The Territorial Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a group of small French islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, the main islands being Saint Pierre and Miquelon, south of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The islands are as close as 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from Green Island, part of Newfoundland. The archipelago has the status of overseas collectivity within France. It is the only remnant of the former colonial empire of New France that remains under French control. Saint-Pierre is French for Saint Peter, who is a patron saint of fishermen. The present name of Miquelon was first noted in the form of "Micquelle" in the Basque sailor Martin de Hoyarçabal's navigational pilot for Newfoundland. It has been claimed that the name "Miquelon" is a Basque form of Michael, but it appears that this is not a usual form in that language. Many Basques speak Spanish as well as their native-tongue, and Miquelon may have been influenced by the Spanish name Miguelón, a form of Miguel meaning "big Michael". BTW this is my first card from these islands, and the stamp on it is also my first from SP & M. Thank you Christine for sending this card.
Hi, I'm Christine from St-Pierre & Miquelon. Happy that you liked my postcard and its stamp.
ReplyDeleteSeems you like stamps a lot and you must know that our country is famous for its stamps ; because of a special statut, we don't have the same stamps as France like we should.
Some of our collectors, particularly one, are good and won medals all over the world.
The best got gold, silver... medals in USA or Canada which are close from us, but also in Bulgary, Russia and I think, Japan.
Here is our specialist website (in French and in English)
http://www.spm-philatelie.com/
The next stamps world championship will be held here, in the tiny island of Saint-Pierre. I think it's 2011.... or maybe 2012, but you should find it in the website.
Hope you enjoy
Best wishes from Saint-Pierre & Miquelon