Elevation 0–207 m (0–679 ft) Local time Tuesday 9:21 PM Number of airports 1 | INSEE/Postal code 97502 /97500 Area 25 km² Population 5,618 (1999) | |
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Weather 0°C, Wind N at 16 km/h, 74% Humidity Mayor Karine Claireaux (Socialist Party) | ||
Saint-Pierre is the capital of the French overseas collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, off the coast of Newfoundland in Canada. Saint-Pierre is the more populated of the two communes (municipalities) making up Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
Contents
- Map of Saint Pierre Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- Geography
- History
- Demographics
- Government
- Landmarks
- Services
- Transportation
- Radio and television
- Education
- Twin towns Sister cities
- References
Map of Saint-Pierre, Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Geography
The commune of Saint-Pierre is made up of the island of Saint-Pierre proper and several nearby smaller islands, such as L'Île-aux-Marins. Although containing nearly 90% of the inhabitants of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, the commune of Saint-Pierre is considerably smaller than the commune of Miquelon-Langlade, which lies to its northwest on Miquelon Island.
The main settlement and communal seat is situated on the north side of a harbour called Barachois, which faces the Atlantic Ocean, on the Saint-Pierre Island's east coast. The mouth of the harbour is guarded by a small chain of islands.
History
Until 1945, there existed a third commune in Saint Pierre and Miquelon: L'Île-aux-Marins. The commune of L'Île-aux-Marins was annexed by the commune of Saint-Pierre in 1945.
Demographics
Population of Saint-Pierre at the 2006 local census was 5,888, many of whom are of Basque, Breton, Normand or Acadian descent. All inhabitants in the commune (municipality) live on the island of Saint-Pierre proper.
Government
The commune is led by a mayor and a council.
Landmarks
Close to the centre of the harbour's edge lie the Post office and Custom House (staffed by Directorate-General of Customs and Indirect Taxes), behind which is General Charles de Gaulle Square, the town's centre.
Other prominent landmarks in Saint-Pierre include the cathedral, to the north of the square, rebuilt in the early twentieth century after a major fire, and the Pointe aux Canons Lighthouse, at the mouth of the harbour. Further north, close to the town's former hospital, is the Fronton Zazpiak Bat - an arena for the traditional Basque sport of pelota.
Services
Hospitalier François Dunan (opened 2011) is the only hospital (84 bed facility) in St. Pierre et Miquelon with additional health care needs at the seniors residence at Maison de Retraite Egalntine.
Transportation
Saint-Pierre Airport, the international airport of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, is located south of the settlement of Saint-Pierre and is served by Air Saint-Pierre with flights both to Miquelon Airport and five Canadian airports.
Radio and television
Education
Public primary schools in the commune:
Lycée-Collège d'État Émile Letournel is the public secondary school in the commune, with junior high, vocational high, and general senior high/sixth-form programmes.
Private schools:
Twin towns – Sister cities
Saint-Pierre is twinned with: