The inhabitants have traditionally earned their livelihood by fishing and by servicing fishing fleets operating off the coast of Newfoundland. The economy has been declining, however, because of disputes with Canada over fishing quotas and a steady decline in the number of ships stopping at Saint Pierre. In 1992, an arbitration panel awarded the islands an exclusive economic zone of 12,348 sq km to settle a longstanding territorial dispute with Canada, although it represents only 25% of what France had sought. France heavily subsidizes the islands to the great betterment of living standards. The government hopes an expansion of tourism will boost economic prospects. Fish farming, crab fishing, and agriculture are being developed to diversify the local economy. Recent test drilling for oil may pave the way for development of the energy sector.

Supplemented by annual payments from France of about $60 million

Vegetables; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish

Fish processing and supply base for fishing fleets; tourism

Fish and fish products, soybeans, animal feed, mollusks and crustaceans, fox and mink pelts

Meat, clothing, fuel, electrical equipment, machinery, building materials