The island of Newfoundland has a long and indented coastline that includes several major bays.

About the English and Irish origins of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that immigrated between the 17th and 19th century.

French migrations to Newfoundland and Labrador began in the early 16th century and lasted for approximately 400 years.

Newfoundland and Labrador's cod fishery was the major pull factor attracting French settlers to the colony from the 16th through 19th centuries.

Patterns of immigration and settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador were greatly influenced by mercantile activities.