Saint Pierre Island Map

Description:

Saint Pierre Island is the smaller but more populated of the two main islands in the French territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, located in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. With an area of approximately 10 square miles (25 square kilometers), it serves as the commercial and administrative center of the territory.

The island's capital, Saint-Pierre, is home to about 5,500 residents, representing roughly 90% of the territory's total population. The city features colorful houses and distinctive architecture that reflects its French heritage. The local economy primarily relies on fishing, tourism, and public administration.

Notable landmarks include the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, built in 1907, and the Pointe aux Canons Lighthouse, which has guided ships since 1862. The island also features the L'Arche Museum, which showcases the territory's history and cultural heritage, and the Saint-Pierre Airport, the main gateway to the territory.

Saint Pierre's climate is characterized by cool summers and relatively mild winters for its latitude, heavily influenced by the surrounding ocean currents. The island experiences frequent fog and strong winds throughout the year. During the American Prohibition era (1920-1933), Saint Pierre gained significance as a major smuggling center for alcohol into the United States. Today, the Place du General de Gaulle, the main square, and the historic Hotel Robert stand as reminders of this fascinating period in the island's history.