10000 IslandsBoard

The Federative Republic of Membatak, commonly referred to as Membatak, is a democratic nation with a liquid democracy system situated in the Gulf of Guinea. It comprises the Membatak Archipelago, boasting 347 islands of varying sizes, making it the world's largest archipelago. The federation consists of eight states, each endowed with autonomy over internal affairs but subject to national laws, the supreme court, and the First Speaker.

Membatak stands out as one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse nations in the world, a consequence of substantial immigration following World War III and the collapse of Brazil's military dictatorship.

Etymology

The name "Membatak" originates from the British explorer John Membatak, who, in 1627, first reported the existence of the archipelago.

It is distinct from the Indonesian term "rob," which, if used derogatorily, is considered a slur against Membatakian citizens.

Citizens are commonly referred to as "Membatakians," with the less common term being "Membataki."

History

Initial Discovery

The Membatak Archipelago was first mentioned through the observations of British explorer John Membatak in 1627. Having spotted a cluster of islands from a distance, Membatak reported his findings to the British government, characterizing the archipelago as resourceless and challenging for settlement due to its harsh flora.

The First Communities

In 2022, the Great Exodus of the Nordestinos, triggered by the oppressive regime in Brazil, led to the migration of 10 million individuals seeking refuge. Sailing east, they discovered the Membatak Archipelago, providing a safe haven for the displaced refugees.

Over several months, settlements began to form along the coastlines of the islands. Focused on developing means of communication with the outside world, these communities faced challenges due to the loss of communication during the mass exodus. However, concerns about attracting the attention of the Brazilian dictatorship halted further attempts.

The fall of the Brazilian dictatorship in 2088 revealed confidential plans for a military raid on the archipelago. Peacekeeping forces were dispatched by the United Nations to aid the stranded refugees.

Due to the refugees' insistence in staying within the archipelago, the U.N provided supplies and supported the modernization of the archipelago's villages.

Formation of the Federation

By the 2100s, modern cities emerged, and interdependence among the islands grew. Cristina Helena, leader of Membatak's largest island, Saro, initiated a movement for unification, gaining widespread support across the scattered nations in the archipelago.

After three decades of negotiations, the Federative Republic of Membatak was officially founded on October 10th, 2132.

Participation in World War III

Initially maintaining neutrality during World War III, Membatak was drawn into the conflict when N.A.C forces invaded its northernmost island to control neightbouring trade routes.

Approximately 100,000 soldiers, primarily sailors, lost their lives in the war. Notably, Membatak's participation, especially in the 2147 Landing on Sierra Leone, played a crucial role in ending the conflict.

This war marked Membatak's only international military engagement.

Geography

The Membatak Archipelago (Portuguese: Arquipélago Membatak) consists of eleven major islands, several islands, numerous atolls and inumerous smaller islets in the Atlantic Ocean.

Membatakians occupy the archipelago almost in its entirety (including the mostly uninhabited Eastern part), with the sole exception of the Ashe Islands, which is a protected area due to its unique fauna and flora.

How the islands were formed is still a matter of scientific debate.

The climate is for the most part tropical but it experiences many different climates, depending on altitude, weather and time of the year.

Demographics

Population

As of the 2200 census, the Federative Republic of Membatak is home to an estimated population of approximately 500 million inhabitants. Periodic censuses are conducted every ten years to accurately capture demographic shifts and trends, with the inaugural census taking place in 2140.

According to the Membataki Institute of Geography and Statistics (MIGS) in 2200, 59% of the population described themselves as Pardo (brown), 22% as Black, 10% as White and 9% as other.

Religion

Religion in Membatak (2200 Census)

Spiritism (66%)
Catholicism (8%)
Islam (6%)
Agnostic (2%)
Other (1%)
No religion (17%)

Largest Cities

Government

The Federal Republic of Membatak is a Constitutional Federative Republic consisted of 8 main states based on the 8-Wind Compass Rose.
Each state is composed of several islands which have autonomy to deal with their internal matters.

For a law to pass, they first have to be drafted by one of the members of the Chamber of Deputies. Then, the draft will be then be reviewed, debated, and finally, voted on.

The same thing applies for the budget and infraestruture projects.

The pairliament's voting process works using the philosophies of liquid democracy, a form of delegative democracy whereby an electorate engages in collective decision-making through direct participation and dynamic representation. This democratic system utilizes elements of both direct and representative democracy.

Voters in Membatak have the right to vote directly on all policy issues like in a direct democracy, however, voters also have the option to delegate their votes to a representative, who will vote on their behalf like a representative democracy.

Local Government: This tier represents the smallest administrative unit and is led by elected leaders who act as the equivalent of mayors. These leaders, based on individual islands, have authority over emergency services, public works, and local governance.

Regional Government: Consists the governors of Membatak's eight main states, each aligned with a cardinal point on the 8-Wind Compass Rose. This tier holds responsibilities encompassing education, taxation, infrastructure development, and the review of requests from local governments.

Federal Government: Situated on Saro Island, the Federal Government serves as the overarching authority responsible for national defense, foreign policy, and safeguarding fundamental human rights and freedoms. This tier also oversees the maintenance of critical infrastructure and reviews requests forwarded by the states.

Foreign Relations & Military

Foreign Relations

Membatak's international relations are based on Article 5 of the Federal Constitution, which establishes non-intervention, international cooperation and the peaceful settlement of conflicts as the guiding principles of relationships with other countries and organizations.

An increasingly well-developed tool of the country's foreign policy is humanitarian aid, as Membatak does not use its economic strength to focus on wealth, but on helping developing countries and investing in new technologies.

Military

The armed forces of Membatak has 936,000 active personnel and, by modern standards, is the most advanced in the world.

Membatak's navy, the second largest in the world, operates some of the most powerful warships in the world, the Ceará-Class cruisers.

Membatak has not been invaded since 2145 during the Third World War, when the country was invaded by the N.A.C . Additionally, the country has no contested territorial disputes with any country and neither does it have rivalries. It has built a tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping missions, humanitarian missions and many others of similar purpose.

Infrastructure

Urban Development

Urban development in Membatak adheres to green building standards, promoting eco-friendly construction methods and materials.

Smart city initiatives are integrated into urban planning, incorporating sensor networks, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to optimize energy consumption, traffic flow, and public services.

Energy

Membatak is at the forefront of renewable energy adoption, harnessing its natural resources to generate power sustainably. The archipelago takes advantage of solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy sources to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels.

Transport

Membatak boasts a well-developed network that facilitates both domestic and international connectivity.

Jimenez International Airport, located in the capital city of Saro on Saro Island, serves as the primary gateway to Membatak. Renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities, the Jimenez International Airport accommodates a high volume of domestic and international flights

Membatak's maritime infrastructure is centered around the Ropla-Class ferries, providing essential sea transportation between islands.

To further facilitate efficient inter-island travel, Membatak relies on a sophisticated transportation system that includes the extensive use of FSC-6 Pak Jets. These advanced aircraft operate daily flights, ensuring swift and reliable connections between various islands in the archipelago.

All public transport is free, per the Freedom of Transport Act of 2132

Template by The Free Republic of Ponderosa