Prince Edward Island (French, l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard) is Canada's smallest province in terms of both size and population. In 1864, Prince Edward Island hosted the conference that led to the Articles of Confederation and the creation of Canada in 1867. Nevertheless, it only joined Canada as a province in 1873.
- Area: 5,660 sq. km.
- Population: 139,000 (2000) - 62% rural and 38% urban
- Capital: Charlottetown (pop.: 33,000)
PEI is also known as the setting for the Lucy Maud Montgomery Anne of Green Gables series.
The province comprises the island of the same name, located in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence northeast of New Brunswick, from which it is separated by the Northumberland Strait. The strait was recently spanned by Confederation Bridge.
The island has been known in Micmac as Abegweit, and as part of New France was called Île Saint-Jean.
See also: Canada, List of Canadian provinces and territories, List of Prince Edward Island counties, List of Canadian cities, List of Prince Edward Island counties, List of Prince Edward Island premiers
Little known PEI facts:
- Until 1924, automobiles drove on the left side of the road
External link: Government of Prince Edward Island