Introduction
Background
Saint Pierre and Miquelon 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
total: 5,132
male: 2,476
female: 2,656 (2024 est.)
Ethnic groups
Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)
Languages
French (official)
Religions
Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%
Population growth rate
-1.21% (2024 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.)
$215.3 million (2006 est.)
Agricultural products
vegetables; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish
Industries
fish processing and supply base for fishing fleets; tourism
Exports - partners
Canada 84%, France 11%, Ireland 3%, Slovakia 1%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 0% (2022)
Exports - commodities
processed crustaceans, shellfish, fish, special purpose motor vehicles, vehicle parts/accessories (2022)
Imports - partners
France 52%, Canada 42%, Netherlands 2%, Germany 1%, Belgium 1% (2022)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, packaged medicine, other foods, plastic products, cars (2022)
Exchange rates
euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
0.885 (2017 est.)
0.903 (2016 est.)
0.9214 (2015 est.)
0.885 (2014 est.)
0.7634 (2013 est.)
Page last updated: Wednesday, May 15, 2024
