St Pierre and Miquelon: Last Remaining Former Colony of France
The French settled on the St Pierre and Miquelon Islands in the 17th century but were subjected to British attacks in the 18th century forcing the French exit and British control for the next fifty years. But the islands were returned to France in 1763 under the Treaty of France under which France cede all its territories in New France to Britain except the islands of St Pierre and Miquelon. The islands were a thriving fishing ground during the 1960’s however due to the ban on Cod fishing and disputes with Canada over fishing boundaries have depressed the local economy and the islands are today mostly dependent on French subsidies for their survival.
St Pierre and Miquelon Facts and Figures:
- · National Name: Territorial Collectivity of St Pierre and Miquelon
· Capital: St Pierre
· Total area: 242 sq km (93 sq miles)
· Population: 6,316 (census, 1999)
· Currency: Euro
· Languages: French
· Ethnicity/ Races: NA
· Religion: Christianity
· GDP (Per Capita): $7,000
· Life Expectancy: 76 years (men), 80 years (women)
· Literacy: 99%
The French islands of St Pierre and Miquelon are situated to the south of Newfoundland in the North Atlantic Ocean and just 25 Kms from the long Burin peninsula. The islands of St Pierre and Miquelon are separated by 6 kms, which are characterized by fierce currents, prompting the sobriquet “The Mouth of Hell” to this section of the sea.
The climate of St Pierre and Miquelon is very damp and windy with harsh winters. The territorial waters around the islands abound in fishes such as whales thus giving rise to a large fishing industry.
St Pierre and Miquelon Economy:
The economy of St Pierre and Miquelon once thrived on Cod fishing however overfishing led to Canadian ban on fishing around the area thus leading to severe depression in the fishing economy. Currently the economy of the island territory is greatly supported by the French government, which has decided to diversify the economy of St Pierre and Miquelon in other fields like tourism, fish farming and agriculture.
St Pierre and Miquelon Culture:
St Pierre and Miquelon is the outpost of French culture in the North Atlantic Ocean and rightly called as the “France in North America”. The islanders celebrate the annual Basque festival with skilful demonstration of their stone heaving and lumber jack skills. Hockey is a popular game among the inhabitants and many islanders have been represented in the French national Hockey team. The unique geographical and cultural aspect of St Pierre and Miquelon is the naming of streets and locations after certain nicknames and local residents.
St Pierre and Miquelon Tourist Attractions:
St Pierre and Miquelon have their fair share of tourist attractions being located so close to the Newfoundland and the grand Banks. Visitors to this French archipelago can visit the fishing villages along the coast or surf along the strong waves between the two islands. Miquelon, the larger of the two islands offers a glimpse of Basque and Acadian history, enchanting wildlife and summer homes to stay.
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