Our Nation

The Republic of Newfoundland is a sovereign democratic nation comprising the Island of Newfoundland and the territory of Labrador on the North Atlantic coast of North America. With nearly a millennium of recorded history, Newfoundland stands as one of the oldest European-settled territories in the Americas and one of the world’s most distinctive maritime nations.

After centuries of self-governance as a British Dominion and a brief period under Commission Government (1934-1949), Newfoundland restored responsible government on March 31, 1949. On July 1, 1972, the nation formally transitioned to a presidential republic while maintaining its parliamentary democracy and Commonwealth connections.

Quick Facts

• Capital: St. John’s
• Official Language: English (French and Inuttitut have regional status)
• Government: Presidential parliamentary republic
• Currency: Newfoundland Dollar (NFD)
• National Flag: Green-White-Pink Tricolour (adopted 1843, restored 1949)
• National Day: July 1 (Republic Day) and March 31 (Restoration Day)

Geography & Climate

Newfoundland occupies a strategic position at the northeastern edge of North America, commanding the approaches to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the North Atlantic shipping lanes. The island’s rugged coastline features deep fjords, sheltered harbours, and dramatic cliffs, while Labrador’s vast interior encompasses boreal forests, tundra, and some of the oldest rock formations on Earth.

The surrounding waters include the Grand Banks — one of the world’s richest fishing grounds — and a 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone encompassing approximately 960,000 km² of ocean. The climate ranges from maritime temperate on the island to subarctic in northern Labrador.

Economy & Resources

Newfoundland’s economy is built on responsible stewardship of natural resources, technological innovation, and strategic trade:

• Renewable Energy: Churchill Falls hydroelectric project and offshore wind generate 9+ GW of clean power, making Newfoundland a major energy exporter
• Offshore Resources: Oil, natural gas, and the Placentia Bay LNG terminal contribute 31% of GDP
• Fisheries: Sustainable management of cod, crab, and shrimp stocks under science-based quotas
• Mining: Rare earth elements, iron ore, and graphite from Labrador deposits
• Technology & Innovation: AI research, data centers, and aerospace engineering
• Tourism: Natural heritage, culture, and history attract visitors worldwide

The Newfoundland Sovereign Fund, valued at over $260 billion, ensures intergenerational prosperity from resource revenues.

International Relations

As a founding member of NATO (1949) and the Six Eyes intelligence alliance, Newfoundland plays a vital role in North Atlantic security. The Republic maintains diplomatic relations with over 90 nations and participates actively in:

• United Nations and specialized agencies
• Commonwealth of Nations
• Arctic Council (observer status)
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization
• International Maritime Organization
• North Atlantic fisheries management organizations

Strategic partnerships with the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Iceland, and Norway ensure collective security while preserving full sovereignty.

Culture & Heritage

Newfoundland culture reflects centuries of maritime tradition, blending English, Irish, French, and Indigenous influences. The Republic is known for:

• A rich tradition of folk music, storytelling, and oral history
• Distinctive dialects preserving archaic English and Irish terms
• Strong sense of community and mutual support (“the Newfoundland character”)
• Military heritage from WWI Royal Newfoundland Regiment to modern Armed Forces
• Protection of historic sites including L’Anse aux Meadows (Norse settlement, c. 1000 AD)

The Broadcasting Corporation of Newfoundland (BCN) preserves and promotes national culture through radio, television, and digital media.

Government & Democracy

The Republic operates under a constitution establishing:

• Presidential System: Directly elected President serves as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief (six-year term, maximum two consecutive terms)
• Parliamentary Democracy: House of Assembly elected by proportional representation, Senate appointed for regional representation
• Independent Judiciary: Supreme Court with constitutional review powers
• Civil Liberties: Strong protections for freedom of speech, press, assembly, and the right to bear arms

The government operates through 12 specialized ministries accountable to Parliament and the people.

Visit Newfoundland

Experience one of the world’s most distinctive nations — where ancient heritage meets modern innovation, rugged nature meets warm hospitality, and independence is lived every day.

Learn more:

• Government Structure
• National Documents Archive
• Armed Forces
• Visit Newfoundland