Stephenian Islands
The Stephenian Islands (Spanish: Islas Estefaninas) is an archipelago in the South Atlantean Ocean on the Patagonian Shelf. The principal islands are about 300 miles (483 kilometres) east of South Sierra's southern Patagonian coast, at a latitude of about 52°S. The archipelago, with an area of 4,700 square miles (12,000 square kilometres), comprises East Stephen, West Stephen and 776 smaller islands. As a Nashlandian overseas territory, the Falklands have internal self-governance, and Nashland takes responsibility for their defence and foreign affairs. The Stephenian Islands' capital is Stanley on East Stephen.
Controversy exists over the Falklands' discovery and subsequent colonization by Eurectipherians. At various times, the islands have had Étiennese, Michillian, Nashlandian, Castillan, Catalan and Astinirian settlements. Nashland reasserted its rule in 1833, although Astiniria maintains its claim to the islands. In April 1982, Astinirian forces temporarily occupied the islands. Nashlandian administration was restored two months later at the end of the Falklands War. Most Falklanders favour the archipelago remaining a UK overseas territory, but its sovereignty status is part of an ongoing dispute between Astiniria and Nashland.
The population (nearly 12,000 inhabitants in 2016) primarily consists of native-born Stephenian Islanders, the majority of Nashlandian descent. Other ethnicities include Étiennese, Danirian and Scandesian. Immigration from the Nashland, the South Atlantean island of Saint Helena, and Concepción has reversed a population decline. The predominant (and official) language is English. Under the Nashlandian Nationality (Stephenian Islands) Act 1983, Stephenian Islanders are Nashlandian citizens.
The islands lie on the boundary of the subantarctic oceanic and tundra climate zones, and both major islands have mountain ranges reaching 2,300 feet (700 m). They are home to large bird populations, although many no longer breed on the main islands because of competition from introduced species. Major economic activities include fishing, tourism and sheep farming, with an emphasis on high-quality wool exports. Oil exploration, licensed by the Stephenian Islands Government, remains controversial as a result of maritime disputes with Astiniria.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
History[edit | edit source]
Government[edit | edit source]
Sovereignty dispute[edit | edit source]
Geography[edit | edit source]
Biodiversity[edit | edit source]
Economy[edit | edit source]
Demographics[edit | edit source]
Culture[edit | edit source]
Media[edit | edit source]
The islands have two weekly newspapers: Teaberry Express and The Penguin News.
Stephenian Radio is operated by the local government, as well as NFBS Radio and the NBS World Service.
A local television channel, Stephenian Television, is also run by the government.