@Asura You can assumes you have cannons with your army.

@Dedonus 1) You won't know, their country does not allow anyone in or out. You will have to start spying if you want that info. 2) Say the general location. 3) Your navy costs are...
400,000,000 ($) Frigate
150,000,000 ($) Schooner
100,000,000 ($) Sloop
40,000,000 ($) Brig 
Also, civilian, trade and fishing ships are not counted in your navy. This means you don't HAVE to use your nvy for colonial exploits. They will simply be large ships filled with settlers however you must send a military ship if you want to post a garrison.

@Winston It doesn't, you have to be careful with your money and there will be events every now and again that regain GDP. Your navy costs are...
350,000,000 ($) Frigate
100,000,000 ($) Schooner
50,000,000 ($) Sloop
10,000,000 ($) Brig