.6 million. A resident of Vancouver is called a "Vancouverite." The current mayor is Sam Sullivan. In 2006, Vancouver has been ranked the 56th most expensive city to live among 144 major cities in the world, and the 2nd most expensive in Canada (after Toronto).

Vancouver will be the host city for the 2007 Memorial Cup, the 2009 World Police and Fire Games and the 2010 Winter Olympics. Swangard Stadium, just across the city line in Burnaby, will host some games for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup.