Welcome to Newfoundland - Labrador

  

Capital: St. John's Motto: Quaetrite Prime Regnum Dei (Seek ye first the Kingdom of God) Flower: Pitcher Plant   The Land The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador consists of two major geographical areas; the island of Newfoundland, and Labrador on the Canadian mainland. Most of the island of Newfoundland lies below the 50th parallel and is located at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River with an area of some 112,000 km2.  The People The province's present population of approximately 509,000 is largely descended from settlers from southwestern England and southern Ireland who immigrated to Newfoundland in the late 1700s and early 1800s. There is also a small but vibrant francophone population, perhaps reflecting France's early presence in the area. The pattern of settlement was mainly determined by the fishing industry, a population distribution that has persisted to this day. The Avalon Peninsula and northeastern Newfoundland, the traditional base for the fisheries, continue to be the most heavily populated areas. Economy Since its first settlement, Newfoundland and Labrador has been highly dependent on its resource sector. The province was initially settled because of its rich fishing grounds on the Grand Banks. The mainstay of the province's fishing industry has been groundfish (primarily cod); however, other important catches are flounder, redfish, capelin, shrimp and crab. In addition to fish products, oil and gas production has become a major component of the provincial economy since 1997.  Mining is also a major sector. Iron ore production is 55% of the total output in Canada. Real Estate You may wish to use these and other firms to look for real estate in Newfoundland; www.remax.nf.ca www.realestateharris.com www.subdivisions.ca www.richardlear.com www.rgregosmond.com www.craigwilliams.ca      *Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, Copyright (c) 2003.