User:Kingfries
Working in Southern Antarephia, more specifically Den Landen ter Zuiderbaaien and [[The Hayley Islands]] .
https://opengeofiction.net/#map=13/-47.0820/69.5872&layers=B
BELOW THIS POINT SANDBOX FOR CAPE ISLANDS, NOT PART OF LORE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
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The Cape Islands Kaapeilanden, Les îles du Cap (Lentian, Valonian) Capital: Karelstad
Population: 41,000 (2022) Motto: Vrijheid kan niet zinken (Freedom can not sink) Anthem: Vrije Bonden |
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The Cape Islands are a micro state situated at the mouth of the TBD, between Niarica and DLTZB, the latter from which it split in the xxxx's to remain democratic and connected to the Lentian Monarchy. Split when? post irl ww2 or before construction of the railway (1890s, with the rail being to strengthen independence from DLTZB?makes sense why that town became so established rather than remain insignificant colonial fishing village. need reasons to justify older major colonial infrastructure (fort, navy, colonial admin buildings, warehouses and canals. not to early because railway needs large bridges and tunnels). Valonian town once valonian (est. of colonialism-mid1800s), then special 'privileged community of the realm' or sort of like Quebec being part of majority english-speaking canada, deciding to stick with cape islands splitting from dltzb after dltzb gains independence in authoritarian revolution. mid 20th century valonian town gets SAR sort of status within Cape Islands. Industry tourism, tax heaven, duty-free/light shopping, fishing, light to heavy industry. Incineration plant makes up (below 3) % of economy, part import from Niarica. Excellent relations to Lentia, good to Niarica, volatile but stable to DLTZB (note: have they become democratic again by 2026?)
History
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| History of The Cape Islands | |
| Colonial Settlement | (optional) |
| Break-up of Colony | (optional) |
| Independence | (optional) |
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Geography
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| Geography of Kaapeilanden | |
| Continent | Antarephia |
| Region | Harda Archipelago |
| Population | 41,000 (2022) |
As a micro state of only xx km² the Cape Islands face serious geographical constraints. The territory consists of various islands with stark elevations, as well as some territory on the mainland along the coast of the (fjord/valley name). To deal with the large population for it's size, various land reclamation projects have filled in bays. This practice has slowed in recent times after backlash over environmental concerns.
Demographics
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| Demographics of Kaapeilanden | |
| Demonym | Kaapeilander, Kaapeilands, Kaapers |
| Official languages | Lentian, Valonian |
| Recognized minority languages | Kinto-Gaeligs |
| Literacy |  99.6% |
| Life expectancy |  80.5 years |
| Birth rate |  1.8 |
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Government and Politics
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| Government of Kaapeilanden | |
| Constitutional Monarchy | |
| Capital | Karelstad |
| Head of state | |
| • Queen (Koningin) | Emiliana II |
| • First Minister (Eerste minister) | TBA |
| Legislature | Staten van de Kaapeilanden |
| Judiciary | Hof van Cassatie |
Major political parties | |
SD, Lentisch Trots, groenmilieu, LKP, MINDER | |
| Lentian Commonrealm, AN | |
The Cape Islands are a sovereign constitutional monarchy. Since Independence in xxxx the islands have been in a personal union with Lentia, sharing their current monarch, Emiliana II, in her position as Queen of the Cape Islands (Koningin der Kaapeilanden).
Emiliana II is the x th Queen, respectively King, of the Cape Islands, having ascended to the throne on 27 April 1997.
The Unicameral parliament is headed by a prime minister (Eerste minister) and elected by all adult citizens every 3 years, being one of the few nations that have had universal suffrage from the beginning.
Unusual for a country of its size, the Cape Islands have two distinct Lentian and Valonian language communities. Whilst de-jure the Valonian community is a Self-governing community, subordinate to the national level, the state operates as a de-facto federalised construct. Balancing this construct has been one of the primary objectives of Government.
Parliament
Economy
The economy is characterised by a market economy with both laissez-faire business policies with the government reserving the right to intervene in key industries. The lack of sales tax and low industrial tax burden have been moderately successful in attracting commerce. In recent years environmental concerns have been voiced, in particular from the fishing industry, ship wharfs and from the Incineration plant that has been blamed for excessive pollution, while also producing electricity for the territory.
Military
The Ministry of Defence only boasts a token force, primarily for Coast Guard and Search and Rescue duties, with most defence relying on foreign forces such as the Royal Lentian Navy and Air Force.
Transport
Public opinion has re-concurrently voted for a restriction of private road traffic, with walking, cycling and public transportation being the primary means of transport
Air Traffic
The small nation is served by the Princes Irene Luchthaven (Princess Irene Airport), used by both Civilian and Military traffic and constructed for military purposes by a joint effort of the Cape Islands, Lentia and (TBA. Vodeo in a way similar to AUS, CND, NZ?) in 194x. It's severely confined location, and thus very limited capacity and risks to aviation, and possible relocation has been subject of a debate for years. Options discussed included a leveling of the nearby hills, construction on reclaimed land with significant costs and concerns, and even a relocation to the nearby shores of Niarica with a potential land-lease treaty. None have been seriously pursued as of 2025.
Surface Transportation
The xx railway, opened in 189x, remains a vital link, both to DLTZB and within the territory. Road traffic is limited, leaving most of the narrow streets to pedestrians and cyclists, in addition to some commercial traffic, taxis and public buses.
Water and Power
Electricity needs are met by a coal plant in central Karelstad, scheduled to cease operations in the coming years, and by the Incineration plant in the far west. Water is supplied by a wastewater treatment facility and imports from Niarica.
Culture
The local culture is an unique mix of Colonial Lentian and Valonian heritage, the rapid growth due to refugees fleeing persecution in DLTZB during the 20th century, and following a strong culture of market economy and civil rights.
The original indigenous population has been decimated by diseases, mixed-relations and mistreatment, a number of them fleeing to the nearby Kinto Islands. In recent years this heavy past has been addressed with excavations, archival research, removal of perpetrators names from the public space and fierce debate.
Languages
The constitution explicitly states that throughout the territory preference is to be given to the Lentian language, whilst Valonian has special status within the Self-Administering Community. Despite their small size, the language barrier in official spaces is clear, in practice both are used commonly.
Monuments
Scattered throughout the islands are traces of it's colonial past(s), with administration buildings, warehouses, churches, statues and the railway being present. Part of the old centre of Karelstad fell victim to urban renewal in the mid 20th century. Today, larges scale developments, in part on reclaimed land, are a common sight.