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| Island of Newfoundland | |
|---|---|
| Name | Island of Newfoundland |
| Location | North Atlantic Ocean |
| Area km2 | 108860 |
| Highest point | The Cabox |
| Elevation m | 814 |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Population | 510000 |
| Density km2 | 4.7 |
Island of Newfoundland is the large island off the east coast of North America forming the major part of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It has a complex geological origin tied to the Appalachian Mountains and hosts a distinct mixture of Indigenous peoples, colonial settlements from England, France, and the Basque Country, plus modern urban centers such as St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. The island's strategic position in the North Atlantic Ocean made it pivotal for transatlantic navigation, fisheries, and wartime operations.
The island occupies a portion of the continental shelf adjacent to Labrador Sea, Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Cabot Strait and contains major physiographic regions including the Burin Peninsula, Avalon Peninsula, and the Great Northern Peninsula. Topography features the Long Range Mountains—an outlier of the Appalachian Mountains containing The Cabox—and extensive fjords such as those near Bonne Bay and Gros Morne National Park. Coastal features include the bays of St. Mary's Bay, Trinity Bay, and Notre Dame Bay; offshore islands include Fogo Island and Random Island. Glacial history left drumlins, eskers, and raised beaches visible at sites like Cape Bonavista and L'Anse aux Meadows.
Prehistoric and Indigenous presence includes the Palmerian culture predecessors, Maritime Archaic peoples, the Beothuk, Mi'kmaq, and Innu interactions. Norse explorers established a short-lived colony at L'Anse aux Meadows around 1000 CE associated with Erik the Red and Leif Erikson. European fisheries and seasonal settlements began in the 16th century involving John Cabot, Giovanni Caboto, the Basque fishermen, Portuguese sailors, and French colonists in Plaisance (Newfoundland). Anglo-French rivalries led to conflicts culminating in events such as the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), the Seven Years' War, and the Treaty of Paris (1763) which shaped colonial possession. The island became a British colony and later a Dominion of Newfoundland before confederating with Canada in 1949 following the Newfoundland National Convention and referenda involving figures like Joey Smallwood. During the 20th century, the island hosted Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Air Force bases, weather stations tied to the North Atlantic COVID-19???.
Population centers include St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Corner Brook, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay influences. Ethnic heritage comprises descendants of English settlers, Irish immigrants, Scottish Highlanders, French settlers, Basque fishermen ancestry, and communities of Mi'kmaq and Innu peoples. Language usage features English language dialects distinct to the island—including Newfoundland English—and pockets of French language on the west coast and the Bonavista dialect area. Religious affiliation historically revolved around Roman Catholic Church (RCC), Anglican Church of Canada, United Church of Canada, and Salvation Army congregations; cultural figures include Alistair Cooke and artists tied to Terry Fox-era charity runs.
The island economy historically depended on the Atlantic cod fishery and related industries such as the salt cod trade, merchant shipping, and processing in communities like Bonavista and Trinity (Newfoundland); the collapse of cod stocks led to the 1992 Canadian cod moratorium and economic restructuring. Resource sectors now include offshore oil and gas development connected to fields like Hibernia oil field, Terra Nova oilfield, and White Rose oilfield operated by corporations such as ExxonMobil and Husky Energy. Forestry operations and mining projects involving Voisey's Bay nickel mine and exploration companies drive employment, while aquaculture firms and the Harbour Grace port support shellfish and salmon farming. Tourism linked to Gros Morne National Park, L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, and cultural festivals supports local businesses and cruise ship calls to St. John's harbour.
Flora and fauna include boreal forest species like black spruce, peatland ecosystems, and tundra communities in northern peninsulas. Marine biodiversity features populations of Atlantic salmon, capelin, Northern cod, and marine mammals such as North Atlantic right whale, humpback whale, harp seal, and grey seal. Protected areas and conservation efforts encompass Gros Morne National Park, Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, and migratory bird habitat at Elliston and Cape Spear. The island faces environmental issues tied to overfishing highlighted by the Canadian cod moratorium, climate-driven shifts recorded by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, and contamination episodes such as those involving Mercury (element) advisories around industrial sites.
Primary transport hubs include St. John's International Airport, Gander International Airport, and the port of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Road networks link via the Trans-Canada Highway across the island with ferry services such as Marine Atlantic connecting to Nova Scotia at North Sydney, Nova Scotia. Rail service once included the Newfoundland Railway prior to the 1988 abandonment, while modern logistics incorporate icebreaker support from Canadian Coast Guard vessels and meteorological reporting historically by Argentia bases. Energy infrastructure comprises onshore generation, offshore platforms tied to the Hebron oil field, and transmission overseen by entities like Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.
Cultural identity blends traditions like mummering, kitchen parties, and storytelling preserved by institutions such as the Memorial University of Newfoundland and museums like the Rooms Provincial Museum. Music and arts scenes include figures linked to Great Big Sea, The Tragically Hip influences, folk artists such as Ryan's Fancy, and literary contributions from authors like Michael Crummey and E. J. Pratt. Sport and community life feature hockey teams, heritage celebrations such as Discovery Day (Newfoundland and Labrador), and culinary specialties like Jigg's dinner and fish and brewis. Festivals include The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival and events at Signal Hill commemorating Marconi's wireless transmissions.