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HRsolution » COUNTRIES » Saint Pierre and Miquelon

  1. Population

    Saint Pierre and Miquelon has a small population of about 6,000 inhabitants. The majority of the population resides on the island of Saint-Pierre, while the remainder live on the neighboring island of Miquelon.

  2. Capital

    The capital of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is Saint-Pierre, a small town on the island of Saint-Pierre with around 5,500 residents. It serves as the administrative, commercial, and cultural center of the archipelago.

  3. Economic Power

  • The economy of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is heavily dependent on fishing, particularly cod fishing, which has declined in recent decades due to overfishing and international regulations.
  • Other important economic sectors include tourism, services, and some minor agricultural activities.
  • Due to its close ties with France, the territory receives substantial financial support through French and European subsidies.
  • There is no significant industrialization on the islands, and many consumer goods must be imported.

  1. Culture

  • The culture of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is heavily influenced by France, as the territory is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic. French is the official language, and daily life largely follows French traditions.
  • The culture also reflects maritime traditions, as fishing plays a central role in island life.
  • Celebrations such as Bastille Day (14 July) and Carnival are important cultural events, and the Catholic faith plays a significant role in social life.

  1. Currency

  • The official currency of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is the Euro (EUR), as the territory is part of France and the European monetary zone.

  1. Health Insurance and Social Security System

  • Saint Pierre and Miquelon have a public health system closely modeled on the French system. All residents have access to state health insurance and can receive medical services on the islands or in France if necessary.
  • The social security system is also aligned with the French system and includes pension insurance, unemployment, sick leave, and maternity leave.

  1. Employer Costs

  • Employer contributions to social security in Saint Pierre and Miquelon are largely similar to those in France, including contributions for health insurance, pension insurance, and other social benefits.
  • These contributions can amount to up to 45% of an employee’s gross salary, depending on the type of employment and the company.

  1. Salary and Bonuses

  • The average salary in Saint Pierre and Miquelon aligns with salaries in France but tends to be slightly lower, as the cost of living on the islands is generally lower.
  • A minimum wage is in place, similar to France’s SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance), which is approximately 1,747 euros gross per month (as of 2023).
  • Bonuses, such as the 13th-month salary, are often included in employment contracts and follow French labor laws.

  1. Payroll

  • Payroll in Saint Pierre and Miquelon includes details such as gross salary, social security contributions, taxes, and bonuses, closely following the French payroll system.
  • Employees pay income tax, and social security contributions are automatically deducted from the gross salary.

  1. Public Holidays

    Saint Pierre and Miquelon follow the French holiday calendar, with additional local holidays. Key holidays include:

  • New Year’s Day (January 1)
  • Labor Day (May 1)
  • Bastille Day (July 14)
  • All Saints’ Day (November 1)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)

  1. Working Hours

  • The standard workweek is 35 hours, as in France.
  • Overtime is regulated by French labor laws and must be compensated either financially or through additional time off.

  1. Vacation

  • Employees are entitled to at least 5 weeks of paid vacation per year, similar to France.
  • Additional paid leave is available for special occasions such as weddings or births.

  1. Sick Leave

  • In the event of illness, wage continuation is partially covered by social security and partially by the employer. Typically, the employer pays for the first days of illness, after which social security takes over.
  • The benefits’ amount and duration depend on the length of service and social security regulations.

  1. Termination/Severance

  • French labor laws apply in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, providing strong protection against dismissal.
  • Terminations must be well justified, and specific notice periods apply.
  • Depending on the length of service, employees are entitled to severance pay, calculated based on years of employment and salary.

Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a unique region that blends French administration with local culture, strongly influenced by its maritime location. Despite its small population, the territory is well integrated into the French and European systems, particularly in terms of social security and labor laws.

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