Country Profile: Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a French overseas collectivity, consists of two main islands off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. These islands, primarily characterized by their cold and misty Atlantic climate, house a small population of approximately 5,070 residents. The economy relies heavily on fishing exports, with significant support from the French government and an emerging focus on tourism and aquaculture. Governance is structured as a parliamentary democracy under the French Republic, bringing a unique blend of local autonomy and French influence.

Geography

Saint Pierre and Miquelon is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland, Canada. The islands cover a total area of 242 square kilometers, which is 1.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. The terrain is mostly barren rock, with a coastline of 120 kilometers and significant maritime claims extending up to 200 nautical miles. The region’s climate is characterized by cold, wet conditions with frequent fog, which can pose hazards to maritime activities.

242 sq km: Total area of the islands.
120 km: Length of the coastline.
200 nm: Exclusive economic zone maritime claim.
8.7%: Percentage of agricultural land (2023 estimate).
240 m: Elevation of the highest point, Morne de la Grande Montagne.

People and Society

With a population estimated at 5,070 in 2025, the demographic is predominantly French, including ethnic groups such as Basques and Bretons. The official language is French, and Roman Catholicism is the major religion, encompassing 99% of the population. The islands have a median age of 51.8 years, indicating an aging population, while urbanization is prevalent, with 90.1% living in urban areas.

5,070: Estimated population in 2025.
90.1%: Proportion of the population living in urban areas (2023).
81.8 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate).
1.6 children: Total fertility rate (2025 estimate).
6.31 births: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2025 estimate).

Economy

Saint Pierre and Miquelon has a high-income economy primarily dominated by fishing, which is supplemented by substantial financial support from France. The islands export mainly processed seafood and see increasing investments in tourism and aquaculture. The economic structure is seasonal, heavily reliant on the fishing industry, and the euro is the official currency used.

$261.3 million: Estimated GDP at purchasing power parity (2015).
$60 million: Annual payments from France supporting the economy.
78%: Percentage of exports going to Canada (2023).
57%: Percentage of imports from France (2023).

Government

Saint Pierre and Miquelon operates as a parliamentary democracy within the French Republic, with the capital in Saint-Pierre. The governance involves a Territorial Council with a unicameral legislature. The legal framework is based on French civil law, and French citizenship laws apply. The islands have no independence, remaining under French administration since 1763.

19: Total seats in the Territorial Council.
18 years: Universal suffrage age.
Marc Didio: Current head of government since January 2026.
14 July: National holiday celebrating the Fête de la Fédération.

Energy

The energy sector in Saint Pierre and Miquelon is entirely reliant on fossil fuels, with a total installed electricity generating capacity of 26,000 kW. Consumption of electricity reached 48.714 million kWh in 2023, with significant losses occurring during transmission. The islands also consume approximately 400 barrels of refined petroleum per day.

26,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
48.714 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
400 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).

Transportation

Transportation in Saint Pierre and Miquelon is facilitated by two airports and a small number of ports, with the key ports located in Miquelon and Saint Pierre. The maritime infrastructure supports both fishing and tourism, which are critical to the economy.

2: Number of airports (2025).
2: Total ports (2024).
1: Port with an oil terminal.

Communications

The territory has a robust communication infrastructure, with about 88.7% of the population being internet users as of 2022. The telecommunication system includes fixed lines and several television and radio stations that are part of the French Overseas Network.

88.7%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2022).
4,800: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2015).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,070 (2025 est.)
Area	242 sq km	Total area of the islands
GDP	$261.3 million	Estimated GDP at purchasing power parity (2015)
Electricity Consumption	48.714 million kWh	Total electricity consumption (2023)
Birth Rate	6.31 births/1,000	Birth rate per 1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	81.8 years	Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
Median Age	51.8 years	Median age of the population (2025 est.)
Urban Population	90.1%	Urban population as of 2023
Dependency Ratio	63.3 (2025 est.)	Total dependency ratio
Unemployment Rate	Not provided