Prince Edward Island is one of 13 provinces and territories of Canada located in the Atlantic region of the country. It is Canada's smallest province both by land area and population , with an economy based on agriculture, tourism, fishing.
Prince Edward Island is a province of Canada and is one of the three Maritime Provinces. Prince Edward Island has a total area of 2,190 square miles. Its total land area makes up just 0.1% of Canada.
Prince Edward Island has a varied climate based on its geography:
• Northern Region
Subarctic climate with long, harsh winters and shorter, cooler summers.
• Southern Region
Milder climate, particularly in coastal areas, with moderate temperatures.
• Coastal Region
Coastal areas experience weather influenced by ocean currents, with more moderate temperatures and increased precipitation.
Famous for potato farming, accounting for 25% of Canada's potato production.
Significant tourism industry, particularly during summer months.
Important shellfish industry, especially mussels and oysters.
Food processing and aerospace components manufacturing.
Average Age
43 years
Median Age
43 years
Female (50.8%)
Male (49.2%)
The 2021 census found the racial and ethnic composition of Prince Edward Island was:
European (87.2%)
Asian (6.8%)
Indigenous (2.1%)
Other (3.9%)
English (93.8%)
French (3.6%)
Other (2.6%)
Average Household Income
$76,200
Median Household Income
$68,400
Poverty Rate
12.8%
Mi'kmaq people called the island 'Epekwitk' (meaning 'lying in the water') before European arrival.
The French established Port-La-Joye, but the island fell to British forces during the Seven Years' War.
The British divided the island into 67 townships, granting them to absentee British landlords and creating a land ownership system that would cause political conflict for over a century.
Charlottetown Conference laid the groundwork for Canadian Confederation, though PEI would not join immediately.
PEI joined Confederation after Canada promised to resolve the land ownership issue and provide a continuous ferry service.
The Confederation Bridge opened, connecting PEI to mainland Canada and replacing the ferry as the primary transportation link.