Country Profile: Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a French overseas collectivity since 2003, is an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland, Canada. The islands have a small population of approximately 5,070 inhabitants, primarily residing on Saint Pierre Island. The economy is largely dependent on fishing, with significant support from the French government, while governance is structured as a parliamentary democracy under French oversight.
Geography
Saint Pierre and Miquelon comprises eight small islands with a total area of 242 square kilometers, characterized by a cold, wet climate with frequent fog. The terrain is mostly barren rock, and the islands are prone to maritime hazards due to persistent fog. The main island, Saint Pierre, is home to the majority of the population, with a small settlement on Miquelon Island.
- 120 km of coastline
- 12 nm territorial sea limit
- 200 nm exclusive economic zone
- Highest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne at 240 m
People and Society
The population of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is approximately 5,070, with a notable majority identifying as French and speaking French as the official language. The society has a high degree of urbanization, with over 90% of residents living in urban areas. The demographic shows a median age of 51.8 years, indicating an aging population.
- 13.1% of the population aged 0-14 years
- 25.3% aged 65 years and over
- Life expectancy: 81.8 years (2024 estimate)
- Birth rate: 6.31 births/1,000 population (2025 estimate)
Economy
Saint Pierre and Miquelon's economy is characterized as a high-income territory, heavily reliant on fishing exports and supported by French government funding. The local economy is evolving with increasing investments in tourism and aquaculture, while fishing and fish processing remain key industries.
- GDP (PPP): $261.3 million (2015 estimate)
- Exports: 78% to Canada; 5% to France
- Main exports: Processed crustaceans and shellfish
- Major imports: Refined petroleum and packaged medicine
Government
Saint Pierre and Miquelon operates as a parliamentary democracy under French sovereignty, with a Territorial Council managing local affairs. The political structure includes a president of the Territorial Council and representatives elected by the populace. Laws and governance are based on the French legal system.
- Capital: Saint-Pierre
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
- Legislature: Unicameral Territorial Council with 19 seats
- Last election: March 2022
Military and Security
Defense responsibilities for Saint Pierre and Miquelon lie with France, ensuring the territory's security and military needs are managed within the broader context of French national defense policy.
Energy
The energy sector is solely dependent on fossil fuels, providing all of the electricity generated on the islands. The total installed generating capacity is relatively low, and consumption rates reflect this limited infrastructure.
- Installed capacity: 26,000 kW (2023 estimate)
- Electricity consumption: 48.714 million kWh (2023 estimate)
- Refined petroleum consumption: 400 bbl/day (2023 estimate)
Transportation
Saint Pierre and Miquelon has a limited transportation infrastructure, featuring two small airports and two ports, which are primarily utilized for fishing and tourism.
- Airports: 2 (2025)
- Total ports: 2
- Key ports: Miquelon and Saint Pierre
Communications
The communication infrastructure includes a combination of fixed-line telephones, internet services, and broadcasting media, with a high percentage of the population having access to the internet.
- Internet users: 88.7% of the population (2022 estimate)
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 4,800 (2015 estimate)
- TV and radio: 8 TV stations and 4 radio stations are available
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,070 (2025 est.) | |
| Area | 242 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $261.3 million (2015) | |
| Electricity consumption | 48.714 million kWh | (2023 est.) |
| Birth rate | 6.31 births/1,000 | (2025 est.) |
| Life expectancy | 81.8 years | (2024 est.) |
| Urban population | 90.1% of total | (2023) |
| Unemployment rate | Not provided | |
| Installed electricity capacity | 26,000 kW | (2023 est.) |
| Refined petroleum consumption | 400 bbl/day | (2023 est.) |
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