Factbook of the Oan Isles

THE OAN ISLES
Koa
[spoiler]This factbook is undergoing a serious overhaul. Sections are being divided, moved and merged. Please refer to the NSWiki page for information on this country for the time being. http://nswiki.org/index.php?title=The_Oan_Isles[/spoiler][th colspan=“4”]Table of Contents[/th][th]Section[/th][th]Title[/th][th]Summary[/th][th]Link[/td]1GovernanceDescribes the monarchy and the three branches of government that emanate from it (the judiciary, the executive and legislative) and of the contemporary political situation (political parties, elections, political culture and history).http://forum.theeastpacific.com/single/?p=10019141&t=70070672Foreign relationsDescribes the diplomatic relations, membership in international organisations, important treaties and international agreements and diplomatic history.http://forum.theeastpacific.com/single/?p=10019581&t=70070673MilitaryDescribes the command structure, organisation, resources, capabilities, history, strategies and culture of the military.http://forum.theeastpacific.com/single/?p=10023927&t=70070674GeographyDescribes the topography (landscape, natural features and different islands), geology (minerals, earth formation and subterranean activity), the biodiversity and climate of the country.http://forum.theeastpacific.com/single/?p=10023928&t=70070675EconomyDescribes the economic system, the different sectors, economic performance, trade relations and monetary policy.http://forum.theeastpacific.com/single/?p=10024112&t=70070676CultureDescribes social norms, daily life, festivals and holidays, brief description of religion, language and ethnic groups.http://forum.theeastpacific.com/single/?p=10024116&t=70070677DemographicsDescribes population statistics such as religion, education, health, language, ethnic groups, distribution and other issues.http://forum.theeastpacific.com/single/?p=10024279&t=70070678LanguageDescribes the Oan language (grammar, orthography, vocabulary, writing system and development).http://forum.theeastpacific.com/single/?p=10024286&t=70070679ReligionDescribes the Mauist religion (which is a branch of the Abrahamist religion), its beliefs, rituals, eschatological, angelological, worship, and life philosophy.http://forum.theeastpacific.com/single/?p=10031530&t=7007067[th colspan=“3”]Basic Information[/th]1https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/444375948352159744/454778424083611659/Oan2.png
FlagCoat of arms2CapitalLa Rochelle (Tokapa)3Area44,150km[sup]2[/sup]4Longest riverMaoa River (50km)5Largest lakePuruwai Lake (50km[sup]2[/sup])6Biggest islandToka Island (2,000km[sup]2[/sup])7Highest mountainAna Mountain (305m)8Population8.61 million9DemonymOan10Ethnic groupsOan nation (Iwi Oa)11ReligionsMauism12LanguagesOan language (Reo Oa)13Political systemParliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy14Head of stateEmperor of Polynesia (Rangitanga ta i Moana), Oahoanu15Head of governmentPrime Minister Maui Uye-Ahua16CurrencyOan dollar (tara)
7 OAD = 1 KRB17Economic output340 billion KRB18GDP per capita39,500 KRB19Economic systemMixed market capitalism and socialism20Economic classificationDeveloped21CalendarInternational Standard Calendar

GOVERNANCE
Kāwanatanga[hr]MONARCH

The Constitution says that sovereignty of the nation and the authority of the government proceed from the Crown of Polynesia and is exercised by the Emperor of Polynesia on the advice of his ministers. While the Emperor is immune, the ministers are responsible. This means that (1) the Emperor is subject to the Constitution, and (2) the Emperor cannot exercise the power he is vested with except through the responsible minister. In reality, he has virtually no power by way of his position. He is, at most, a symbol of the nation (appearing on banknotes, stamps and public buildings) with only a few powers. He signs laws and treaties without the power to veto them. He calls for elections without the power to dissolve the legislature. He affirms the executive branch without the power to appoint or dismiss it. His only real role is to appoint and receive ambassadors, to confer honour, to create symbols of the states (such as flags), to protect the heritage of the nation (primarily by designating national monuments and holidays) and to exercise ceremonial duties that arise almost exclusively from tradition (such as presiding over festivals and carrying out rituals).

The Emperor ascends to the throne by male heir succession. Only male heirs of the present Emperor may succeed to the throne. They are not governed by capacity. Therefore children and invalids can sit on the throne (in which case the Regent reigns on their behalf). The throne can never be vacant. The Emperor automatically assumes his duties upon the death. An Emperor cannot abdicate (for in practice this can only be done by law and he has no power to write laws) nor be declared incapacitated, but where the Emperor does not wish to carry on nor is able to, a Regent is appointed who shall reign until the Emperor’s death. The Emperor is immune from and above the law. His person is inviolate and he cannot be tried nor held accountable for any crime. Instead of making him a despot, he is bound to high standards of morality and honour. The Emperor is not bound by religion. Where the Emperor is unacceptable to the nation, he can be declared incapacitated and an acceptable Regent appointed in his stead, but this is purely theoretical and has never happened.

The incumbent Emperor is Oahoanu. He bears the title Ruler of the Sea, His Serene Majesty (Rangitanga ta i Moana, Kunui Rangamarietāutuna). He acceded to the throne in 2017, succeeding his father, Ehe. He is the head of the royal family, the House of Ahua, that has produced heirs for almost 800 years. He is in his early thirties and had a child out of wedlock and he is married to Her Highness, Aroha, a former journalist and social activist. As with all members of the royal family, he is a Poronēhian Abrahamist. Although his office affords him virtually no power, his experience in foreign affairs, personal celebrity and the enormous wealth of his family makes him a powerful political figure. He rose to prominence during the Auroran-Pacific War, and had a big hand in shaping the foreign policy and leading the war effort of the Oan Isles. In fact, the extent of his power and the heavy-handed way in which he is shielded from scrutiny has been criticized as making him more of a ruler than a ceremonial figurehead.[hr]EXECUTIVE

The executive branch is formed of the Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister is the de facto head of government. He is elected by the National Assembly with every election, which is usually four years long unless the National Assembly is dissolved before that, in which case he runs the government together with his Council of Ministers until a new National Assembly is sworn in, in which case the Council resigns en masse. He appoints other Ministers with the consent of a majority of the National Assembly. Each Minister is designated a portfolio whereby they are allocated a portion of the workload. They oversee a set of agencies and state entities and handle a particular area of policy.

The Council of Ministers is accountable to the National Assembly for the actions it takes and the decisions that it makes. Its members must answer questions and present periodic reports to the National Assembly, the most notable of which is the annual State of the Nation address whereby the Prime Minister summarises the previous year and outlines his plan for the next year. Ministers have the right to propose legislation to the National Assembly. Under the Minister of Finance, the Council of Ministers frames the annual budget. Generally, if the National Assembly refuses to pass the budget, the Council of Ministers will resign as this is often an indication of the lack of confidence that the National Assembly has in it. The Council of Ministers can be impeached (dismissed) by a vote of non-confidence in the National Assembly. Its members are protected from prosecution for actions arising from their work, but they can be tried for crimes committed out of or during office, in which case they resign or are suspended.
The incumbent Prime Minister is Maui Uye-Ahua. He was elected by the National Assembly in 2017. He is not the leader of the any party in the National Assembly, but is a member of the National Pacifist Party and serves as an advisor on one of its committees. He is enormously wealthy. He inherited a great deal of wealth from his parents who are from the most powerful families in the Oan Isles and through personal connections in industry and politics from a fairly early age. He is in his late 50s and is a close friend, but distant relative of the incumbent Emperor. He became popular for his pragmatic economic policies and his consensus building leadership style on sensitive issues such as abortion and gay rights. Although he is middle-of-the-road, offering nothing except excellent oratory, he was elected because he was seen as a unifying figure who was able to reconcile the divided ruling alliance.

The Prime Minister is the most powerful political official in the country. As the head of the executive branch, he directs how policy is developed, and oversees important agencies such as the intelligence services. As the leader of our multi-party democracy, leading the ruling party through the annual elections as its face even if he is not it’s leader, he influences the legislative agenda, the public opinion and overall position of that party, directing its course in the National Assembly. He can influence the appointment of important officials such as judges and heads of regulatory agencies. He has the power to appoint boards that run provinces, regions and districts with the consent of the National Assembly and advice of the Council of Ministers.

[spoiler][ul][li]The Department of Agriculture, Fishing and Forests is helmed by Minister Maria Kutoa. It is responsible for developing policy to promote, protect and regulate fisheries, forestry and agriculture. By extension of its collaboration with the Department of Health, it oversees food and drug safety.
[li]The Department of Health is helmed by Minister Awiha Roatua. It develops public health policy and directly oversees the national healthcare system. It develops the standards and regulation of healthcare professionals, builds and manages hospitals and regulates the private healthcare sector. Under collaboration with the Department of Education, it promotes medical research.[li]The Department of Education is helmed by Minister Rawiri Wahatu. It develops education policy. It builds and manages public schools, regulates private schools and public universities. It regulates and sets standards for the teaching profession. It promotes scientific research and development, often through public-private partnerships such as the National Science Council.
[li]The Department of Foreign Affairs is helmed by Locklyn Le Roy. The department helps develop foreign policy and advises the government on foreign trade. It handles immigration and oversees the diplomatic services (a corps of staff deployed in embassies and consulates all over the world). It develops relationships with other nations and manages official visits to and from the Oan Isles.
[li]The Department of Finance is helmed by Minister Kia Uye. It is responsible for managing the government accounts. It prepares the annual budget. It lends and borrows funds and collects taxes on behalf of the government. It regulates the financial services sector and sets standards for accountants and auditors. It oversees the National Stock Market.
[li]The Department of Industry is helmed by Ikoru Nahua. It promotes the manufacturing, construction and mining sectors. Together with the Department of the Environment, it regulates these sectors to protect the environment. It handles labour issues in the country such as registering and overseeing trade unions and bargaining councils.
[li]The Department of Energy is helmed by Rakahu Hokara. It is responsible for managing the national power grid. It regulates the private energy and fuel sector and oversees the national electricity utility. It promotes access to fuel. Together with the Department of Education, it promotes alternative fuels. Together with the Department of Industry it regulates the extraction of petroleum in the Kōhatu Isles.
[li]The Department of the Home is helmed by Minister Ihame Honāro. It is responsible for overseeing the registration services by which deaths, births, adoptions, marriages, religions, divorces and immigrants are registered and recognised. It also handles social welfare services such as child and family intervention (with the Department of Education and Department of Justice), rehabilitation centers (in partnership with the Department of Health) and issues pensions and grants.
[li]The Department of Defence is helmed by Minister Wahuanu Uye. It is responsible for the political direction and daily administration of the Defence Forces. It develops defence and security policy.
[li]The Department of Justice is helmed by Ohana Kikohu. It is responsible for managing the judiciary and running the police (and Police Academy). It sets standards for and regulates the legal profession. It runs the prisons and enforces the instructions of the court. Together with the Office of the Prime Minister, it oversees the intelligence services.
[li]The Department of Public Infrastructure helmed by Hauri Tangi is responsible for managing state property, and it oversees the national rail, water, sanitation, roads, air transport, ports and public works authorities.
[li]The Department of the Environment is helmed by Wahiwo Yomiha is responsible for running the nature reserves, promoting greenification, protecting threatened species and enforcing and developing environmental regulations.
[li]The Department of Sports and Culture is helmed by Paraki Utange promotes protects monuments, runs museums, and manages public libraries.
[/li][/ul]
[/spoiler][hr]POLITICS AND THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

The legislative branch is formed of the National Assembly. It has the power to make laws by majority vote or amend the Constitution by a ⅔ vote. It receives periodic reports from and holds regular question times with the Council of Ministers. It elects the Prime Minister and approves the rest of the members who form the Council of Ministers. It has the power to ratify treaties and declare war (this is unique as the head of state usually wields this power). It has the power to influence the appointment of judicial officers and heads of regulatory bodies and state entities and companies such as the Central Bank and National Rail Company.

The creation of law is a very public process. Ministers and members of the National Assembly present their proposals to the Speaker of the National Assembly who gives the law to a standing committee to review or forms an ad-hoc commission. Public surveys are conducted and comments are looked at. The law goes back to the committee, refined and submitted for public debate then presented before a full sitting of the National Assembly where it is passed. Then it is presented to the judiciary for review. Although the system is thorough (with often robust laws passed as a result) and transparent, it can be very slow. It ultimately represents the highest role that the legislature has: to represent the people of the Oan Isles.

The National Assembly has 150 seats. It is elected every four years. An early dissolution can be called if a proposal is approved by over half the members. Elections are administered by an independent public agency under the Department of the Home which registers political parties. Political parties must divulge their sources of funding and lobbyists must register. It is elected through party-list proportional representation. Adult citizens elect political parties which have closed lists rather than individual candidates. If a member crosses the floor, their party still keeps that seat. The last election to be held was in 2017.

The ruling alliance is a colloquial term for a coalition of the two largest parties in government. Their combined seats gives them a majority in the National Assembly. The current ruling alliance is called the Polynesian National Congress comprised of the Pacifist Party and Green Party. The Pacifist Party advocates for demilitarisation, nuclear disarmament, multilateral cooperation and an end to war. The Green Party advocates for stricter regulations on business, the end of the proliferation of fossil fuels and the promotion of renewable energy, protection of habitats and wildlife conservation. They both advocate for abortion, same-sex marriage and LGBT rights, increased decentralization of power. It is interesting that their platform does not influence how government is run.

With the annexation of the Kōhatu Isles, the Oan Isles is exploring, extracting and refining fossil fuels and the Oan Defence Service invaded the Yor Isles (after the Xagrurgians invaded) in 2017, prompting the Auroran-Pacific War. The Prime Minister is not the head of either party, but the leader of the Konoa People’s Party. This party has primarily advocated for increased autonomy of Noa Island, the rights and issues facing the Noan people. Maui Uye-Ahua was a compromise candidate due to his personal characteristics, policy platform, and deals struck to retain significant Pacifist and Green Party ministries in the Council of Ministers. While there is no official alliance between the KPP and the PNC (GP and PP), there is an unofficial arrangement to cooperate on a number of key issues.[hr]LEGAL SYSTEM

The law of the Oan Isles is formed of statutory, case and customary law. The laws passed by the legislative branch, the interpretation of that law through the judiciary and the customs and practices of the persons in this nation form the system that governs the land. The highest law in the land is the Constitution. The Constitution frames the structure of the government. It vests the sovereignty of the nation and authority of the government in the Crown from which power proceeds but not by which that power is exercised. In practice the country is a modern democracy. The two branches of the legal system that are recognised by scholars and the courts are public and private law. The private law recognises and frames the person while the public law frames the bodies that govern the person. The system does not acknowledge administrative law as a separate branch of the system.

The personal law of the country is unique among modern democracies in that it is founded upon the obligations of the individual to the community rather than the rights to which they are entitled. This implicitly confers such rights as are recognised by democracies elsewhere, but significantly alters how actions or inaction where it is required are judged. It also significantly expands the scope of how human relations are dealt with by the law. This affects how the civil and criminal law are structured and adjudicated. Where civil law is adjudicated on a balance of probabilities, the criminal law is adjudicated on the basis of beyond reasonable doubt. This sets apart the nature that cases arising from these are dealt with by the courts.

The nation follows an inquisitorial process whereby the complainant presents their complaint and the inquisitor investigates and cross-examines witnesses and summons the complainee to defend against what the inquisitor has found. The inquisitor metes out justice, correcting imbalances arising from the actions themselves first before the motivations behind them. In this sense, Oan law is concerned with the injuries (presumed or real) against the person or their patrimony first before considering the motivations behind this, thereby reducing mitigating factors arising from beliefs, mood, temperament and circumstances, reinforcing the duties that each person has to the whole.

The Crown of Polynesia is perceived as the font of justice. Therefore justice is carried out in the name of the Emperor, but due to the limitation of his personal responsibility and the promotion of his immunity, he does not have the power the power to exercise justice himself nor delegate others to do it. The power to appoint and constitute courts rests with the executive and legislative branch. The system of courts is divided into appeals and trial courts where each court has geographical boundaries in which its power is limited. The inquisitors of these courts, who also serve as judges, are civil servants, thereby being appointed on the basis of merit and protected from arbitrary suspension or dismissal and undue political influence. Trial by inquisition is guaranteed to all. The duty of the inquisition to serve the people protects them of abuse and guarantees equal treatment and access. The inquisition leans on the customs of the people and of the courts and the laws that proceed from the Emperor-in-Parliament to adjudicate cases and remedies imbalances by correction of imbalances. This emphasises forced labour and compensation (primarily in the case of civil law) as the primary mechanisms of justice.

The enforcement of the law is carried out by the police. The police are governed by the national government and constituted of the laws of the land. The police are charged with preventing, protecting people from and punishing crime and mischief. They are bound to do so tempered by mercy and amenable to reason. The police do not typically bear arms (except special divisions thereof). They focus on holistic law enforcement. They are rigorous, consistent and competent. The police must receive a Bachelor of Police degree, only offered by the National Police Academy, to enter. Approximately 100,000 police enforce the law along with reserve and support personnel. They have a close relationship with intelligence bodies, being able to quickly and accurately collect, process, analyse and apply data, dealing with crime quickly.

The crime rate in the Oan Isles is very low. This is due to social policies that promote peace and provide for the welfare of all. Furthermore, the police are very effective, often nipping problems at the bud. This has been achieved through an extensive system of registration and surveillance that has been criticized for being invasive. Mitigated by the relative independence of the police, the prevalent order in the country and the promotion of duty above right, this system has remained unaffected by these criticisms. Violent crime, in particular, is nonexistent. There is no civil strife. [hr]PUBLIC FINANCES

The government collects tax through the National Revenue Service that is overseen by the Department of Finance. The national Revenue Service is helmed by a Director who is appointed by the Prime Minister on the advice of the Minister of Finance with the approval of the National Assembly while the board of directors is appointed by the Minister of Finance with the approval of the National Assembly. The National Revenue Service collects taxes, works with the police to prevent and prosecute tax evasion and advises the government on fiscal policy. The National Revenue Service is constituted in terms of the National Revenue Service Act, 1 of 1960. The law has been amended three times to update the structure, expand the procuratorial powers and enhance the transparency and accountability of the National Revenue Service. For example, the Director is obligated to present a report to the National Assembly independent of executive influence.

The country has progressive and regressive taxes. There are taxes imposed on profit generated by companies, income generated by individuals, and gains from inheriting or selling property. These are progressive taxes. There are remedial taxes such as taxes on imports, taxes on companies proportional to their carbon emissions, taxes on the consumption of goods and services such as alcohol, insurance, cigarettes and petrol that are invariably Value Added or General Sales Taxes depending on the good. These are regressive taxes. Taxes provide most of the revenue of the government and represent about 60% of GDP. While this may seem rather large, the benefits such as refunds, free or very easily affordable public services, government grants, subsidies, affordable and unconditional loans outweigh the impact. On average a household earning above 1 million dollars will pay up to 50% tax.

This taxes is allocated through a national budget prepared by the Minister of Finance and approved by the National Assembly. The national budget is also a prediction of future revenues and debts. The budget is allocated as follows: 20% to education, science, sports and culture, 15% to healthcare, and social welfare, 20% to defence, law enforcement and intelligence, 20% to public works such as roads, rails, ports and airports, 5% to conservation and tourism, 5% to administration, 5% to debt repayments (capital and interest), 10% on pensions and grants. 40% of the budget is paid to salaries, 30% is paid to operational expenses, and 10% to capital projects. The budget represents 50% of GDP, about 170 billion dollars.

The country has a fairly high public debt rate of 60% of the economy or 2014 billion dollars. The country has been able to mitigate these debts through favourable borrowing terms with its major creditors particularly the United Kingdom and South Hills. Most of the payment covers interest instead of capital due to the length of these loans. Household and corporate debt are very low. A household will spend no more than 10% of its income on debts or credit. This has led to high savings rate (of about 20% of income). A high savings rate has allowed banks to reinvest that cash and, overall, the Oan Isles is a net lender of cash, extracting large incomes from interest that accrues to households and businesses. This has made the banking sector liquid and stable.

FOREIGN RELATIONS
Whanaungatanga ta ti Iwi Ke

MILITARY
Kaha Kōrero [hr]
The military of the Oan Isles is formed of the Oan Defence Force (known colloquially as the National Defence Force and in the Oan language as the Kaha Kōrero Kōa). The military is constituted by legislation. It is governed and managed by the civilian government. It is responsible for the defence of Oan territory and projection of power throughout the world in line with the objectives of the Oan government, which is responsible for the formulation and implementation of defence policy. The Oan Defence Force was founded in its current iteration in the beginning of the 20th century after the end of the Oan-Morstaybishlian War. The military was reorganized and structured to make it a modern force. The military has engaged in several armed conflicts and humanitarian operations over the years among which are its engagement in the Auroran-Pacific War and its contribution toward the Peacekeeping Forces of Urth.[hr]
COMMAND ORGANISATION

The Emperor of Polynesia (known in the Oan language as the Rangitanga-ta-i-Moana) is the commander-in-chief of the defence forces. He is the nominal head of the armed forces, in that oaths of loyalty are sworn to him, but he has no practical role in the management or governance of the armed forces or formulation and execution of defence policy. As a result of the state of emergency that was declared during the Auroran-Pacific War in 2017, the Emper was able to exert considerable influence on the operations of the armed forces and their deployment in the war effort. Legal decisions taken by the National Court in the case Freedom International v The Crown of Polynesia found that the involvement of the Emperor in that conflict was against the principle that the separation of the monarchy and government implied in the Constitution by the phrase “The Emperor is immune, the ministers are responsible” and subsequent judicial decisions taken on the matter. It believed that even though a state of emergency was in effect, the civilian government remained fully operational therefore the influence exerted by the Emperor was disproportionate to the situation. It concluded by clearly delineating, based on law and precedent, the power the Emperor could exercise, which were effectively reduced.

The Council of Ministers forms the defence and security policy. The Minister of Defence is responsible for its implementation. The Minister is also the head of the Department of Defence which facilitates the daily administration and management of the military. The operational command is assumed by the Chief of Staff and the combat and non-combat personnel are organised within the General Staff. Although the Minister of Defence is a politician or civil servant appointed by the Prime Minister with the consent of the National Assembly, the Chief of Staff is a career senior commanding officer within one of the branches of the armed forces appointed by the Prime Minister on the Minister of Defence’s advice. The operational command of the armed forces is relatively independent from the government.[hr]
PERSONNEL AND TRAINING

The armed forces employ 86,100 combat personnel on a full-time basis. They comprise approximately 1% of the population of the Oan Isles. There is no conscription and its enforcement in wartime particularly in the Auroran-Pacific War was relatively limited. Combat personnel work in either of the branches of the armed forces often restricted in career advancement (except for aircraft pilots) or serve in managerial roles in the General Staff. The armed forces employ a relatively small contingent and rely considerably (if not primarily) on aircraft, vessels, vehicles and artillery for combat and support. Non-combat personnel serve in the Military Intelligence Service, Military Health Service, Military Technology Service and General Staff as well as in technical and support roles in each branch and during active deployment.

The training requirements for entry into the armed forces are developed by the Defence Department in line with legislation. Entry is limited to Oan citizens or permanent residents. Exceptions can be made with the approval of the Defence Minister. The state funds most of the education of combatants. Some personnel are trained in foreign institutions particularly in Morstaybishlia. The Military Institute of the Oan Isles is located in La Rochelle (Tokapa). It is organised like a public university offering undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in military sciences accredited by the Education Department. Training is offered by senior commanding officers and retired veterans. The attracts guest lecturers, researchers and additional teaching staff from academics and experts from all over the world. The Military Institute offers education to international students as well (on a fee basis). Additional training for pilots and seamen is available through in-service training in the air force and navy respectively (which also offer courses for servicemen outside of that branch). Retention of general personnel is poor, and recruitment numbers are fairly low relative to the population. Given the rigour of the education received, the military is still able to benefit from good quality soldiers.[hr]
EXPENDITURE

The defence forces receives all of its funding from the national budget. Restrictions exist to prevent private sector funding or extra-governmental fundraising. The military has a budget of 10 billion kiribs (70 billion tāra). This comprises approximately 3% of the total annual economic output or approximately 7% of the national budget. The budget experienced an increase of 100 million kiribs (700 million tāra) during the Auroran-Pacific War. 30% of the budget is dedicated to upgrades, maintenance, procurement and research. 50% is spent on salaries; the average salary is 50,000 kiribs (with an average 30,000 kiribs for new combat personnel up to 75,000 for the Chief of Staff). The military spends 20% on intelligence, logistics and personnel support and training.[hr]
ARMY

The Army forms the terrestrial component of the armed forces. It is responsible for combat and other operations on land. It employs approximately 43,050 personnel, approximately half of the military combat personnel. It has a single command structure (or headquarters) located in the capitol. The army is made up of 55 battalions which specialise in aerial assault, mechanised infantry, armoured artillery and light role infantry. There is an emphasis on the combined deployment of the various specialisations to maximise effectiveness in combat. As a result of the high level of urban development, relatively small size in relation to other armies, distances between islands and density of jungles in the Oan Isles, the army has adapted its doctrine to focus on urban and guerilla warfare.

[hr]
NAVY

The Navy forms the maritime component of the armed forces. Because the Oan Isles is an island nation, the navy forms the first line of defence against an invasion. This has resulted in a shift in funding to the navy. The largest portion of the research, development, maintenance, upgrade and procurement of technology is taken up by the navy. The navy is a green water navy. It can be deployed in the South Pacific Ocean as far as Stratarin and as far west as the eastern edge of the Packilvanian Ocean and as far south as the Southern Ocean. The navy has 50 ships in total. It has an amphibious infantry component (not a fully fledged marines) centered on its two amphibious assault vessels. Including which, it has a naval aviation division staffed by air force pilots.

[hr]
AIR FORCE

The air force forms the aerial component of the armed forces. The air force is the smallest force by personnel, but its technology budget is equal to the army. Although the army focuses on maintaining and upgrading existing technology, the air force has been able to make substantial procurements of new aircraft. The air forces leases air craft to the other branches and works in partnership with the navy to equip the naval aviation division with specialised naval aircraft. The air force is equipped with both rotary and fixed wing aircraft. It has three groups made up of air combat, air support and training aircraft and facilities. Its combat procurement has focused on strike aircraft and multirole aircraft. It has worked with Kuthernburg to develop, test and deploy drones for combat and reconnaissance.

[hr]INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

The Oan Defence Force cooperates with a number of countries through bilateral or multilateral agreements. The Oan Defence Force has a policy of maintaining active joint operations or cooperative mechanisms with close allies. This is particularly salient given its geopolitical position and policies. Through various major international wars, the Oan government has clearly delineated its allies as opposed to enemies or nations to whom it is hostile. This stance has been criticised as polarising and negatively affecting its ability to act as a mediator, pursue compromises with its opponents or change its stance and policy.

The United Kingdom is the only donor of military aid to the Oan Isles. The Morstaybishlian government has entered into an agreement with the Oan Isles to provide the nation with a total of 10 billion kiribs (distributed in 2 billion kiribs packages over a five year period, starting from 2018). The donation was negotiated and requested on behalf of the Oan government by Arana Marama, then Foreign Minister. The money is planned to be used for building a base in the Kōhatu Isles, expanding the Military Intelligence Service, defending the nation from missile strikes and generally upgrading it’s infrastructure and equipment. The purpose of the aid was to help the ODF recover its strength and expand its operations, with a view to contributing towards general Auroran defence and making a strong argument for Emberwood Coast to terminate its reliance on South Hills for protection.

The Oan Isles cooperates with the Kingdom of Kuthernburg on a program to develop and manufacture unmanned aerial combat vehicles. Approximately 10 such vehicles were produced, but almost all of them were destroyed in air strikes against cities in Xagrurg. As a result of financial constraints and changing policy priorities, the program largely stalled, but through military aid from the United Kingdom, the armed forces will reinvest in the program and resume development.

The Oan Isles forms part of the Polynesian Defence Pact, a bilateral agreement with the Asian Pacific Islands to non-aggression and mutual defence. The agreement is meant to allow the nations to cooperate and coordinate on cross-boundary operations. Given the incredible imbalance in resources, combat experience and technical expertise, the Oan Defence Force, in practice, forms the defence forces for both the Oan Isles and the Asian Pacific Islands, with the Islander Defence Force largely relegated to disaster relief, search and rescue, and fighting terrorism, piracy and poaching. Critics believe that the pact is nothing more than a political means to use the Asian Pacific Islands as a buffer state to protect the Oan Isles from invasion to the east.

The Oan Isles is part of the United Nations of the Auroran Continent (or UNAC). It voluntarily participates in the Auroran Security Agency. The Agency facilitates for coordination, communication and cooperation among the respective national intelligence, investigative, law enforcement and military organizations of the respective member states. Through this mechanism information and technical expertise in the overall security of the region are shared.

The Oan Isles is also a member of the Peacekeeping Forces of Urth. This organisation is responsible for maintaining peacekeeping operations such as demilitarised zones on the border of Xagrurg and the United Kingdom and between Fortuna and Ambravia. The Oan Isles has actively spoken against using the PKFU for economic relief, successfully lobbying members to scale back operations that were nonessential along with other member nations who shared the same sentiment. The nation contributes approximately 20 million kiribs.[hr]RECENT DEPLOYMENT

The most recent major military operation undertaken by the Oan Defence Forces was its involvement in the Kōhatu Isles insurgency. A native resistance formed against the native government called the Diamond Authority. The Oan government decided to support this resistance through arms, training and financial support. The resistance took over one of the island that comprised the Kōhatu Isles and signed an agreement by which the island became an Oan protectorate. The island was attack by the native government, giving the Oan Defence Force grounds to invade the capital city. Through this operation it toppled the native government and the Kōhatu Isles were annexed as an overseas territory of the Oan Isles.

The Auroran Pacific War was a major international conflict fought during the majority of 2017. The Al Jaheed, a terrorist group from Latianburg, allegedly perpetrated an attack on the National Intelligence Service and Cafe Net (an internet services provider). The Oan Isles found that the Al Jaheed was operating in the Yor Isles. Given the quagmire under which Xagrurg found itself as a result of a civil war spawned by its invasion of the islands and a military coup that toppled the government, the Oans took it upon themselves to honour the agreements of the ACA and invade the Yor Isles. Following the assassination of Prince Thaddeus, King of Horales, in Sani Bursil by assassins of an alliance formed of Xagrurg, Ethalria, and other minor Auroran nations, the democratic nations of Aurora resolved declare war on this alliance called the Axis. The Oans world with not only Auroran national but Kuthernburg and Furnifold to drive the Xagrurgians out of Yor.

The Oan Isles also sent aid to Kostoria-Obertonia and deployed a force to Nuremkastel in preparation for a Xagrurgian assault on the city. They fought battles in the hinterlands, until fighting moved to the city proper as the Oans were pushed back. As a result of stray fire, the nuclear power plant’s reactor had a meltdown, irradiating and destroying much of the city and killing over a thousand Oan soldiers. This presented a major strategic defeat for the Oan Isles, but the battle itself did not give either side an advantage. The Oans also had a naval battle with the Xagrurgian Navy, depleted by civil war, the navy fell by Oan naval attacks. By using a base on Indigo Island, Axdel, they were able to sink all but two of their ships and their submarines. The Oan Isles conducted air strikes of major targets in Xagrurg. After which it launched a ground assault on Eidenburg. Although this was major victory, further incursion into Xagrurg was virtually impossible. With Kuthern mediation, a ceasefire was brokered that ended the war.

GEOGRAPHY
Takotorangapapa[hr]The Oan Isles is located on the planet Urth on the eastern end of the Pacific Ocean. It lies between 140°E and 155°E, and between 5°S and 15°S. It is an island nation. The country is made up of approximately 33 islands. It shares a land border with the Staynish Pacific Territory on one of its islands. Lazlowia lies to the west, and the Staynish Pacific Territory lies to the west and north. Oan Isles has an area of 44,159 square kilometres which is also 17,246 square miles. The Oan Isles has an average height above sea level of 50 metres. The lowest point is sea level. The height here is 0 metres above sea level. The heighest point is Karaka Mountain. Most islands are topographically similar. The largest body of fresh water is Matomato Lake. It has a surface area of 340km². The longest river is the Nakahi River. It is 200 kilometres long. The biggest island is Toka Island.

Oan Isles was formed millions of years ago from movement in the Urth’s tectonic plates particularly the Pacific and Yasteria Major tectonic plates. The mineral composition of the island reflects this process. Most of the islands are geologically similar due to the uniformity of the process by which they were formed. Most of the rock is sedimentary rock. Over millions of years, layers of sediment formed and hardened into rock. Kōa has generally fertile soil. Various minerals are present in the ground, particularly iron, copper, nickel and aluminium. There are 33 islands. The largest of these are Toka Island, Ana Island, Ata Island, Kokoru Island (which is shared with the United Kingdom as the Staynish Pacific Territory), and Noa Island. There are 10 sand dune islands to the east, along with many atolls that form a barrier between the Oan Isles and the rest of the Pacific Ocean, creating beautiful clear waters and thriving marine environments for many animals.[hr] BIODIVERSITY

The islands are heavily forested. The country is covered by rainforests. There are numerous tree ferns such as Ponga (or silver fern), Mamaku or Tuakura. There are numerous conifers such as Kauri, Kahikatea and Manoao. There are numerous flowering trees such as Akeake, Kanono and Hīnau. The islands have a large amount of indigenous birds. The largest bird in the world is the moa or Dinornis which lives on the isolated Moa Island. It is extinct on other islands. There are two major ratite birds: the larger cassowaries and the smaller kiwi bird. Other birds include toroa (albatross), takapu (gannets), karuhiruhi (cormarant), putangitangi (duck), torea (oystercatcher), weka (crane), tuturuatu (plover), tropicbirds, spoonbills and ibis.

The islands have many reptiles particularly geckos and skinks. There are skinks that are found only on the Oan Isles and they are called Oligosoma such as aorangi, kakahu, tatahi, small eared, small scaled, spotted, shore, green and moko. Oan geckos are unique as they are entirely viviparous. They include the kawekaweau, takitimu, green, jewelled, common, forest and black eye. There exist a few species of chameleon. There are also tortoises. Turtles come often to lay their eggs such as loggerhead turtles. There are four native frogs from the genus Leiopelma. Generally mammals are quite scarce in the Oan Isles. Most mammals are livestock that have been introduced particularly fast breeding animals imported from Tuvaltastan such as Tuva cattle and sheep. There are bats, the three major variants are long tailed, short tailed and lesser short tailed. The kurī is a wild (but tameable) dog introduced many centuries ago. The kiore weasels were also introduced centuries ago.
[hr]CLIMATE

The Oan Isles is broadly classified as a tropical monsoon jungle according to the Köppen climate classification system. In essence: it rains often, it is humid and generally hot. There are three seasons: monsoon, wet and dry. Average precipitation is 60mm, but in the extreme parts of the monsoon season it can double that and in extreme parts of the dry season, it can halve that. The weather is reasonably consistent. Temperatures don’t change much except briefly when particularly warm currents bring in heat from the north in the September and winds bring in cooler weather in June. [hr]NATURAL DISASTERS

The sharp change in weather in the June to September time is the main cause of hurricanes. They often appear at this time, often forming in the central Pacific and moving towards land. They often lose momentum by the time they get to the Oan Isles and often fetter out into monsoon rain. Some do strike such as Cyclone Mable in 2017, and can result in loss of life, damage to property and cuts to power, water and communication. There are sometimes, but not often, Urthquakes. The nearby tectonic plates are the primary sources of this process.[hr]ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

Environmental challenges are slightly above normal in the Oan Isles. This is due to the delicate nature of Oan ecosystems. They can be easily damaged. They are threatened by poaching and deforestation for housing and farming. The state has implemented policies to combat this, such as promoting high rise building, controlling human population growth and greater law enforcement, but the challenges remain.
A program of greenification has been underway to mitigate the effects of deforestation.

ECONOMY
Ōhanga[hr]
[spoiler]Coming soon…[/spoiler]The economy of the Oan Isles takes place in the form of a mixed economy, exhibiting characteristics of a command and free market coordinating systems as well as socialist and capitalist property and wealth distribution systems. The government undertakes entrepreneurial activities, whereby state-owned companies and state entities administer essential services. The government also regulates business. Private ownership and enterprise is not only permitted, but encouraged. In fact, over the years, state-owned companies have been privatised and monopolies have been broken up and competition has been encouraged.

Taxes are imposed to raise funds and mitigate inequality. Taxes are charged on the sale of goods and services, capital gains, inheritance, property, rent income, salaries and wages, royalties, intellectual property, corporate profits, imports, and personal income. There are favourable import, port-docking, airport-landing fees for allied nations such as member states of the United Nations of the Auroran Continent, the Kuthern Commonwealth and some members of the Atlantian Alliance. The government raises a large portion of its income from taxes and licence fees. This tax is collected by the Revenue Services and controlled by the National Treasury, which is overseen by the Minister of Finance. [hr]PRIMARY SECTOR

The primary sector includes farming, forestry and fishing, and is overseen by a Cabinet-level ministry. The primary sector forms 5% of the economy (approximately 17 billion kiribs). The primary sector employs 10% of the labour force (approximately 516,000 people). The country has a strong fishing sector due to its strategic location. There is an abundance of coral reefs which house a large portion of the marine life on Urth. The primary products are haddock, herring, sardines and mackerel.

The Oan Isles has many rainforests. Commercial logging remains robust and stable. As forests have diminished, regulations have been put in place and are rigorously enforced to prevent habitat destruction. There is primarily logging for rubber and lumber. The Oan Isles imports approximately 35% to 40% of its food needs particularly meat, chocolate, tea and spices. It is an exporter of tropical fruits such as papaya, cashew nuts, lichis, mangoes, avocadoes and coconuts. The processing of produce, animal products and wood is considered a part of the manufacturing sector. The sector is facing a decline in labour and farmers. Innovative farmers have begun vertical farming and introducing genetically modified crops particularly grains, although they have been tentatively introduced and received with suspicion by the public.[hr]INDUSTRIAL SECTOR

The industrial sector comprises manufacturing, processing and mineral extraction. The sector makes up 30% of the economy (approximately 136 billion kiribs). This sector employs 40% of the workforce (approximately 2,07 million people). The largest part of this sector is the production of electronics particularly computers and cellphones (and related accessories), and household appliances. The largest company in the Oan Isles and one of the largest in Aurora is the Metatron Corporation which manufactures smartphones and computers. The second largest part is made up of the production of solar panels, optic fibres and microchips. The nation is a major worldwide producer of these products.

These sectors are followed by agro-processing. This includes the production of rubber and rubber-based products such as pipes and tyres. This also includes processing wood into paper and furniture. There is a large sector that processes agricultural products and produces beverages. The country also produces aviation parts. These include hydraulic pistons, fuel systems and mechanical parts. These operations were boosted in 2017 by the Auroran-Pacific War. Although peace has followed, militarisation continues and the sector continues to produce supplies for the arms sector. Shipbuilding has drastically been reduced when the Oan Shipwrights Company was bought by kAE Industries from Kuthernburg. The sector largely repairs ships and produces parts such as rudders, turbines, navigation and steering systems, and pistons.

When the Oan Isles acquired the Kōhatu Isles in 2017 after invading and annexing it, it acquired its large reserves of petroleum. These large reserves are under the sea. Exploration has begun. Extraction is still forthcoming and refineries are expected to be completed by 2019. This sector will significantly increase the Oan Isles total revenues through oil exportation and production of oil-based products (potentially plastics and synthetic diamonds). So far, this sector has encouraged construction, revitalised the shipbuilding sector through producing parts for offshore oil drilling platforms and promoted economic development in the Kōhatu Isles. It is predicted that this sector will significantly increase the economic output of the Oan Isles as a whole and assure it energy independence. Manufacturers of solar panels are somewhat skittish about these developments and changes to these sectors are unclear. [hr]SERVICES SECTOR

The services sector makes up 65% of the economy (approximately 221 billion kiribs). The sector employs 50% of the workforce (approximately 2.58 million people. The largest part of the services sector is made up of the financial services sector. This is made up of insurance, banking, payment processing and financial management. The largest banks are the Standard National Bank, the Oan Industrial and Commercial Bank and the National Development Bank. The largest accounting firm in the world, Īta Marama, originates from the Oan Isles. The country is a net lender. It has a relatively high savings rate. Through the advanced tax code, the country has been able to attracts as an offshore tax conduit with funds being funneled to banks on Kōhatu, which operate under lower taxes and offer more discretion.

There is a large tourism sector. Hundreds of thousands of guests are attracted by the clear and warm waters, beautiful forests, beaches and wildlife. The country boasts many sights of natural and historical significance such as the Sand Dune Islands. The country also has a substantial transhipment service sector. Through its strategic position, deep ports and developed infrastructure, it has been attractive as a connection between the Packilvanian and Pacific Oceans. Auroran nations seeking to cheaply move goods to Gondwana use Oan ports. In fact, the port of Kokoru is a major port, handling millions of tonnes of cargo every year. There are several large shipping companies that provide services across Aurora and Gondwana. As relations between Stratarin and the Oan Isles have seriously soured, trade with that country, a major destination and source of trade for Aurora as a whole has decreased, but the sector as a whole has survived as Kuthernburg has become more aggressive in its trade expansion and intra-Aurora trade tensions have eased.[hr]FOREIGN SECTOR

The largest single trading partner of the Oan Isles is the United Nations of the Auroran Continent. The continent is both the Oan Isles’ largest import and export partner, and largest source and destination of foreign investment. Through treaties inherited from the era of the Auroran Continental Assembly, the Oan Isles maintains agreements on a number of goods and services. The Oan Isles has direct access to mainland ports and airports, preferable rates for ships that dock and planes that land there. The Oan Isles also has agreements in place with reduced tariffs for the goods it exports to and imports from Aurora. The Oan Isles also has secured preferential treatment for its corporations particularly in the telecommunications and online services sector. The largest single source of FDI is Kuthernburg. The nation has invested heavily in Oan infrastructure projects up to the value of 18 billion dollars. The nation purchased the Oan Shipwrights Company and kept the shipyards of Kokoru open.

The Oan Isles has a favourable geographic position that makes it Ann ideal destination for transhipment. It has implemented preferential rates for Auroran companies. There are some Auroran companies which have been restricted or banned from directly trading with the Oan Isles. Posol Industries is the largest company to be banned from trading with the Oan Isles. This was due to antitrust issues when the company refused to handover stockists and financial statements to Oan authorities and refused to appear in court (in which case it was tried with contempt of court). The company continues to maintain some links with the Oan Isles through its Blueacia subsidiary, Posol Industries Blueacia and has been contracted by Floating Market, the largest online shopping company in Aurora, to handle logistics on its behalf.

The largest individual countries with whom the Oan Isles has a substantial amount of trade are (in descending order of volume and value): the United Kingdom, Kuthernburg, the Asian Pacific Islands, Tuvaltastan, Dragonia, Axdel and Xagrurg. Imports have a value of 60 billion dollars and exports have a value of 62 billion dollars. The Oan Isles has a trade surplus of 2 billion dollars. The largest import products are animal products (such as meat, eggs, dairy, leather and glue), industrial diamonds, metals (particularly gold, platinum, iron, aluminium, lithium, nickel, copper and cobalt), construction materials (Suh as sand, cement, steel beams and rods), motor vehicles, and tea (mainly Hobsti tea). The Oan Isles’ largest exports are electronics, household appliances, solar panels, optic cables, microchips, aviation parts (such as hydraulic systems and cabin units), ship parts (such as radar, rudders and steering), fish, wood, rubber, and fruits (particularly tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, banana, and avocado).

CULTURE
Ahurea[hr]

SOCIAL NORMS AND DAILY LIFE

Most Oan people live in the cities. People often work and study. Life in the cities can be busy and fast-paced. Most households typically have a monogamous couple raising one to three kids. Fertility rates have decrees and households have shrunk as women became educated and people left the rural areas to find opportunities for work. 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. Elders occupy places of esteem in society. Oans are generally polite and courteous. They can be boisterous when inebriated or in 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 the annual parades of young men and women. They typically enjoy choral music and sports.

Oan society is liberal and progressive. Laws have been passed that not only decriminalized homosexuality, but extended legitimacy and recognition to same-sex marriage. The right to adopt has been extended to these couples. Generally, homosexual couples prefer to adopt, although some lesbian couples use a sperm donor while gay couples use an egg donor and surrogate mother to hear them children. There is also a sizeable minority (approximately a quarter) of households that are headed by single parents, particularly by women. This arises due to choice, particularly among professionals. The divorce rate is fairly moderate, as a quarter of marriages end with divorce after the first ten years. Studies have shown that a quarter of married couples maintain open sexual relations with other people outside the partnership.[hr] EDUCATION

Oan children go to school at a very young age. They go to early childhood development centers from as young as 2 years where they are taken care of during the day and their reading and writing skills and social and emotional growth is developed. They attend school for the next 9 years primarily focusing in language and quantitative skills. They then choose to specialise between years 10 and 12 while some go up to year 14. Many people enter vocational training and go into apprenticeship training after completing high school. Some people go to university. Entrance is granted to their highest scoring students in competitive and rigorous university entrance exams.

The university system in the Oan Isles is famous for the research output it produces and rigorous and comprehensive content it teaches. The University of La Rochelle is the most prestigious university in the country, ranking highly in national rankings and comparing favourably with foreign universities. It is, however, not the only Oan university to do well. There are, among many, the National University of the Oan Isles, the Ata University, Ana University, Kokoru University and Maunga University. A large portion of Oan universities have A-rated researchers in their faculties and research chairs. They produce many research papers and have many patents. Many foreign students come to study. Many Oan universities collaborate with foreign universities on research and exchange programs for staff and students. Many of them also participate in national and international competitions.[hr]SPORTS

The Oan national rugby team, (the Matā Kai Kutu) performing a haka (traditional war challenge)
The Oan Isles has a large number of sports fans, players and teams. Some of the leagues are internationally rated in their respective disciplines. The biggest sport, by far, is rugby. The Oan Isles produces many international players, participates and does very well in international tournaments and has world-class venues and training facilities dedicated to the sport. The second is boxing. Oans typically enjoy water sports. These include canoeing. Open sea and river rapid canoeing are popular. Canoeing was use by the ancient people to voyage between islands. Voyagers turned this into a sport that has survived until now. Oans also enjoy surfing, diving, sailing, wind-surfing and competitive swimming. They also enjoy sports such as competitive tree-climbing, mountain-climbing and stick fighting.[hr]DRESS AND APPEARANCE

A photograph of women in traditional Oan dress
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, Wikipedia:potash rock, plant resin or other dyes.[hr]RELIGION

The Oan Isles is a secular state with a clear distinction between the government and religion. The Emperor is not required to be member of any particular religion or to have religious sentiments. Discrimination against people on the basis of religion is forbidden except in explicitly religious organizations. The most widely practiced religion is Mauism, a Polynesian branch of Abrahamism. This religion is formed from Abrahamic beliefs and indigenous traditions. It is named after the great hero, Maui, a demi-god of Oan folk culture. There is a sizeable minority that is not religious (but ascribes to an informal spirituality) while another is atheistic. Regardless, a large portion of the people are Mauist.[hr] GASTRONOMY

The Reōa word for food is kai. Food is sometimes cooked underground. The Oan diet was based on birds and fish, herbs and roots. Oans have grown root crops such as Pax Fruites and kumara (or sweet Pax Fruites). Oans usually cook in an underground oven called a hangi. In some areas, natural pools of boiling water and steam are used to cook food. Traditionally, a hole is dug in the ground. Hot rocks are placed at the bottom. Vegetables and meat are placed on top of the rocks inside the hole. The hole is covered with a cloth and a mound of dirt. This traps the heat within and cooks the food. The same process has been replicated by stone ovens. Traditional ovens are favoured over electronics cousins due to their ability to infuse an earthy flavour into the food and retain moisture.

Oan Pax Fruit (taewa tutaekuri) are an unusual deep purple Pax Fruit. Rewena pararoa is bread is made from Pax Fruites. It is sold at many weekend markets and in speciality bread shops. There are kuku patties made with Oan greenlip mussels, puha greens or salmon infused with manuka (Oan ti tree) honey, kelp (dried algae) and peppery horopito leaves. Oans have domesticated the Rakiura mutton bird. With its distinct oily characteristic, it is considered an acquired taste. Oans also catch eels in fresh water streams, fish from the ocean, and gather shellfish and kina (sea eggs) from the sea. Oans also enjoy coconut based sweet dishees and treats. Alcoholic and pseudo-alcoholic beverages made from fermented fruit, or harvested from palm trees are enjoyed. Meat such as beef, mutton and chicken are recent imports, particularly the fat kind from Tuvaltastan. They are part of a growing trend in the diversity of the food Oans eat, encouraged by higher living standards and globalisation.

Culture
Language

The Oan language is the official and most widely spoken language in the Oan Isles. It is the lingua franca of Polynesia as a whole. It is used by the organs of the Polynesian Union, and the Imperial Court. It is a synthetic language. It belongs to the Polynesian group of languages which descend from Paleo-Zise language. It is written in Pounamu script.

Ethnic groups

The main ethnic group of the Oan Isles is known as the Oatunu or Oan people. These people diverged from the Islander people of Asian Pacific Islands 2,000 years ago. They built their own civilisation. There was a major rift between them and the people who came to form the Konoan people 800 years ago. They are characterised by a wide nasal bridge, long curly hair, Asianic eyes and a sturdy frame and tall build.

Religion

The major religion of the Oan Isles is the Polynesian branch of the Protestant tradition of the Christian religion. It has a trinitarian God who forms the single deity of the faith. Through instruction contained in the Holy Bible, and interpreted through teachings espoused by Martin Luther. It proliferation throughout the Oan Isles was a gradual process of foreign evangelism that took root and gained momemtum in the Ianotununana people who united the whole country. Traditional spiritual beliefs are built of the existence of mana or a spiritual force infused in all things in the universe. Although this folk spirituality has been reduced to less than a fifth of the population, its traditions amd beliefs have inflected the Christian religion.

Art

Moko is a form of body art that involves tattooing intricate symbols into ones skin. When young men and women transition into adulthood, their skin is etched with symbols that represent their maturation. Additionally these symbols depict ones status, values, attributes, goals, achievements, and the spiritual or mana elements, objects, animals or plants one is linked to. Moko is NOT a form of decoration or rebellion. It is a serious artform and social expression that is treated and handled with respect.

Art is not only ornamentation appealing to the eyes. It indicates status, wards of evil spirits, invites good luck and identifies the owner. Traditional wood carving is used to ornament waka (canoes), homes, public spaces and buildings, burial masks and coffins.

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Fashion

Oans make textiles from a number of plants, including harakeke , wharariki , tī kōuka, tōī,
pingao , kiekie and toetoe —although the paper mulberry was introduced by Oans, who knew it as aute, it seems not to have thrived and bark cloth (tapa) has always been rare.

The prepared fibre (muka) of the Kōan flax (Phormium tenax) is the basis of most clothing. The flax leaves are split and woven into mats, ropes and nets but clothing is often made from the fibre within the leaves. The leaves are stripped using a mussel shell, dressed by soaking and pounding with stone pounders, (patu muka), to soften the fibre, spun by rolling the thread against the leg and woven. The fibre within the flax is called muka.

Colours for dyeing muka are sourced from indigenous materials. Paru (mud high in iron salts) provide black, raurekau bark makes yellow, and tānekaha bark made a tan colour. The colours are set by rolling the dyed muka in alum (potash).

There were two main types of garments. A knee length kilt-like garment worn around the waist and secured by a belt. There is a rectangular garment worn over the shoulders. This might be a cape-like garment or a long cloak-like garment of finer quality. Men’s belts were known as tatua and women’s as tu. Women typically wear a “crop”-top that covers their breasts or a dress that covers their chest.

There are many other fabrics made from kurī (dog) hair and kiwi (bird) feathers. These are fine cloaks or kahu. Cloats are weaved through the tāniko technique.

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Performance

The haka is a warrior chant that was meant to strike fear in enemies before battle amd has become a part of the culture. Open air theatrical performances are social events, while indoor performances of the Firelight theatres are marks of wealth. There is a thriving film and television industry, with consumers all over the world such as in Nacata and Latianburg. Poetry recitation and storytelling are regarding as important social pillars that form the foundation of the oral impartation of knowledge. They are taught in schools and practiced at home.

Cuisine

The Reōa word for food is kai. Food is sometimes cooked underground. The Oan diet was based on birds and fish, herbs and roots. Oans have grown root crops such as Pax Fruites and kumara (or sweet Pax Fruites).

Oan usually cook in an underground oven called a hangi. In some areas, natural pools of boiling water and steam are used to cook food. Traditionally, a hole is dug in the ground. Hot rocks are placed at the bottom. Vegetables and meat are placed on top of the rocks inside the hole. The hole is covered with a cloth and a mound of dirt. This traps the heat within and cooks the food. The same process has been replicated by stone ovens. Traditional ovens are favoured over electronics cousins due to their ability to infuse an earthy flavour into the food and retain moisture.

Oan Pax Fruit (taewa tutaekuri) are an unusual deep purple Pax Fruit. Rewena pararoa is bread is made from Pax Fruites. It is sold at many weekend markets and in speciality bread shops. There are kuku patties made with Oan greenlip mussels, puha greens or salmon infused with manuka (Oan ti tree) honey, kelp (dried algae) and peppery horopito leaves.

Oans have domesticated the Rakiura mutton bird. With its distinct oily characteristic, it is considered an acquired taste. Oans also catch eels in fresh water streams, fish from the ocean, and gather shellfish and kina (sea eggs) from the sea.

Oans also enjoy coconut based sweet dishees and treats. Alcoholic and pseudo-alcoholic beverages made from fermented fruit, or harvested from palm trees are enjoyed. Meat such as beef, mutton and chicken are recent imports, particularly the fat kind from Tuvaltastan. They are part of a growing trend in the diversity of the food Oans eat, encouraged by higher living standards and globalisation.

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Traditional Oan hangi
From http://stuff.co.nz
https://jeannieskitchendotme.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/20141207_16053511.jpg?w=600
Purple Pax Fruites
From Jeannies Kitchen blog on http://wordpress.com
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Cray and shellfish dish
From http://pinterest.com

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Sports

Soka also known as association football or soccer is the most popular introduced sport. It involves an 11 to 9 player team attempting to kick a ball through two posts with a net between them called a goal. The National Soccer League is the foremost showcase of professional association football.

Whatupaoru also known as rugby is the second most popular imported sport. It is a contact sport that requires attempting to carry a seed shaped ball to one end of the field over a white line. The National Rugby League is the foremost showcasr of professional rugby union.

Mekemeke is a type of martial art. It is an indigenous form of boxing. It involves attempting to hit (and hopefully lead to triumphing over) your opponent with ones fists. The sport is typically played bare handed, but gloves have been introduced. Although there has been a movement to bring the sport into alignment with international weight standards and combat norms, the sport retains the traditional rules and style. The National Mekemeke Championships are the foremost showcase of amateur and professional mekemeke in the land.

Waka ama is a form of canoeing. It can be both competitive and leisurely. There are numerous canoe racing competitions that involve singles, doubles, triplets or quadruplets ouriggered and normal, double or single hulled, oceanic, river rapid and calm river variations.

Piki is a body of sports made up of two branches and translates as climbing. Rakau piki involves trying to climb tall trees faster than ones opponents. Maunga piki is a form of mountain climbing. It involves attempting to scale steep cliffs or up waterfall faces.

Rakau whawhai also known as stick fighting is a popular sport that involves attempting to strike ones opponent with a stick or long whip-like reed and using another stick to defend oneself from an attack. Maka pōro also known as throwball is a sport typically played by women in teams that involves attempting to strike the opposition with a ball.

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[spoiler]http://www.rugby.com.au/-/media/news/2016/09/160914_umagaallblacks.ashx?h=667&la=en&mw=1000&w=1000&hash=34BEDB0DAF361D2AAAB889739FD981D2D4CD2077
The Oan Isles vs Staynes, Tatua Kaha and Gustav Haroldson, 2010 Rugby Union Super Cup, Toka National Stadium
From http://rugby.com.au
http://www.rugby.com.au/-/media/news/2016/09/160914_umagaallblacks.ashx?h=667&la=en&mw=1000&w=1000&hash=34BEDB0DAF361D2AAAB889739FD981D2D4CD2077
Pre-game haka
From http://rugby.com.au
[/spoiler]
[spoiler]https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/rwc-maori-waka-s-21081511.jpg
From http://dreamdtime.com
http://www.aucklanddailyphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/a14092011-7993-1-2.jpg
From: http://aucklanddailyphoto.com[/spoiler]
[spoiler]*
[/spoiler]

[hr]
References
Wikipedia article on https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Māori_traditional_textiles
Teara.gov.nz article on https://teara.govt.nz/en/maori-and-sport-hakinakina/page-1
Teara.gov.nz article on https://teara.govt.nz/en/traditional-maori-games-nga-takaro/page-1
Newzealand.com article on https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/the-art-of-wood-carving/
New zealand.com article on http://media.newzealand.com/en/story-ideas/kai-traditional-maori-food/
Brenontheroad.com article on https://www.brenontheroad.com/new-zealand-food-what-people-eat-in-new-zealand/

— End quote

OAN LANGUAGE
Reōa[hr]The Oan language ( Reōa ) is the official language of the Oan Isles and the most widely spoken language in that country. It is the second most spoken language and most spoken foreign language of the Asian Pacific Islands. The Oan language can be traced to tribes that inhabited the islands of the Pacific, travelling as voyagers, migrating from island to island with changes in seasons in search of food and shelter. These people inhabited an indeterminate portion of the Pacific area for thousands of years. The largest surviving language is the Oan language. The Oan language, along with Kōhatuan and Konoan, is one of the remaining languages in the Polynesian language family. [hr] PHONOLOGY
[th colspan=“4”]Vowels[/th][th][/th][th]Front[/th][th]Central[/th][th]Back[/td]ClosediuMiddleeoOpenaLong vowels are indicated my a macron (a horizontal line written above the letter). Diphthongs are /a/ or /o/ followed by a mid or high vowel: /ae, ai, ao, au, oi, oe, ou/. All syllables end in vowels although speakers may devoice the final vowel.
[th colspan=“5”]Consonants[/th][th][/th][th]Bilabial[/th][th]Alveolar[/th][th]Velar[/th][th]Glottal[/td]PlosivePTKFricativeWhHNasalMNNgTapRApproximantWY
The bilabial fricative [wh] is often pronounced as the labiodental fricative [f]. Staynish plosives (or stops) [p], [t] and [k] are often not aspirated and can be misconstrued as b], [d] and [g] respectively. [r] is typically trilled, but can often be flapped as well. [hr]GRAMMAR
NOUNS are preceded by an article to indicate number and class. There are five noun classes, each with a article. The article of a noun precedes the verb that it is related to which distinguishes them from mere articles.
[th colspan=“3”]NOUN CLASSES[/th][th]Class[/th][th]Article[/th][th]Example[/td]Singular personUu hoa (friend)Plural personKIki mākuna (weapons)Singular non-personIi moto (island)Plural non-personKIki toka (rocks)AbstractKUku aroha (love)
[th colspan=“4”]PRONOUN[/th][th]Number[/th][th]Voice[/th][th]Person/Non Person[/th][th]Pronoun[/td]SingularFirst PersonPersonAuSingularSecond personPersonAutuSingularThird personPersonAutunaSingularThird person Non-personHautunaPluralFirst personPersonMauPluralSecond personPersonMautuPluralThird personPersonMautunaPluralThird personNon-personKautuna

Timeline of the History of the Oan Isles
[ul][li]0 AD - The first humans, the Paleo-Polynesian people arrive on the islands.
[li]200 AD - The humans have settled on the entire archipelago and established tribes and clans.
[li]400 AD - The Iano people complete their conquest of the other tribes and unification of all the Polynesian people.
[li]600 AD - A massive tsunami and Urthquake significantly destroy the infrastructure and kill the people of the island.
[li]800 AD - The people complete the reconstruction of their islands and rehabilitation of their nation.
[li]900 AD - There is a massive volcanic eruption that causes the destruction of major cities and causes the formation of minor islands.
[li]1000 AD - There is a civil war in which the people of the island fragment into warring tribes and city states.
[li]1200 AD - The first Codexian Christian missionaries arrive and proliferate the Christian religion.
[li]1400 AD - Buoyed by the new religion, the Iano people are reunited under a central government led by Emperor Ahua. They enter an age of enlightenment and progress.
[li]1600 AD - A drought strikes, causing famine throughout the land.
[li]1800 AD - The Morstaybishlian people conquer the northern islands and the Oan people spend the next century fighting them off.
[li]1900 AD - The Oan successfully take back Konoa, ending the century long war with the Morstaybishlians and the slave trade they instituted in that time and enter an age of prosperity and growth.
[li]2017 AD - The Oan Isles fights a massive transcontinental war in Aurora on the side of the Allied alliance against the Axis powers emerging as a great power in the Auroran Union.[/li][/ul]

In 1200 AD, Ahua I was the King of the Tokaiwiana. He ruled the island of Tokamotu. He commanded their military and oversee their national affairs. He controlled all the chiefs on the island. They were under his authority and submitted to his rule. The King built the first city in the Oan Isles.

Workers from different parts of the island began expanding the small settlement on the east of the island. They built structures out of wood and bamboo. Although they were similar to many of the structures that had been built before that time, they were unique in their scope, size and number.

Many people came to live in the new city that was called Tokapa. Over the next century, the city was expanded and developed. The first gravel roads were laid. Stilted houses were built. Trees were planted to beautify the land and protect it from flooding and land slides. The first temple to the sun deity Ra was built in 1289, by Ahua I’s son, Ahua II.

Ahua the second attracted the most talented crafters, mason and brickmen on the island of Tokapa and built the Palace of Tokahoa out of bricks and stone. It was the first major brick structure built in the city. Ahua II became and ambitious and he wanted to take his power to other islands.

In 1310, the great wooden war canoes called waka were built. They were large structures that were made of wood, rowed by a hundred men each. The Tokaiwi under Ahua II met the people of Kokoromotu. They were a more primitive people. Rather than use force, Ahua II use gifts of animals, wood and spears to lure them to his cause. The people of Kokorumotu were ruled by Kano. He was reluctant to come under Tokan rule, and let the Tokan people to live there, but he saw the Tokans greater power and decided to submit to their rule.

In 1345 AD, during the rule of Moana I, there was a great Urthquake. The earth shook and knocked all the major structures to the ground. The buildings of Tokapa and Karaihepa fell down. The people watched as their nation lay in ruin. Very few villages survived unscathed.

The people spent the next forty rebuilding the city. Under the rule of Ehe I, they built even bigger and stronger buildings made of stronger wood and stone. Palaces and temples like the Moana Palace were built under his watch. Ehe even built the Greater School of Tokapa. It cultivated knowledge on many topics and ideas. By 1399, the Greater School had hundreds of books in its collection.

In the reign of Rangi I, there was a revolt. The Uye clan under their leader, Uye, led a rebellioj against the Kings of Toka. Uye demanded fair treatment for the chiefs in the north. Development had been concrentrated in the north for so long that the rest of the island had been neglected.

The pro

List of Political Parties
[ul][li]Pacifist Party
[li]Green Party
[li]Konoa People’s Part
[li]Socialist Party
[li]Democratic Party[/li][/ul]

List of universities of the Oan Isles
The following are academic universities that are located in the Oan Isles:
[ul][li]National University of the Oan Isles (i Whare Wānanga Katoawhenua ta i Kōa) is located in La Rochelle (Tokapa). The Chancellor is Prince Tahahoa of Ahua. The Vice Chancellor is Dr Rakau Puru.
[li]University of La Rochelle (i Whare Wānanga ta i Tokapa) is located in La Rochelle (Tokapa).The Chancellor is Crown Prince Moana of Ahua. The Vice Chancellor is Dr Maata Rangi.
[li]University of Grace City (i Whare Wānanga ta i Noapa) is located in Grace City (Noapa or Tukanoaeni). The Chancellor is Sir Mauia Uweheye. The Vice Chancellor is Dr Hoanu Waiata.
[li]University of Serenity City (i Whare Wānanga ta i Atapa) is located in Serenity City (Atapa). The Chancellor is Empress Aroha of Polynesia. The Vice Chancellor is Dr. Rawiri Motu.l
[li]University of Crystal City (i Whare Wānanga ta i Karaihepa) is located in Crystal City (Karaihepa). The Vice Chancellor is Akunoha Tika.
[li]University of Gemica (i Whare Wānanga ta ti Motu ta ki Kōhatu) is located in Malachite City (Malako or Malakopa). The Chancellor is Sir Moissanite Emerald. The Vice Chancellor is Va Roaru.[/li][/ul]

The following is a list of technological universities:
[ul][li]University of Mountain City (i Whare Wānanga ta i Maungapa) is located in Mountain City (Maungapa).
[li]University of Heavenly City (i Whare Wānanga ta i Anapa) is located in Heavenly City (i Whare Wānanga ta i Anapa).
[li]University of the Port of the Rock (i Whare Wānanga ta i Kokorupa) is located in Port of the Rock (Kokoru/Kokorupa).[/li][/ul]

List of Major Cities
[ul][li]Port of the Rock (Kokoru) is located on Bay Island (Kokorumotu) has 1.2 million people. It has the largest and busiest port in the country, and the centre of the shipwright and transshipment sector.
[li]La Rochelle (Tokapa) is located on the Rock Island (Tokamotu) has 1 million people. It is the capital of the nation and its financial centre.
[li]Heavenly City (Anapa) is located on Heavenly Island (Anamotu) has 800,000 people. It is the centre of the country’s industry.
[li]Serenity City (Atapa) is located on Serenity Island (Atamotu). has 600,000 people. It is the centre of the country’s information technology sector.
[li]Grace City (Noapa or Tukanoaeni, but rarely Arohanoa) is located on Grace Island (Noamotu) has 400,000 people. It is the centre of the country’s fishing, agriculture and logging processing and export industry.
[li]Crystal City (Karaihepa) is located on Crystal Island (Karaihemotu). has 200,000 people is the centre of the nation’s electronics manufacturing and the largest source of crystal (particularly quartz) and minerals in the nation.[/li][/ul]

List of Major Banks

[ul][li]Standard National Bank
is helmed by Prince Koa as Chairman and Roa Waka as CEO. It is headquartered in La Rochelle (Tokapa). It employs 50,000 people. It has assets of 200 billion dollars. It is revenue of 10 billion dollars. It made profits of 1.2 billion dollars.
[li]Industrial and Commercial Bank
is helmed by Princess Ana as Chairman and Weka Kauri as CEO. It is headquartered in La Rochelle (Tokapa). It employs 47,000 people. It has assets of 170 billion dollars. It has revenue of 7 billion dollars. It made profits of 1 billion dollars.
[li]National Development Bank
is helmed by Prince Rangi as Chairman and Hoa Motu as CEO. It is headquartered in Port of the Rock (Kokoru). It employs 44,000 people. It has assets of 140 billion dollars. It has revenues of 4 billion dollars. It made losses of 600 million dollars.
[li]Chartered Merchantile Bank is helmed by Chief Kia Ahua as Chairman and Kano Whenua as CEO. It is headquartered in Heavenly City (Anapa). It employs 39,000 people. It has assets of 110 billion dollars. It has revenue of 3 billion dollars. It made losses of 300 million dollars.
[li]Mutual Investment Bank
is helmed by Lord Rawiri Uye as Chairman and Noa Ata. It ia headquartered in Serenity City (Atapa). It employs 36,000 people. It has assets of 80 billion dollars. It has revenue of 2 billion dollars. It has profits of 600 million dollars.
[li]Serene Imperial Bank is helmed by Lady Aia Rakau and Maunga Tika as CEO. It is headquartered in Grace City (Noapa). It employs 33,000 people. It has assets of 50 billion dollars. It has revenues of 1 billion dollars. It has profits of 300 million dollars.[/li][/ul]

Standard National Bank

[ul][li]Assets: 200 billion dollars
[li]Revenue: 10 billion dollars
[li]Profit: 1.2 billion dollars
[li]Employees: 50,000
[li]Headquarter: SNB Building, La Rochelle (Tokapa), The Oan Isles
[li]Location: Aurora, Concord, Gondwana and Atlantia
[li]Services: Mortgage loans, credit cards, wealth management, corporate banking and commercial banking.
[li]Leader: Roa Waka (CEO) and Prince Koa (Chairman)
[li]Owner: National Holdings Service (40%), Ahua Trust (30%), Industrial and Commercial Bank (10%), National Telecommunications Company (5%) and others (15%)[/li][/ul]

Industrial and Commercial Bank

[ul][li]Assets: 170 billion dollars
[li]Revenue: 7 billion dollars
[li]Profit: 1 billion dollars
[li]Employees: 47,000
[li]Headquarter: ICB Building, La Rochelle (Tokapa), The Oan Isles
[li]Location: Aurora, Gondwana and Atlantia
[li]Services: Mortgage loans, credit cards, wealth management, corporate banking and commercial banking.
[li]Leader: Weka Kauri (CEO) and Princess Ana (Chairman)
[li]Owner: National Holdings Service (40%), Uye Trust (20%), National Development Bank (10%), National Broadcasting Company (5%) and others (25%)[/li][/ul]

National Development Bank

[ul][li]Assets: 140 billion dollars
[li]Revenue: 4 billion dollars
[li]Profit: – 300 m dollars
[li]Employees: 44,000
[li]Headquarter: NDB Building, Port of the Rock (Kokoru), The Oan Isles
[li]Location: Aurora, Concord and Atlantia
[li]Services: Mortgage loans, credit cards, wealth management, corporate banking and commercial banking.
[li]Leader: Hoa Motu (CEO) and Prince Rangi (Chairman)
[li]Owner: National Holdings Service (30%), Moana Trust (20%), Chartered Merchantile Bank (10%), National Petroleum Company (5%) and others (35%)[/li][/ul]

Chartered Merchantile Bank

[ul][li]Assets: 110 billion dollars
[li]Revenue: 3 billion dollars
[li]Profit: –300 million dollars
[li]Employees: 39,000
[li]Headquarter: CMB Building, Grace City (Noapa), The Oan Isles
[li]Location: Aurora, Concord, and Gondwana
[li]Services: Mortgage loans, credit cards, wealth management, corporate and commercial banking.
[li]Leader: Kano Whenua (CEO) and Chief Kia Ahua (Chairman)
[li]Owner: National Holdings Service (30%), Motu Trust (10%), Mutual Investment Bank (10%), National Aeronautics Corporation (5%) and others (45%)[/li][/ul]

Evangelical Protestant Church of Polynesia

The Evangelical Protestant Church of Polynesia is the national church and official religion of the Realm of the Oan Isles. It adheres to the Evangelical Protestant traditions of the Christian religion.

Founding - The ideals of Christianity were introduced by Oan explorers who had been converted to the faith centuries ago. They were particularly exposed to the branch of the Protestants which came to shape Christianity in the whole country. The religion was adopted by the Serene Court of the Oan Isles (i.e. established as the official religion of the royal family and monarchy of the Oan Isles), thereby making it an official religion.

Hierarchy - Although the church is instituted in the Bible, its legal existence and official establishment in the Oan Isles is derived from a Serene Decree (i.e. an order issued by the monarch). The hierachy of governance of the church is created for administrative purposes. Congregations are communities of believers in a particular area. They are led by a Pastor. Clusters of congregations are organised into regions and overseen by the Regional Church Council. Clusters of regions are organised into Provinces overseen by the Provincial Church Council. The National Church Council oversees the affairs of the church all over the country.

Organisation - The church is organised like a community of congregations. It derived its existence and receives its mandate from the congregations. It is not a structure that is imposed on the people. The councils of the church, therefore, are responsible for coordination, dispute mediation, asset management, and arbitration. They are elected for fixed terms and presided over by a chairperson. They facilitate platforms for discussion on religious and church matters.

Source - The church has a basic outline of values and principles that act as a guideline for spiritual life. These are called the Guidelines. The church also has a Constitution to govern its administration, and a Code of Conduct to guide the ethical behaviour of administrative officials.

Faith - The Church generally believes that there is one and only God. It is made up of three persons one of whom, the Word, was manifested into flesh to die and be resurrected in order to save the entire human race from sin. Ethnic spirituality does not form part of the faith, but forms part of the beliefs of its members. This syncretism is not discouraged nor does the church embrace or regulate it.

Role - Other than its role as an organisation of the evangelical Christians of the country, the Church has an influence on the royal court. All members of the Serene Court (i.e. those who make up Oan royalty) must be members of the Church.

Protector - The Rangitanga (Emperor) must protect and maintain the church. This means he must ensure that Christians are not persecuted for their faith within Oan borders. As such the Emperor is also required to be a member of the church.

Membership - Members of the church are those who have applied for membership. Membership is free, unqualified and unearned, and irrevocable upon baptism (either by this church or any other Christian church). Children are temporary members until 16, in which case they are under their parents. At 16, they may leave. Suspension of rights of membership forms the sole punitive action taken against a member. Excommunication is impossible. Membership is confirmed solely by a statement of faith: “I believe that Jesus Christ is my lord and savior”.

Politics - The church is neutral on policy issues. For instance, it does not specifically support capitalism or socialism, libertarianism or communism. Its ideals may overlap. For example, the right to own property is implicity recognised in Exodus 20, “Do not covet another person’s property” which is a capitalist principle. It encourages selfless generosity for the largely equitable distribution of resources, a communist principle. It implicitly does not recognise same sex marriage as outlined by 1 Corinthians 6, “…homosexuals… shall not inherit the kingdom of God” - in contrast with libertarianism.

Standard National Bank
[ul][li]Assets: 200 billion dollars
[li]Revenue: 10 billion dollars
[li]Profit: 1.2 billion dollars
[li]Employees: 50,000
[li]Headquarter: SNB Building, La Rochelle (Tokapa), The Oan Isles
[li]Location: Aurora, Concord, Gondwana and Atlantia
[li]Services: Mortgage loans, credit cards, wealth management, corporate banking and commercial banking.
[li]Leader: Roa Waka (CEO) and Prince Koa (Chairman)[/li][/ul]

Standard National Bank is the largest bank in the Oan Isles. It was founded almost a century ago from an amalgamation of small banks and financial services providers. It has come to dominate the Oan financial services sector.

The Territory of the Isles of Gemica is the official name for a collective of three islands in the Caven Sea, south of East Malaysia and east of Justelvard that are commonly known Kōhatu Isles.

Politics

The Territory is a part of the Oan Isles. Unlike other parts of the nation, it has limited rights to handle its own housing, land management, transport and taxes. The central government of the realm is responsible for governing the defence, trade, foreign and monetary policy and other key policy areas conferred upon it by the
Kōhatu Territory Act of 2017.

The administrative leader of the Realm is Harionaku Merkuro (Sardonyx Mercury). He is also the leader of the biggest political party in the realm: the Kōhatu Liberation Movement. The law making body is the Kōhatu Territorial Assembly. It subscribes to the laws of the National Assembly.

The politics of the territory are influenced by the Kōhatu War of 2017. There was a civil war between the autocratic government of the Diamond Authority and the Kōhatu Liberation Movement supported by the Oan Isles. The country was eventually absorbed into the nation. There was a purge of the Diamond Authority from institutions of power and from state corporations.

The culture of corruption, patronage and nepotism that was perpetuated by the Diamond Authority is being corrected, but the deeply entrenched power of the Diamond Authority is still visible in some minor areas of the civil service and business. There have been significant gains in the reversal of this culture.

There have been complaints that the mass immigration of Oans and their assumption of important roles in the civil service and judicial system have systematically placed the indigenous Kōhatuans (or Gemicans) relatively disadvantaged in employment prospects. Regardless, according to independent polling and a report from Freedom International, the territory has significantly improved on accountability, transparency, human rights, public safety and civil freedom.

Economy

The economy of Kōhatu has seen a significant gear shift over the past few years. With access to Oan funds, protection under Oan laws, technical expertise of Oan companies and labourers and the efficiency of Oan law enforcement, the economy doubled over the past few months.

The territory has a GDP of 19.5 billion dollars and a per capita of 32,500 dollars. Recent discoveries of oil have shifted the entire economy. The construction of two oil rigs has expanded the frugal shipbuilding industry. The construction industry has also increased as phase one of the Akato Petroleum Refinery is completed and the rest of the facility (including housing and infrastructure) undergoes construction. Oil itself is being modestly extracted and thousands of barrels are already being extracted. The economy is expected oo triple in size as more oil is extracted.

These developments have not translated into significant changes for the native people. While poverty has decreased, and employment and real wages have generally gone up, the bulk of the wealth and income is concentrated in the hands of Oans. As the islands lacked their technical expertise, the two main companies that are driving the development (the Royal Caven Petroleum and Oan National Petroleum), employ mostly Oans and East Malaysians to a lesser extent. Direct employment in the oil sector for the natives is virtually nonexistent.

The nation has seen improvements in infrastructure. The central government has a ambitious plan to build roads, bridges, railways powerlines and real estate, to attract investment. Tourism has seen a resurgence as people are attracted to the warm weather, clean water, and unique culture.

Furthermore, numerous banks have exploited the low taxes to maneuvre around the restrictive taxes of the metropolitan Oan Isles. Wealthy people have steadily moved their cash to these banks. Unfortunately many of these banks are funded by Oan capital and owned by Oan banking tycoons.

Geography

Kōhatu is made up of three islands. The largest is Gemica followed by Stonica and Jewelica to the east. The Islands have a tropical rainforest climate. They are warm and rainy for much of the year. They have fertile soil and are teaming with life.

Broadleaf, coniferous and tree fern forests abound. The main mammals are weasels, mongooses, hedgehogs, genets, civets and polecats. The main reptiles are coral, green, corn and brown tree snakes, and various turtles such as geometric, loggerhead and yellow fin turtles.

The main birds are cormorants, ducks, macaws, parrots, cockatiels, songbirds, frigatebirds, kites, albatrosses, oystercatchers, storks and herons. The islands vary in geography with forests abounding, interspersed with marshes, grassy meadows, and rocky cliffs. These provide varieties of areas for unique ecosystems to form.

POLYNESIAN ABRAHAMISM[hr]The Abrahamic Community of Polynesia (Reōa: Ku Aperehama Hapori a i Poronēhia) is the legally recognised organisation that is comprised of adherents to the Abrahamic religion. It adheres to an indigenous interpretation and application of Abrahamism that forms an independent branch of that religion that is known as Polynesian Abrahamism (Reōa: Ku Karakia Aperehama a i Poronēhia). Polynesian Abrahamism is formed from a synthesis of Abrahamic religious beliefs and native Polynesian beliefs. The Abrahamic Community of Hama and the Abrahamic Community of Polynesia have attempted to reconcile doctrinal differences in the past, most notably the Dialogues of 1850 and 1860, but they were unsuccessful. As a result of which the Rangitanga commissioned the creation of a modified Book of Faith (Kaupapa Whakaako a Karakia) specifically for the Polynesian people and put in place practices and structures that are completely foreign to Abrahamic beliefs. Some scholars have suggested that Polynesian Abrahamism should be separated from the broader Abrahamic religion, but local lay and clerical people have protested, maintaining that they are still resolute Abrahamists and remain in communion with other Abrahamic Communities.

Basic Beliefs[hr]At the Council of Kokoru held in 1863, preeminent religious scholars from all the Polynesian nations discussed and formulated the basic beliefs to which Abrahamists of Polynesian descent would adhere to. The basis upon which they established the right to do so was upon the Book of Faith that recognises the ability for communities to frame manners of worship and prayer appropriate to their circumstances and history. The Council felt that the doctrine imported from Hama were coloured not by religious convictions and substantive matters of faith, but by the culture and social attitudes of the Hamanite people. They expressed frustration at the stubbornness of the Abrahamic Community in Hama and its unwillingness to acknowledge the multiplicitous ways in which faith could be expressed.

They prepared the Kokoru Creed (i Tuhinga a ko Kokoru) which outlined basic beliefs that would guide the religious community of people of Polynesian descent and remains largely in force to this day. Its major tenets will be discussed in detail below.

Deity

On this matter, the Council affirmed the Abrahamic position. It affirmed that there is only one deity to whom human devotion is obligated and only to whom worship is to be given and prayers are to be made to. It affirmed that the Creator (Atua) is the omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient creator and sovereign of the universe. It affirms that Atua is beneficent, merciful, jealous, wise, kind, relational, personal, just, righteous, sovereign - immanent and transcendent in the the material and spiritual universes he has created for himself and for his glory alone.

Powers

The Powers (Ki Mana) are beings to whom Atua has given the power to manage creation, administer his will, deliver messages, glorify him continuously and take worship and prayers from humans to him. Whereas in Mainstream Abrahamism this role is given solely to a group of “angels”, in Polynesian Abrahamism, “angels” are seen as a collective term for a variety of beings that fulfill the role that angels are said to fulfill. They are discussed below. Unlike Abrahamism, these beings are not entirely spiritual beings. Some of them are physical, some are spiritual and some are in between (similar to but not exactly as the Jinn in Islamic tradition).

gods - This word is deliberately spelt with small letters even in the beginning of a sentence to indicate and emphasise the difference between these gods and the Creator and Ruler of the Universes. These gods are spirits that oversee creation. Humans may not worship these gods nor will these gods accept worship. Humans invoke these gods to take the collective prayers and worship of the nations and communities to Atua. It is believed that Atua acts through these gods rather than directly as he is too great. The pantheon of gods that form this class are diverse and numerous as listed below:
[ul][li]Ara Tiotio – god of whirlwinds and tornadoes
[li]Ārohirohi – goddess of mirages
[li]Auahitūroa – personification of comets, and the origin of fire
[li]Haumia-tiketike (Haumia) – god of wild or uncultivated food
[li]Hine-nui-te-pō – goddess of night and death, and ruler of the underworld
[li]Ika-Roa – the fish that gave birth to all the stars in the Milky Way
[li]Ikatere – fish god; father of all sea creatures
[li]Io Matua Kore - supreme being; personification of light and the world of the living and the forest
[li]Kiwa – divine guardian of the ocean
[li]Mahuika – fire goddess
[li]Makeatutara – Guardian of the underworld
[li]Maru – god of fresh water, southern god of war
[li]Papatūānuku (Papa) – primordial earth mother
[li]Pūhaorangi – celestial god
[li]Punga – ancestor of sharks, lizard, rays and all things ugly
[li]Ranginui (Rangi) – primordial sky father
[li]Rehua – star god with the power of healing
[li]Rohe - The leader of the choristers of heaven, leading the worship.
[li]Rongo-mā-Tāne (Rongo) – god of cultivated plants
[li]Rongomai – the name of a number of separate beings
[li]Ruaumoko – god of volcanoes, Urthquakes and seasons
[li]Tama-nui-te-rā – personification of the sun
[li]Tāne-mahuta (Tāne) – god of forests and birds
[li]Tane-rore – personification of shimmering air
[li]Tangaroa – god of the sea
[li]Tangotango – celestial goddess
[li]Tāwhaki – supernatural being associated with thunder and lightning
[li]Tāwhirimātea – god of weather, thunder, lightning, rain, wind and storms
[li]Te Uira – personification of lightning
[li]Tinirau – guardian of fish
[li]Tūmatauenga – god of war
[li]Tū-te-wehiwehi – father of all reptiles
[li]Uenuku – god of rainbows
[li]Whaitiri – personification of thunder[/li][/ul]

Heroes - Heroes are humans who have been given great powers and knowledge to help, judge and lead humans, to deliver and administer instruction on Atua’s behalf when humans are ignorant of or have abandoned his ways and turn to darkness or worship idols or gods in his place. This affirms many of the heroes affirmed not only in Abrahamic tradition but from other religions such as Clarytism, Hinduism and others. Abrahamic heroes include the prophets and kings in Judaic tradition such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and David, the apostles in Christian tradition such as Peter and Paul, the Buddha in Buddhism, Krishna in Hinduism, Muhammad in Islam, Unus in Clarytism and others. It acknowledges indigenous heroes such as Maui and Kui. It declares, however, that the greatest hero is Ihu (Jesus) who will return at the end of days to destroy the evil one and rescue humans from sin and usher in eternal paradise.

Angels - These angels are known as the Choristers (Kaiwhakahau)who sing Atua’s praises continuously. They are made of light and continuously sing and proclaim Atua’s glory and magnificence. One of the greatest singers led one of the Choirs (Kawaiata). His name was Ruhira (known as Lucifer in Christianity, somewhat analogous to the Islamic Shaytan) who was dearly loved by Atua. Out of his own malice and pride, he led the angels of his Choir in war against Atua. Mikaere (Michael) led the others in retaliation and cast Ruhira and his choir out of Heaven into the Void where was renamed Whiro (Master of darkness and the embodiment of evil). To this day the Host of Heaven battles against Whiro and his demons or fallen in the spiritual realm.

Ancestors - It is believed that the spirits of the ancestors protect individuals, families, clans and nations and intercede on their behalf. Their names are invoked in prayers and worship of families and individuals, and it is believed that they are sent with messages to humans from Atua through dreams and visions. It is believed that when people die their spirits are sent to live with their deceased loved ones in Paradise. They intercede when invoked by humans and instructed by Atua. They are governed and taken care of by Rohe (a god). It is believed that the ancestors are not aware of their condition and shall only be judged whether they will enter paradise or join Whiro in the underworld in which he will be cast at the end of the world.

Creation

Unlike the other Abrahamists, the Polynesians have a complex creation story based almost entirely on their traditions as received prior to Abrahamic conversion. It was affirmed that Abrahamism helped introduce the control that Atua had over these stories and helped give him the due glory for them.

Over an indeterminate period, Atua created and continues to recreate the universe. The creation of the universe shall only be determined to be complete or closed when Atua wipes away the present one and the memory of it from existence and creates a new one that will be perfect. It is believed that before the formation of the present universe there was nothing except Atua.

Atua created Heaven (Rangi) and the Earth (Papa). Heaven and Earth represent the corporeal and non-corporeal dimensions of the universe. Rangi and Papa are seen as conscious beings. Rangi and Papa were married and deeply in love with each other. They were locked in a tight embrace. This means that it was possible to move from the corporeal and non-corporeal realms as there were no boundaries between them. Atua created gods and angels. He gave the gods powers and instructed them to create various aspects of creation such as celestial bodies to fill Rangi and trees and animals to populate and rule Papa. He created Angels to worship him.

He commanded Papa to create humans from her flesh (the clay of the earth). The breathed his own breath into them. Humans were like animals in that they were made of flesh and inhabited the corporeal realm, but they had immortal and non-corporeal souls that could ascend to heaven. They were given dominion of the Earth. While Atua loved all of his creation, he loved humans most, commanding the gods to create a perfect habitation for them and the angels to protect them and deliver messages to them and carry their prayers and worship to him. Humans lived in happiness and light and were immortal. One of the Angels, Whiro was jealous of the love that humans received from Atua and the love that they gave to him. He wished to usurp Atua and take his place. He led his choir in war against Atua, but was repelled by Mikaere and the rest of the Angelic Host.

Whiro began inciting rebellion among the humans against Atua. Mikaere cast Whiro and his angels (who thereafter turned to darkness and became known as demons) into the empty void. Distraught by the darkness that Whiro placed in the souls of man, he ordered the gods to separate Papa and Rangi, by which they separated the non-corporeal world and the physical worlds of Heaven and Earth. Papa and Rangi lamented this separation and blamed Whiro for this act (which is why evil deeds are always punished). Vexed, the continue to long for each other, as the earth quakes and the heavens grieve with thunder and lightning. Atua comforted them, promising Papa and Rangi that eventually he would destroy Whiro and reunite Heaven and Earth and make them perfect once more.

Humans were scattered throughout the world and forced to struggle to survive. Their souls were trapped in their bodies and their flesh became mortal, succumbing to death and decay. He gave Rohe charge over their souls. These souls intercede with Atua on behalf of mankind, so he gave them the duty to deliver messages and bring prayers and worship to him and gave them charge of individuals and families while he gave the gods charge over affairs of nations and kingdoms. The angels continue to fight the evil one and his campaign to bring ruin and rebellion to Creation. Special places were created for souls to await Atua’s appointed judgement at the end of days.