The Thousand Islands region spans both Canadian and American borders, so exercise caution when traveling amongst them.
Even though the islands act as stepping stones between the two countries, entry requirements still apply. It is illegal to go ashore without reporting to an immigration officer at a port-of-entry (even if it is unintentional), and doing so could have serious consequences -- including a fine, arrest, or removal from the U.S.
More information can be found from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at www.cbp.gov. The department publishes a site for Reporting Requirements for Pleasure Boat Operators.
Also, you should note that Canadian boat tours make stops at Boldt Castle -- an American tourist attraction. If you wish to disembark, you will be subject to U.S. Customs & Immigration laws and will require necessary identification and documentation.
Showing posts with label geography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label geography. Show all posts
June 21, 2007
Are there really 1000 islands?
Just how many islands are there in the Thousand Islands region, and what counts as an island?
The Thousand Islands region (along the St. Lawrence Seaway between Ontario, Canada and New York State, US) actually has 1,864 islands, according to various tourism websites. In order to be part of the official count, an island must remain above water all year round and has to support two trees or shrubs.
Most islands are actually large enough to support private cottages and residences, and both Canada and the US have national or state parks open to tourists.
The Thousand Islands region (along the St. Lawrence Seaway between Ontario, Canada and New York State, US) actually has 1,864 islands, according to various tourism websites. In order to be part of the official count, an island must remain above water all year round and has to support two trees or shrubs.
Most islands are actually large enough to support private cottages and residences, and both Canada and the US have national or state parks open to tourists.
December 12, 2006
Which Congo is which?
With political regime and name changes in the last few decades there can be confusion over the name "Congo". How can you tell which country is which?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (commonly known as the DRC) and the Republic of Congo were once known as the Belgian Congo. Since their independence from Belgium in 1960, they have been seperate entities. According to the CIA's World Fact Book, the DRC was called Zaire until a rebellion in 1997 which resulted in a regime change.
While many governments refer to the DRC by its full name, they often refer to the Republic of Congo simply as the Congo. Many popular news sources refer to either nation simply as the Congo for brevity in headlines. This naming convention can cause confusion when conducting research or looking for travel advice.
When in doubt, look for the capital city. For instance, the Canadian Government distinguishes between the two by the capital city: Congo (Brazzaville) for the Republic of Congo, and Congo (Kinshasa) for the DRC. Popular news sources usually provide a city name.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (commonly known as the DRC) and the Republic of Congo were once known as the Belgian Congo. Since their independence from Belgium in 1960, they have been seperate entities. According to the CIA's World Fact Book, the DRC was called Zaire until a rebellion in 1997 which resulted in a regime change.
While many governments refer to the DRC by its full name, they often refer to the Republic of Congo simply as the Congo. Many popular news sources refer to either nation simply as the Congo for brevity in headlines. This naming convention can cause confusion when conducting research or looking for travel advice.
When in doubt, look for the capital city. For instance, the Canadian Government distinguishes between the two by the capital city: Congo (Brazzaville) for the Republic of Congo, and Congo (Kinshasa) for the DRC. Popular news sources usually provide a city name.
December 11, 2006
Do you know your UK geography?
If you're in Ireland, are you in Great Britain or the United Kingdom?
Contrary to popular usage, "Great Britain" and "United Kingdom" are not interchangeable terms. According to the CIA Factbook, Great Britain (also known simply as "Britain" or "the British Isles") is made up of England, Scotland and Wales. The United Kingdom's full name is actually "the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" though it is usually called the United Kingdom or UK.
So if you are in Belfast, you're in Northern Ireland and the UK. If you're in Dublin, you are just in Ireland. Travel advice and pre-trip research should take into account these geographical and political differences. Most government sources will provide advice for both the UK and Ireland.
Contrary to popular usage, "Great Britain" and "United Kingdom" are not interchangeable terms. According to the CIA Factbook, Great Britain (also known simply as "Britain" or "the British Isles") is made up of England, Scotland and Wales. The United Kingdom's full name is actually "the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" though it is usually called the United Kingdom or UK.
So if you are in Belfast, you're in Northern Ireland and the UK. If you're in Dublin, you are just in Ireland. Travel advice and pre-trip research should take into account these geographical and political differences. Most government sources will provide advice for both the UK and Ireland.
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