Saint Pierre & Miquelon
About Saint Pierre & Miquelon
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | French |
| Capital | Saint-Pierre |
Saint Pierre and Miquelon, officially the Overseas Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, is situated in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean near Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It has a population of 6,080 (January 2011 census). The current population is descended from settlers from Normans, Basques, Bretons and Saintongeais, the historic area of Acadia and other Eastern provinces of Canada.
Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a parliamentary democratic French overseas collectivity. The president of France is the head of state and is represented by a Préfet (Prefect). The Prefect is the Governor of the territory. The President of the Territorial Council is the head of government and of a multi-party system. There are two levels of local government, Miquelon-Langlade and Saint-Pierre.
The first European encounter with Saint-Pierre and Miquelon was in 1520, by the Portuguese João Álvares Fagundes. In 1536, Jacques Cartier claimed them as a French possession on behalf of the King of France. The islands were not permanently settled until the end of the 17th century. From about 1670, through the 1700’s and until the 19th century, the islands exchanged hands frequently during hostilities between the United Kingdom and France. A referendum in 1958 offered the population the choice of becoming fully integrated with France, as a self-governing state within the French Community, or preserving the status of overseas territory. The population decided to remain a territory.
St. Pierre and Miquelon have a unique time zone that is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time. As a result, St. Pierre and Miquelon is the first place in North America to celebrate the New Year.
Saint-Pierre, the territory’s capital, offers a wide array of attractions worth visiting. These include the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, which features stained-glass windows that were a gift from General Charles de Gaulle; the territorial government complex; and the Pointe aux Canons Lighthouse, located at the entrance to the harbor of Saint-Pierre.
Recommended Vaccinations For Saint Pierre & Miquelon
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Recommended Medications For Saint Pierre & Miquelon
There are no recommendations for Saint Pierre & Miquelon at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Saint Pierre & Miquelon
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
For Some Travellers
Rabies
Rabies may be present in bats, but has not been reported in domestic or wild animals in this country.
Safety & Security in Saint Pierre & Miquelon
Personal Safety
Saint Pierre and Miquelon has a low crime rate and offers a generally safe environment for visitors. Petty theft and street crime occur but remain rare, particularly in a small community where incidents like pickpocketing are uncommon. You should avoid isolated areas including beaches after dark. Violent crimes are almost nonexistent on the islands, with peaceful conditions typical of the tight-knit community. The local French Gendarmerie Nationale provides law enforcement across the archipelago through two police stations. While terrorism has no recent history here, attacks cannot be completely ruled out given the territory’s French connection.
Extreme Violence
Extreme violence is exceptionally rare in Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The territory experiences almost no violent crime against residents or tourists. Historical data shows very limited homicide incidents, with some years recording zero homicides. The small population of around 6,000 people and the strong community bonds contribute to the peaceful environment. Law enforcement presence through the French Gendarmerie helps maintain public order. No significant gang activity, armed violence, or organized crime threatens visitors. The remote island location and French governance standards create a stable security environment free from the violent crime challenges found in many other territories.
Political Unrest
Political unrest is uncommon in Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Demonstrations and strikes occur occasionally and can disrupt traffic and public services when they happen. Historical tensions have centered on fishing rights and economic concerns rather than political instability. A notable 1965 political crisis led to a three-day general strike when France sent armed forces to the islands, but such events remain rare. Recent fishing quota disputes with Canada have sparked local protests, including an illegal fishing campaign in 1988. You should avoid areas where demonstrations or large gatherings take place. The territory maintains stable French governance with its own Territorial Council, and civil unrest does not pose a significant threat to visitors under normal circumstances.
Areas To Avoid
Saint Pierre and Miquelon has no specific high-risk areas that require blanket avoidance. The islands remain safe across their limited territory. You should exercise caution around isolated beaches and coastal areas after dark. The waters between Langlade and Saint-Pierre earned the name Mouth of Hell due to over 600 shipwrecks since 1800, though this relates to maritime rather than land-based dangers. Fog banks cross the archipelago about 100 days per year, mainly in June and July, creating visibility challenges. The rugged coastlines and rocky beaches require attention during outdoor activities. Remote areas on Miquelon and Langlade islands have limited infrastructure and services. Winter weather brings harsh conditions including heavy snow and strong winds that can make certain areas temporarily inaccessible.
