Miquelon Island


Miquelon also known as Grande Miquelon, is one of the islands of the archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, an Overseas collectivity of France located in the Atlantic Ocean, south of the coast of Newfoundland. Miquelon is situated between Le Cap Island to the north and Langlade Island to the south.

Toponymy

The name Miquelon purportedly derived from a Basque nickname for "Michael". In 1579, the names Micquetõ and Micquelle appeared for the first time in French Basque mariner Martin de Hoyarçabal's maritime pilot. The name evolved over time into Miclon, Micklon, and finally Miquelon.

Geography

Miquelon's coastline includes numerous sand and pebbles beaches enclosing lagoons, as well as high rocky cliffs standing up to on the east coast. Its geology consists of slightly metamorphosed post-Ordovician volcanic rocks, mainly rhyolites with breccias, andesites and basalts. On the south of the Miquelon Island is 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.
Miquelon is connected to Le Cap by a tombolo long and in places less than wide. To the south, Miquelon is connected to Langlade Island by a sandy isthmus that formed in the 18th century that is in length from to wide.
The island of Saint Pierre Island is across a treacherous and foggy strait that fishermen named "The Mouth of Hell" that has been the site of more than 600 shipwrecks.

Climate

The climate is typical of the North Atlantic and the Labrador Current, with frequent storms and winds that exceed for nearly six months of the year. The summers are cool and foggy. The average annual temperature is.

Population

Miquelon includes the commune of Miquelon-Langlade, with a population of 626 in 2012. Miquelon Airport serves 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 as Miquelonnais and are citizens of France.

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