Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, << MIHK uh lon, >> are two small French islands off the southern coast of the island of Newfoundland. They lie about 15 miles (24 kilometers) to the west of Burin Peninsula. The rocky islands cover a total area of 93 square miles (242 square kilometers) and have a population of about 6,000. A territorial council governs the islands. The French government appoints a prefect to serve as its representative there. The two islands and several small islet dependencies make up a political unit of France called an overseas collectivity.
The islands were once a base for French fishing operations. These operations declined greatly in the late 1900’s. Many summer tourists visit the islands. The capital and largest town also is called Saint-Pierre. The capital, on the island of Saint-Pierre, has a good harbor.
The French began settling the islands in the 1600’s. England controlled them from 1713 to 1763. After that, England and France traded control of the islands. In 1816, France gained final possession.
