Miquelon Island
Native name: Île Miquelon | |
|---|---|
 Miquelon Island in the center, south of Le Cap and north of Langlade Island | |
  Miquelon | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 47°03′26.1″N56°20′19.2″W/ 47.057250°N 56.338667°W |
| Archipelago | Saint Pierre and Miquelon |
| Adjacent to | Gulf of Saint Lawrence |
| Area | 110 km2(42 sq mi) |
| Highest point | Morne de la Grande Montagne (240 m (790 ft)) |
| Administration | |
| Overseas collectivity | Saint Pierre and Miquelon |
| Largest Commune | Miquelon-Langlade |
| Demographics | |
| Demonym | Miquelonnais |
| Population | 626 (2012) |
| Languages | French |
| Additional information | |
| Official website | http:// miquelon-langlade |
Miquelon(French:Île Miquelon) also known asGrande Miquelon,is one of the islands of thearchipelagoofSaint Pierre and Miquelon,anOverseas collectivityofFrancelocated in theGulf of St. Lawrencein theAtlantic Ocean,22 km (14 mi) south of the coast ofNewfoundland.Miquelon is situated betweenLe Cap Islandto the north andLanglade Island(also calledPetite Miquelon) to the south.[2]
Toponymy[edit]
The name Miquelon purportedly derived from aBasquenickname for "Michael"(Mikel). In 1579, the names Micquetõ and Micquelle appeared for the first time in French Basque marinerMartin de Hoyarçabal'smaritime pilot.The name evolved over time into Miclon, Micklon, and finally Miquelon (Mikelunein Basque).[1][3]
Geography[edit]
Miquelon's coastline includes numerous sand and pebble beaches enclosing lagoons, as well as high rocky cliffs standing up to 25 m (82 ft) on the east coast. Its geology consists of slightly metamorphosed post-Ordovicianvolcanic rocks, mainly rhyolites withbreccias,andesitesandbasalts.On the south of the Miquelon Island is theGrand Barachois,a large lagoon which is host to a large population ofsealsand other wildlife. Miquelon is also a well known destination for bird watching.[2]
Miquelon is connected to Le Cap by atombolo3 km (1.9 mi) long and in places less than 100 m (330 ft) wide. To the south, Miquelon is connected toLanglade Islandby a sandyisthmusthat formed in the 18th century that is 12 km (7.5 mi) long and 6 to 100 m (20 to 328 ft) wide.[1]
The island ofSaint Pierre Islandis across a treacherous and foggy 6 km (3.7 mi) strait that fishermen named "The Mouth of Hell" (French:La Gueule de L'Enfer) that has been the site of more than 600 shipwrecks.[1][4]
Climate[edit]
The climate is typical of the North Atlantic and theLabrador Current,with frequent storms and winds that exceed 60 km/h (37 mph) for nearly six months of the year. The summers are cool and foggy. The average annual temperature is 5.5 °C (41.9 °F).[2]
Population[edit]
Miquelon includes thecommuneofMiquelon-Langlade,with a population of 626 in 2012.Miquelon Airportserves the population via turboprop or small jet aircraft. The majority of the residents live in the town also called Miquelon, located in the north of the island near La Cap. The residents are known asMiquelonnaisand are citizens of France.[5]
Gallery[edit]
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Miquelon shore -
The north coast of Miquelon, next to Le Cap -
The village of Miquelon seen from the west -
House in the village -
Milestone to Miquelon -
The port of Miquelon -
Acadienmonument
See also[edit]
- History of Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- List of islands of France
- List of islands in the Atlantic Ocean
References[edit]
- ^abcdSt. Pierre & Miquelon Business Law Handbook: Strategic Information and Laws.International Business Publications. p. 26.ISBN9781438771090.Retrieved16 November2016.
- ^abcBird, Eric.Encyclopedia of the World's Coastal Landforms.Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 163–165.ISBN9781402086380.Retrieved16 November2016.
- ^"1579 – Voyages Avantureux, Martin de Hoyarçabal".Grand Colombier.Retrieved16 November2016.
- ^Les Français peints par eux-mêmes: encyclopédie morale du dix-neuvième siècle(in French). L. Curmer. 1840. p. 640.Retrieved16 November2016.
- ^Edward, David A. O.; Lane, Robert (2013).Edward and Lane on European Union Law.Edward Elgar Publishing. p. 81.ISBN9780857931054.Retrieved16 November2016.
External links[edit]
