In terms of Ethnic Diversity, Newfoundland and Labrador has been described as having a population of European origin. With a aboriginal population, Newfoundland and Labrador’s present inhabitants are descendants of individuals who migrated from southwestern England and southeastern Ireland in the mid-17th and mid 19th century.

Towards the end of the 19th century, a number of Chinese men came to Newfoundland and Labrador, despite discrimination. Several of these individuals opened businesses-primarily laundry mats and later restaurants. The Chinese first landed in St. John’s and some decided to open businesses in some of the larger centers in the province. During the same time period, a number of Lebanese Christians came to Newfoundland to flee from religious strife in Syria and Lebanon.