Nation/The Oan Isles
Serene Realm of the Oan Isles | |
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 Flag of Staynes
Coat of arms
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Motto: Continue, regardless (Haere me he mutu) | |
Anthem: 'Heaven, bless the Emperor' (Oa, makaaki te Rangitanga-a-te-Moana | |
 Political map of the Oan Isles | |
| Location | Map |
| Capital | La Rochelle (Tokapa) |
| Largest city | Port of the Rock (Tauranga a te Toka) |
| Official languages | Oan language (Te Reo Oa |
| Ethnic groups (2016) | Oan nation (Te Iwi Oa) 80%, Noan nation (Te Iwi Noa) 10%, Islander 5%, Morstaybishlian 3% and other 2% |
| Demonym(s) | Oan |
| Government | parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy |
• Monarch | His Serene Majesty, the Emperor of Polynesia, Oahoanu |
| Maui Uye-Ahua | |
| Legislature | National Assembly |
| Establishment | |
• Unification of the Oan island archipelago under Ahua I | 1200 |
| Area | |
• Total | 44,150 km2 (17,050 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• 2018 census | 9,000,000 |
• Density | 203/km2 (525.8/sq mi) |
| GDP (nominal) | 2018 estimate |
• Total | 340 billion kiribs |
• Per capita | 40,000 kiribs |
| Gini (2018) | 40 medium |
| SDI ((n/a)) | 0.8 very high |
| Currency | Oan dollar (tāra) (OA$/OAD) |
| Date format | DD/MM/YYYY |
| Driving side | the left |
| ISO 3166 code | OAN |
| Internet TLD | .oan |
The Serene Realm of the Oan Isles (Te Rohe Rangamarie a te Motuere Oa) is an independent unitary island nation on the Auroran continental shelf, surrounded by Lazlowia to the west, and the Asian Pacific Islands to the southeast. It lies at the juncture of the Caven Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Formed from underwater volcanic activity over millions of years, the islands are characterized by a mountainous topography and igneous rock geology. Lying close to the Tropic of Makara, the islands have a mostly warm, humid and rainy climate, dense rainforests and and many endemic species of animals, plants and fungi.
Evidence of hominid habitation spans several thousand years, where hunter-gatherer nomads gradually developed religion, agriculture and seafaring. Iron tools and ceramic pottery, points to the iron age emerging around 1000 BCE, followed by the bronze age around 200 CE. The consolidation of small cities into unified territories and the development of tribal identity emerged around 600 CE. Around 1200 CE, the first sophisticated kingdoms emerged, which were in a constant state of war until they were unified under Ahua I in 1600 CE.
The nation began a process of expansionism, in which it absorbed neighboring islands and colonised foreign nations such as those of the Asian Pacific Island archipelago. This precipitated rapid developments in science and technology and exchanges with other civilisations, such as the introduction of mechanised textile manufacturing and farming, the steam engine and telegrams over 100 years starting in the 1800s. Unfortunately, political and economic differences with Great Morstaybishlia led to an invasion in which the Oan Isles lost a quarter of its territory and lost its economic and military hegemony over West Pacific island nations and trade routes.
The nation faced decline until the second industrial revolution introduced the automobile and combustion engine. Further developments in digital technology such as computing in the latter half of the 20th century, brought new wealth. Wars in Aurora, brought economic hardship. The nation recovered and joined multilateral organizations on the continent and built strong relationships with nations around the world. In the late 2010s the nation's international military engagements, and expanding economic ties led to increasing political influence.
The diverse and developed Oan economy produces an output of approximately 340 billion kiribs and a per capita GDP of 40,000 kiribs. Driven by exports, manufacturing and financial services, with advanced technology and sophisticated infrastructure, the nation is a small but formidable economic power. This economic might manifests itself in an indigenous arms manufacturing industry that provides weapons (together with foreign partners) for the small but professional and combat-ready Oan Defence Forces.
The Oan Isles is fairly diverse, with the rights of minority ethnic, religious and other groups existing alongside the dominant Oan people and the Mauist religion. This peaceful coexistence arises from the system of parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy framed by the Constitution of the Oan Isles. Although the Emperor is the head of state, it is the Prime Minister who exercises real political power as the leader of the country's multiparty democracy presently dominated by the Progressive and Liberal Parties. The government has pursued a foreign policy in multilateral Auroran processes and strong bilateral relations with Great Morstaybishlia, and Kuthernburg among others, by which it is considered a middle power in international politics.
Politics
The political system of the Oan Isles takes place in the framework of a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The Constitution of the Oan Isles forms the founding document of the country, and sets out the rights of the people and the structure of the government. It divides power between three branches (judiciary, executive and legislature) and places checks and balances between them.
The head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces is His Serene Majesty, Oahoanu, the Emperor of Polynesia. The Oan Isles shares the same monarch with the Asian Pacific Islands and the Kōhatu Isles through a personal union called the Polynesian Union. The Emperor ascends to the throne by male preference primogeniture. The Emperor has little influence in the daily affairs and running of the government; he acts as a ceremonial figurehead.
The Prime Minister and the Cabinet comprise the executive branch and carry out the work of governance. The Prime Minister, currently the leader of the Progressive Party, Kia Uye, is the head of government and the leader of a multi-party political system. The National Assembly elects the Prime Minister every four years. If the National Assembly is unwilling to pass a budget or it passes a motion of no confidence in the government, the Prime Minister and Cabinet can resign or the Prime Minister can dissolve the National Assembly and call fresh elections. She appoints members of the Cabinet, Ministers of the Crown, with the approval of a majority of the National Assembly.
The National Assembly comprises the unicameral legislature. The Progressive Party is the largest party and comprises His Serene Majesty's Government. It won the most seats, more than half, in the 2019 general election. The head of the party, the incumbent Prime Minister Kia Uye, served as the Minister for the National Treasury during the tenure of Maui Uye-Ahua. The second largest party, the Liberal Party comprises His Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition and it is led by Tīpene Reha, the former Ambassador to the United Nations of the Auroran Continent (UNAC).
The judicial system is comprised of the Supreme Court, the superior appeals courts and the inferior regional and local criminal and civilian trial courts. Oan law is derived from a combination of Staynish common law and Oan indigenous law. Through the Supreme Court, the judiciary is able to strike down laws which do not conform to the Constitution. The judiciary is able to interpret laws and the precedents set by higher courts are binding on inferior and future courts, unless overturned by courts higher up.
Foreign affairs
The foreign policy is framed by the Cabinet. Under its authority, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tukara Ipahena, oversees the diplomatic service and Oan foreign relations in general. The government has focused on maintaining close diplomatic relations and economic relations with other developed democratic countries. It maintains strong participation in international multi-lateral organisations and strong bilateral relations with some of the most powerful and wealthy nations on Urth. It is generally considered a regional power in Aurora and a middle power in international politics.
The Oan Isles is a major member of UNAC. This organisation was founded after the Auroran Union, of which the Oan Isles was a founding member, merged with the Auroran Continental Assembly. The Oan Isles has played an influential role in the politics and economics of the Auroran continent. It was among the countries that signed the treaty by which Ethalria was partitioned into four pieces, all of which were forced to pay reparations for the Second Auroran Imperial War. It was among the countries that recognised and admitted the democratic and legitimate government of the Republic of Xagrurg, after it was usurped in a coup d'etat that formed autocratic imperialistic military dictatorship that brought the SAIW onto Aurora and the island nations of the Pacific.
The Oan Isles has maintained close relations with democratic countries such as those of UNAC and with those in Atlantia, such as The Atlae Isles, Mexregiona, and Kuthernburg. It maintains particularly close relations with the latter after contributing to the liberation of Latianburg, after terrorist insurgents launched a civil war,participating in joint military operations, opening channels of trade and launched a joint program to develop unmanned aerial combat vehicles. In Concordia, it maintains warm relations withe Concordian Federation (the [[South Hills Coalition of Governments).
Military
The Oan Defence Forces (Te Kaha Kōrero a te Motuere Oa) comprises the military of the Oan Isles. The government maintains supreme authority over the armed forces and its daily relationship with the armed forces is carried out through the Minister for Defence, Areha Pukaroa. The highest ranking official is the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Iparahimu Tokarangi. He manages the armed forces together with the Joint Chiefs of Staff comprised of the heads of the five branches of the armed forces: the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines and the Coast Guard.
The armed forces has a budget of 12 billion kiribs. It benefits from an indigenous arms manufacturing sector which is a skilled in maritime warfare and unmanned aerial combat technology which it developed through a joint operation with Kuthernburg. Its maritime combat sector was diminished after a Staynish company took over its flagship shipbuilder, the Oan Shipyards Company. It further imports weapons from arms manufacturers in Great Morstaybishlia, and Xagrurg, Kuthernburg. It used to import weapons from Stratarin before diplomatic relations deteriorated irreparably.
The military is relatively small. 90,000 personnel comprise its active standing force, and does not have a large reserve as conscription is only enforced in war time. Nonetheless, the country benefits from a highly experienced and professional defence forces. The country overcame its weaknesses to build a 50 ship green water navy that can independently maintain combat at the high seas in the Caven Sea, Azure Sea and Pacific Ocean. These capabilities were prominently displayed during the Second Auroran Imperial War, when it dealt a significant blow to the Greater Xagurg Imperial Navy. The air force has also displayed its capabilities when it launched airstrikes against significant targets in Xagrurg that brought down the Greater Imperial Xagrurg government. Its army was able to bring down enemies in the Yor Isles and take the port city of Eidenburg during the SAIW.
Economy
The country has a medium-sized total economic output of 340 billion kiribs. It is a high income country, with a GDP per capita of 40,000. As a developed country, its people enjoy a high standard of living and low rates of unemployment, but it struggles with high debt and inequality where large powerful families control significant portions of national wealth and income. Despite these short-comings, the economy is managed well through a free market socialist economy.
The agricultural sector makes up 10% of the economy, with its largest sectors comprising of the production of fish, tropical fruits, and hardwood. The mineral extraction sector expanded significantly after the annexation of the Kōhatu Isles to comprise 15% of the economy primarily because of the production of natural gas and petroleum. The manufacturing sector is the biggest contribute for foreign income and makes up 20% of the economy primarily in the production of high tech electronics, and shipbuilding. The largest sector is the services sector, which makes up the remaining 45% of the economy, with retail, financial services, transhipment, and telecommunications.
The Oan Isles has a large economic impact on other nations. Major companies originate from or have their headquarters in the Oan Isles such as the Metatron Corporation in high tech electronics, Cafe Net in internet services and telecommunications, floatingmarket.com in online retail, Ita Marama in accounting and auditing, and the Standard National Bank in corporate banking. The country has strong trade and capital flows with Great Morstaybishlia, Kuthernburg, Xagrurg, Emberwood Coast, Axdel and Dragonia.
Demographics
Language
The Oan language, Te Reo Oa, is the official language and most widely spoken first language. Although the standard written form of the Oan language is the dialect spoken on the Rock Island (Tokamotu), over a dozen known dialects exists on other islands. Naturalised citizens, permanent residents and expatriate workers speak foreign languages, the most prominent of which are Islander, Staynish (Codexian), and the Kōhatuan language (Ōlelo Kōhatu).
Religion
The most widely practiced religion is a branch of Abrahamism, called Mauism that was syncretized with indigenous folk religions. It holds that there is one almighty creator, Atea, who assigned the angel/god Maui to protect the Oan Isles and people of Oan descent. It is followed by Jubliakism, a branch of Abrahamism which originated in Morstaybishlia and the indigenous folk religions of the Islander and Kōhatu people. A large portion of the population is irreligious.
Ethnic groups
The largest ethnic group are the indigenous Oan people (Te Iwi Oa), who comprise the largest branch of the West Polynesian group. It is further divided into tribes, which originated on the major islands of the Oan archipelago. Kōhatuans (Kama'āina Kōhatu) and Islanders form the largest group of Polynesians. The largest group of expatriates come from Auroran countries and the Kuthernburg Commonwealth.
Healthcare
The Ministry of Health provides public healthcare. Citizens and permanent residents make compulsory contributions through a monthly tax to the Universal Health Insurance Scheme. The UHIS pays for primary healthcare and emergency treatment for all residents including refugees and foreign workers. Private medical insurance schemes and healthcare facilities exist and are available for all, but are mostly taken by middle and upper class residents.
Education
Primary and secondary education, provided mostly through co-educational non-boarding secular schools. Although education policy arises from the Ministry of Education, the Board of Education has independence and ample discretion in the management of public schools and development of the curriculum. Oan schools are known for their academic rigour and holistic approach to education, offering adequate preparation for the International School Leaving Exams which provides successful candidates with an internationally recognised and accredited certification that offers entry into Oan institutions of higher education. With Oan students being ranked among the best in the world for performance in mathematics and language, the system is broadly considered a success.
Higher institutions of education are among the foremost institutions in tertiary education and research. They offer admittance to foreign students and attract talented and renowned academics from around the world. The most prestigious among them are the University of La Rochelle (Whare Wanaga a Tokapa) and the National University of the Oan Isles (Whare Wanaga Iwi to Motuere Oa). Oan institutions excel in health, electronics, robotics, geological and oceanographic research.
Urbanisation
Over 80% of the population inhabit towns and cities. High population density and competition for resources and opportunities has made the cost of living of Oan cities very high. Nonetheless, people enjoy high standards of living. Cities and towns have committed to and implemented programs to increase green spaces and control carbon emission. The largest city is the Port of the Rock (known as Tauranga a te Toka and Kokoru with 2 million people), and La Rochelle (also known as Tokapa with 1 million people). The remaining top ten cities take up 75% of the population alone, with smaller towns housing the remaining 5% of the population that dwells in urban areas. Smaller islands such as the Sand Dune Islands house most of the rural population.
Culture
Dress and appearance
Oan people usually let their hair grow long, wearing it lose or in a bun. They sometimes put a comb or pin through it. This is usually made of wood or whale bone. It is typically decorated with carvings which usually include swirly forms reminiscent of clouds or waves. Some people also wear feathers in their hair. Males often have extensive intricate tattoos over their face, chest and arms. These are called moko. Females usually only have a tattoo under the lips and over the chin and like to wear black lipstick.
Both men and women wear skirts and dresses. Dresses typically go across the chest, leaving the neck and shoulders exposed. Men sometimes wear skirts that expose their buttocks. Skirts are typically worn with a wide belt. Skirts and dresses typically have geometric patterns such as chevrons repeated. People sometimes wear mantles and cloaks. These cloaks and mantles can be made from the feathers kiwi bird or moa bird. Fabrics are usually made from flax. Earth, potash rock, plant resin or other dyes.
Social norms and everyday life
Most Oan people live in the cities. Life in the cities can be busy and fast-paced. Most households typically have a monogamous couple raising one to three kids. As people moved from the farms and villages to the towns and cities, their lifestyles became more fast-paced. Despite the abundance and accessibility of resources and opportunities, commercialism and competition for promotions and business opportunities increased. People became more educated. As a result, most households became monogamous with parents having, on average, one to three children.
There is a relatively high cost of living in the cities, so many people stay in apartments or lease townhouses. Middle-class and upper-class people are able to enjoy life in quiet suburban spaces. Cities offer many amenities that make life more convenient such as shops and public transport and have easy access to entertainment such as pubs, theatres and museums.
In Oan society people who are intimate or familiar greet each other by pressing their noses against one another. Women and men are treated equally. Men and women share equally in domestic tasks. Children are taught to respect their elders and become independent at a young age. Elders occupy places of esteem in society. Oans are generally friendly, polite and courteous. They can the company of close friends. Oans have strong cultural and spiritual links. They often pray and meditate in private and in public as individuals or groups. They partake in many ceremonies and rituals such as lighting incense and offering crop sacrifices to honour the dead. They have many festivals and feasts such as annual parades of young people who have been initiated into adulthood.