Newfoundland and Labrador is a province in Canada that has an interesting history and culture. Here are some interesting facts about Newfoundland and Labrador:

• Newfoundland used to be an independent country until it joined the Canadian confederation in 1949.

• The official name of the province is Newfoundland and Labrador, changed in 2001 to reflect the larger chunk of land on the continental mainland.

• Almost everyone pronounces Newfoundland wrong – there’s a slight guttural stop between “Newfound” and “land” with the latter pronounced as you would if it were isolated. So, the proper way to say the name is “Newfound-land”.

• L’Anse aux Meadows on the northern tip of Newfoundland island is the oldest European settlement in North America, built by Norse sailors (or “Vikings”) around 1000 years ago.

• 95% of North American puffins live in Newfoundland and Labrador, and it is the official bird of the province.

• St. John’s has one of the most colourful waterfronts in the world. The row houses were painted all different colors so ships could see them through the fog.

• The Newfoundland Dog is a large, strong dog with a heavy coat to protect it from icy winds and waters. Its feet are large, strong, webbed, and well-suited to swimming. It’s also known for its intelligence, loyalty, and sweet temperament.

• The provincial anthem of Newfoundland and Labrador is “Ode to Newfoundland” by Sir Cavendish Boyle.

• Everyone lives on Newfoundland – while the province encompasses both Newfoundland AND Labrador, a shocking 94% of the population lives on Newfoundland. Of those folks, another whopping 40% live in St. John’s, the capital city.

These are just some of many interesting facts about this charming province that make it stand out from others!