Country Profile: Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a small group of islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland, Canada. As the only remaining part of France's once extensive North American territories, they became an overseas collectivity in 2003. The islands have a population of approximately 5,070 people, primarily concentrated on Saint Pierre Island. Economically, the region relies heavily on fishing exports, supported by significant aid from the French government. The local governance operates under a parliamentary democracy as part of France.

Geography

Saint Pierre and Miquelon consists of eight small islands in the North Atlantic, covering an area of 242 square kilometers. The terrain is mainly barren rock, with a cold and wet climate characterized by fog and wind. The islands have a total coastline of 120 kilometers and are located at geographic coordinates 46°50′N 56°20′W.

• 242 sq km: Total area (2023)
• 120 km: Coastline
• 12 nm: Territorial sea
• 200 nm: Exclusive economic zone
• 240 m: Highest point (Morne de la Grande Montagne)
• 8.7%: Agricultural land in 2023
• 5%: Forest coverage in 2023

People and Society

The population of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is estimated at 5,070 in 2025, with a notable majority being French citizens. The official language is French, and 99% of the population practices Roman Catholicism. The demographic is aging, with a median age of 51.8 years. The islands experience negative population growth due to migration.

• 81.8 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
• 6.31 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.)
• 11.83 deaths/1,000: Death rate (2025 est.)
• -6.9: Net migration rate per 1,000 population (2025 est.)
• 90.1%: Urban population (2023)
• 63.3: Total dependency ratio (2025 est.)
• 2,442 male and 2,628 female: Gender distribution (2025 est.)

Economy

Saint Pierre and Miquelon has a high-income economy primarily based on fishing, with substantial support from the French government. The region accounts for a GDP of $261.3 million (2015 est.) and has recently seen growth in tourism and aquaculture. It uses the euro and has strong trade ties with Canada and France.

• $261.3 million: GDP (2015 est.)
• $60 million: Annual payments from France (estimated)
• 400 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.)
• 78%: Exports to Canada (2023)
• 57%: Imports from France (2023)
• 88.7%: Internet users as a percentage of the population (2022 est.)
• 26,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)

Government

Saint Pierre and Miquelon operates as a parliamentary democracy under the French constitution. The capital is Saint-Pierre, and there is a Territorial Council responsible for legislative functions. The islands have no first-order administrative divisions but consist of two communes. The French president oversees the region through a prefect appointed for local governance.

• 18 years: Voting age
• 19: Seats in the Territorial Council
• 2020: Last election date for Territorial Council
• 2: Main communes (Saint Pierre and Miquelon)
• President: Emmanuel Macron (since 2017)
• Marc Didio: Head of government (since January 2026)
• Fête de la Fédération: National holiday on July 14

Military and Security

The defense of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is the responsibility of France. There are no local military forces, and security matters are managed through the French national defense framework.

• Defense responsibility: France

Energy

Electricity generation in Saint Pierre and Miquelon is entirely reliant on fossil fuels, with an installed capacity of 26,000 kW. The islands consume approximately 48.714 million kWh of electricity annually and face a minor loss in transmission.

• 100%: Electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
• 48.714 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
• 2 million kWh: Transmission and distribution losses (2023 est.)
• 400 bbl/day: Petroleum consumption (2023 est.)

Transportation

Transportation to and within Saint Pierre and Miquelon is facilitated through 2 airports and a couple of ports, with Miquelon and Saint Pierre being the key ports for maritime operations.

• 2: Airports (2025)
• 2: Total ports (2024)
• 1: Port with oil terminal
• 1: Small port among the total

Communications

Saint Pierre and Miquelon boasts a robust communications network, with nearly 89% of the population using the internet. The islands have limited fixed-line subscriptions and rely on French broadcasting networks for media.

• 88.7%: Internet penetration rate (2022 est.)
• 4,800: Fixed-line subscriptions (2015 est.)
• 8: TV stations part of the French Overseas Network (2021)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,070 (2025 est.)
Area	242 sq km
GDP	$261.3 million (2015 est.)
Total electricity consumption	48.714 million kWh (2023 est.)
Birth rate	6.31 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate	11.83 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life expectancy	81.8 years (2024 est.)
Urban population	90.1% of total population (2023)
Installed electricity capacity	26,000 kW (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption	400 bbl/day (2023 est.)