Saint Pierre and Miquelon:
Geography


Background	First settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North American possessions.

Location	Northern North America, islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada)
Geographic coordinates	46 50 N, 56 20 W
Map references	North America
Area	total: 242 sq km land: 242 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes eight small islands in the Saint Pierre and the Miquelon groups
Area - comparative	1.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries	0 km
Coastline	120 km
Maritime claims	territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate	cold and wet, with much mist and fog; spring and autumn are windy
Terrain	mostly barren rock
Elevation extremes	lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m
Natural resources	fish, deepwater ports
Land use	arable land: 12.5% permanent crops: 0% other: 87.5% (2005)
Irrigated land	NA
Natural hazards	persistent fog throughout the year can be a maritime hazard
Environment - current issues	recent test drilling for oil in waters around Saint Pierre and Miquelon may bring future development that would impact the environment
Geography - note	vegetation scanty