1. P RINCE E DWARD I SLAND By Summer Cerbone

2. I NTRODUCTION Prince Edward Island is located in the North- Eastern part of Canada. It was named after the son of King George III. It is now a popular tourist destination site. A common abbreviation for it is P.E.I. Prince Edward Island (green)

3. H ISTORY The Mi’kamq Indians lived on the island long before the French arrived. In 1534 Jacques Cartier, a famous explorer discovered P.E.I. In 1603 it was named St. Jean’s Island. It was renamed St. John’s Island in 1763. In 1799 the British named it Prince Edward Island. In 1873 it officially became the 7 th province of Canada.

4. C ANADA ’ S B IGGEST E XPORT Irish Moss is the most valuable commercial seaweed. It’s grown on the coast. P.E.I. sends about 6,000 tons (5,400 metric tons) to the manufacturer each year to make a substance called “Carrageenin”. It’s used in cosmetics, and foods such as ice- cream pudding and cake mixes. Irish Moss-

5. I NTERESTING F ACTS People live in small, scattered towns around the Island. The average number of people per square mile is larger than any other province in Canada. Charlottetown is the capital of P.E.I. and is also the largest city. P.E.I. is the only province that is completely separated from the mainland. It is located in the Gulf of Lawrence, a popular fishing area. The most valuable things to catch are lobsters. Fishermen also catch clams, cod, herring, mackerel, scallops and tuna.

6. A GRICULTURE Agriculture or farming is a important part of the Island. It covers nearly half the Island. Farmers grow food such as potatoes and blueberries. Some farmers raise cows for milk.

7. C LIMATE In January and average temperature is 19 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 degrees Celsius). The lowest temperature ever recorded was -35 degrees Fahrenheit (-37 degrees Celsius). A average temperature is July is 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius).

8. P OPULATION The population on P.E.I. has grown over the years: In 1871, the estimate was 94,021. In 1931, the population dropped to 88,038. In 1966, it went up to 108,535. In 1991, it went up even more to 129,765. In 2001, the Census estimate was 135,294. In 2010, 140,298!

9. P ROVINCE R EPRESENTATIVES The provincial bird is the Blue Jay. The Island’s tree is the Red Oak to represent the Island’s relationship with the United Kingdom. The Island’s flower is the Ladies Slipper. The Blue JayThe Red Oak The Ladies Slipper

10. A NNUAL E VENTS There are many annual events on P.E.I. In May they have a celebration called “Ceildh” (traditional Irish Dancing) at the Irish Hall in Charlottetown. Women and children dress in traditional Scottish clothes. The men dress in Kilts. That event is May-September. In June there is the Festival of the Lights in Charlottetown. Also in June they have what is called the “Summer Side Highland Gathering” that event is June-July. In July they have the “Indian River Festival of the Fine Music Series.” Also in July there is the “Northumberland Fishers Festival.” In July they celebrate the “Potato Blossom Festival”. Also they have the “Lobster Carnival”. The last thing in July is the “West Point Lighthouse Festival” with boat races. In August they have the “Kensington Community Harvest Festival.

11. P LACES TO V ISIT There are many places tourist visit on P.E.I., here are the main ones: Bason Head Fishers’ Museum Confederation of the Arts Harbor Front Jubilee Theater Lennox Island Orwell Corner History Village The P.E.I. Preserve

12. E DUCATION There is only one university on P.E.I., The University of Prince Edward Island (U.P.E.I.). It is located in Charlottetown. It was created to replace the Prince of Wales Collage and the St. Dustan’s University. A part of U.P.E.I. is the Atlantic Veterinary School