Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Official Country NameSaint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Pierre and Miquelon OverviewFirst settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North American possessions.
Saint Pierre and Miquelon EconomyThe inhabitants have traditionally earned their livelihood by fishing and by servicing fishing fleets operating off the coast of Newfoundland. The economy has been declining, however, because of disputes with Canada over fishing quotas and a steady decline in the number of ships stopping at Saint Pierre. In 1992, an arbitration panel awarded the islands an exclusive economic zone of 12,348 sq km to settle a longstanding territorial dispute with Canada, although it represents only 25% of what France had sought. The islands are heavily subsidized by France to the great betterment of living standards. The government hopes an expansion of tourism will boost economic prospects. Fish farming, crab fishing, and agriculture are being developed to diversify the local economy. Recent test drilling for oil may pave the way for development of the energy sector.
Saint Pierre and Miquelon LocationSaint Pierre and Miquelon is located in Northern North America, islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada)
RegionSaint Pierre and Miquelon is located in North America
Saint Pierre and Miquelon PopulationSaint Pierre and Miquelon has population of 7,026 (July 2006 est.)
Saint Pierre and Miquelon ClimateSaint Pierre and Miquelon has cold and wet, with much mist and fog; spring and autumn are windy
Saint Pierre and Miquelon Terrainmostly barren rock
Saint Pierre and Miquelon Natural Resourcesfish, deepwater ports
Ethnic Groups in Saint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Pierre and Miquelon has the following ethnic groups - Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)
Saint Pierre and Miquelon ReligionsRoman Catholic 99%
Saint Pierre and Miquelon LanguagesFrench (official)
Saint Pierre and Miquelon CapitalSaint Pierre and Miquelon capital is Saint-Pierre
Saint Pierre and Miquelon CurrencySaint Pierre and Miquelon currency is euro
Map of Saint Pierre and Miquelon