Country Profile: Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a small French overseas collectivity located in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland, Canada. With a total area of 242 square kilometers, this territory primarily consists of barren rock and is characterized by a cold and wet climate. The population of approximately 5,132 in 2024 is predominantly French-speaking and Roman Catholic, reflecting its roots as a former French territory. The local economy primarily relies on fishing and tourism, with significant support from the French government.

Geography

Saint Pierre and Miquelon are situated in Northern North America, making them the only remnants of France's former North American possessions. The islands have a rugged terrain, with the highest point reaching 240 meters above sea level. Maritime hazards, particularly persistent fog, pose challenges for navigation and fishing activities.

242 sq km: Total area of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
120 km: Total coastline length.
12 nm: Territorial sea claim.
200 nm: Exclusive economic zone.

People and Society

The population of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is estimated at 5,132, with a slightly higher number of females than males. The islands are home to a majority of French speakers and have a significant Roman Catholic populace. Over 90% of individuals live in urban areas, primarily on Saint Pierre Island.

51.2 years: Median age of the population (2024 est.).
81.8 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
6.4 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024 est.).
11.7 deaths/1,000: Death rate (2024 est.).
-1.21%: Population growth rate (2024 est.).
90.1%: Urbanization rate (2023 est.).

Economy

The economy of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is classified as high-income, heavily focused on fishing exports and supported by substantial contributions from the French government. The islands increasingly invest in tourism and aquaculture, while also relying on seasonal labor for various sectors.

$261.3 million: Real GDP (purchasing power parity, 2015 est.).
$60 million: Annual support from France.
78%: Exports directed to Canada (2023).

Government

Saint Pierre and Miquelon operates as a parliamentary democracy under French governance, specifically as a territorial collectivity. The local government includes a Territorial Council and is headed by a President of the Territorial Council, while the Prefect represents the French government.

18 years: Minimum voting age.
19 seats: Total in the Territorial Council.
UTC-3: Time zone difference from Washington, DC.

Military and Security

The defense and security of Saint Pierre and Miquelon are managed by France, with no independent military forces on the islands.

Energy

The energy sector in Saint Pierre and Miquelon primarily relies on fossil fuels, with the entire electricity generation capacity coming from these sources. The installed generating capacity is relatively modest when compared to overall consumption levels.

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

Environment

Environmental challenges include overfishing, which poses a threat to the local fishing industry. The cold and wet climate, accompanied by significant mist and fog, affects both daily life and the surrounding ecosystems.

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure in Saint Pierre and Miquelon includes two airports and essential ports that facilitate maritime trade and travel, with key ports located in Miquelon and St. Pierre.

2: Total airports expected by 2025.
2: Total ports, including one oil terminal (2024).

Communications

The islands have a well-established communication network, including multiple television stations and internet access, with a high percentage of the population using the internet.

88.7%: Internet user rate (2022 est.).
4,800: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2015 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,132	Estimated for 2024
Area	242 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$261.3 million	2015 estimate
Energy Consumption	48.714 million kWh	Total for 2023
Birth Rate	6.4 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Death Rate	11.7 deaths/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	81.8 years	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	Not available
Urban Population	90.1%	Of total population (2023)