_
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is Canada's
smallest province in terms of both area and population. The
crescent-shaped island has a
total area of 5 660 km2. The province has numerous lakes and
rivers, most of which are quite small.
Rich soil and a
temperate climate make Prince Edward Island an ideal place for mixed
farming. Half of its land is under cultivation, earning it the
nickname "the Garden Province." It is renowned for its red soil and
sand dunes
The People
The population of
Prince Edward Island as of July 2006
was approximately 138,157.
With a population of about 32 000,
Charlottetown is the largest urban centre.
Approximately 75
percent of the people are of British (mainly Scottish and Irish)
origin. About 20 percent are of French origin. The Aboriginal
population of Prince Edward Island numbers approximately 1,000. The
island population is quite young - about 38 percent of the people
are under the age of 25.
The Economy
Agriculture, tourism and fishing are the
economic mainstays of Prince Edward Island. Most of the industrial
activity has to do with food processing, although high-technology
industry is becoming important, especially in the medical,
electronics and agricultural fields.
Prince Edward Island's rich, red soil is
ideal for growing potatoes, which are the most important source of
income for the province's farms.
|
