ZSBC census

Based on the March 2004 edition of the community directory, In Search of the Truth (June-August 2004), the newsletter of the Zoroastrian Society of British Columbia (ZSBC), claims a Zoroastrian population of 1089 in the West Canadian province. Of these 335 are adult males and 335 are adult females. Sons and daughters number 217 and 178 respectively. In addition there are 24 seniors living with their children’s families. Iranian Zoroastrians in the area number slightly more than Parsis, the relative figures being 547 and 518. There are 47 intermarried families within the community. As not all Zoroastrians living in the area may be listed in the directory, the newsletter states that the actual number may be somewhat higher.

The newsletter estimates that British Columbia accounts for 12.2 percent of the community in North America. Other major settlements are Ontario (18.2 percent), California (18.2 percent), and Texas (11.1 percent). New Jersey accounts for 5 percent, New York 4.8 percent, Delaware/Maryland 4.4 percent, Quebec 4 percent, Pennsylvania 3.5 percent, Massachusetts 2.8 percent, Virginia 2.4 percent, Illinois 2.3 percent, Alberta 2.2 percent and the rest 8.9 percent.

According to the newsletter the North American data indicates that about 10 percent of the Zarathushti population is 60 years and older. The corresponding figures it cites for Pakistan is 36 percent and India 32.9 percent (which may be debatable). The figures have been sourced from the FEZANA Journal, notes the newsletter.