Prince Edward Island

A

Population

The population figures for Prince Edward Island have changed little over the last 100 years. Despite birth rates that historically have been relatively high, persistent migration from the island has resulted in little net population growth. According to the 2001 national census, Prince Edward Island had a population of 135,294, compared to 129,765 in 1991. In recent years, out-migration from the province has slowed. Today, the number of people leaving the province roughly matches the number of newcomers immigrating to the island, mostly from other provinces.

The average density of 24 persons per sq km (63 per sq mi) is fairly evenly distributed throughout the island, making Prince Edward Island by far the most densely populated province in Canada. The urban population (45 percent of the inhabitants) is largely concentrated in and around Charlottetown and Summerside. The remainder of the population lives in rural areas, including a small percentage who live on farms.

About 45 percent of people on Prince Edward Island trace their ancestry to England, Ireland, or Scotland. The French first settled at Saint Peter’s, Port LaJoie, Malpeque, and Rustico. Their descendants now constitute about 10 percent of the population, and a few of them speak only French.

B

Principal Cities and Towns

Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island, with 32,174 inhabitants in 2006. It is the island’s chief market and administrative and financial center. Summerside, with 14,500 inhabitants, is the only other city. The seven incorporated towns are Stratford, Cornwall, Montague, Kensington, Souris, Alberton, and Georgetown.

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C

Religion

Almost half the population of Prince Edward Island is Roman Catholic. The United Church of Canada claims the second largest membership, followed by the Presbyterian, Anglican, and Baptist churches.

D

Education

The public school system of Prince Edward Island is jointly administered by the provincial department of education and by three school boards; two are regional English-language school boards, and one French-language school board serves the entire province. Education is free and compulsory for children from age 7 to 15.

The island has one university, one community college, and about 65 elementary and secondary schools. The University of Prince Edward Island, in Charlottetown, was founded in 1969 as a result of the amalgamation of Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University. Holland College, a community college, provides a wide range of vocational training at several locations in the province.

E

Libraries

A regional library system, with headquarters at Charlottetown, was established by the Carnegie Corporation in 1933 and is now operated by the provincial department of education. It includes more than 20 branches that serve the whole island.

V

Government

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