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{{Infobox country
{{Infobox dependency
| conventional_long_name = Kingdom of Mava
| name = Mava
| common_name            = Mava
| official_name = Territory of the Mava Islands<br />{{nobold|''Territorio de las Islas Mava'' (Almagrian)}}<br>{{nobold|''Maava Tlaanigat Chuumuk'' (Mavean)}}
| native_name            = ''Makilaki'aké 'a Máva'' (Mavean)
| settlement_type = Unincorporated territorial area
| image_flag             = [[File:Flag of Mava.png|125px]]
| image_flag = Flag of Mava.png
| flag_type              = Flag
| flag_type = Flag
| image_coat            = [[File:Coat of Arms of Mava.png|85px]]
| flag_size = 125px
| symbol_type            = Coat of Arms
| flag_link =
| image_map             = [[File:Mava on the Globe.png|250px]]
| motto = "Maava Taaskiuk" (Mavean)<br>(Anglish: "Onwards Mava")
| map_caption            = Location of Mava (red)
| anthem = "''El Gran Evento''"<br><div style="padding-top:0.5em;" class="center">[[File:Himno Nacional Mexicano (instrumental).ogg]]</div>
| image_map2            =  
| song_type =
| national_motto        = "Likaa'ki Kékalak 'a ta Kéakan'u 'a Lowka" (Mavean)<br>"Take Heed of the Leadings of God"<br>'''Royal motto:''' "Koila kile Kuaa Kiak" (Mavean)<br>"Faith and My Truth"
| song =  
| national_anthem        = ''Lowka Akalauma'ki Máva'' (Mavean)<br>"God Bless Mava"
| image_map =[[File:Triania-Mava.png|275px]]
<!--Capital city-->
| map_alt = Location of the Mava Islands
| capital                = Paas
| map_caption = {{map caption|location_color=circled|country=Mava|region=Triania|region_color=dark green}}
| largest_city          = capital
| subdivision_type = Sovereign state
<!--Demographics-->
| subdivision_name = {{flagicon image|Flag of Atitlán.png}} [[Atitlan]]
| ethnic_groups          = {{ublist|94.3% Mavean|3.1% Part-Mavean|2.6% Others}}
| established_title = Annexed by Atitlan
| religion              =
| established_date = 1828
| religion_ref          =  
| established_title2 = Autonomy
| demonym               = {{hlist|Mavean|Mavanese{{efn|Unofficial; commonly used.}}}}
| established_date2 = 1 June 2003
<!--Politics-->
| official_languages = {{hlist|Mavean|{{wp|Spanish language|Almagrian}}}}
| government_type       = Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
| capital_type = Administrative centre
| leader_title1         = Monarch
| capital = Paas
| leader_name1           = Kaakaia IV
| largest_settlement_type = largest town
| leader_title2         = Prime Minister
| largest_settlement = capital
| leader_name2           = Nua Kiuiáké
| demonym = {{hlist|Mavean|Mava Islander}}
| leader_title3         = Assembly Speaker
| ethnic_groups =
| leader_name3           = Vauta Laumasi
| ethnic_groups_year =
| legislature           = Legislative Assembly
| government_type = Devolved locally-administered unincorporated area within a constitutional monarchy
<!--Background-->
| leader_title1       = Monarch
| sovereignty_type      = Independence from TBC
| leader_name1       = Macuilxochitzin
| established_event1    = TBC
| leader_title2 = Administrator
| established_date1      = TBC
| leader_name2 = Alonso Núñez.
<!--Geography-->
| leader_title3 = Mayor
| area_rank              =  
| leader_name3 = Hay Kaani Tialipti
| area_km2               = 1,734
| legislature = Mava Islands Council
| area_sq_mi             =  
| national_representation = Cortes Imperiales
| percent_water         = negligible
| national_representation_type1 = [[Australian Senate|Senate]]
<!--Population-->
| national_representation1 = represented by Atlalilco senators
| population_estimate    = 73,129
| national_representation_type2 = Chamber of Deputies
| population_estimate_year = 2020
| national_representation2 = included in the District of Acalan
| population_estimate_rank = TBC
| area_km2 = 1734
| population_census      =  
| area_sq_mi = 670
| population_census_year =  
| percent_water = 3
| population_density_km2 = 42.17
| elevation_max_m = 1345
| population_density_sq_mi =  
| elevation_max_ft = 4413
| population_densitymi³  =
| population_census = 2,102
| population_density_rank = TBC
| population_census_rank = not ranked
<!--Economy-->
| population_census_year = 2021
| GDP_PPP_year          = 2019
| population_density_km2 = 1.21
| GDP_PPP                = 748.25 million
| population_density_sq_mi = 3.14
| GDP_PPP_per_capita     = 10,232
| population_density_rank = not ranked
| GDP_PPP_rank          =
| GDP_PPP = $2.162 million
| GDP_PPP_rank =  
| GDP_PPP_year = 2023
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = $1,070
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank =  
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank =  
| GDP_nominal           = 667.52 million
| GDP_nominal =  
| GDP_nominal_year      = 2019
| HDI_year =  
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = 9,120
| HDI_change = <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| GDP_nominal_rank      = TBC
| HDI = <!--number only-->
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = TBC
| currency = Atitlanese peso
| Gini_year              = 2013
| currency_code = ATP
| Gini_change            = steady<!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| timezone = UTC-9
| Gini                  =
| utc_offset =
| Gini_ref  =
| drives_on = Right
| Gini_rank              =  
| calling_code = +52
| HDI_year               = 2021<!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year-->
| postal_code_type =  
| HDI_change             = steady <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| postal_code =
| HDI                   = <!--number only-->
| iso_code = MV
| HDI_ref                =  
| cctld = .mv
| HDI_rank              = TBC
| currency              = Mavean pua
| currency_code          = MPU
| time_zone              = TBC
| utc_offset            = TBC
| time_zone_DST          =  
| utc_offset_DST        =  
| drives_on              = Left
| calling_code          = +218
| cctld                 = .mv
| today                  =
}}
}}
'''Mava''' (Mavean: Máva), officially the '''Kingdom of Mava''' (Mavean: ''Makilaki'aké 'a Máva'') is an island country located in Triania, consisting of two main islands, Mava Naik and Mava Liteki, and the smaller island of Mava Makaka. With a total area of 1,734 km<sup>2</sup> (670 sq mi), and roughly 73,000 inhabitants, it is one of the smallest sovereign states in the world, in both land and population. The capital and largest city is Paas, located on Marva Naik.


Mava is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, with Kaakaia IV as king and head of state. Legislative power is vested in the unicameral Legislative Assembly, from which is appointed the Prime Minister, who serves as head of government. The economy of Mava is dependent on tourism, subsistence agriculture, and fishing. The majority of the inhabitants of Mava are indigenous Mavean, with a small number of part Mavean and the remainder largely immigrant workers and retired expatriates.
'''Maava''' (/mɑːvə/; Mavean: ''Maava''), officially the '''Territory of the Mava Islands''' is an [[Atitlan|Atitlanese]] dependent territory in the [[Sarosan Ocean]], comprising a group of three islands. It has an area of 1,734 square kilometres (670 sq mi), the largest of which, Mava Island, gives its name to the territory.


==Etymology==
The territory had a population of 2,102 residents as of 2021, half of which are native Mavean. Before the twentieth century, there were few non-indigenous people living in the islands; the opening of mines has encouraged an influx of different people of different ethnicities since the 1940s. Almost all live in settlements along the northern coast of Mava Island, the largest of which is Paas. The official languages are Mavean and Almagrian, with the latter the language of government.


==History==
The first settlers arrived on the islands in the 9th century from continental [[Triania]]. Colonial contact first occurred in the 1820s and Atitlan claimed sovereignty over the islands in 1828. Beginning in the early 20th century, mining operations led to a large influx of settlers from Atitlan and other countries. In 1979, a referendum on self-government narrowly failed; in a second referendum in 1999, self-government was approved. Since 2003, Mava has been an unincorporated territorial area, with federal powers devolved to a local island administration.
 
== History ==
There have been several attempts to introduce home rule to the islands. The first attempt, in 1979, failed when a narrow majority voted against proposals in a referendum. In 1981, proposals to extend the powers of the island council failed, with the eventual devolution of powers in 1989 largely limited to culture and language.
 
In 1999, a second referendum on home rule passed. The 2003 Law on the Governance of the Mava Islands provided for devolution of powers to a new Mava Islands Council. The position of Governor was abolished and executive power shared by a federally-appointed Administrator and a locally-elected Mayor.
 
In recent times, the economy of the island has began to diversify, although it remains heavily dependent on Atitlan. Mining continues to entice business and entrepreneurs, but recent years have seen population numbers stabilise as more visitors settle permanently.


==Geography==
==Geography==
The country comprises two main islands, Mava Naik and Mava Liteki, which are separated by the Mava Strait.
The Mava Islands consist of three islands (Mava, Arrone, and Degach) and a number of smaller rocks and islets, with a total area of 1,734km2 (670 sq mi). The largest is Mava, which is approximately 77km long and 18km wide. The other two islands are significantly smaller: Arrone is around 11km long and 4km wide and Degack 5km and 3km wide.  


The country comprises two main islands, Mava Naik and Mava Liteki, separated by the Mava Strait, and the smaller Mava Makaka. Mava Naik is the largest of the island (1386 km<sup>2</sup>), followed by Mava Liteki (305 km<sup>2</sup>) and Mava Makaka (44 km<sup>2</sup>). Together, these islands and the surrounding rocks and islets make up the Mava Islands, for which the country is named. The two larger islands are characterised by their long east-to-west coastlines, with Mava Naik being approximately 77 km long and 18 km wide. Mava Liteki is 11 km long and 4 km wide. The smallest of the main islands, Mava Makaka, is approximately 15 km long and 3 km wide.
Approximately 30 percent of the islands is covered in Magellanic subpolar forests, mostly in the south. The forests are home to a variety of flora. The southern beech (Nothofagus) is a common tree across the three islands. Because of the mostly untouched nature of many of these forests, a variety of animals have successfully established habitats. Amongst Mava's fauna include the Magellanic woodpecker, the Trianian sierra-finch, and the Trianian condor.


Approximately 30 percent of Mava Naik is covered in Magellanic subpolar forests, mostly in the south. The forests are home to a variety of flora. The southern beech (Nothofagus) is a common tree across the Mava islands. Because of the mostly untouched nature of many of these forests, a variety of animals have successfully established habitats. Amongst Mava's fauna include the southern river otter, the Magellanic woodpecker, the Trianian sierra-finch, and the Trianian condor.
The islands of Mava, Arrone, and Degach, and some other smaller roks and islets, have a total area of 1,734 km2 (670 sq mi). Mava is the largest island, being approximately 77km long and 18km wide; Arrone is approximately 11km long and 4km wide, and Degack is approximately 15km long and 3km wide.


===Climate===
=== Climate ===
Mava has a maritime climate, sitting in the transition region between the tundra (Köppen classifications ET) and subarctic zones (Cfc). The climate is characterised my a minimal temperature range across days and seasons. There is no marked wet and dry season, with the climate influenced by the cool ocean currents and southerly winds.
Each island has a maritime climate sitting in the transition region between the tundra (Köppen classifications ET) and subarctic zones (Cfc). The climate is characterised by a minimal temperature range across days and seasons. There is no marked wet and dry season, with the climate influenced by the cool ocean currents and southerly winds.


The average maximum temperature in January is around 12 °C (55 °F), whilst the July maximum average temperature drops to around 2 °C (35 °F). Average rainfall ranges from around 280-300mm in lowland areas to upwards of 1,500 mm in mountain terrain. Average rainfall is 890 mm. The weather is also characterised by humidity and high winds, the latter inspiring the name of the "Windy Islands". In wintertime, gales are particularly common. Despite the cold climate, snow is not common at any time of year, although it can appear in all months.
The average maximum temperature in January is around 12 °C (55 °F), whilst the July maximum average temperature drops to around 2 °C (35 °F). Average rainfall ranges from around 280-300mm in lowland areas to upwards of 1,500 mm in mountain terrain. Average rainfall is 890 mm. The weather is also characterised by humidity and high winds, the latter inspiring the name of the "Windy Islands". In wintertime, gales are particularly common. Despite the cold climate, snow is not common at any time of year, although it can appear in all months.
{{Weather box
{{Weather box
| location = Mava
| location = Mava
Line 210: Line 207:
| Dec sun = 182.5
| Dec sun = 182.5
| year sun = 1601
| year sun = 1601
| source 1 = Government of Mava
| source 1 = Oficina Federal de Meteorología y Atmósfera
}}
}}


==Government and politics==
==Government==
{{multiple image
Mava is a self-governing autonomous territorial area of Atitlan, administered by the federal Ministry of Land and Urban Development.
| align        = right
| caption_align = center
| image1        = Natan Obed - 2016 (26090289393) (cropped).jpg
| width1        = 158
| caption1      = Kaakaia IV<br />{{small|King of Mava<br />since 2013}}
| image2        = Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu - 2017 (36374935674) (cropped).jpg
| width2        = 145
| caption2      = Nua Kiuiáké<br />{{small|Prime Minister of Mava<br />since 2022}}
}}
Mava is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government, in which political power is shared between an hereditary monarch and an elected parliament. The monarch, at present King Kaakaia IV, serves as head of state, reigning by right of descent from the king Ta Kaikeka. Although nominally chief executive and vested with significant constitutional powers, the King is largely a figurehead, but nonetheless possesses certain significant constitutional powers within the government.
 
Legislative power is vested in the unicameral Legislative Assembly, which is composed of 45 members elected from single-member constituencies every two years. 38 members are elected in single-member constituencies, with the remainder elected to represent a national constituency on a party list. All laws are required to be submitted to the assembly and approved by its members before they are promulgated, with the power of the assembly significantly increasing from a previously rubber-stamp body to a powerful political body. The government is appointed from amongst the largest party or grouping in the Legislative Assembly by the King; the Prime Minister is appointed to head the government.
 
Mavean politics continues to be characterised by the dominance of the nobility, with the King's political power leading many observers to characterise Mava's political system as a semi-constitutional monarchy or a "monarchical anocracy". Political figures across parties continue to affirm their allegiance to the King, and policies affecting the King and royal family are largely avoided because of their controversial nature. In recent years, the King has devolved political power to the elected government, although he still formally retains all powers granted in the constitution.
 
===Law===
The Constitution of Mava is the fundamental law of the Kingdom of Mava, providing for a government based on the principles of human dignity, democracy, the rule of law, sustainability, and societal cohesion. The Mavean legal system is based on civil law implemented through a four-level court structure. The first level consists of summary courts, which deal with low-level crimes. The second level consists of criminal courts and district courts, which deal with criminal and significant financial cases respectively. The High Court hears appeals from the criminal and district courts, with the Supreme Court the court of final appeal. The Supreme Court also conducts constitutional reviews.
 
The judiciary is independent, with political interference explicitly prohibited. Judges are usually appointed for life, but are expected to retire at 75 unless requested to continue. Appointments are made by the King with the consent of the Legislative Assembly. Judges may only be removed by the King on the request of the Minister of Justice by command of the assembly.
 
===Military===
The defence of Mava is entrusted to the Royal Mava Armed Forces, which consists of the Royal Mava Army, the Royal Mava Naval Service, and the Royal Mava Air Force. The military is governed primarily through the National Defence Act, which provides that the armed forces, in the name of the King, is to defend Mava against internal and external threats, secure and patrol its territorial waters, and provide assistance and relief during times of disaster.
{{Image frame|content={{Template:Mava districts}}|align=left|caption=Districts of Mava}}
The Mavean Armed Forces, in its current form, came into existence on 1 May 1951. It was formed through the merger of the separate Royal Mava Ground Forces and Royal Mava Naval Force, and the creation of an independent air service as a third branch. There are currently around 1,200 service personnel enlisted in the armed forces, with 16 coastal patrol crafts and 3 aircrafts.
 
===Administrative divisions===
Mava is divided into 9 districts, 8 of which are located on the island of Mava Naik. The remaining district comprises the islands of Mava Liteki and Mava Makaka, and is named "The Islands". Each district, except The Islands, is governed by a locally-elected district council; The Islands is governed by an appointed governor due to the small population. For the Legislative Assembly, each district sends a number of members according to the population of that district.
 
==Economy==
The Mavean economy is described as "small, unmixed, and vulnerable," with a high dependence on fishing. Cod and salmon are important trading commodities and is the main employment for islanders and the single largest source of income. Because of this dependence, the economy is considered particularly vulnerable to changes in climate as well as competition from other nations, resulting in a comparatively per capita GDP of 9,120. The largest single employer is ''Ikámaa Siagak'akak Aké'' (National Fishing Company), which is a state-owned industry and employs between 25 and 35 percent of the country's working population.
 
Mining also constitutes an important part of the economy. Polymetallic nodules are present in Mava's territorial waters, with the mining of nickel, copper, and molybdenum providing an important boost to the economy from the 1980s. Recent attempts have been made to phase out mining as a source of national income and to create a maritime reserve. The Mavean government committed to pursuing a path towards reducing its dependency on mining, although little progress has been made.
 
Other important industries include finance and business (10.7%), housing (8.1%), and hospitality (5.3%).


===Tourism===
The legal system is under the authority of the federal government. An administrator is appointed by the minister to represent the federal government locally. The territory is within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Atlalilico (‘’Tribunal Superior de Atlalilico’’’, TSA). A local magistrates’ court sits in Paas, which is part of the TSA’s magistracy.  
Tourism in Mava was undeveloped until relatively recently. Mava has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction for wildlife watching, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions. There are a number of rivers running across the islands that offer opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, prompting the growth of a service industry that is particularly prominent on Mava Liteki. Hiking and camping is also a popular pursuit, with Mava Makaka a common destination for going off-grid. In 2019, the Mavean Tourist Board released a campaign called "roughing it", which encouraged adventurers to visit Mava.


Despite its growth in recent years, tourism in Mava remains comparatively low. In 2020 the Department of Finance and Economic Development reported that tourism numbers for the period 2018-2019 stood at approximately 80,000, an increase from around 50,000 a decade earlier. Despite its recent emphasis on tourism as a source of national income, the government's annual economic report revealed that tourism accounts for only around 1.9 percent of the national economy.
Under the 2003 Law on the Governance of the Mava Islands (‘’Almagrian: Ley de gobernanza de las islas Mava’’; LGIM), Atlalilico laws apply to Mava, although their application is at the discretion of the federal government. A unicameral Mava Islands Council, with eleven seats, enacts laws for the island and provides local government services. Whilst the Administrator is the formal head of government, a directly-elected mayor fulfils many executive functions.


====Philately and numismatics====
The most recent local election took place on 10 March 2022. Atitlanese citizens in the islands also vote in Atitlanese federal elections as part of the Atlalilico constituency.
The Mavean government issues a number of commemorative stamps and coins, which has transformed into a significant part of the country's tourism industry.


===Agriculture===
===Future developments===
===Energy===
Because of Mava’s small population and its financial dependence on the Atitlanese federal government, a number of Atitlanese and Mavean political figures have advocated for the full annexation of the islands. Former mayor Argo Naniita suggested the islands become a commune of Atlalilico, whilst former cabinet minister Iago Jimenez raised the possibility of the islands being a sui generis commune under federal authority.
Beginning in the 21st century, the government has sought to replace the use of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. The primary focus is on windpower, taking advantage of the natural climate. In 2013, five 330 kW turbines were installed on the outskirts of Paa. In 2018, three offshore turbines were installed, with a further two 100 kW turbines installed on Mava Liteki. As of 2023, there is limited capacity to store surplus wind energy, with an underdeveloped battery storage system.


==Demographics==
== Economy ==
===Ethnic groups===
Mava's economy is heavily reliant on federal government subsidies to local industry. Due to the islands' remoteness and geography, only a small amount of the land is available for economic activity.
===Languages===
===Religion===
===Health===
===Education===
Education is free and compulsory for all people between the ages of 6 and 16. It consists of five years of primary education, three years of lower secondary education, and two years of higher secondary education. It is publicly funded through the Department of Education, Children and Families and is free of charge.


Following the completion of higher secondary education, Maveans can choose to pursue further education until age 18, enter into employment, or undertake vocational training. There is one university - the University of Mava - and three higher educational institutions: the National Mavean College, the Paa City College, and the Medical School of the Mava Islands. Until the 1980s, the majority of post-16 students were men, but since then women have largely outnumbered men in 16-18 and university education. Men outnumber women in vocational training (except in nursing and teacher training).
Sheep ranching is the main source of the islands' agricultural income and output, providing wool, meat, and hides for domestic, Atitlanese, and international markets.


Culturally, Maveans hold education and scholarship in high esteem, with a number of prominent Mavean academics and researchers considered important figures. The National Library of Mava, in Paa, serves as a repository for all doctoral and master's dissertations written by Maveans in any country, as well as scholarly publications by or about Maveans. This is publicly available free of charge.
In the 21st century, tourism has become an important part of the islands' economy. 20,000 people visited Mava in 2009-10, increasing to 40,000 by 2017-18. The majority of visitors are Atitlanese, although other nationalities include [[Gavrilia|Gavrilians]] and [[Ibarmentudia|Ibarmentudiaks]]. The rise in tourism has led to the establishment of a number of hotels, restaurants, and other recreational facilities oriented towards foreign travellers. Of particular appeal to tourists is the islands' mountains, glaciers, forests, rivers, and, in recent years, ski centres.


==Culture==


==See also==
==See also==
* Politics of Marva
* [[Politics of Mava]]
* Culture of Marva
* [[Law enforcement in Mava]]


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 285: Line 239:


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Marva]. ''The Global Factbook''. United Nations
* [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Mava]. ''The Global Factbook''. United Nations


{{Elezia}}
{{Elezia}}
[[Category:Mava]]
[[Category:Countries in Elezia]]
[[Category:Countries in Elezia]]

Latest revision as of 18:43, 28 November 2024

Mava
Unincorporated territorial area
Territory of the Mava Islands
Territorio de las Islas Mava (Almagrian)
Maava Tlaanigat Chuumuk (Mavean)
Flag of Mava
Flag
Motto(s): 
"Maava Taaskiuk" (Mavean)
(Anglish: "Onwards Mava")
Anthem: "El Gran Evento"
Triania-Mava.png
Location of  Mava  (circled)

in Triania  (dark green)

Sovereign state Atitlan
Annexed by Atitlan1828
Autonomy1 June 2003
Administrative centre
and largest town
Paas
Official languages
Demonym(s)
  • Mavean
  • Mava Islander
GovernmentDevolved locally-administered unincorporated area within a constitutional monarchy
• Monarch
Macuilxochitzin
• Administrator
Alonso Núñez.
• Mayor
Hay Kaani Tialipti
LegislatureMava Islands Council
Area
• Total
1,734 km2 (670 sq mi)
• Water (%)
3
Highest elevation
1,345 m (4,413 ft)
Population
• 2021 census
2,102 (not ranked)
• Density
1.21/km2 (3.1/sq mi) (not ranked)
GDP (PPP)2023 estimate
• Total
$2.162 million
• Per capita
$1,070
CurrencyAtitlanese peso (ATP)
Time zoneUTC-9
Driving sideright
Calling code+52
ISO 3166 codeMV
Internet TLD.mv


Maava (/mɑːvə/; Mavean: Maava), officially the Territory of the Mava Islands is an Atitlanese dependent territory in the Sarosan Ocean, comprising a group of three islands. It has an area of 1,734 square kilometres (670 sq mi), the largest of which, Mava Island, gives its name to the territory.

The territory had a population of 2,102 residents as of 2021, half of which are native Mavean. Before the twentieth century, there were few non-indigenous people living in the islands; the opening of mines has encouraged an influx of different people of different ethnicities since the 1940s. Almost all live in settlements along the northern coast of Mava Island, the largest of which is Paas. The official languages are Mavean and Almagrian, with the latter the language of government.

The first settlers arrived on the islands in the 9th century from continental Triania. Colonial contact first occurred in the 1820s and Atitlan claimed sovereignty over the islands in 1828. Beginning in the early 20th century, mining operations led to a large influx of settlers from Atitlan and other countries. In 1979, a referendum on self-government narrowly failed; in a second referendum in 1999, self-government was approved. Since 2003, Mava has been an unincorporated territorial area, with federal powers devolved to a local island administration.

History

There have been several attempts to introduce home rule to the islands. The first attempt, in 1979, failed when a narrow majority voted against proposals in a referendum. In 1981, proposals to extend the powers of the island council failed, with the eventual devolution of powers in 1989 largely limited to culture and language.

In 1999, a second referendum on home rule passed. The 2003 Law on the Governance of the Mava Islands provided for devolution of powers to a new Mava Islands Council. The position of Governor was abolished and executive power shared by a federally-appointed Administrator and a locally-elected Mayor.

In recent times, the economy of the island has began to diversify, although it remains heavily dependent on Atitlan. Mining continues to entice business and entrepreneurs, but recent years have seen population numbers stabilise as more visitors settle permanently.

Geography

The Mava Islands consist of three islands (Mava, Arrone, and Degach) and a number of smaller rocks and islets, with a total area of 1,734km2 (670 sq mi). The largest is Mava, which is approximately 77km long and 18km wide. The other two islands are significantly smaller: Arrone is around 11km long and 4km wide and Degack 5km and 3km wide.

Approximately 30 percent of the islands is covered in Magellanic subpolar forests, mostly in the south. The forests are home to a variety of flora. The southern beech (Nothofagus) is a common tree across the three islands. Because of the mostly untouched nature of many of these forests, a variety of animals have successfully established habitats. Amongst Mava's fauna include the Magellanic woodpecker, the Trianian sierra-finch, and the Trianian condor.

The islands of Mava, Arrone, and Degach, and some other smaller roks and islets, have a total area of 1,734 km2 (670 sq mi). Mava is the largest island, being approximately 77km long and 18km wide; Arrone is approximately 11km long and 4km wide, and Degack is approximately 15km long and 3km wide.

Climate

Each island has a maritime climate sitting in the transition region between the tundra (Köppen classifications ET) and subarctic zones (Cfc). The climate is characterised by a minimal temperature range across days and seasons. There is no marked wet and dry season, with the climate influenced by the cool ocean currents and southerly winds.

The average maximum temperature in January is around 12 °C (55 °F), whilst the July maximum average temperature drops to around 2 °C (35 °F). Average rainfall ranges from around 280-300mm in lowland areas to upwards of 1,500 mm in mountain terrain. Average rainfall is 890 mm. The weather is also characterised by humidity and high winds, the latter inspiring the name of the "Windy Islands". In wintertime, gales are particularly common. Despite the cold climate, snow is not common at any time of year, although it can appear in all months.

Climate data for Mava
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 25.6
(78.1) 		23.4
(74.1) 		22.1
(71.8) 		22.9
(73.2) 		16.6
(61.9) 		14.3
(57.7) 		13.0
(55.4) 		14.8
(58.6) 		15.6
(60.1) 		18.0
(64.4) 		19.7
(67.5) 		21.9
(71.4) 		25.6
(78.1)
Average high °C (°F) 12.0
(53.6) 		12.1
(53.8) 		11.3
(52.3) 		9.5
(49.1) 		6.7
(44.1) 		5.4
(41.7) 		4.8
(40.6) 		5.0
(41.0) 		5.7
(42.3) 		7.2
(45.0) 		8.8
(47.8) 		10.7
(51.3) 		8.3
(46.9)
Daily mean °C (°F) 8.2
(46.8) 		8.4
(47.1) 		7.7
(45.9) 		6.1
(43.0) 		3.8
(38.8) 		2.6
(36.7) 		2.0
(35.6) 		2.2
(36.0) 		2.7
(36.9) 		3.9
(39.0) 		5.2
(41.4) 		7.0
(44.6) 		5.0
(41.0)
Average low °C (°F) 4.5
(40.1) 		4.7
(40.5) 		4.0
(39.2) 		2.8
(37.0) 		1.0
(33.8) 		−0.1
(31.8) 		−0.7
(30.7) 		−0.6
(30.9) 		−0.4
(31.3) 		0.5
(32.9) 		1.7
(35.1) 		3.4
(38.1) 		−0.7
(30.7)
Record low °C (°F) −1.7
(28.9) 		−1.2
(29.8) 		−2.4
(27.7) 		−4.6
(23.7) 		−7.4
(18.7) 		−8.7
(16.3) 		−9.1
(15.6) 		−9.7
(14.5) 		−7.8
(18.0) 		−5.3
(22.5) 		−4.6
(23.7) 		−3.5
(25.7) 		−9.7
(14.5)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 52.4
(2.06) 		44.6
(1.76) 		59.4
(2.34) 		64.6
(2.54) 		70.4
(2.77) 		69.3
(2.73) 		69.6
(2.74) 		60.9
(2.40) 		56.5
(2.22) 		46.3
(1.82) 		51.0
(2.01) 		52.1
(2.05) 		697.1
(27.44)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.2 mm) 7.9 7.3 9.2 9.7 12.0 10.7 12.1 9.7 9.1 8.1 8.4 9.1 113.3
Mean monthly sunshine hours 187.4 158.6 145.8 114.7 95.5 74.9 86.1 106.7 128.4 153.6 166.8 182.5 1,601
Source: Oficina Federal de Meteorología y Atmósfera

Government

Mava is a self-governing autonomous territorial area of Atitlan, administered by the federal Ministry of Land and Urban Development.

The legal system is under the authority of the federal government. An administrator is appointed by the minister to represent the federal government locally. The territory is within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Atlalilico (‘’Tribunal Superior de Atlalilico’’’, TSA). A local magistrates’ court sits in Paas, which is part of the TSA’s magistracy.

Under the 2003 Law on the Governance of the Mava Islands (‘’Almagrian: Ley de gobernanza de las islas Mava’’; LGIM), Atlalilico laws apply to Mava, although their application is at the discretion of the federal government. A unicameral Mava Islands Council, with eleven seats, enacts laws for the island and provides local government services. Whilst the Administrator is the formal head of government, a directly-elected mayor fulfils many executive functions.

The most recent local election took place on 10 March 2022. Atitlanese citizens in the islands also vote in Atitlanese federal elections as part of the Atlalilico constituency.

Future developments

Because of Mava’s small population and its financial dependence on the Atitlanese federal government, a number of Atitlanese and Mavean political figures have advocated for the full annexation of the islands. Former mayor Argo Naniita suggested the islands become a commune of Atlalilico, whilst former cabinet minister Iago Jimenez raised the possibility of the islands being a sui generis commune under federal authority.

Economy

Mava's economy is heavily reliant on federal government subsidies to local industry. Due to the islands' remoteness and geography, only a small amount of the land is available for economic activity.

Sheep ranching is the main source of the islands' agricultural income and output, providing wool, meat, and hides for domestic, Atitlanese, and international markets.

In the 21st century, tourism has become an important part of the islands' economy. 20,000 people visited Mava in 2009-10, increasing to 40,000 by 2017-18. The majority of visitors are Atitlanese, although other nationalities include Gavrilians and Ibarmentudiaks. The rise in tourism has led to the establishment of a number of hotels, restaurants, and other recreational facilities oriented towards foreign travellers. Of particular appeal to tourists is the islands' mountains, glaciers, forests, rivers, and, in recent years, ski centres.


See also

Notes

External links

  • Mava. The Global Factbook. United Nations
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