Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon

SAINT-PIERRE-AND-MIQUELON

Information about travelling to Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon

Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon is located in Northern North America, islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada)

Facts about Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon
Population7,044 (July 2008 est.)
CapitalSaint-Pierre
Time zoneUTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begin
Location Northern North America, islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada)

General info about Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon
First settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North American possessions.
Languages spoken
French (official)
Ethnic division
Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)
HIV/AIDS prevalence rate
NA
Climate
cold and wet, with much mist and fog; spring and autumn are windy
Resources
fish, deepwater ports
Economy
The 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. France heavily subsidizes the islands 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.
Environment
recent test drilling for oil in waters around Saint Pierre and Miquelon may bring future development that would impact the environment

Cities in Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon




Explore countries around the world