Country Summary
Introduction
Background
Saint Pierre and Miquelon Island were first settled by the French in the early 17th century. The islands attained the status of a French overseas collectivity in 2003.
Geography
Area
total: 242 sq km
land: 242 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate
cold and wet, with considerable mist and fog; spring and autumn are often windy
Natural resources
fish, deepwater ports
People and Society
Population
5,257 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)
Languages
French (official)
Religions
Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%
Population growth rate
-1.2% (2022 est.)
Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy (Territorial Council); overseas collectivity of France
Capital
name: Saint-Pierre
Executive branch
chief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017); represented by Prefect Christian POUGET (since 6 January 2021)
head of government: President of Territorial Council Bernard BRIAND (since 13 October 2020)
Legislative branch
description: unicameral Territorial Council or Conseil Territorial (19 seats - Saint Pierre 15, Miquelon 4; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed to serve 6-year terms);
Saint Pierre and Miquelon indirectly elects 1 senator to the French Senate by an electoral college to serve a 6-year term and directly elects 1 deputy to the French National Assembly by absolute majority vote to serve a 5-year term
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, French North American territorial economy; primarily fishing exports; substantial French Government support; highly seasonal labor force; euro user; increasing tourism and aquaculture investments
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$261.3 million (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$46,200 (2006 est.)
Agricultural products
vegetables; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish
Industries
fish processing and supply base for fishing fleets; tourism
Exports
$6.641 million (2010 est.)
Exports - partners
Canada 79%, France 8%, Belgium 6% (2019)
Exports - commodities
crustaceans, fish, medical instruments, electrical parts, pasta (2019)
Imports
$95.35 million (2010 est.)
Imports - partners
France 69%, Canada 22% (2019)
Imports - commodities
food preparation, packaged medicines, low-voltage protection equipment, cars, computers, iron structures (2019)
Exchange rates
euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Page last updated: Friday, May 13, 2022
