Government Island (Pacifica)
 Location of Government Island in the South Pacific | |
 Topographic map of Government Island | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Brevero Sea |
| Archipelago | Bunker Islands |
| Area | 221 km2 (85 sq mi) |
| Length | 20 km2 |
| Width | 18 km2 |
| Administration | |
| Largest settlement | New Docks |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 5,000 to 20,000 (depending on season) |
| Languages | Austral |
| Ethnic groups | Peonic, Karnetvorian, Gianlucan, Sedunnic |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone |
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Government Island, or less frequently Midway Island (Peonic: XX; Sedunnic: Beness; etc), is a Condominium located in the Brevero Sea, in the centre of the South Pacific Ocean. The island is characterised by a rocky shoreline, steep hills and sparse vegetation. It covers an area of 221 km2. Citizens of signatories of the Treaty of NN are allowed to disembark on the island. Permanent residency is hard to obtain and may be granted by the Government Island Council. The population varies between seasons and reaches its maximum during the South Pacific Summer. The main urban areas are New Docks and Bantam Harbour.
Etymology
The Austral name Government Island first appears in ZZ maps during the Pirate Wars, likely referring to being the seat of the pirate kings and the pirate governance. The less frequently used name Midway Island refers to its position, roughly equidistant between Cordilia and Bailtem. It is likely a translation loan from one of the early seafaring nations, like Sedunn, Karnetvor or Huawan.
History
There is no evidence of humans visiting the island until the exploration and trading expeditions of the early 15tch century. Situated midway between Cordilia and Bailtem, the island island was an important node in the cross-Pacific trade where supplies could be stored and exchanged. Several nations competed for control over the island, but none were successful in ousting its competitors. Lack of a clear jurisdiction led to lawlessness and the gradual increase in piracy. By the 16th century the island had become the major pirate stronghold, severely threatening the cross-Pacific trade. It culminated in the Pirate Wars where major naval powers deployed their navies to end piracy. Severely weakened by the war, the pirates pledged to stop attacking ships crossing the ocean and where in return granted sovereignty of Government Island, founding the Free State.