Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador is situated in the Eastern part of Canada and is one of the country's four Atlantic provinces. It is comprised of the inward region of Newfoundland, and the continental region of Labrador to the Northwest, as well over 7,000 small islands. The total area of the province is 405, 212 square kilometres. The total population in the province is 525,400, with a majority of the population living on Newfoundland and neighbouring islands (more than half of which live on the Avalon Peninsula)

97% of the residents in Newfoundland use English as their primary language, while other languages common in the province includes French and Irish. In Labrador, two indigenous languages are also spoken; Innu-aimun, and Inuktitut.

The capital and biggest city in the province is St John's, the 20th largest census metropolitan region of Canada, comprising 40% of the total population in the province.

Demography

92% of the total population live in Newfoundland, while 50% of that total live on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland, where the capital of the province; St John's is located.

St John's is the biggest city in Newfoundland, with a population of about 108,000, considered as one of the oldest English cities in North America. More than 95% of the total Newfoundland population are English-speaking.

Almost 40% of the total population in NF associate with Roman Catholicism, while the balance 60% of the population are broken into other denominations, such as Protestant, 2.5% claim that they do not have any religious affiliation, while only 0.2% of the population claim to have another faith.

The average median age of residents in the province is 44 years.

Geography

Newfoundland and Labrador is positioned in the East of Canada. The two geographical parts; New Foundland and Labrador, are separated by the Strait of Belle.
Labrador is a vast mainland region of Canada, while Newfoundland is an island in the Atlantic Ocean. The province also comprises of 7,000 small islands.
Newfoundland has a triangular shape, is roughly 400 km long, with an area of 108,860 square kilometers.
Labrador also has a traingular shape, with the western part bordering Quebec. The North of Labrador is bordering the Nunavut Territory. The total land area of Labrador is 294,330 square kilometers.
Combined, the land area of the two regions make up 4.06% of Canada's total land area, with a total of 405,720 square kilometers.
Labrador is situated in the easternmost part of the Canadian Shield.
The wildlife in Labrador is similar to areas in North America, while Newfoundland has a lesser number of mammals, and no native amphibians.

Culture

The culture of Newfoundland and labrador has been shaped by many factors, including gegraphic, economic, and historic. Some of the most influential cultural forces have been the isolated location of the province on the eastern end of North America, the marine life, work and social relationships that developed through its primary fishing economy, and the cultures brought in by the large British and Irish roots of its people.
The people in Newfoundland and Labrador are known for their warm and welcoming nature, creativity, and storytelling, which is probably why it is known as one of the friendliest cultures in the world.
The culture of the province includes a mix of elements such as religion, entertainment, fishery, beliefs, and practices.
English and French are the two main languages spoken in the province.
A lot of the recreation activities that take place in the province are directly connected to its rich natural resoures and abundant wildlife. Hunting, fishing, hiking, backpacking, camping, skiing, and canoeing are popular sports and recreational activities enjoyed by people in the province.
Newfoundland has several parklands and reserves, including the Gros Morne National park; World Heritage site, the Terra Nova National Park, the Torngat Mountains Park Reserve, and much more.
A majority of the music in the province is inspired by traditional sea shanties, with strong Irish, French, and English influences. Some of the most popular music groups in the province is Ennis Sisters, and the Great Big Sea.
The province has a lively theatre scene, from small community shows, to full-blown musical perfrmances. The biggest cultural venue in the province is ‘The Rooms', in St John's, comprising of an open plan design, reflecting the rich heritage of the province, and offering stunning views of the city and harbour. The Rooms has an extensive collection of artefacts, and art.

Climate

The climate of Newfoundland can be described as humid continental. Broadly, the province experiences cool summers, largely influenced by the proximity to the ocean. Labrador's climate in the North is considered to be Polar tundra, while the south experiences a Subarctic climate.

The average summer temperatures in the province is around 16 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures are around 0 degrees Celsius. Winters can be quite harsh and occasionally drops below freezing point, while summers are more pleasant, and can reach as high as 25 degrees Celsius.

Healthcare

All International students registered as full-time students at Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary institutions are eligible for MCP coverage.

To be eligible you must be registered at an eligible education institution in the province, for a study period of at least 12 months. All dependends (if any) living with you will also be eligibel to be covered under the medical coverage plan. You must present a letter of enrolment along with your application for medical coverage, to receive the MCP card. The MCP card is renewed each year, and is terminated at the completion of your study program, or your departure from the province. You must be enroled in the education institution, and the province to avail benefits of this coverage.

The coverage includes doctor visits, hospital stays, and other basic medical care. Private health insurance can also be purchased to include coverage for things not included in the MCP, such as prescription drugs, dental, and more.

University Education

Post-secondary education in Newfoundland and Labrador is small, but effective, offering some of the most comprehensive degree programs. The province also offers several health-related programs, through its 25 private colleges. The Fisheries and Marine Institute also offers training and Fishery and Marine technology.

Universities and Colleges in the province offer over 175 programs in a range of industries and subject fields, to help prepare students for life after graduation and future employment. Programs are offered in areas such as medicine, education, business, geology, engineering, arts, music, pharmacy, science, tourism, IT, industrial trades, health sciences, and social work.

Each year the province enrols about 2,500 international students at its universities and colleges, located in St John's and Stephenville.

Universities and Colleges

Why Study in Newfoundland and Labrador

Easy transition into the local economy: A majoity of the courses offered at the education institutions in the province are directly focused on industries that corelate with the economy. This is good because it provides students with the required skills and knowledge to find adequate work in thriving economies in the province, in fields such as trades, maritme, and natural resources.
Low tuition fees: compared with other provinces.
A multicultural, welcoming society, offering newcomers peace, tranquility, and plenty of opportuities for growth.
The province offers several immigration pathways to obtain permanent residency in the province after completing your studies, including the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program, Atlantic International Graduate program, The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, and Express Entry Migration.

Economy/ Key Industries

For decades, the exploitation and export of natural resources has been the foundation of the Newfoundland and Labrador economy, inlcuding fisheries, mining, and forestry.

However in recent years, the primary economic industries in the province have seen an alarming decline. In the 21st century, the economy has shown signs of recovering, with emerging industries like mineral extraction, and the growth of tourism contributing largely to this success.

Resources and power

A majority of the Province's mining is now based in Western Labrador, and focused on the mining of iron ore, as well as nickel, copper, cobalt, gold, barite, silica, dolomite, gypsum, sand, gravel, and peat.

Manufacturing

The pulp and paper industry, wood products, building and repairing ships and boats, and the food and beverage manufacturing companines are dominant industries

Tourism

Tourism is another growing sector.

Some of the other primary growth industries in the province includes retail, health care, education, public administration, and professional services. A large portion of the country's revenue comes from local sales and income taxes.

The unemployment rate in the province is also higher than the national average.