Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a self-governing territorial overseas collectivity of France, situated in the northwestern Atlantic ocean near Canada. It is the only remnant of the former North American colonial empire of New France that remains under French control. The islands are situated at the entrance of Fortune Bay, which extends into the southern coast of Newfoundland, near the Grand Banks. They are 3,819 kilometres from Brest, the nearest point in Metropolitan France, but just 20 kilometres off the Burin Peninsula of Newfoundland. Saint-Pierre is French for Saint Peter, who is a patron... saint of fishermen. The present name of Miquelon was first noted in the form of "Micquelle" in the Basque sailor Martin de Hoyarçabal's navigational pilot for Newfoundland. It has been claimed that the name "Miquelon" is a Basque form of Michael, but it appears that this is not a usual form in that language. Many Basques speak Spanish as well as Basque, and Miquelon may have been influenced by the Spanish name Miguelón, a form of Miguel meaning "big Michael".
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| Founded: | May 30, 1814 |
| Capital: | Saint-Pierre |
| Population: | 7,036 |
| Official language: | French Language |
| Currency: | Euro |
| Area: | 93.4 sq. mi. |
| Form of government: | Dependent territory |
| Also known as: | Territoire De Saint Pierre Et Miquelon, Territoire Des Iles Saint-Pierre Et Miquelon, Collectivité Territoriale De Saint-Pierre Et Miquelon |