Mava
Republic of Mava 4 official names
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 Coat of Arms
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Motto: "Kiikalakki Kiiakanu Lowka" (Mavean) "Heed the Leadings of God" | |||||||||
Anthem: Lowka Maava Akalaumaki (Mavean) "God Bless Mava" | |||||||||
 Location of Mava (red) | |||||||||
| Capital and largest city | Paas | ||||||||
| Official languages | Mavean | ||||||||
| Recognised national languages |
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| Ethnic groups |
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| Government | Confederated parliamentary constitutional republic | ||||||||
| Nua Kiuiaakii | |||||||||
• Members of the Presidency | Kaatanajaq Nuvagaai Alaqajaq Suujuat Kipvituk Aanaqavik | ||||||||
| Kausaanek Malaati | |||||||||
| Legislature | Assembly of the Islands | ||||||||
| Independence from Atitlan | |||||||||
• Granted | 3 April 1925 | ||||||||
| Area | |||||||||
• Total | 1,734 km2 (670 sq mi) | ||||||||
• Water (%) | negligible | ||||||||
| Population | |||||||||
• 2020 estimate | 73,129 (TBC) | ||||||||
• Density | 42.17/km2 (109.2/sq mi) (TBC) | ||||||||
| GDP (PPP) | 2019 estimate | ||||||||
• Total | 748.25 million | ||||||||
• Per capita | 10,232 | ||||||||
| GDP (nominal) | 2019 estimate | ||||||||
• Total | 667.52 million (TBC) | ||||||||
• Per capita | 9,120 (TBC) | ||||||||
| Currency | Mavean pliik (MVP) | ||||||||
| Time zone | UTCTBC (TBC) | ||||||||
| Driving side | left | ||||||||
| Calling code | +218 | ||||||||
| Internet TLD | .mv | ||||||||
Mava (Mavean: Maava), officially the Republic of Mava (Mavean: Maava Yakiinaigaalu) is an island country located in Triania, consisting of two main islands, Mava and Tokuksiagak, and the smaller island of Taak. With a total area of 1,734 km2 (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 the island of Mava.
First inhabited my settlers from continental Triania in the 9th century, the islands came under Atitlanese rule in 1832 after several expeditions to the islands from the 1810s. The Atitlanese initiated a long process of "de-Maveanism", prohibiting the use of the Mavean language, forbidding the wearing of certain clothing, and forcing Mavean children into schools run by Catholic missionaries. Under colonial rule, Mava became an important location for mining, with thousands of Maveans being forced to work for Atitlanese mining companies, many of them dying. Beginning in the 1880s, colonial rule assumed a softer nature as many began to realise the inevitability of an eventual imperial decline. The islands achieved independence from Atitlan on 3 April 1925.
Mava is a parliamentary representative democracy, with an indirectly-elected president serving as head of state and a prime minister as head of government and chief executive. Legislative power is vested in the bicameral Parliament. 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.
Etymology
History
Early outside interactions
The Eguilondo Kingdom
In July 1867, Ibarmentudiak adventurer and convicted fraudster Otaño Eguilondo arrived in Mava, after having read a number of books on the Antarctic. He had been inspired by stories of travellers creating new societies in newly-discovered lands, and mistakenly believed that the population of Mava was little more than a few hundred. He landed at the modern settlement of Kaá'i in late July and immediately made contact with the local people. Initially surprised at the larger population than previously believed, he quickly ingratiated himself into the local community, using his talent for deceit to establish some influence. He claimed that he was a member of the deposed Aguirregoitiafelipenas dynasty, taking advantage of the Mavean custom of affording reverence to persons of a higher class, irrespective of their background. By 1870, he had fully adopted a Mavean identity, taking the name Kasaak Tanaana and marrying a local woman, who died shortly after the birth of his first child.
In 1875, he was elected leader of Mava, the largest and most populous of the Mavean islands. His election was bolstered by repeated claims of royal ancestry as well as claims of a planned Ibarmentudiak invasion, which he pledged he could avert. In 1878, he proclaimed himself King of Mava on grounds of being the class equal of any potential coloniser. He took the name Káakaia II, claiming "spiritual decent" from the semi-mythical chief Kaakaia, who is believed to have ruled in the seventeenth century, and issued a number of decrees establishing a new nobility and political system based on his homeland. Shortly after his accession, he married Naakala Kingup, the daughter of the previous ruler, thus further cementing his claim to leadership.
The Atitlanese authorities were alerted to his presence and promptly deported him, forcing him to write an official letter renouncing his claimed title and admitting to the falsehoods he had spread. Until the 1980s, there remained a substantial number of people who recognised Eguilondo and his descendants as legitimate rulers of the island. In 1987, papers were released in Ibarmentudia confirming his stories to be fabrications, undermining his reputation.
Self-government and independence
As the Atitlanese Empire entered into sustained decline, Mava, like many colonies, assumed a measure of self-government in anticipation for eventual independence. In 1908, a local parliament - the Island Council - was created to advise the Governor in policy-making; initially an appointed body, the council was elected by a limited franchise from 1913. On 3 April 1925, Atilatan granted Mava formal independence, with a new constitution adopted transforming the islands into a presidential republic. Kuráva Tanigak was elected the country's first president.
In 1927, Kuraava founded the Progressive Party of the Mavean Islands as a largely personalist grouping supporting him and his policies. Through the party, he assumed increasing control over political party, with several new laws and constitutional amendments granting more authority to the president at the expense of the assembly. During this period, political and civic freedoms were significantly curtailed, although a liberal economic policy enabled urban development and the emergence of a wealthy middling class. Kuraava's regime was largely benign compared to other dictatorships, with little violence used against political opponents.
Throughout the 1930s, efforts were made to improve the road network, improve sanitation in major urban areas, and modernise the economy. The government pursued policies encouraging workers to leave behind their informal subsistence-based work and entering into a regulated and taxed workforce. By 1940, 59 percent of workers were in "formal employment," compared to only 24 percent at the time of independence. The increased tax revenue arising from this enabled investment that further developed the fledgling economy and establishing new government services.
In 1942, Kuraava died and was succeeded by his protégé Kimna Kukanii, who initiated a series of liberal reforms. A new constitution established a parliamentary system, creating the office of prime minister to serve as head of government. The Progressive Party assumed a more pragmatic platform, becoming a catch-all political organisation. Under the government of Kamak Anaikiit, new welfare services were introduced, including a limited national health service and unemployment benefits. Measures were also taken to soften the hostility of the law towards the remaining Atitlanese population in the islands.
Modern history
In the 1950s and 1960s, Mava enjoyed continued social and economic development, with per capita income increasing by around 4 percent year on year. Through an increase in revenue from fishing and mining, the government was able to expand public services to the point that Maveans became amongst the richest in the world. However, the decline in revenue from the late 1960s resulted in a significant drop in living standards, with cuts in government services resulting in a rise in poverty, illness, and crime. By the 1980s, living standards had declined to a level comparable to the 1940s, with Pa'a seeing mass crowding and cramped housing thanks to the unemployed moving from villages seeking work.
Beginning in 1987, the discovery of polymetallic nodules in Mavean territorial waters provided for a sudden economic boost. The mining of nickel and copper drew in much-needed revenue, enabling the government to invest in social programs and begin the process of diversifying the economy, although this has only seen minimal success.
The twenty-first century has seen a modest level of social and economic development, with a steady growth in per capita income and a moderate expansion in individual rights as traditional values receed. In 2002, new divorce laws removed the need for a special Act of the Assembly terminating a marriage, with a limited liberalisation in abortion laws following in 2009.
Geography
The country comprises two main islands, Mava and Tokuksiagak, which are separated by the Mava Strait, and the smaller Taak. Mava is the largest of the island (1386 km2), followed by Tokuksiagak (305 km2) and Taak (44 km2). 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 being approximately 77 km long and 18 km wide. Tokuksiagak is 11 km long and 4 km wide. The smallest of the main islands, Taak, is approximately 15 km long and 3 km wide.
Approximately 30 percent of Mava 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.
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.
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 | |||||||||||||
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| 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: Government of Mava | |||||||||||||
Government and politics
Chairman of the Government Council
since 2023
Mava is formally described in the Constitution as a "confederal republic of freely associated sovereign people." The state consists of four uukutaapakuumat ("jurisdictions"; lit. "political parts"), each of which possess their own governments and individual political, cultural, and economic personalities. All jurisdictions officially possess the right of secession and officially recognised as sovereign in all aspects other than those explicitly assigned to the central government.
Politics takes place within the framework of a parliamentary representative democracy, whereby executive power at a confederal level is exercised by the Government Council. Legislative power is vested in both the Government Council and the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Mava, the latter being elected according to a block vote (BV) system in multi-member constituencies.
The state has three principal levels of political structuring: the confederal, the jurisdictional, and the district. At the jurisdictional level are the four constituent states: North Mava, South Mava, Tokuksiagak, and Taak. North Mava is the largest and most populous of the jurisdictions, covering 52% of the island of Mava and approximately 60% of the entire population of the confederation. The jurisdictions, which correspond to geographic and linguistic divides, each have their own parliaments (Legislative Assemblies) and governments. The Puuaqat is the civic leader of a jurisdiction, with those of Tokuksiagak, Taak, and South Mava being hereditary positions and that of North Mava being elected. In Tokuksiagak and Taak, the Puuaqat serves as de jure head of government, whilst North and South Mava's executives are led by an elected politician.
The confederal head of state is a directorial Presidency, consisting of the Puuaqats of the four jurisdictions. The Puuaqat of North Mava, as the civic leader of the largest and most populated jurisdiction, serves as President of the Presidency, although this grants no further powers and is first-amongst-equals. The Presidency operates on the basis of unanimity, with all four members required to assent before decisions can be taken. Although largely ceremonial and serving as a unifying force, the Presidency nonetheless possesses important political powers; it has the right of veto and appoints officials at a confederal level.
The confederal executive is the Government Council, consisting of Ministers and headed by a Chairman. The Chairman, who serves as head of government, is appointed by the Presidency and coordinates the operations of the government in cooperation with its ministers. The cabinet is composed of eight ministers, with two from each jurisdiction. Where it is impractical to appoint representatives from the jurisdiction directly, the respective member of the Presidency makes a nomination with the approval of their government
The Assembly of the Islands (Mavean: Tokukuaawnuktaagik) is the lawmaking body of the republic. It is composed of 61 delegates distributed amongst the jurisdictions: 27 for North Mava, 20 for South Mava, 11 for Tokuksiagak, and 7 for Taak. Decisions made at a confederal level within the assembly require a majority of members from each delegation. Consequently, the assembly's work is often slow and fraught with disagreement, with consensus-building commonplace. Another consequence is the diluted power of political parties at a confederal level, with cross-party cooperation almost inevitable.
The confederal judiciary consists of the Court of Justice and the Court of Arbitration. Both consist of eight judges, with the four Puuaqats nominating two judges each. The Court of Justice is the supreme constitutional court, responsible for ruling on matters pertaining to the constitution and its implementation. The Court of Arbitration is responsible for hearing and ruling on disputes between jurisdictions and between jurisdictions and the central government.
Law
The Constitution of the Republic of Mava is the fundamental law, providing for a government based on the principles of human dignity, democracy, the rule of law, sustainability, and subsidiarity. There is no single legal jurisdiction, with each of the four constituent states having their own legal systems. Despite this, there is a common judicial structure across all jurisdictions. The first level consists of summary courts, which deal with low-level crimes. The second level consists of criminal courts and district courts, which hear criminal cases and significant financial cases respectively. High Courts in each of the four jurisdictions serve as their supreme courts. The Court of Justice hears appeals from the High Courts, whilst the Court of Arbitration is a court of first instance.
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 president with the consent of the Assembly. Judges may only be removed by the president on the request of the Minister of Justice by command of the assembly.
Military
Mava does not maintain a standing army, having abolished the Republic of Mava Defence Force in 1978. However, there are a number of similar bodies that undertake the same duties as the military. The Mavean Coast Guard is charged with maritime security, national defence, and law enforcement, charged with many of the responsibilities of a naval force. The Mavean Coast Guard Air Arm (established in 1992) maintains a small number of aircraft and is responsible for maintaining the security of the skies, airborne rescue operations, and general patrols. Although officially civilian organisations, both the Coast Guard and its subordinate airborne division use a military structure (naval and air force respectively).
The Special Duties Unit of the Mavean Police is comparable to an army, although it is officially defined as a "special purposes emergency response unit." The unit is responsible for certain paramilitary functions, national security, and peacekeeping. The Commander of the Coast Guard, the Chief of Air Operations, and the Commanding Officer of the Special Duties Unit together constitute the "Government Operations Staff", a de facto general staff.
Administrative divisions
Mava is principally divided into two regional provinces: the islands of Mava and Tokuksiagak, the two most populated of the three main Mavean islands. Each island has its own elected Parliament (officially "Regional Provincial Parliament") responsible for matters relating to the island's governance. These duties involve transport planning, housing, waste disposal, social services, and environmental health. The island of Taak, because of its small population, is included in Tokuksiagak Regional Province. The creation of the regional provinces arose as part of constitutional reforms in the 1990s in response to concerns over the centralisation of power on Mava island.
Mava is further divided into 9 districts, 6 of which are located on the island of Mava, 2 on Tokuksiagak and the final district on Taak. 6 districts have their own elected councils responsible for certain district matters. Three districts do not have local councils due to their small population: Kungaatiibisa, Saayup, and Taak. Those districts without their own councils are directly governed by the regional parliament.
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 Ikaamaayakii Siagakakak (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
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 the less-developed Tokuksiagak. Hiking and camping is also a popular pursuit, with Tokuk'maké 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 the Economy 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.
The majority of tourists arrive by cruise ship, docking in Pekinerasartok Harbour.
Philately and numismatics
The Mavean government issues a number of commemorative stamps and coins, which has transformed into a significant part of the country's tourism industry. Mavea issued its first stamps in 1919 and are very popular with collectors due to their unique designs and shapes. Until the 1990s, stamp collectors contributed a significant part of the country's "tourism and overseas-derived budget," subsequently declining as letter writing became less popular. Coin collecting has subsequently become a significant contibutor to the country's economy, with a series of collectors sets and bullion coins issued through the Reserve Bank of Mava.
Transport
There are two airports that provide air transport between Mava and other nations: The Kuraava Tanigak International Airport and the Paas International Airport, both located in the capital city Paas. The two airports cater to international flights, the latter focussing on destinations in mainland Triania. There is also bat traffic that links Mava with continental Triania. Roads are largely concentrated in the north of Mava Island, where the majority of settlements are based and where the land is generally flatter. Roads generally link urban areas, with few country roads due to the lack of countryside activities and hostile climate. The island of Tokuksiagak has one main road that links the town of Aripmek to the harbour.
Beginning in the 1950s, a number of roads have been constructed in the south of Mava Island, with the Mava Ring Road following the coastline along the north, east, and south of the island.
The Pekinerasartok Harbour is the main harbour, providing sea access for civil and government vessels. The Harbour is an important import/export hub, and also links Mava with the Outer Islands. The habour is overseen by the Pekinerasartok Harbour Authority, which enforces law through a specialist Pekinerasartok Harbour Police Force. There are also ports in Pmaak and Miilep.
Energy
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 Tokuksiagak. As of 2023, there is limited capacity to store surplus wind energy, with an underdeveloped battery storage system.
Demographics
Mava has a population of 73,129 (2020 estimate), up from 69,353 according to the 2017 census. The vast majority are ethnic Mavean or part-ethnic Mavean. Almost 95 percent of residents are indigenous Maveans, with another 3 percent being mixed-Mavean (i.e., being of part-Mavean background). Under laws dating back to the 1930s that still remain in force, a person may claim to be an ethnic Mavean if at least five pairs of their eight great-grandparents are Mavean.
Ethnic Maveans are divided into four "constituent peoples" - North Mavean, South Mavean, Tokuksiagakian[c], and Taakese. Each share a common ethnicity, but have distinct linguistic and cultural practices that render them separate.
Ethnic groups (2016)
The majority of mixed-race Maveans claim some descent from the Atitlanese population resident on the island during colonial rule, although a small number claim ancestry from other Trianian people.
The economic crisis affecting Mava from the late 1960s until the late 1980s significantly affected Mava's population. A significant number emigrated to mainland Triania, with the general population declining by approximately 8 percent, exasperating the economic problems through a long-term brain drain and a shrinking of the working population. During this time, the population also become more centralised in and around Paas, which suffered increased population density, stretched services, and underprepared infrastructure. It wasn't until the 1990s that the population returned to steady growth and a successful effort was made to encourage migration out of Pa'a.
Languages
The most spoken languages spoken in Mava are the Mavean languages. Of these, the most predominant is simply known as Mavean (also known as Northern Mavean or Lowland Mavean), which is the language of around 40,000 people, mostly in North Mava. The other Mavean languages are Uupaasat (spoken in South Mava), Atátik (spoken in Tokuksiagak), and Taak Okeego (spoken in Taak), and which are spoken by a combined population of approximately 30,000. These three languages are linguistically considered dialects of Mavean proper, having developed due to the geographic isolation of their speakers. However, the Mavean authorities regard all four languages as separate for the purposes of law. All have official recognition and the confederal government is required to provide services for all speakers.
The Paas Agreement, made between the civic leaders of the four constituent peoples, established Northern Mavean as the lingua franca and the official language of the confederal government.
Religion
The predominant religion in Mava is Christianity, with the vast majority of practitioners (82 percent) being Roman Catholic. Roman Catholicism was introduced by Atitlanese colonists in the nineteenth century, and promoted amongst the indigenous population by missionaries. A small number of Protestant groups also exist on the islands, believed to have emerged out of Protestant émigrés escaping persecution. The majority of Protestants - mostly belonging to a uniting church - live in Paas, where the only Protestant churches are located. A small number of other Protestant denominations and Christian groups are also present on the islands, although they exist in small numbers and, in some cases, overlap with Catholic and major Protestant theologies.
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, Communities and Culture 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).
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 Pa'a, 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.
Culture
Storytelling and literature
Storytelling forms an important part of Mavean culture, with the passing of tales from one generation to the next a common way of establishing strong links between elders and youth. This form of storytelling, called Okiigoat Kahaatu (lit. "Warn Telling") originated in the warnings given to adolescents about the threats they may face, but evolved into a broader type of group activity. Different orators tell different stories, but a number of common themes run through most: a young person entering into the adult world, an individual/animal/spirit trying to lead them astray, and the realisation that they were being led astray.
Several of these stories have been recorded and compiled into published works. Some of these have become internationally known, including Koeaatowurah, and have brought Mavean culture to foreign audiences.
Cuisine
The Mavean diet consists largely of meat from marine mammals, fish, and birds. Because of the lack of arable land and the country's geography, much of Mavea's diety is derived from the ocean. The national dish is the tupiril pnaa ("second duck"), which emerged from the use of leftover roasted meat from the pintail.
Fish is a common ingredient. Popular fish used in Mavean dishes include the zebra trout and the spotted minnow, both of which are commonly used in breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Until 1998, otter meat was a commonly used ingredient, but an effort to protect them, as well as its adoption as Mava's national animal, led to a significant reduction in the consumption of otter. In 2016, the buying, butchering, and selling of otter meat was made illegal.
Sport
Maveans consider sport an important part of their culture, being amongst the most active populations in the world. Popular sports include football, track and field, canoeing, shooting, and, skiing. Sporting is overseen by Haukaaqa Maava ("Sport Mava"), a public body sponsored by the government and which oversees and implements policies relating to sporting.
Because of its geography and climate, winter sports are common across the country. Skiing is widely considered the national sport, with fishing, snowboarding, luge, and bobsleigh common across generations. Although the environment is not generally suited to them, sports such as golf, tennis, and surfing are present and of increasing popularity.
Media
The Department of Culture, Media, Youth and Sport is responsible for overseeing and regulating media and broadcasting. The public broadcasting company of Mava is Maavamuqtun Ikaamaa Haarapaktaagik (Mavean Broadcasting Corporation; MIH), which is state owned and funded through general taxation and advertising. Around three hundred people are employed by MKH, and provides television, radio, and internet services across the country. Pa'a, the headquarters of MKH, also has its own local television and radio station, Paikuwak Haarapaktaagik ("Capital Broadcasting"), which reaches more than 15,000 households, broadcasting one television channel and two radio channels.
Five newspapers are published in Mava, three of which are distributed nationally. The weekly newspaper Nauawaaqak ("Review") is published every Friday, with an online version updated several times a day. It was originally published in Pa'a (as Paasmuqtun Nauawaaqak), becoming a nationwide newspaper in 1984 under its current name. Maawknaar ("Daily Mail") and Maavamuqtun Aaiakaga ("The Mavean Guardian") are also published on a weekly and bi-weekly basis respectively. Local newspapers are also published on the Outer Islands.
See also
- Politics of Mava
- Culture of Mava
Notes
External links
- Mava. The Global Factbook. United Nations
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