Aboriginal peoples lived in
Newfoundland and
Labrador thousands of years
before the arrival of the Europeans.
Norse explorers first explored the area about 1000 AD.
The name Newfoundland appears in
British records as early as 1502 and
originally was applied to all newly explored areas in the North Atlantic.
"Newfoundland" was used to designate
both the entire province and
the island until 1965, at which time the province's name was changed
officially to "Newfoundland
and Labrador".
The island of Newfoundland
(108860 km² ~ 42031 mi²)
is situated off the east coast of North America between the
Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Labrador portion, on the
Atlantic Coast of the North American mainland,
(296860 km² ~ 114618 mi²) is separated from
the island by the Strait of Belle Isle.
It is bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the south
and west by Québec.
Newfoundland became part of
Canada on Mar 31, 1949,
as the 10th province.
Less than 1% of the land is owned by the federal government.
WEATHER
The climate of Newfoundland varies greatly.
In the interior of Labrador,
the climate is continental with
long, very cold winters and brief, warm summers.
The cold Labrador Current keeps the east coast cool.
In the east part of the island of Newfoundland,
the climate is moderated
by marine influences, and winters are much milder and summers are
warmer and longer.
Average temperatures range from
–1.1 º C (30 º F) in Labrador to
about 5 º C (41 º F) in southeast Newfoundland Island.
Record temperatures have ranged
from –51.1 º C (–60 º F) to 41.7 º C (107.1 º F).
Precipitation increases from north to south.
The annual average ranges from 432 mm (17 in)
in north Labrador
to 1524 mm (60 in) in the south part of the island.
Precipitation is distributed evenly throughout the year.
Rain and fog are frequent in St.John's, which is also
one of Canada's windiest cities.
ECONOMY
Until the early 20th century,
Newfoundland's economy was based almost completely on fishing.
The fishing industry normally accounts for about 3% of the
annual gross domestic product in Newfoundland.
Cod is the traditional staple of the fishing economy.
Shrimp, lobster, crab, turbot, flounder, and sole are also taken,
but none of these catches is even 1/4 as large as the cod catch.
About 8% of Newfoundland's labor force is employed in transportation,
communications, and other utilities.
The province's size and population distribution make
transportation services a critical concern.
Traditionally, the province depended mostly on coastal water
transportation, but today road and air transportation are of
greater importance.
The most important manufacturing industries are fish products
and pulp and paper products; chemical and nonmetallic minerals
industries are also significant.
Although the service sector dominates the provincial economy,
mining and manufacturing play an expanding role.
Newfoundland has abundant mineral resources.
Copper, lead, and zinc are found on the island,
as are asbestos, gypsum, fluorite, and talc.
Petroleum has been discovered off the coast of
Newfoundland Island, and natural gas off the
coast of Labrador.
Uranium and huge iron~ore deposits are also found in Labrador.
About 60% of Newfoundland is forested,
although only about 1/2 the forest has any commercial value.
The province's large forest resources are used mainly in the
production of newsprint.
Tourism has become increasingly important to the Newfoundland economy.
In addition to 2 national parks,
Newfoundland also has some 93 provincial parks,
recreation areas, and campgrounds.
Less than 1% of the province's land is classified as farmland.
The leading crops include vegetables (turnips~cabbage~carrots),
greenhouse products, berries, and potatoes.
The principal agricultural products are livestock, dairy,
and poultry products.
SCHOOLS
In Newfoundland and Labrador,
education is a high priority of the provincial government,
which has made extensive investments to create and maintain a
world~class system of public education.
The Newfoundland Department of Education
has the mandate to provide educational leadership and
financial resources, ensure compliance with provincial legislation
and regulations, and ensure accountability for the
kindergarten to Grade 12 system. The accreditation and
registration of the province's public post~secondary and
private training institutions also fall under the jurisdiction
of this Department.
Newfoundland and Labrador
is an excellent place to live and study.
Situated on the northeast corner of North America,
the spectacular natural setting of our province provides a
beautiful backdrop for you to pursue your educational goals.
With one of the lowest crime rates in North America,
affordable housing and education, and a distinctive,
friendly culture, our province offers quality of life beyond expectation.
The unique blend of historic charm and exciting modern living
make this
an amazing place to live.
When you make a commitment to study in
Newfoundland and
Labrador,
the province makes a commitment to you to provide the best
possible preparation needed to compete in the ever
expanding global economy.
With an education system that is second to none,
Newfoundland and
Labrador,
offers a truly unique learning experience.
The province's educational institutions boast world~class facilities,
internationally respected faculty, and an impressive range of programs.
Innovative, progressive and student~centred, our educational institutions
create learning environments that will help you fulfill your academic
and professional goals.
For more details please contact the
Newfoundland Department of Education.
HOSPITALITY
Why would anybody want to come to a place that some call the
Edge of the Earth? It’s a place where things just happen.
Where the unexpected is the norm, just slightly off~kilter
with the rest of the world. Where the people and the beauty of
this land stay with you long after you leave.
Learn about this place called
Newfoundland and
Labrador, Canada.
Catch a glimpse of icebergs, whales, birds and wildlife.
Find hiking trails, parks, historic sites and scenic driving routes.
Search for maps, accommodations, tours, festivals and events,
outfitters and places to shop.
Take this opportunity to explore this mysterious land.
Let go of your expectations.
Prepare yourself to be lost, and found,
in Newfoundland
and Labrador.
Rich with history. Rife with culture.
Sprawling with natural beauty.
All these wonders have been here for thousands of years,
embraced by those who happened upon them.
It's up to the traveller to enjoy them,
to go vigorously in search of people, adventure,
of places to experience.
Around every bend you will find a piece of heaven,
a delightful sight, a playful breeze that will help your journey.
There's just something about a place where life itself is cloaked
in a blanket of snow, that does something to quiet the soul and
elevate the spirit. Where serenity can be found at below zero
temperatures, and the air is served fresh and slightly chilled.
It’s a breathtaking view of uniqueness and history.
The perfect combination of tradition, beauty, and modern charm,
fused together with friendly and hospitable people,
exciting attractions, and a distinct Newfoundland and
Labrador flavour.
There are hundreds of great finds for you to discover along the way.
Renowned for poetry, humour, song, and creativity,
hospitality, quick wit, and charm, the people of
Newfoundland are the first to show you a good time,
and the last to send you home at night,
in a place where you’ll see the first sunrise in North America.
For more details please contact
Newfoundland Tourism.
NEWS
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