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Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of Canada, located in the Atlantic region and made up of the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of Canada, located in the Atlantic region. It consists of the island of Newfoundland and the mainland region of Labrador. The provincial capital is St. John's, and the province joined Confederation in 1949.

Geography

The province is divided into two main parts: the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador. Labrador borders Quebec and the Labrador Sea, while Newfoundland lies in the North Atlantic and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

History

Newfoundland and Labrador became part of Canada in 1949, having previously existed as a separate colony and dominion. Its name was formally changed in 2001 to include Labrador.

Population and settlement

Most of the provincial population lives on the island of Newfoundland, particularly around St. John's and other coastal communities. Labrador contains a much smaller share of residents.

Economy

Historically, fishing—especially cod fishing—was central to the provincial economy. Later economic activity expanded to include iron ore mining in Labrador, offshore petroleum and natural gas, and tourism.

Key facts

  • The province consists of two main parts: the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador.
  • It is Canada's easternmost province and part of the Atlantic region.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador entered Confederation in 1949, making it the newest of Canada's 10 provinces.
  • Its official name was changed from Newfoundland to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2001.
  • The provincial capital is St. John's.
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Canadian context

It is one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces and the country’s easternmost province, making it geographically significant for Canadian maritime history, fisheries, and Atlantic coastal identity.[1][10]

Frequently asked questions

What is Newfoundland and Labrador?
It is a Canadian province consisting of the island of Newfoundland and the mainland region of Labrador.
What is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador?
The capital is St. John's, on the island of Newfoundland.
When did Newfoundland and Labrador join Canada?
It joined Confederation in 1949 as Newfoundland; the official provincial name became Newfoundland and Labrador in 2001.
Is Newfoundland and Labrador the easternmost province in Canada?
Yes. Multiple sources describe it as Canada's most eastern or easternmost province.
What is the province's area?
The province's area is about 405,212 square kilometres, though some sources round it slightly differently.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newfoundland_and_Labrador
    Supports: Province composition, easternmost status, area, and population estimate.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Newfoundland-and-Labrador
    Supports: Province description, Confederation date, name change, area, and historical context.
  3. Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage — https://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/society/facts-and-figures.php
    Supports: Geography, total area, island and Labrador areas, and population figures.
  4. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador — https://investorrelations.gov.nl.ca/aboutnl.aspx
    Supports: Official description, area, Confederation date, and 2001 constitutional name change.
  5. Government of Canada — https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/settle-canada/provinces-territories/newfoundland-labrador.html
    Supports: Province location, Atlantic province status, and two-part composition.
  6. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Newfoundland-and-Labrador/276063
    Supports: Capital, province composition, area, and name change.