Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) - Facts, Flags and Symbols


Capital:

St. John’s

Population (2010 estimate): [i]

510,805

Motto on Licence Plate:

A World of Difference

Flag: [ii]

Act of Legislature assented to, May 28, 1980

Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador

Arms: [iii]

Royal Warrant of King Charles I, January 1, 1637

Coat of Arms of Newfoundland and Labrador

Date Entered Confederation: [iv]

Although the Act creating the new province came into force just before midnight on March 31, 1949, ceremonies marking the occasion did not take place until April 1, 1949.

Flower:

Pitcher Plant

Queen Victoria suggested using the pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea)—also known as the Indian dipper and the huntsman’s cup—on the colony’s coinage. Newfoundland and Labrador made it an official emblem in 1954.

Picture of pitcher plant flower

Bird:

Atlantic Puffin

The Atlantic puffin (Fraterculus arctica) is a well-known symbol of Newfoundland and Labrador. Over 95 percent of all the puffins in North America breed on the coasts of the province. The largest colony can be seen in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve just south of St. John’s.

Picture of Atlantic puffin

Tree:

Black Spruce

The black spruce (Picea mariana) was designated the provincial tree in November 1993. It is also known as the bog spruce. Although its foliage is bluish-green, it is called the “black” spruce to distinguish it from other types of spruce trees. The black spruce is the most abundant tree in Labrador and appears on the Labrador flag.

Picture of black spruce tree

Footnotes

  1. [i] Statistics Canada - Quarterly demographic estimates, 2010
    http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/100325/t100325a2-eng.htm
    [back to note i]
  2. [ii] Canadian Heritage - Canadian Anthems and Symbols
    http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1266258105305/1266214672512
    [back to note ii]
  3. [iii] Canadian Heritage - Canadian Anthems and Symbols
    http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1266258105305/1266214672512
    [back to note iii]
  4. [iv] Library and Archives Canada - Canadian Confederation
    http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/confederation/index-e.html
    [back to note iv]
Outline map of Newfoundland and Labrador

 

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