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. The islands, first settled by the French in the early 17th century, cover an area of 242 square kilometers and are characterized by a cold, wet climate with rugged, rocky terrain. With a population of approximately 5,070, the economy is primarily reliant on fishing exports, bolstered by French government support, with a growing emphasis on tourism and aquaculture. The local governance operates under a parliamentary democracy, reflecting its affiliation with France.

Geography

Saint Pierre and Miquelon is situated in Northern North America, consisting of eight small islands with a total land area of 242 sq km. The islands are characterized by a cold and wet climate, often experiencing mist and fog, which can pose maritime hazards. Most of the population resides on Saint Pierre Island, while Miquelon Island hosts a small settlement. The islands have no land boundaries and feature a 120 km coastline.

242 sq km - Total land area
120 km - Coastline length
200 nm - Exclusive economic zone
240 m - Highest elevation at Morne de la Grande Montagne
0 sq km - Irrigated land (2022)

People and Society

The population of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is estimated at 5,070 people, with a majority residing on Saint Pierre Island. The official language is French, and the predominant religion is Roman Catholicism (99%). The demographic structure indicates a median age of 51.8 years, with a significant elderly population making up 25.3% of residents aged 65 and over. The islands exhibit a negative population growth rate and high urbanization, with 90.1% of the population living in urban areas.

51.8 years - Median age (2025 est.)
6.31 births/1,000 - Birth rate (2025 est.)
11.83 deaths/1,000 - Death rate (2025 est.)
90.1% - Urban population (2023)
1.06 male(s)/female - Sex ratio at birth

Economy

Saint Pierre and Miquelon has a high-income economy largely driven by fishing exports, with substantial financial aid from France. The economy is also supported by tourism and an increasing focus on aquaculture. The islands primarily export processed seafood products and rely on imports from France and Canada for refined petroleum and other goods. As of the most recent estimates, the GDP (PPP) stands at $261.3 million.

$261.3 million - Real GDP (PPP, 2015 est.)
57% - Percentage of imports from France (2023)
78% - Percentage of exports to Canada (2023)
400 bbl/day - Refined petroleum consumption (2023)

Government

Saint Pierre and Miquelon operates as a parliamentary democracy and is an overseas collectivity of France. The governance structure includes a Territorial Council, and the islands follow the French civil law system. The current President of France is Emmanuel Macron, with local governance led by President of the Territorial Council Marc Didio. Citizens enjoy universal suffrage starting at age 18.

18 years - Voting age
19 - Seats in the Territorial Council
March 2028 - Expected date for the next local election
14 July - National holiday (Fête de la Fédération)

Military and Security

Defense responsibilities for Saint Pierre and Miquelon are managed by France, ensuring the islands are protected under French military capabilities.

Energy

The islands' electricity generation relies entirely on fossil fuels, with an installed generating capacity of 26,000 kW and an energy consumption level of 48.714 million kWh in 2023. Additionally, refined petroleum consumption is recorded at 400 bbl/day.

26,000 kW - Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
48.714 million kWh - Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)

Environment

Saint Pierre and Miquelon faces environmental challenges, particularly overfishing, which impacts local fisheries. The islands have limited agricultural land use, with 8.7% dedicated to agriculture and 5% covered by forest.

8.7% - Agricultural land (2023 est.)
5% - Forest cover (2023 est.)
57,000 metric tonnes - CO2 emissions (2023 est.)

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes two airports and two ports, facilitating the movement of goods and travelers. The main ports are located in Miquelon and Saint Pierre.

2 - Total airports (2025)
2 - Total ports (2024)

Communications

Saint Pierre and Miquelon has a relatively high level of internet accessibility, with 88.7% of the population using the internet as of 2022. There are multiple TV and radio stations, with fixed telephone subscriptions estimated at 4,800 in 2015.

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

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,070	Estimated for 2025
Area	242 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$261.3 million	Estimated for 2015
Energy Consumption	48.714 million kWh	Total energy consumption (2023)
Birth Rate	6.31 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Death Rate	11.83 deaths/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Unemployment Rate	Not provided
Life Expectancy	81.8 years	Estimated for 2024
Median Age	51.8 years	Estimated for 2025
Urban Population	90.1%	Percentage of total population (2023)