Miquelon-Langlade
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
|
Commune of Miquelon-Langlade |
|
 |
|
| View of Miquelon-Langlade | |
| Location | |
 |
|
| Coordinates | |
| Administration | |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Overseas community | Saint-Pierre and Miquelon |
| Mayor | Denis Detcheverry |
| Statistics | |
| Elevation | 0 m–240 m |
| Land area | 205 km² |
| Population¹ (Jan. 2006 census) |
616 |
| - Density | 3.0/km² (2006 census) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| INSEE/Postal code | 97501/ 97500 |
| 1 Population sans doubles comptes: residents of multiple communes (e.g. students and military personnel) only counted once. | |
 |
|
Miquelon-Langlade is the less populated of the two communes (municipalities) making up the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, in North America. They are located to the east of Newfoundland in the Atlantic Ocean. The communal seat is the settlement of Miquelon, in the north of Miquelon Island.
Contents |
[edit] Geography
Miquelon-Langlade is made up of three geologically distinct islands bound together by tombolos: long strips of sand dune. These islands are: Le Cap, Miquelon Island (Grand Miquelon) and Langlade Island (Petite Miquelon).
Miquelon Island has a large lagoon known as the Grand Barachois which is host to a large population of seals and other wildlife. Miquelon is also a well known destination for bird watching.
[edit] History
The name Miquelon is of Basque origin and means "Michael", as several fishermen with this name were established in the island. In 1579, the names Micquetõ, Micquelle appeared for the first time in Martin de Hoyarçabal's navigational pilot. The name evolved over time into Miclon, Micklon, and finally Miquelon.
[edit] Demographics
The population of Miquelon-Langlade is mainly of Basque and Acadian ancestry. The population of Miquelon-Langlade was 616 at the January 2006 local census, 615 of whom lived on Miquelon, and only one of whom lived on Langlade (this sole inhabitant, Charles Lafitte[1], died in July 2006).
[edit] Transportation
Miquelon can be reached by boat or by plane from Saint-Pierre and is served by Miquelon Airport which is located adjacent to the settlement of Miquelon. The airport is served by Air Saint-Pierre with flights both to Saint Pierre Airport and Canada.
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ Charles Lafitte was widely known on the islands as "de Gaulle", and lived as a hermit on Langlade for many years with his dogs.
[edit] External links
[edit] Tourism and travel links
- Tourism and Travel Resources for St Pierre & Miquelon
- Frequently Asked Questions Tourism and Travel
- Map of Miquelon
- Le Phare: Association of Tourism Professionals
- Local Airline Air Saint-Pierre
- Ferry service for Saint-Pierre, Miquelon and Fortune Newfoundland
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon travel guide from Wikitravel
