Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a French overseas collectivity situated in the North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Current estimates show a population of approximately 6,000 residents living across an area of 242 km² (93 sq mi). The territory serves as the final vestige of France's former North American empire, maintaining a high standard of living with a GDP per capita of approximately 36,000 USD.
Where is Saint Pierre and Miquelon?
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- Continent
- Americas
- Country
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- Coordinates
- 46.83°, -56.33°
Population Details
- Area
- 242 km²
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Saint-Pierre
- Region
- Americas
- Area
- 242 km²
- Languages
- French
- Currency
- euro (€)
- Timezones
- UTC-03:00
- UN Member
- No
Economy
The economy is heavily reliant on the public sector and subsidies from mainland France, which support the majority of local employment. While the traditional fishing industry was historically the primary driver of growth, recent data indicates a shift toward aquaculture, tourism, and professional services. The territory utilizes the euro (€) as its official currency, and its GDP per capita remains among the highest in the North Atlantic region despite challenges from its remote location. Unemployment rates are managed through public works projects and seasonal tourism initiatives that capitalize on the unique French heritage of the islands.
Society
Health and education services in the archipelago are modeled after the French national system, resulting in a literacy rate of 99%. Life expectancy is high, reaching approximately 81 years, supported by a modern healthcare facility in the capital of Saint-Pierre. Internet penetration is nearly universal, with over 90% of the population accessing digital services. While the local culture is deeply rooted in Basque, Breton, and Norman traditions, the territory maintains a high degree of social integration with mainland France through student exchange programs and administrative links.
Climate & Environment
The islands feature a cold maritime climate characterized by high humidity and frequent fog throughout the year. Temperatures typically range from -3 °C (27 °F) during the winter months to a cool summer peak of approximately 16 °C (61 °F). The archipelago is frequently influenced by the collision of the warm Gulf Stream and the cold Labrador Current, which creates volatile weather patterns and high annual precipitation.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- Overseas collectivity of France
- Independence
- null (null)
Geography
- Highest Point
- Morne de la Grande Montagne (240 m)
- Lowest Point
- Atlantic Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 120 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in Saint Pierre and MiquelonExplore weather and climate data for cities in Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Saint-Pierre
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C / -1°C | -5°C / -10°C | 17days (150 mm) Wet | 4h Fair | 76% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| February | 1°C / -3°C | -7°C / -12°C | 18days (146 mm) Wet | 5.2h Fair | 76% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| March | 2°C / -1°C | -5°C / -9°C | 14days (132 mm) Wet | 7.1h Good | 79% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| April | 3°C / 1°C | -2°C / -6°C | 15days (118 mm) Wet | 8.5h Good | 85% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| May | 5°C / 4°C | 1°C / -2°C | 12days (88 mm) Wet | 10.1h Excellent | 87% Very Muggy | Poor | View Details |
| June | 10°C / 8°C | 7°C / 4°C | 12days (117 mm) Wet | 8.9h Good | 93% Very Muggy | Poor | View Details |
| July best | 15°C / 14°C | 14°C / 11°C | 13days (107 mm) Wet | 9h Good | 94% Very Muggy | Fair | View Details |
| August best | 18°C / 16°C | 17°C / 14°C | 10days (100 mm) Wet | 10h Excellent | 89% Very Muggy | Good | View Details |
| September best | 16°C / 15°C | 14°C / 11°C | 11days (96 mm) Wet | 9h Good | 83% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| October | 12°C / 10°C | 9°C / 5°C | 11days (133 mm) Wet | 7.2h Good | 80% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| November | 8°C / 5°C | 3°C / -2°C | 18days (177 mm) Wet | 4.9h Fair | 77% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| December | 5°C / 2°C | -2°C / -7°C | 17days (150 mm) Wet | 4.2h Fair | 77% Humid | Poor | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 2°C / -1°C . Feb: 1°C / -3°C . Mar: 2°C / -1°C . Apr: 3°C / 1°C . May: 5°C / 4°C . Jun: 10°C / 8°C . Jul: 15°C / 14°C . Aug: 18°C / 16°C . Sep: 16°C / 15°C . Oct: 12°C / 10°C . Nov: 8°C / 5°C . Dec: 5°C / 2°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 150 mm. Feb: 146 mm. Mar: 132 mm. Apr: 118 mm. May: 88 mm. Jun: 117 mm. Jul: 107 mm. Aug: 100 mm. Sep: 96 mm. Oct: 133 mm. Nov: 177 mm. Dec: 150 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Population data for Saint Pierre and Miquelon is currently being loaded.
The capital of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is Saint-Pierre.
GDP data for Saint Pierre and Miquelon is currently being loaded.
GDP data for Saint Pierre and Miquelon is currently being loaded.
Saint Pierre and Miquelon covers 242 km² (93 sq mi).
The official language of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is French.
Saint Pierre and Miquelon uses the euro (€) as its sole official currency.
Saint Pierre and Miquelon is an island nation and shares no land borders.
The best months to visit Saint Pierre and Miquelon are July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.
The population of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is approximately 6,000 people. Most residents live in the capital town of Saint-Pierre, while a smaller community resides on Miquelon-Langlade. The population has remained relatively stable over recent decades due to a balance between local births and migration to mainland France for education.
No, Saint Pierre and Miquelon is not part of Canada, although it is located only 25 km (16 mi) from Newfoundland. It is an overseas collectivity of France, meaning it is French territory. Residents are French citizens who vote in national elections and follow the French legal and educational systems.
The official currency is the euro (€). Because the islands are a French territory, they adopted the euro despite being located in North America. While many local businesses accept Canadian dollars due to proximity and trade, change is typically provided in euros and official transactions must be conducted in the European currency.
The economy is primarily driven by public administration, fishing, and tourism. Following the decline of the traditional cod fishery, the territory has diversified into aquaculture and niche tourism that highlights its French culture. The public sector remains the largest employer for the population of approximately 6,000, supported by financial transfers from France.
The climate is cold and maritime, often featuring thick fog and strong winds. Winter temperatures average around -3 °C (27 °F), while summers are cool with averages of 16 °C (61 °F). The islands receive significant precipitation throughout the year due to their position in the North Atlantic, where major ocean currents meet.
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