NationStates

Geography:

Area: 14,986km²
Coastline: 1,982km
Highest Points:

• Flinders Island: Mount Flinders, 3,872 meters
• Cygnet Island: Mount Hanno, 2,496 meters
• Cook Island: Hope Mountain, 1,956 meters
• Banks Island: Mount Takaronty, 1,502 meters
• Panian island: Mount Achaydy, 1,477 meters
• Glasshouse Island: Blacktop Mountain, 856 meters
• Hunter Island: Quarry Mountain, 687 meters

Climate: Subtropical
Daily Mean Temp (^oC): 20.7 (Cook Island), 21.4 (Flinders Island)
Natural Resources: rainforest, silver, natural gas

Capital: Esperance, Flinders Island

Flinders Island is the largest and most populated island of the archipelago. The Arcadian Islands archipelago consists of seven large and several smaller islands, all of which are volcanic in origin. All the islands except Mount Achaydy on Panian Island have been active in the last million years; and four of them have historical records of eruptions since the fifteenth century. The islands rise from Jurassic oceanic crust with underwater magmatism commencing during the Cretaceous, and reached the ocean's surface during the Miocene.

According to the position of the islands with respect to the south-west trade winds, the climate can be mild and wet or very dry. Several native species form laurel forests. As a consequence, the individual islands in the Arcadian archipelago tend to have distinct micro-climates. Those islands such as Hunter, Glasshouse and Cook lying to the west of the archipelago have a climate which is influenced by the moist winds. They are well vegetated even at low levels and have extensive tracts of sub-tropical laurel forest. As one travels east, the influence of the winds diminishes, and the islands become increasingly arid.

In terms of its climate, Flinders Island is particularly interesting. The south of the island lies under the influence of the moist winds and is well vegetated, while the north of the island around is more arid. The island rises to almost 4000 metres above sea level, and at altitude, in the cool relatively wet climate, forests of endemic pine trees thrive.

History:

Early History
The history of the Arcadian Islands begins obscurely. The commonly held theory of prehistory from archaeological evidence supports that peoples speaking Austronesian languages first came to the islands some 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. Pottery fragments have been found dating back to 1300 B.C. What little is known of the early history has been gleaned from oral histories and legends. One important early figure was King Nalo Bani, who united several tribes and ruled over most of the islands, and was buried in a large mound with several retainers.

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Economy:

GDP: -
GDP per capita: -
Unemployment rate: 8.15%
Income tax rate: 22%
Inflation rate: 2.7%

Natural gas - production: 30.88 billion cu m
- consumption: 12.52 billion cu m
- exports: 18.36 billion cu m
- imports: 0 cu m

Agricultural products: tomatoes, potatoes, fruits, wheat, barley, maize

Currency: Arcadian Rum
Currency code: RUM
Exchange rate: -

The Arcadian economy is based primarily on tourism and related services, however is supplemented with tropical agriculture, primarily bananas and tobacco, which are grown mainly for export. There is local ecological concern that these resources, especially in the more arid islands, are being overexploited but tomatoes, potatoes, onions, sugarcane, grapes, vines, dates, oranges, lemons, figs, wheat, barley, maize, apricots, peaches and almonds are still grown across the islands. The Arcadian Islands have great natural attractions, climate and beaches which make the islands a major tourist destination. Among the islands, Flinders has the largest number of tourists received annually, followed by Cook and Glasshouse. Additionally, natural gas is extracted for local use and export.

In the centuries following colonisation, the mainstays of the economy were the sugar and wine-making industries. Sugar production on the islands started right after colonisation with sugar-cane cuttings brought on the fleet, but it declined in the middle of the 18th century. High production costs and local environmental challenges resulted in the decline of these industries, however improvements in agriculture have seen the industries recently revived.

During the nineteenth century as the demand for carmine food dye grew, cochineal production boomed throughout the islands; however the development of synthetic dyes had a considerable impact, causing the decline of the cochineal industry.

The archipelago’s economy was saved during the mid-nineteenth century with the introduction of the industrial cultivation of bananas to the islands. Growing the fruit gradually gained in importance and bananas became the islands’ main export product, reaching its peak at the start of the 20th century. Yet again, there was strong competition surrounding foreign exports and surviving on exporting bananas alone was hopeless so local farmers were forced to diversify by cultivating tomatoes, potatoes, other vegetables and exotic fruits and plants.

Military:

Military Branches: Arcadian Islands Defence Force (AIDF): Arcadian Island Army, Arcadian Island Navy, Arcadian Island Air Force

Military Service Age and Obligation: 17 years of age for voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription; women only allowed to serve in combat units in non-combat support roles.

Military Manpower: AIDF: 36,689 (0.6% of population)

The Arcadian Islands Defence Force (AIDF) is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Arcadian Islands. It consists of the Arcadian Island Army (AIA), Arcadian Island Navy (AIN) and Arcadian Island Air Force (AIAF). The Arcadian Islands government established the armed services as separate organisations shortly after independence. The AIDF is technologically sophisticated but relatively small.

Policy
The Arcadian Islands Government's current defence policies are increasing the AIDF's capabilities. This includes significantly expanding the AIDF's maritime capabilities, improving the firepower of AIA units and equipping the AIAF with modern and more capable aircraft. The AIDF's communication, intelligence and logistics capabilities are also to be improved. The latest defence policy identifies strategic objectives and AIDF capabilities which are necessary for these to be met. It states that "Arcadian Islands most basic strategic interest remains the defence of the nation against direct armed attack". In order to accomplish this, the AIDF needs to be capable of securing the air and sea approaches to Arcadian Islands, which includes defending the country's sea lanes and infrastructure.

Structure
The Arcadian Islands Defence Force (AIDF), Department of Defence and Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) make up the Arcadian Islands Defence Organisation (AIDO). The Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) and the Secretary of the Department of Defence administers the ADO. The AIDF is the military component of the ADO and consists of the AIA, AIN and AIAF. The Department of Defence is staffed by both civilian and military personnel and includes agencies such as the DMO, Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO) and Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). The DMO purchases and maintains defence equipment. The DSTO provides science and technology support to the defence forces.

Equipment
(AIA):

• Arsenal Deimos ASP .45 Automatic Service Pistol,
• IFAM AR5R2 Multiple Calibre Modular Weapons System,
• Arsenal Deimos MG3R1 7.7mm GPMG.
• MA9A2 Wheeled Modular Armoured Vehicle (35 x IFV, 10 X RV, 2 X CV, 3 x BCR, 5 x MEV)

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• K-HT1 (x110)

AIN:

• 3 x Commonwealth Class Nuclear Aircraft Carrier [CVN];
  AINS Flinders, AINS Cook, AINS Canning
• 5 x Phlegethon Class Guided Frigate [FFG];
  AINS Acheron, AINS Rattlesnake, AINS Herald, AINS Havannah, AINS Esk
• 7 x K-Kista Class Frigate; Operated as Bay Class
  AINS Walsingham, AINS Hale, AINS Wickham, AINS Boyd, AINS Duquesne, AINS Boursicot, AINS Dalrymple
• 7 x Waarden Class Escort Cruiser [CGE];
  AINS Stevens, AINS Noggin, AINS Coates, AINS Howie, AINS Peart, AINS Goudge, AINS Sudbury
• 3 x Zeedier Class FA Submarine [SSK];
  AINS Cowlishaw, AINS Spitfire, AINS, Forrester
• 3 x Vampier Class Attack Submarine [SSN];
  AINS Bedford, AINS Tribulation, AINS Grafton
• 10 x Chatham Class Logistics & Replenishment Ship [AOR];
  AIAV Pennant, AIAV Castle, AIAV Pendle, AIAV Brickfield, AIAV Gallows, AIAV Baulkham, AIAV Bass, AIAV Surry, AIAV Strawberry, AIAV Fairlight
• 3 x M.H. Class Hospital Ship;
  AIAV Flynn, AIAV Peel, AIAV Traegar

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• K-HT1 (x75)

AIAF:

• M.Cs 82 'Illusion' Multirole Combat Fighter (x 6)

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• K-HT1 (x15)

Notable Units

1 Cdo Regt
The 1st Commando Regiment is an Arcadian Islands Special Forces unit, established on 19 June 62 AI. War Fighting is the predominant role of the 1st Cdo Regt and it was raised to assume offensive special operations tasks, particularly focusing on many aspects of unconventional warfare. The unit may be tasked with, but is not limited to, Advanced Force Operations, Direct Action and Recovery, Strike, CSAR, Foreign Internal Defence and Protective Security Details. The 1st Cdo Regt is the premier Counter Terrorism and Recovery force relied upon by Government in the event of a hostage situation. All members are qualified to be employed as a counter terrorism operator/assaulter with the primary task of recovery and rescue of hostages from enemy contested situations. When on these duties, the unit is tasked in domestic and international direct action and hostage rescue missions by Sea, Air and Land.

The regiment is currently organised as follows:
Regimental HQ
A Company
B Company
C Company
D Company
110 Signals Squadron
Operations Support Company
Logistics Support Company

1st Battalion, Arcadian Army Regiment (1 AAR)
1st Battalion, Arcadian Army Regiment is a regular light infantry battalion of the Arcadian Islands Army (AIA).

1 AAR is currently organised as follows:
Battalion Headquarters
A Company (Rifle)
B Company (Rifle)
C Company (Rifle)
Support Company
Administration Company

3rd Battalion, Arcadian Army Regiment (3 AAR)
3rd Battalion, Arcadian Army Regiment is a regular infantry battalion of the Arcadian Islands Army (AIA) operating with mechanized support.

3 AAR currently consists of:
Battalion Headquarters
A Company (Training)
B Company (Rifle)
C Company (Rifle)
D Company (Rifle)
Support Company
Logistics Company
Technical Support Company

4th Battalion, Arcadian Army Regiment (4 AAR)
4th Battalion, Arcadian Army Regiment is a motorised infantry battalion of the Arcadian Islands Army (AIA).

4 AAR currently consists of:
Battalion Headquarters
A Company (Rifle)
B Company (Rifle)
C Company (Rifle)
Support Company
Logistics Support Company

Government:

Country Name: Conventional Long Form: Republic of Arcadian Islands
Conventional Short Form: Arcadian Islands

Government: Parliamentary Republic

Capital: Esperance, Flinders Island
Administrative Divisions: 3 provinces; Western Arcadia, Flinders, New Argyre

Notable Cities: Esperance (Flinders Island), Arcadia (Cook Island) and Bellerophon (Cygnet Island)

Founding: 22nd Feb. 1816 (as Nelson Islands)
Independence: 1 August 1946
Constitution: 1 August 1946

Legal System: common law
Suffrage: 18 years, universal

Executive Branch: Chief of State - President
Head of Government - Prime Minister
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to parliament
Elections: President elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of parliament and the presidents of the regional councils; following
legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by parliament from among its members.

Legislative Branch: unicameral Parliament - 64 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms

Judicial Branch: Supreme Court - chief justice is appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition, three other justices are appointed by the president on the advice of the AIJC (Arcadian Islands Judicial Commission)

People and Society

Demonym: Arcadian, Arcadian Islander

Ethnic Groups: Arcadian 82.6%, ni-Kula 15.5%, Other 1.9%
Languages: English, local languages (7), Arcadian pidgin

Population: 6,114,820

Age Structure: 0-14 years - 29.2%
14-64 years - 64.1%
65 years and over - 6.7%

Literacy: 92.5% (age 15 and over can read and write)

Communications

Telephone system: General assessment: good domestic and international service
Domestic: significant use of radiotelephone in areas of low population density; rapid growth of mobile telephones
International: country code - 313

Telephones: Main lines in use - 2,672,793
Mobile phones in use - 4,276,850

Broadcast Media: The Arcadian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) runs multiple national and local radio networks and TV stations and is the main public broadcaster; ni-Kula Television (KTV), a second large public broadcaster, operates radio and TV networks broadcasting in multiple local languages; cable and satellite systems are available to provide coverage in most parts of the nation.

Internet Country Code: .arc