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{{Infobox dependency
{{Infobox country
| name = Mava
|micronation =        <!--yes if a micronation-->
| official_name = Territory of the Mava Islands<br />{{nobold|''Territorio de las Islas Mava'' (Almagrian)}}<br>{{nobold|''Maava Tlaanigat Chuumuk'' (Mavean)}}
|conventional_long_name = Republic of Mava
| settlement_type = Unincorporated territorial area
|native_name =       ''Mava Repalik'' (Mavean)<br>''República de Mava'' (Almagrian)<br>''Repulika de Mava'' (Kiurut Creole)
| image_flag = Flag of Mava.png
|common_name =        Mava
| flag_type = Flag
|status =             <!--Status of country-->
| flag_size = 125px
|image_flag =         Flag of Mava.png
| flag_link =  
|alt_flag =           Flag of Mava
| motto = "Maava Taaskiuk" (Mavean)<br>(Anglish: "Onwards Mava")
|flag_border =       <!--set to no to disable border around the flag-->
| anthem = "''El Gran Evento''"<br><div style="padding-top:0.5em;" class="center">[[File:Himno Nacional Mexicano (instrumental).ogg]]</div>
|image_flag2 =       <!--e.g. Second-flag of country.svg-->
| song_type =
|alt_flag2 =         <!--alt text for second flag-->
| song =  
|flag2_border =      <!--set to no to disable border around the flag-->
| image_map =[[File:Triania-Mava.png|275px]]
|image_coat =        Seal of Mava.png
| map_alt = Location of the Mava Islands
|alt_coat =          Seal of Mava
| map_caption = {{map caption|location_color=circled|country=Mava|region=Triania|region_color=dark green}}
|symbol_type =        Seal
| subdivision_type = Sovereign state
|national_motto =    ''Aat maujut autait kaini haat guan nisanutinni'' (Mavean)
| subdivision_name = {{flagicon image|Flag of Atitlán.png}} [[Atitlan]]
|englishmotto =      "The ten righteous men are found here"
| established_title = Annexed by Atitlan
|national_anthem =   ''Mava Tuvit''<br>"Our Mava"<br>[[File:Anthem of the Sovereign Order of Malta.ogg]]
| established_date = 1828
|royal_anthem =      <!--in inverted commas and wikilinked if link exists-->
| established_title2 = Autonomy
|other_symbol_type = <!--Use if a further symbol exists, e.g. hymn-->
| established_date2 = 1 June 2003
|other_symbol =
| official_languages = {{hlist|Mavean|{{wp|Spanish language|Almagrian}}}}
|image_map =         File:Mava on the globe (small islands magnified).png
| capital_type = Administrative centre
|loctext =            <!--text description of location of country-->
| capital = Paas
|alt_map =           <!--alt text for map-->
| largest_settlement_type = largest town
|map_caption =        Location of Mava in the Sarosan Ocean
| largest_settlement = capital
|image_map_size =    290
| demonym = {{hlist|Mavean|Mava Islander}}
|image_map2 =        <!--Another map, if required-->
| ethnic_groups =  
|alt_map2 =           <!--alt text for second map-->
| ethnic_groups_year =  
|map_caption2 =       <!--Caption to place below second map-->
| government_type = Devolved locally-administered unincorporated area within a constitutional monarchy
|image_map2_size =   <!--Map size in number of pixels-->
| leader_title1       = Monarch
|capital =           Taalan
| leader_name1       = Macuilxochitzin
|coordinates =       <!-- Coordinates for capital, using {{tl|coord}} -->
| leader_title2 = Administrator
|largest_city =       Taalan
| leader_name2 = Alonso Núñez.
|official_languages = {{hlist|Mavean|Almagrian}}
| leader_title3 = Mayor
|national_languages = <!--Country/territory-wide languages recognised but not necessarily in country/territory-wide law, etc-->
| leader_name3 = Hay Kaani Tialipti
|regional_languages = Kiurut Creole<sup>a</sup>
| legislature = Mava Islands Council
|languages_type =     <!--Use to specify a further type of language, if not official, national or regional-->
| national_representation = Cortes Imperiales
|languages =         <!--Languages of the further type-->
| national_representation_type1 = [[Australian Senate|Senate]]
|languages_sub =     <!--Is this further type of language a sub-item of the previous non-sub type? ("yes" or "no")-->
| national_representation1 = represented by Atlalilco senators
|languages2_type =    <!--Another further type of language-->
| national_representation_type2 = Chamber of Deputies
|languages2 =        <!--Languages of this second further type-->
| national_representation2 = included in the District of Acalan
|languages2_sub =     <!--Is the second alternative type of languages a sub-item of the previous non-sub type? ("yes" or "no")-->
| area_km2 = 1734
|ethnic_groups =     52.1% mixed<br>38.5% indigenous<br>9.4% other
| area_sq_mi = 670
|ethnic_groups_year = 2022
| percent_water = 3
|ethnic_groups_ref = <!--(for any ref/s to associate with ethnic groups data)-->
| elevation_max_m = 1345
|religion =           87.3% Christianity<br>5.1% no religion<br>3.2% folk religion<br>4.4% other
| elevation_max_ft = 4413
|religion_year =      2022
| population_census = 2,102
|religion_ref =       <!--(for any ref/s to associate with religion data)-->
| population_census_rank = not ranked
|demonym =           Mavean
| population_census_year = 2021
|government_type =   Unitary parliamentary republic with an executive presidency
| population_density_km2 = 1.21
|leader_title1 =     President
| population_density_sq_mi = 3.14
|leader_name1 =       Juu Kajusit
| population_density_rank = not ranked
|leader_title2 =     Senior Minister & Minister in the President's Office
| GDP_PPP = $2.162 million
|leader_name2 =       Maak Juaija
| GDP_PPP_rank =  
|leader_title3 =     Speaker of Congress
| GDP_PPP_year = 2023
|leader_name3 =       Taama Iativut
| GDP_PPP_per_capita = $1,070
|legislature =       Congress
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank =  
|upper_house =        <!--Name of governing body's upper house, if given (e.g. "Senate")-->
| GDP_nominal =  
|lower_house =       <!--Name of governing body's lower house, if given (e.g. "Chamber of Deputies")-->
| HDI_year =  
|sovereignty_type =   Independence from [[Atitlan]]
| HDI_change = <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
|sovereignty_note =  
| HDI = <!--number only-->
|established_event1 = Independence declared
| currency = Atitlanese peso
|established_date1 =  1 March 1970
| currency_code = ATP
|established_event2 = Current constitution
| timezone = UTC-9
|established_date2 =  18 August 1997
| utc_offset =
|established_event13 = <!--(up to 13 distinct events may be included)-->
| drives_on = Right
|established_date13 =
| calling_code = +52
|area_rank =
| postal_code_type =  
|area =              <!--Major area size (in [[Template:convert]] either km2 or sqmi first)-->
| postal_code =
|area_km2 =           252.29
| iso_code = MV
|area_sq_mi =         <!--Area in square mi (requires area_km2)-->
| cctld = .mv
|area_footnote =      <!--Optional footnote for area-->
|percent_water = negligible
|area_label =         Total
|area_label2 =       <!--Label below area_label (optional)-->
|area_data2 =        <!--Text after area_label2 (optional)-->
|population_estimate = 37,302
|population_estimate_rank =
|population_estimate_year = 2024
|population_census =  
|population_census_year =  
|population_density_km2 = 172.3
|population_density_sq_mi =  
|population_density_rank =  
|nummembers =        <!--An alternative to population for micronation-->
|GDP_PPP =           $421.587 million
|GDP_PPP_rank =  
|GDP_PPP_year = 2023
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $11,203
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank =  
|GDP_nominal = $220.342 million
|GDP_nominal_rank =
|GDP_nominal_year = 2023
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $5,907
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank =
|Gini =              39.2
|Gini_ref =          <!--(for any ref/s to associate with Gini number)-->
|Gini_rank =  
|Gini_change            = decrease<!-- increase/decrease/steady -->
|Gini_year =          2023
|HDI_year =          2023
|HDI =               0.657
|HDI_change =        increase
|HDI_rank =
|HDI_ref =            <!--(for any ref/s to associate with HDI number)-->
|currency =           Pauna
|currency_code =     MVP
|time_zone =         UTC-9 (MVT)
|utc_offset =        
|time_zone_DST =     <!--Link to DST (Daylight Saving Time) used, otherwise leave empty-->
|utc_offset_DST =     <!--in the form "+N", where N is number of hours offset-->
|DST_note =           <!--Optional note regarding DST use-->
|antipodes =         <!--Place/s exactly on the opposite side of the world to country/territory-->
|date_format =        dd/mm/yyyy
|drives_on =         right
|cctld =             .mv
|iso3166code =        <!--ISO code only; no extra text. Use to override default from common_name parameter above; omit using "omit".-->
|calling_code =     
|image_map3 =        <!--Optional third map position, e.g. for use with reference to footnotes below it-->
|alt_map3 =          <!--alt text for third map position-->
|footnote_a =        Also known as "Almagro-Mavean"
|footnote_b =        <!--For any footnote <sup>b</sup> used above-->
|footnote_h =        <!--For any footnote <sup>h</sup> used above-->
|footnotes =          <!--For any generic non-numbered footnotes-->
}}
}}
'''Mava''' (/mɑːvə/), officially the '''Republic of Mava''' (Mavean: ''Mava Repalik''; Almagrian: ''República de Mava''; Kiurut Creole: ''Repulika de Mava'') is an island country and archipelagic state in the Sarosan Ocean. It consists of a group of islands, the largest and most populus of which is Mava, from which the country derives its name. With an estimated population of around 28,000 people (as of 2024) and a total land area of approximately 252 square kilometres, Mava is one of the smallest and least-populous countries in the world.


'''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.
Mava was sparsely inhabited prior to colonial contact in the 16th century. In the late 18th century, Atitlan formally colonised the islands, annexing them into Atitlan proper in 1871. The islands gained independence in 1970, initially in personal union with Atitlan and then, after 1976, as an independent republic. Since independence, the islands have transitioned from an agricultural society to a more diversified service-based economy, characterised by the public sector and tourism. Since 1989, nominal GDP has grown consistently, with downturns only in 1998-2000 and 2010-13. In recent years, foreign direct investment has grown as successive governments have pursued liberal economic policies.


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.
Since independence, Mava has enjoyed a stable democratic system, although Atitlan continues to have a significant impact on Mavean politics through the close relations between the two governments and Atitlan's economic investment in the islands. According to a 2020 International Democracy Index report, Mava is a "party-free" nation, with fundamental freedoms respected but a political process inaccessible for large parts of the population.


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.
The majority of people of Mava trace their ancestry to the indigenous Trianian, belonging to the Paatuvit tribe that inhabited western Triania who eventually expanded to and then concentrated around the islands of the Sarosan Ocean. Most, however, are of mixed heritage, also possessing Atitlanese ancestry. Atitlanese influences also extend to religion, with most practising Catholicism, and is furthe evident in Mava's culture, customs, music, and politics, which combine native and Atitlanese influences. The country is a member of the United Nations and the Small Island Countries Development Community.


== History ==
==Politics==
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.
The 1997 constitution provides for a mixed presidential-parliamentary republic. The head of state and government is the president, who is elected by the Congress from amongst its members and who is dependent on Congress’ continued confidence. This process amended the previous method for electing the president, established in the 1976 constitution, which provided for direct elections. The president has both representative and political functions, and is also commander-in-chief of the Republic of Mava Defence Forces.
[[File:Château-Lauratet.JPG|thumb|right|Palasi Saavajitiit is the residence of the President of Mava and the President's Office.]]
Executive power is vested in the government of Mava, which consists principally of the president and the Executive Council (the cabinet). The constitution requires that the president present his cabinet to Congress for its approval; members of Congress may either accept or reject the proposed cabinet as a whole and cannot reject individual ministerial nominees. When the president wields significant authority within Congress, this process is usually a formality, but weaker presidents are usually under greater pressure to follow Congress’ lead.


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.
The Congress of Mava is the country’s unicameral legislature, consisting of 51 members elected by plurality block voting every five years. At least ten percent of members of Congress must be women, although recent elections have consistently returned a far greater proportion. Whilst the constitution does not prescribe the manner in which the Congress elects the president, convention provides that each party or coalition nominates their respective leaders to a congressional vote. Usually, the leader of the largest party or coalition of parties is elected leader. Until 2021, presidential elections were held under secret ballot, but changes in the law now make each member of Congress vote public.


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.
The judiciary of Mava operates on a common law system and is independent of both the executive and the legislature. The court of final appeal is the Supreme Court, which is principally responsible for ensuring that decisions by lower courts are constitutional and do not infringe on fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the constitution. All but one president have previously worked within the judiciary, and thus in all three branches of government.


==Geography==
Although a majority of the population have mixed heritage (mostly Atitlanese-Mavean), politics is dominated by the fully-indigenous Mavean community. Political scientists and observers have characterised the Mavean government as a de facto ethnocratic democracy due to this dominance. As of 2024, no mixed heritage Mavean has been elected to the presidency, whilst only one has been elected speaker of Congress. Political scientist Miguel Sanchez argues that the indigenous minority, which is largely Protestant, has politicised the mixed majority's Catholicism as indicative of a 'colonialist, alien mindset.' He adds that the Catholic Church's history as a supporter of Atitlanese colonialism and its historic penalisation of Protestantism plays a large part in this division.
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.
===Military===
Responsibility for military defence is with the Republic of Mava Defence Forces (MRST), which is responsible for defending the islands’ territorial integrity, including its waters and airspace. In times of peace, the MR provides support to the Republic of Mava Police Force and other government departments and agencies as required. This includes fighting against illicit drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and illegal fishing operations; operating search and rescue services; maintaining public order; protecting VIPs; and also providing a ceremonial guard on state occasions.


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.
The constitution requires that the MRST is under civilian control. The President is commander-in-chief; the Minister of Defence and National Security is the member of the cabinet charged with the management of the armed forces and the direction of defence and security policy. Neither the president nor the minister cannot be a serving member of any organisation under the authority of the ministry.


=== Climate ===
=== Administrative divisions ===
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.
Mava is divided into fourteen provinces, each named after the provincial town. A unitary state, provincial governments possess few powers and are largely responsible for the maintenance of public lands within their province.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Province
!Island
!Area km<big>2</big>
!Population
!Population density
|-
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|-
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|-
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|}


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.
==Demographics==
{{Weather box
The total population of Mava was 37,302 in the 2022 census. Of this total, around 29,000 live on the island of Mava and the remaining number on a number of smaller islands. The natural population increase is about 1,400 people a year on average.
| location = Mava
 
| metric first = yes
Over half of all residents are officially of mixed heritage, the vast majority being mixed indigenous-Atitlanese. Persons formally registered as "whole indigenous" (formerly known as "unadulterated native") account for over a third of the population and are the second largest ethnic group. Around 10 percent of the population, the majority of whom are first or second generation Maveans, belong to other ethnic groups and are concentrated in and around the capital.
| single line  = yes
 
| Jan record high C = 25.6
===Languages===
| Feb record high C = 23.4
{{bar box
| Mar record high C = 22.1
|title=Languages in Mava
| Apr record high C = 22.9
|titlebar=#ddd
| May record high C = 16.6
|left1=Languages
| Jun record high C = 14.3
|right1=percent
| Jul record high C = 13.0
|float=right
| Aug record high C = 14.8
|bars=
| Sep record high C = 15.6
{{bar percent|Mavean|darkgreen|87.1}}
| Oct record high C = 18.0
{{bar percent|Almagrian|purple|4.1}}
| Nov record high C = 19.7
{{bar percent|Anglish|orange|2.4}}
| Dec record high C = 21.9
{{bar percent|XX|red|1.1}}
| year record high C = 25.6
{{bar percent|Other|maroon|0.7}}
| Jan high C = 12.0
| Feb high C = 12.1
| Mar high C = 11.3
| Apr high C = 9.5
| May high C = 6.7
| Jun high C = 5.4
| Jul high C = 4.8
| Aug high C = 5.0
| Sep high C = 5.7
| Oct high C = 7.2
| Nov high C = 8.8
| Dec high C = 10.7
| year high C = 8.3
| Jan mean C = 8.2
| Feb mean C = 8.4
| Mar mean C = 7.7
| Apr mean C = 6.1
| May mean C = 3.8
| Jun mean C = 2.6
| Jul mean C = 2.0
| Aug mean C = 2.2
| Sep mean C = 2.7
| Oct mean C = 3.9
| Nov mean C = 5.2
| Dec mean C = 7.0
| year mean C = 5.0
| Jan low C = 4.5
| Feb low C = 4.7
| Mar low C = 4.0
| Apr low C = 2.8
| May low C = 1.0
| Jun low C = -0.1
| Jul low C = -0.7
| Aug low C = -0.6
| Sep low C = -0.4
| Oct low C = 0.5
| Nov low C = 1.7
| Dec low C = 3.4
| year low C = -0.7
| Jan record low C = -1.7
| Feb record low C = -1.2
| Mar record low C = -2.4
| Apr record low C = -4.6
| May record low C = -7.4
| Jun record low C = -8.7
| Jul record low C = -9.1
| Aug record low C = -9.7
| Sep record low C = -7.8
| Oct record low C = -5.3
| Nov record low C = -4.6
| Dec record low C = -3.5
| year record low C = -9.7
|precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 52.4
| Feb precipitation mm = 44.6
| Mar precipitation mm = 59.4
| Apr precipitation mm = 64.6
| May precipitation mm = 70.4
| Jun precipitation mm = 69.3
| Jul precipitation mm = 69.6
| Aug precipitation mm = 60.9
| Sep precipitation mm = 56.5
| Oct precipitation mm = 46.3
| Nov precipitation mm = 51.0
| Dec precipitation mm = 52.1
| year precipitation mm = 697.1
|unit precipitation days = 1.2 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 7.9
| Feb precipitation days = 7.3
| Mar precipitation days = 9.2
| Apr precipitation days = 9.7
| May precipitation days = 12.0
| Jun precipitation days = 10.7
| Jul precipitation days = 12.1
| Aug precipitation days = 9.7
| Sep precipitation days = 9.1
| Oct precipitation days = 8.1
| Nov precipitation days = 8.4
| Dec precipitation days = 9.1
| year precipitation days = 113.3
| Jan sun = 187.4
| Feb sun = 158.6
| Mar sun = 145.8
| Apr sun = 114.7
| May sun = 95.5
| Jun sun = 74.9
| Jul sun = 86.1
| Aug sun = 106.7
| Sep sun = 128.4
| Oct sun = 153.6
| Nov sun = 166.8
| Dec sun = 182.5
| year sun = 1601
| source 1 = Oficina Federal de Meteorología y Atmósfera
}}
}}
Mavean and Almagrian are the co-official languages of Mava. Mavean is spoken by about 87.1 percent of the population, although many more have passing knowledge of the language, which is also designated as the islands' national language. Almagrian, introduced to the islands by Atitlan and spoken there since the 16th century, is widely understood but is fluently spoken by only around 40.5 percent of the population, although only around 4 percent speak it as their first language. Although a less widely spoken language, Almagrian has served as the de facto language of government, with speakers enjoying privileged access to positions in government and congress.
Other languages spoken in Mava include an Almagrian creole spoken on Kiurut (4.7 percent), Anglish (2.4 percent) and XX (1.1 percent). Almagrian and Anglish are the most commonly taught foreign languages in schools.
[[File:Ile_de_Mahe_-_Victoria_(9).JPG|thumb|right|Taalan is the capital and largest city in Mava, with a population of around 12,000 people (over 40 percent of the country's population).]]
=== Religion ===
According to the 2022 census, most Maveans are Christians: 87.3 percent recorded Christianity as their faith. Catholics are by far the largest religious group, with 58.1 percent of Mavean Christians belonging to the Roman Catholic Church, the remainder belonging to Protestant (39.4 percent) and other churches (2.5 percent). Catholics are pastorally served by the Diocese of Taalan.


==Government==
The next largest religious group belong to a selection of folk religious organisations, although many of these groups are nominally Catholic in many of their practises. 5.1 percent of the population declared no religion, the largest proportion since records began.
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.  
Other religions in the islands include Buddhism (2.1 percent) and Islam (1.3 percent). There is no state religion and the constitution guarantees protections for all faith groups.


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.
Although Catholicism is the single largest religious group, Protestants have dominated Mavean politics since independence. This is largely attributable to the political dominance of the largely-Protestant fully indigenous Mavean population, many of whom reject Catholicism as colonial.


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.
=== Education ===
Primary and secondary education is free and compulsory in Mava, with children required to attend school from the age of five to sixteen. Until recently, the majority of schools were private, most commonly mission schools run by Atitlanese Catholic missionaries. In 2000, almost 70 percent of primary schools and around 50 percent of secondary schools were mission schools. Since the beginning of the 2010s, these schools have been incorporated into the state-run school system, although most have retained their religious character and administration.


===Future developments===
There are only two tertiary education institutions in Mava. The University of the Republic (Mavean: ''Repalik ngat Siattarlijuat''), formerly the Royal Institute of Higher Education, is the sole university in the country. The National Institute for Science, Engineering, and Technology was established by state charter in 2004 to provide specialised education in STEM subjects. A large number of students travel overseas for university education, especially those seeking medical training.
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 ==
== 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.
The nominal GDP per capital in 2023 was $5,907, with a total GDP of $220.342 million, making Mava among the poorest countries in the world. However, adjusted to take into account purchasing power, per capita wealth was $11,203, with most wealth concentrated on the main island of Mava. The majority of islanders (82 percent) are in the labour force, most of whom were in formal employment. Home production and subsistence work constitutes a large part of the workforce, with between 5 and 20 percent of the population recorded as employed in this sector, depending on the data compiled.
[[File:In the city center, the new marketplace bustles with activity..jpg|thumb|275px|right|A market in Taalan. Markets remain the most common place to purchase food, clothes, and other necessities.]]
Mava has an above-average percentage of the population in work. This is partly due to many working in the home and in semi-informal employment, but also because of a culture that emphasises work ethic and contribution to the wider community. Consequently, large numbers of older people continue in work after they become eligible for retirement.
 
=== Transport ===
Public buses are free of charge for students, the disabled, and senior citizens, a policy introduced in 2018. There is currently one express railway that links Taalan with a number of other smaller towns and villages; there was previously another privately-owned railway, but this has since been decommissioned after the managing company fell into bankruptcy.
 
The harbour of Taalan handles a large part of the islands' international trade, and also serves as a cruise terminal. The habour and the nearby Taalan International Airport handles tens of thousands of inbound journeys every year and are policed by a specialist police force.
 
Travel between islands is only possible by boat. A boat service managed by the Ministry of Transport provides regular trips between a number of islands, with private companies providing services where the ministry does not. Since 1992, there have been repeated attempts to build a second airport outside of Mava Island, although finance and political infighting have repeatedly held back the proposal.
 
=== Agriculture ===
Agriculture in Mava continues to be an important part of the islands' economy, even though recent efforts to diversify the economy and the importing of new foods and supplies have seen domestic agricultural production decline as a share of GDP. Agricultural land covers approximately 20 percent of Mava's land and employs around 9 percent of the population. In 2023, agriculture generated around 7 percent of GDP - a decline from 16 percent in 1993 - but continues to be the islands' main export.
 
There are around 30 independent farms in Mava, of which 10 are professional. Most are less than 2 hectare in size, with the vast majority being run by individual farmers, mostly between the ages of 40 and 59 years old.
 
=== Tourism ===
Mava has a modest but growing tourism industry. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism reported 37,382 annual visitors from 2011-2018. In 2019, a 1,000 unit resort was constructed in a partnership between Mava and Atitlan, with the government aiming to increase the number of annual visitors to 50,000 by 2050 (known as the '50-50 Goal'). The development of tourism has become an important part of the islands' economy, and has fuelled further economic growth through direct and indirect employment and income generation for related industries.
 
The Mavean government has introduced several policies to encourage tourism. Visitors to Mava do not require a visa pre-arrival, provided that they have a valid passport, proof of return travel, and enough money to be self-sufficient whilst in the country. The Taalan International Airport, which was modernised in 2011-12, welcomes the vast majority of visitors. Plans for a second airport for local travel are currently being debated in Congress.
 
=== Currency ===
The Mavean pauna (ISO 4217 code: ''MVP'') was introduced in 1975, replacing the Atitlanese peso at par. The peso continued as an official currency until 1983. Although the peso is not an officially circulating currency in the islands, the Mavean economy's integration with that of Atitlan and the pauna being pegged at par with the peso means that Atitlanese coins and banknotes remain generally accepted throughout the islands.
 
The pauna does not have an official symbol. In official documents, the symbol "P." is used. Other versions include "MVP" and "MP" in contexts where there is need to distinguish from other currencies. The pauna is divided into 100 nenutait (singular: nenut), although nenut coins are not commonly used. The Republic of Mava Currency Board issues coins and banknotes. Commemorative coins, which are not intended for circulation, are also issued for collectors.
 
== Culture ==
Mavean culture has long been influenced by its neighbours as well as colonial, mercantile, and missionary settlers.
 
Historians divide Mava's cultural development into three distinct periods: pre-colonial, colonial, and modern. Prior to Atitlanese colonisation, Maveans practised a variety of different cultures on each of the islands of the archipelago, each being regional variants of a broader norm that were influenced by migration between the islands. The Atitlanese brought with them their own culture and traditions, as well as Protestant missionaries from their own respective nations. For much of the colonial period, the colonial government sought to suppress and replace indigenous culture with its own Catholic-dominated practices, often vying for influence with Protestant missions. The most prominent aspects of this cultural colonialism include the foundation of a number of churches and cathedrals on all the main islands, replacing native names with Atitlanese and Almagrian names, and the installation of a local elite socialised into Atitlanese culture and identity.


Sheep ranching is the main source of the islands' agricultural income and output, providing wool, meat, and hides for domestic, Atitlanese, and international markets.
Beginning in the 1920s, the suppression of local identities transformed into accommodation, encouraged by the dominance of a mixed Atitlanese-Mavean political elite that controlled government, the economy, business, and culture that rendered indigenous culture less of a threat. However, this dominance began to weaken as Atitlan began the process of decolonisation in the islands. On independence, the mixed race elite continued to have a pre-eminent position in government, but had largely lost control over popular culture and identity. The proclamation of the republic signalled the end of the cultural dominance of the mixed elite, who since have never regained their former influence despite Atitlanese-Maveans being a majority.


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.
Despite a clear division between Atitlanese-Maveans and indigenous Maveans, both groups continue to share their cultures and fuse practices from the other group with their own.


=== Health ===
The under-five mortality rate in 2018 was 29.4 per 1000, whilst the infant mortality rate generally was 20.3 per 1000. Since 2000, successive governments have introduced efforts to expand vaccination to all children. Between 2000 and 2020, the proportion of infants who were not vaccinated declined from around half to one in five, although the expansion of vaccination programs into outlying islands continues to face difficulties. Nutrition programs and education, partly funded and sponsored by international aid, has improved understanding of a balanced diet and limited the widespread consumption of sugar and other unhealthy foods.


==See also==
Extreme poverty continues to be a problem, particularly for rural communities whose lifestyles are based on a subsistence existence. Since 1979, there has been a universal healthcare system that has worked to expand access to healthcare among the poorest.
* [[Politics of Mava]]
* [[Law enforcement in Mava]]


==Notes==
=== Women's rights ===
{{notelist}}
Women continue to face difficulties in society not experienced by men. Mavean culture historically placed much emphasis on a positive and active role for women in society, but Atitlanese colonial policies, supported by the Catholic Church, imposed severe limitations on women. Today, Mavean society continues to struggle with high rates of femicide and gender-based violence, despite successive laws enacted to increase the severity of such crimes.
{{reflist|group=note}}


==External links==
Beginning in the 2000s, women have achieved greater influence in politics. As of 2022, 29 percent of seats in Congress are held by women, with proposals for a quota for elected female representatives receiving support from many in congress.
* [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Mava]. ''The Global Factbook''. United Nations


{{Elezia}}
=== Sports ===
[[Category:Mava]]
Football is the most popular sport in Mava. The national team is the Mava national football team. Other popular sports include basketball and rugby.
[[Category:Countries in Elezia]]

Latest revision as of 23:32, 22 December 2024

Republic of Mava
Mava Repalik (Mavean)
República de Mava (Almagrian)
Repulika de Mava (Kiurut Creole)
Seal of Mava
Seal
Motto: Aat maujut autait kaini haat guan nisanutinni (Mavean)
"The ten righteous men are found here"
Anthem: Mava Tuvit
"Our Mava"
Location of Mava in the Sarosan Ocean
Location of Mava in the Sarosan Ocean
Capital
and largest city
Taalan
Official languages
  • Mavean
  • Almagrian
Recognised regional languagesKiurut Creolea
Ethnic groups
(2022)
52.1% mixed
38.5% indigenous
9.4% other
Religion
(2022)
87.3% Christianity
5.1% no religion
3.2% folk religion
4.4% other
Demonym(s)Mavean
GovernmentUnitary parliamentary republic with an executive presidency
• President
Juu Kajusit
• Senior Minister & Minister in the President's Office
Maak Juaija
• Speaker of Congress
Taama Iativut
LegislatureCongress
Independence from Atitlan
• Independence declared
1 March 1970
• Current constitution
18 August 1997
Area
• Total
252.29 km2 (97.41 sq mi)
• Water (%)
negligible
Population
• 2024 estimate
37,302
• Density
172.3/km2 (446.3/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)2023 estimate
• Total
$421.587 million
• Per capita
$11,203
GDP (nominal)2023 estimate
• Total
$220.342 million
• Per capita
$5,907
Gini (2023)Positive decrease 39.2
medium
HDI (2023)Increase 0.657
medium
CurrencyPauna (MVP)
Time zoneUTC-9 (MVT)
Date formatdd/mm/yyyy
Driving sideright
Internet TLD.mv
  1. Also known as "Almagro-Mavean"

Mava (/mɑːvə/), officially the Republic of Mava (Mavean: Mava Repalik; Almagrian: República de Mava; Kiurut Creole: Repulika de Mava) is an island country and archipelagic state in the Sarosan Ocean. It consists of a group of islands, the largest and most populus of which is Mava, from which the country derives its name. With an estimated population of around 28,000 people (as of 2024) and a total land area of approximately 252 square kilometres, Mava is one of the smallest and least-populous countries in the world.

Mava was sparsely inhabited prior to colonial contact in the 16th century. In the late 18th century, Atitlan formally colonised the islands, annexing them into Atitlan proper in 1871. The islands gained independence in 1970, initially in personal union with Atitlan and then, after 1976, as an independent republic. Since independence, the islands have transitioned from an agricultural society to a more diversified service-based economy, characterised by the public sector and tourism. Since 1989, nominal GDP has grown consistently, with downturns only in 1998-2000 and 2010-13. In recent years, foreign direct investment has grown as successive governments have pursued liberal economic policies.

Since independence, Mava has enjoyed a stable democratic system, although Atitlan continues to have a significant impact on Mavean politics through the close relations between the two governments and Atitlan's economic investment in the islands. According to a 2020 International Democracy Index report, Mava is a "party-free" nation, with fundamental freedoms respected but a political process inaccessible for large parts of the population.

The majority of people of Mava trace their ancestry to the indigenous Trianian, belonging to the Paatuvit tribe that inhabited western Triania who eventually expanded to and then concentrated around the islands of the Sarosan Ocean. Most, however, are of mixed heritage, also possessing Atitlanese ancestry. Atitlanese influences also extend to religion, with most practising Catholicism, and is furthe evident in Mava's culture, customs, music, and politics, which combine native and Atitlanese influences. The country is a member of the United Nations and the Small Island Countries Development Community.

Politics

The 1997 constitution provides for a mixed presidential-parliamentary republic. The head of state and government is the president, who is elected by the Congress from amongst its members and who is dependent on Congress’ continued confidence. This process amended the previous method for electing the president, established in the 1976 constitution, which provided for direct elections. The president has both representative and political functions, and is also commander-in-chief of the Republic of Mava Defence Forces.

Palasi Saavajitiit is the residence of the President of Mava and the President's Office.

Executive power is vested in the government of Mava, which consists principally of the president and the Executive Council (the cabinet). The constitution requires that the president present his cabinet to Congress for its approval; members of Congress may either accept or reject the proposed cabinet as a whole and cannot reject individual ministerial nominees. When the president wields significant authority within Congress, this process is usually a formality, but weaker presidents are usually under greater pressure to follow Congress’ lead.

The Congress of Mava is the country’s unicameral legislature, consisting of 51 members elected by plurality block voting every five years. At least ten percent of members of Congress must be women, although recent elections have consistently returned a far greater proportion. Whilst the constitution does not prescribe the manner in which the Congress elects the president, convention provides that each party or coalition nominates their respective leaders to a congressional vote. Usually, the leader of the largest party or coalition of parties is elected leader. Until 2021, presidential elections were held under secret ballot, but changes in the law now make each member of Congress vote public.

The judiciary of Mava operates on a common law system and is independent of both the executive and the legislature. The court of final appeal is the Supreme Court, which is principally responsible for ensuring that decisions by lower courts are constitutional and do not infringe on fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the constitution. All but one president have previously worked within the judiciary, and thus in all three branches of government.

Although a majority of the population have mixed heritage (mostly Atitlanese-Mavean), politics is dominated by the fully-indigenous Mavean community. Political scientists and observers have characterised the Mavean government as a de facto ethnocratic democracy due to this dominance. As of 2024, no mixed heritage Mavean has been elected to the presidency, whilst only one has been elected speaker of Congress. Political scientist Miguel Sanchez argues that the indigenous minority, which is largely Protestant, has politicised the mixed majority's Catholicism as indicative of a 'colonialist, alien mindset.' He adds that the Catholic Church's history as a supporter of Atitlanese colonialism and its historic penalisation of Protestantism plays a large part in this division.

Military

Responsibility for military defence is with the Republic of Mava Defence Forces (MRST), which is responsible for defending the islands’ territorial integrity, including its waters and airspace. In times of peace, the MR provides support to the Republic of Mava Police Force and other government departments and agencies as required. This includes fighting against illicit drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and illegal fishing operations; operating search and rescue services; maintaining public order; protecting VIPs; and also providing a ceremonial guard on state occasions.

The constitution requires that the MRST is under civilian control. The President is commander-in-chief; the Minister of Defence and National Security is the member of the cabinet charged with the management of the armed forces and the direction of defence and security policy. Neither the president nor the minister cannot be a serving member of any organisation under the authority of the ministry.

Administrative divisions

Mava is divided into fourteen provinces, each named after the provincial town. A unitary state, provincial governments possess few powers and are largely responsible for the maintenance of public lands within their province.

Province Island Area km2 Population Population density

Demographics

The total population of Mava was 37,302 in the 2022 census. Of this total, around 29,000 live on the island of Mava and the remaining number on a number of smaller islands. The natural population increase is about 1,400 people a year on average.

Over half of all residents are officially of mixed heritage, the vast majority being mixed indigenous-Atitlanese. Persons formally registered as "whole indigenous" (formerly known as "unadulterated native") account for over a third of the population and are the second largest ethnic group. Around 10 percent of the population, the majority of whom are first or second generation Maveans, belong to other ethnic groups and are concentrated in and around the capital.

Languages

Languages in Mava
Languages percent
Mavean
87.1%
Almagrian
4.1%
Anglish
2.4%
XX
1.1%
Other
0.7%

Mavean and Almagrian are the co-official languages of Mava. Mavean is spoken by about 87.1 percent of the population, although many more have passing knowledge of the language, which is also designated as the islands' national language. Almagrian, introduced to the islands by Atitlan and spoken there since the 16th century, is widely understood but is fluently spoken by only around 40.5 percent of the population, although only around 4 percent speak it as their first language. Although a less widely spoken language, Almagrian has served as the de facto language of government, with speakers enjoying privileged access to positions in government and congress.

Other languages spoken in Mava include an Almagrian creole spoken on Kiurut (4.7 percent), Anglish (2.4 percent) and XX (1.1 percent). Almagrian and Anglish are the most commonly taught foreign languages in schools.

Taalan is the capital and largest city in Mava, with a population of around 12,000 people (over 40 percent of the country's population).

Religion

According to the 2022 census, most Maveans are Christians: 87.3 percent recorded Christianity as their faith. Catholics are by far the largest religious group, with 58.1 percent of Mavean Christians belonging to the Roman Catholic Church, the remainder belonging to Protestant (39.4 percent) and other churches (2.5 percent). Catholics are pastorally served by the Diocese of Taalan.

The next largest religious group belong to a selection of folk religious organisations, although many of these groups are nominally Catholic in many of their practises. 5.1 percent of the population declared no religion, the largest proportion since records began.

Other religions in the islands include Buddhism (2.1 percent) and Islam (1.3 percent). There is no state religion and the constitution guarantees protections for all faith groups.

Although Catholicism is the single largest religious group, Protestants have dominated Mavean politics since independence. This is largely attributable to the political dominance of the largely-Protestant fully indigenous Mavean population, many of whom reject Catholicism as colonial.

Education

Primary and secondary education is free and compulsory in Mava, with children required to attend school from the age of five to sixteen. Until recently, the majority of schools were private, most commonly mission schools run by Atitlanese Catholic missionaries. In 2000, almost 70 percent of primary schools and around 50 percent of secondary schools were mission schools. Since the beginning of the 2010s, these schools have been incorporated into the state-run school system, although most have retained their religious character and administration.

There are only two tertiary education institutions in Mava. The University of the Republic (Mavean: Repalik ngat Siattarlijuat), formerly the Royal Institute of Higher Education, is the sole university in the country. The National Institute for Science, Engineering, and Technology was established by state charter in 2004 to provide specialised education in STEM subjects. A large number of students travel overseas for university education, especially those seeking medical training.

Economy

The nominal GDP per capital in 2023 was $5,907, with a total GDP of $220.342 million, making Mava among the poorest countries in the world. However, adjusted to take into account purchasing power, per capita wealth was $11,203, with most wealth concentrated on the main island of Mava. The majority of islanders (82 percent) are in the labour force, most of whom were in formal employment. Home production and subsistence work constitutes a large part of the workforce, with between 5 and 20 percent of the population recorded as employed in this sector, depending on the data compiled.

A market in Taalan. Markets remain the most common place to purchase food, clothes, and other necessities.

Mava has an above-average percentage of the population in work. This is partly due to many working in the home and in semi-informal employment, but also because of a culture that emphasises work ethic and contribution to the wider community. Consequently, large numbers of older people continue in work after they become eligible for retirement.

Transport

Public buses are free of charge for students, the disabled, and senior citizens, a policy introduced in 2018. There is currently one express railway that links Taalan with a number of other smaller towns and villages; there was previously another privately-owned railway, but this has since been decommissioned after the managing company fell into bankruptcy.

The harbour of Taalan handles a large part of the islands' international trade, and also serves as a cruise terminal. The habour and the nearby Taalan International Airport handles tens of thousands of inbound journeys every year and are policed by a specialist police force.

Travel between islands is only possible by boat. A boat service managed by the Ministry of Transport provides regular trips between a number of islands, with private companies providing services where the ministry does not. Since 1992, there have been repeated attempts to build a second airport outside of Mava Island, although finance and political infighting have repeatedly held back the proposal.

Agriculture

Agriculture in Mava continues to be an important part of the islands' economy, even though recent efforts to diversify the economy and the importing of new foods and supplies have seen domestic agricultural production decline as a share of GDP. Agricultural land covers approximately 20 percent of Mava's land and employs around 9 percent of the population. In 2023, agriculture generated around 7 percent of GDP - a decline from 16 percent in 1993 - but continues to be the islands' main export.

There are around 30 independent farms in Mava, of which 10 are professional. Most are less than 2 hectare in size, with the vast majority being run by individual farmers, mostly between the ages of 40 and 59 years old.

Tourism

Mava has a modest but growing tourism industry. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism reported 37,382 annual visitors from 2011-2018. In 2019, a 1,000 unit resort was constructed in a partnership between Mava and Atitlan, with the government aiming to increase the number of annual visitors to 50,000 by 2050 (known as the '50-50 Goal'). The development of tourism has become an important part of the islands' economy, and has fuelled further economic growth through direct and indirect employment and income generation for related industries.

The Mavean government has introduced several policies to encourage tourism. Visitors to Mava do not require a visa pre-arrival, provided that they have a valid passport, proof of return travel, and enough money to be self-sufficient whilst in the country. The Taalan International Airport, which was modernised in 2011-12, welcomes the vast majority of visitors. Plans for a second airport for local travel are currently being debated in Congress.

Currency

The Mavean pauna (ISO 4217 code: MVP) was introduced in 1975, replacing the Atitlanese peso at par. The peso continued as an official currency until 1983. Although the peso is not an officially circulating currency in the islands, the Mavean economy's integration with that of Atitlan and the pauna being pegged at par with the peso means that Atitlanese coins and banknotes remain generally accepted throughout the islands.

The pauna does not have an official symbol. In official documents, the symbol "P." is used. Other versions include "MVP" and "MP" in contexts where there is need to distinguish from other currencies. The pauna is divided into 100 nenutait (singular: nenut), although nenut coins are not commonly used. The Republic of Mava Currency Board issues coins and banknotes. Commemorative coins, which are not intended for circulation, are also issued for collectors.

Culture

Mavean culture has long been influenced by its neighbours as well as colonial, mercantile, and missionary settlers.

Historians divide Mava's cultural development into three distinct periods: pre-colonial, colonial, and modern. Prior to Atitlanese colonisation, Maveans practised a variety of different cultures on each of the islands of the archipelago, each being regional variants of a broader norm that were influenced by migration between the islands. The Atitlanese brought with them their own culture and traditions, as well as Protestant missionaries from their own respective nations. For much of the colonial period, the colonial government sought to suppress and replace indigenous culture with its own Catholic-dominated practices, often vying for influence with Protestant missions. The most prominent aspects of this cultural colonialism include the foundation of a number of churches and cathedrals on all the main islands, replacing native names with Atitlanese and Almagrian names, and the installation of a local elite socialised into Atitlanese culture and identity.

Beginning in the 1920s, the suppression of local identities transformed into accommodation, encouraged by the dominance of a mixed Atitlanese-Mavean political elite that controlled government, the economy, business, and culture that rendered indigenous culture less of a threat. However, this dominance began to weaken as Atitlan began the process of decolonisation in the islands. On independence, the mixed race elite continued to have a pre-eminent position in government, but had largely lost control over popular culture and identity. The proclamation of the republic signalled the end of the cultural dominance of the mixed elite, who since have never regained their former influence despite Atitlanese-Maveans being a majority.

Despite a clear division between Atitlanese-Maveans and indigenous Maveans, both groups continue to share their cultures and fuse practices from the other group with their own.

Health

The under-five mortality rate in 2018 was 29.4 per 1000, whilst the infant mortality rate generally was 20.3 per 1000. Since 2000, successive governments have introduced efforts to expand vaccination to all children. Between 2000 and 2020, the proportion of infants who were not vaccinated declined from around half to one in five, although the expansion of vaccination programs into outlying islands continues to face difficulties. Nutrition programs and education, partly funded and sponsored by international aid, has improved understanding of a balanced diet and limited the widespread consumption of sugar and other unhealthy foods.

Extreme poverty continues to be a problem, particularly for rural communities whose lifestyles are based on a subsistence existence. Since 1979, there has been a universal healthcare system that has worked to expand access to healthcare among the poorest.

Women's rights

Women continue to face difficulties in society not experienced by men. Mavean culture historically placed much emphasis on a positive and active role for women in society, but Atitlanese colonial policies, supported by the Catholic Church, imposed severe limitations on women. Today, Mavean society continues to struggle with high rates of femicide and gender-based violence, despite successive laws enacted to increase the severity of such crimes.

Beginning in the 2000s, women have achieved greater influence in politics. As of 2022, 29 percent of seats in Congress are held by women, with proposals for a quota for elected female representatives receiving support from many in congress.

Sports

Football is the most popular sport in Mava. The national team is the Mava national football team. Other popular sports include basketball and rugby.