Geography
Newfoundland is a Canadian province straddling the 47th parallel. It consists of an island, Newfoundland, and the mainland Canada portion of Labrador which borders Quebec. The island is home to a population of 519,600. The land area of the province is 405,720 sq. km., making it seven times larger than Nova Scotia, and slightly larger than Japan and Norway. Labrador comprises 72.5 percent of the land area of the province but contains only 5.3 percent of the population.
Exploration and Settlement
The region of Newfoundland and Labrador was the first stretch of North America's Atlantic coastline to be explored by Europeans, but it was one of the last to be settled in force and formally colonized. The Norse arrived from Greenland about 1000 A.D. and established settlements here during the following century. There is legendary evidence that other Europeans chanced upon the island during the Middle Ages. John Cabot certainly reconnoitered the area and claimed it for the Tudor monarchs of England in 1497, and West European fishermen began to visit the Grand Banks during the summer months on a regular basis shortly thereafter.
It was not, however, until the second half of the 18th century that a considerable population came to live permanently in Newfoundland and to expand by natural growth; and it was not until the beginning of the 19th century that the formal institutions of church and state were securely planted. After 1760, did a combination of circumstances rooted in the disruption of European fisheries as a result of the American and French Revolutions and the Napoleonic Wars make Newfoundland seem like an attractive place to settle permanently. Migrants from England's West Country and from southeast Ireland moved here during those years, and created the basic population mix that persists in Newfoundland and Labrador to the present day.
Location and Climate
As Canada’s most easterly province, "the lay of the land" consists of Newfoundland, the island portion and the mainland Canada region of Labrador. Labrador's expanse of pristine lakes, raging rivers and endless mountain ranges make it eastern North America's last untamed frontier. The region's climate sees spring thaw occurring in April with mid-June bringing summer. Highs in summer can reach 30 degrees C and lows in winter have seen -50 degrees C.
The island has a more temperate climate. The east coast, not unlike England, is marked by wind, rain and fog. However a balance is struck by lush greenery, beautiful coastline and picturesque fishing villages. Central Newfoundland is drier, slightly warmer and consists of much wilderness. On the west coast, the Appalachian upheaval has created breathtaking fjords, fertile and scenic valleys and some of the best skiing east of the Rocky Mountains. Summer temperatures on the island typically average between 8 and 22 degrees C; between 0 and -15 in winter.
Education
In the Newfoundland and Labrador school system, regular evaluation against national and international standards ensures that children receive quality preparation for higher learning. Post-secondary institutions offer a variety of career choices at startlingly low tuition rates, by international standards.
Economy
The province’s economy produced goods and services valued at over $18 billion in 2003. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the province has expanded considerably over the past six years averaging growth of 6.5 per cent per year.
Export growth has been the main factor in this expansion. Goods and services exported from the province were valued at over $11 billion in 2003 (compared with $4.5 billion six years ago). Goods account for well over 80 per cent of exports. Most of the goods exported are sold in foreign countries, in particular the United States which accounts for more than 50 per cent.
Crude and refined oil, fish products, newsprint, iron ore and electricity account for most exported goods. Offshore oil accounts for the greatest share of export value (44 per cent in 2003) and is the leading contributor to export growth in recent years. Although services represent a relatively small portion of exports, the value has been rising due to growth in industries such as tourism, communications, business and computer services.
Cost of Living
Living expenses are generally lower than or competitive with other parts of Canada.
Consumer Price Index, by province
(Newfoundland and Labrador) |
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
| 1992 = 100 |
| N.L. |
|
|
|
|
|
| All-items | 114.5 | 117.3 | 120.7 | 122.9 | 126.1 |
| Food | 114.4 | 116.9 | 117.8 | 119.8 | 122.7 |
| Shelter | 111.0 | 111.7 | 115.4 | 119.3 | 125.6 |
| Clothing and footwear | 106.0 | 102.3 | 101.6 | 101.3 | 102.4 |
| Transportation | 129.6 | 137.8 | 148.6 | 152.8 | 157.9 |
| Health and personal care | 105.6 | 106.4 | 107.7 | 108.2 | 108.6 |
| Recreation, education and reading | 122.5 | 123.4 | 123.3 | 123.1 | 122.9 |
All monetary amounts and values are expressed in Canadian Dollars.
Labour Costs
Labour rates in Newfoundland and Labrador are very competitive among industrialized nations. Overall, Canadian labour at current exchange rates offers substantial advantages to firms that must compete in international markets.
Labour Market Characteristics
| Characteristics | Unit | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Labour Force | (000's) | 237.8 | 242.7 | 248.5 | 254.1 | 254.3 | 252.5 |
| Employment | (000's) | 198.0 | 203.8 | 207.2 | 212.3 | 214.3 | 214.1 |
| Unemployment | (000's) | 39.8 | 39.0 | 41.4 | 41.8 | 40.0 | 38.4 |
| Unemployment Rate | (%) | 16.7 | 16.1 | 16.7 | 16.5 | 15.7 | 15.2 |
| Participation Rate | (%) | 55.4 | 56.8 | 58.2 | 59.3 | 59.2 | 58.8 |
| Employment Rate | (%) | 46.1 | 47.7 | 48.5 | 49.5 | 49.8 | 49.8 |
