The Andorinhões

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The Andorinhões (Marabillese pronunciation: [ɐ̃doɾiˈɲõj̃ʃ]) officially the Constitutional State of the Andorinhões (Marabillese: Estado Constitucional dos Andorinhões) previously known in Staynish as The Andorignoes is an island country located east of Aurora.

Constitutional State of the Andorinhões Estado Constitucional dos Andorinhões
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Frente" "Forward"
Anthem: "Juntas marcharemos"
Location of the Andorinhões on Urth
Location	26.7538°S 170.0453°E
Capital	São João das Ilhas
Largest	Colheitas
Official languages	Marabillese
Recognised national languages	Staynish Andorinhean Creole
Recognised regional languages	Lissian
Sign language	Marabillese Sign Language (LGM)
Demonym(s)	Andorinhean
Government	Unitary semi-presidential republic
• Governor	Cristóvão de Carvalho
• President of the Council of Ministers	João Paulo Rodrigues
Legislature	National Assembly
Formation
• Settlement of Santa Cruz	15 August 1435
• Sovereign Land of the Holy Cross	16 April 1487
• Republic of Martlet	10 October 1914
• Socialist Republic of the Martlets Islands	6 May 1971
• People's Republic of the Andorinhas Islands	19 November 1973
• Constitutional State of the Andorinhões	5 June 1992
Area
• Total	6,221 km2 (2,402 sq mi)
Population
• 2020 estimate	1,323,529
• 2014 census	1,314,965
• Density	21,117/km2 (54,692.8/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)	2020 estimate
• Total	$16.850 billion
• Per capita	$12,814
Currency	Andorinhean escudo (ANE)
Time zone	UTC+11:30
Driving side	right
Calling code	+015
ISO 3166 code	AN
Internet TLD	.an
Website www.theandorinhoes.an

The archipelago is composed of 19 islands and covers an area of 6,221 square kilometres (2,401 sq mi) and has a tropical climate. It's largest city is Colheitas, located on the island of Santo Ambrósio and the capital is São João das Ilhas (commonly referred as São João), located on the island of São João.

The Andorinhões remained uninhabited until the 15th century, when members of the Order of the Holy Cross discovered and colonized the islands. The Order of the Holy Cross proclaimed the islands sovereign in 1487, and named it Terra Soberana da Santa Cruz.

Since the beginning of the 1990s the Andorinhões has operated as a stable representative democracy. Lacking natural resources, its developing economy is mostly service-oriented, with a growing focus on tourism and foreign investment. The country is a founding member of the International Forum and joined the United Nations of the Auroran Continent on October 2021.

Etymology

The name for the Andorinhões comes from the swift, the heraldic animal of the nation, also known as the martlet. Previously, the term Andorinhas was used, which is for the actual national animal, the swallow and was changed to the actual term with the introduction of a new constitution in 1992.

On 24 October 2001, the country's delegation announced that the official name should no longer be translated into other languages. Instead of "Andorignoes," the designation "Andorinhões" is to be used. Staynish-speakers have used the staynicised versions of the name such as "Martlets" or "Andorignas" for the archipelago and for the country. In 2001 the Andorinhean government determined that the Marabillese designation Andorinhões would henceforth be used for official purposes even in Staynish-language contexts.

History

Main article: History of the Andorinhões

Before the arrival of the Order of the Holy Cross, the islands were uninhabited. They were discovered by Maurício de Corvos in 1412 who was afterwards appointed Commander of the islands by the Grand Master of the Holy Cross.

In 1435, settlers of the Order arrived at the island of Santa Maria and founded a settlement which became the city of Santa Cruz. The islands were proclaimed to be sovereign and independent in 1487, this fast-tracked other settlements and many islands acquisitions. With such a massive expansion and still little population, the government had grown considerably and had trouble exercising its rule. The government progressively levied new taxes, especially on the recently acquired islands which angered the newly established populations there, feeling that the more populous islands be the one to provide for the services.

Republicanism (1910-1960)

With the population angered with the government, a small group of influent people met with the goal to find solutions on the issues with the government. At first, the solution put forward was to negotiate with the government and to reduce the level of taxes by spreading it more evenly through the years. This proposal was rejected by the government. In 1912, a group of revolutionaries proclaimed the Republic of Martlet and established the Provisional Government of the Martlet and in 1914, the Sovereign Land's government officially capitulated in Espírito Santo. This new republic was faced with many challenges, having to rebuild some of the villages and settlements which had been destroyed during the revolution. Mostly on the island of Santo Ambrósio which saw a lot of fighting due to its strategic position.

Geography

Main article: Geography of the Andorinhões

View of the bay in São João das Ilhas

Climate

The Andorinhões experiences two distinct seasons, a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. Westerly winds and heavy rain are the predominant weather conditions from October to March, with tropical temperatures moderated by easterly winds from April to November.

Climate data for The Andorinhões
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	31 (88)	30 (86)	30 (86)	31 (88)	31 (88)	30 (86)	30 (86)	30 (86)	30 (86)	31 (88)	31 (88)	31 (88)	31 (87)
Average low °C (°F)	27 (81)	27 (81)	27 (81)	27 (81)	28 (82)	27 (81)	26 (79)	26 (79)	27 (81)	27 (81)	27 (81)	27 (81)	27 (81)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	390 (15.4)	360 (14.2)	310 (12.2)	250 (9.8)	240 (9.4)	240 (9.4)	250 (9.8)	250 (9.8)	230 (9.1)	270 (10.6)	280 (11.0)	390 (15.4)	3,460 (136.2)
Source: Government of the Andorinhões

Government

Politics

Main article: Politics of the Andorinhões

The Andorinhões is a stable semi-presidential representative democratic republic. It is among the most democratic nations. The constitution – adopted in 1992 and revised most recently in 2015 – defines the basic principles of its government. The Governor is the head of state and is elected by popular vote for a 5-year term.

The President is the head of government and proposes ministers. The president is nominated by the National Assembly and appointed by the governor. Members of the National Assembly are elected by popular vote for 4-year terms.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of the Andorinhões

The Andorinhões is a founding member of the International Forum.

It is a member of only one regional organisation, the United Nations of the Auroran Continent since October 2021.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the Andorinhões

A proportional representation of the Andorinhões' exports

A proportional representation of the Andorinhões' imports

The Andorinhões' notable economic growth and improvement in living conditions despite a lack of natural resources could classify the nation as a developing nation rather than a least developed country.

The islands have few natural resources, and their imports exceed exports. According to the government, the value of exports in 2020 was $5,268 billion while estimated imports were $10,769 billion. The GDP in 2020 was an estimated $16,850 billion. The GDP per capita was $12,814.

The Andorinhões is in a situation of a trade deficit especially in the transportation, mineral products and machines sectors. The country is still able to have a trade surplus in some sectors mostly the wood products, animal products, precious metals and foodstuffs sectors.

The economy of the Andorinhões is service-oriented, with commerce, transport and public services accounting for more that 70% of GDP. Expatriate Andorinheans contribute an amount estimated at about 20% of GDP to the domestic economy through remittances.

Since 1992, the government has pursued market-oriented economic policies, including an open welcome to foreign investors and a far-reaching privatization programme. It established as top development priorities the promotion of a market economy and of the private sector; the development of tourism, light manufacturing industries and fisheries; and the development of transport, communications, and energy facilities.

Primary sector

Agriculture

Agricultural production is concentrated on small and some medium farms. The most important commercial crops is raw sugar followed by coffee, copra, tobacco, cocoa beans, wheat, vanilla and spices. The Andorinhões is also processing a lot of its own agricultural products in industries such as hard liquor, raw sugar, cocoa beans, coconut oil and palm oil. The Andorinhões is also exporting fresh water.

Fishing

The Andorinhões has a major fishing industry and the commercial ports of the Andorinhões are some of busiest fish transshipment ports in the world. There are a lot of fish processing centres in the Andorinhões and many exports fish to a number of countries. Fishing license fees, provide noteworthy income for the government. Fishing is also one of the largest exports of the Andorinhões accounting for approximately, 16% of all exports.

Wood

The country is lacking major natural resources but makes up for it by exporting rough wood and fuel wood, which is accounting for 13% of all exports.

Industry and shipping

Manufacturing

Due to its size, the country does not have a lot of industries but is still able to have sizeable exports of some high technologies such as computers and broadcasting equipments, some chemical products such as packaged medicaments and pesticides and has a small textile industry. Although in many of these sectors, the imports far exceeds the exports.

Shipping

The São Pedro, a ship registered in the Andorinhões

The Andorinhões plays a role in the international shipping industry as a flag of convenience for commercial vessels. Cargo vessels are also built in the Andorinhões and is accounting for approximately 8% of all exports.

Unlike some flag countries, there is no requirement that a Andorinhean flag vessel be owned by a Andorinhean individual or corporation.

Service sector

Tourism

Tourism in the Andorinhões is a crucial economic activity. At least 10 percent of the working population are employed in this sector. The country offers a range of tourist accommodations from luxury hotels to modest self-catering establishments.

Shopping districts are popular, with ample duty-free shopping.

Banking

The Andorinhões is considered a tax haven and international financial center. Many registered institutions offer a wide range of offshore banking, investment, legal, accounting, and insurance and trust company services.

Energy

The Andorinhões still rely heavily on diesel fuel for vehicles, power generators, and ships and is trying to diversify its energy sources. The country has been establishing solar power plants in the country and is experimenting with coconut oil as alternative to diesel fuel. Because of its dependency on diesel fuel, refined petroleum is accounting for 12,3% of all imports. The country is planning on establishing a wind farm which is expected to supply about 30% of the electricity of the country.

Society

Culture

Symbols

Flag

Main article: Flag of the Andorinhões

The current flag of the Andorinhões was adopted in 1992 but was inspired by historical elements which dates back from the flag of the Sovereign Land of the Holy Cross and the highest decoration of the country, the Order of the Holy Cross of the Andorinhões. It has been widely popular in the nation since its introduction in 1992 and his flown on all government buildings and military bases. It is not flown in the territory of the Sovereign Possession of the Order of the Holy Cross.

Coat of Arms

Main article: Coat of arms of the Andorinhões

The current coat of arms was adopted in 1992, alongside the flag and was also inspired by historical elements, borrowing from the previous coat of arms of the nation. The coat of arms is widely used and appear on passports, stamps, official documents and appears on most government buildings.

Media

Main article: Media of the Andorinhões

In towns with electricity, television is available on four channels; one state owned RDA - Radiodifusão dos Andorinhões and three privately owned. Premium channels are aired in the Andorinhões, especially satellite networks common in hotels and villas.

As of early 2020, about 21% of the Andorinhean population own an active cellular phone, 75% have access to the internet, 13% own a landline telephone, and 4% of the population subscribe to local cable TV.

There are two daily newspapers in the Andorinhões O Correios das Ilhas and A Informação. The public magazine A Coisa Pública is published every trimonthly. Today, all of these national level newspaper are also available online (some with subscription). The public broadcaster RDA also offers a news service online.

There is also one online national level news sources Notícias Rápidas, which launched in 2019.

Visual arts

Hector da Espada was one of the most prolific modern painters in the Andorinhões. (Sunday Afternoon; 1991)

The Andorinhões has a relatively short history in visual arts. From 1973 to 1990, the regime of Octávio Forte imposed heavy restrictions on civilian life and art was not considered by the authorities as a valuable addition to society. The art community expanded considerably when most restrictions were lifted following the death of Forte. The country is mostly known for its modernism and contemporary art. Hector da Espada is the most well known painter from the Andorinhões.

Cuisine

Andorinhean spicky chicken with fries and spicy sauce.

The cuisine of the Andorinhões is based on the staple of coconut and the many species of fish found in the ocean. Desserts made on the islands include coconut and coconut milk, rather than animal milk. Vegetables available during most of the year are potatoes, onions, tomatoes, manioc, cabbage and dried beans. Fruits such as bananas and papayas are available year-round, while others like mangoes and avocados are seasonal. Other food source include some meat, mostly poultry, being eaten mostly to celebrate events. The Andorinhean spicy chicken is a staple of the country and is eaten year long.

Sports

Main article: Sport in the Andorinhões

Football is the most popular sport in the Andorinhões. The country's most successful sports team is the Andorinhões national football team, nicknamed As Merletas (The Martlets) and is controlled by the Andorinhean Football Federation. The federation is also responsible for the organization of the Andorinhean Football League.

The Dominic Barras National Stadium in Colheitas is the biggest sport venue in the country.

The Andorinhões is also famous for its water sports, mainly sailing and surfing.

Transport

Main article: Transport in the Andorinhões

Andorinhean national flag carrier LAA Air Andorinhões

Transportation in the Andorinhões is mostly done by plane and by ferries. The national flag-carrier, LAA Air Andorinhões provides service to and from the Andorinhões and its subsidiary, LAA Expresso, provides domestic service within the nation.

Ports

There are 8 main ports in the Andorinhões, 3 international and 5 regional. Colheitas on Santo Ambrósio is the main port for cruise liners and a main hub for the ferry service between the islands, it is also the largest cargo terminal on the islands. Grande Mercado on São João is the main port affiliated to the capital. Ponta Vitória on Glória de Ele is the only source of imports and exports of produce from the island as well as passenger traffic since the closure of the Reino Dele Airport. The regional ports are located in strategic locations that either supply isolated islands such as Espírito, Ordem or Lírios or some group of islands. There are smaller harbours that act as terminals for the inter-island ferry services, which carry both freight and passengers.

Airports

There are 15 operational airports in the Andorinhões, 4 international and 11 domestic, which are separated into national airports and airstrips. Two others are non-operational, one on Glória de Ele (the most populous island without an airport) and one on Santa Rosa, closed for safety reasons. There is also a military airstrip on the island of São Miguel that can be used if the airport on São João is non-operational. The airports have been historically an important infrastructural need for the economy and development of the country. In addition to frequent maritime connections, every islands except Glória de Ele, Santa Fé, Santa Rosa and São Miguel has a domestic airport. There are plans to open an airport on Glória de Ele since the closure of the previous airport had an important impact on the economy of the island. Santa Fé is serviced by the Trindade-Santa Fé Regional Airport, Santa Rosa is serviced by the Ernesto Coelho International Airport and São Miguel is serviced by the São João das Ilhas International Airport.