Forgotten World (184): St Pierre and Miquelon
The sole remnant of France’s once-extensive possessions in North America, the Atlantic islands of St Pierre and Miquelon lie off the Canadian island of Newfoundland and house a a mere 6,300 inhabitants. The islands became a French “territorial collectivity” in 1985. The status – something between a department and an overseas territory – allowed French subsidies to continue and calmed Canadian fears about European exploitation of its fishing grounds.
With little agriculture and a troubled fishing industry, the islands depend on France for subsidies and on their near neighbour for goods and transport links. Fish processing is the main economic activity, although tourism is increasingly important. The territory capitalises on its image as “France in North America”.