MINERVA (Principality Of)

Official Name:
The Free & Sovereign Principality of Minerva

Short Form Name:
The Principality of Minerva or ‘Minerva’

Geography
Area: North Reef diameter of about 3.5 miles, South Reef diameter of about 3 miles
Cities: Capital—Port Victoria.
Terrain: 2 island atolls mainly raised coral complexes on dormant volcanic islands.
Climate: Tropical, modified by trade winds. Warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December).

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Minervan(s).
Population (2006 est.): ~ 1200 diaspora (result of conflict with Tonga)
Ethnic groups: Euro-American 83%, Polynesian 15%, Other 2%.
Religions: Christianity (Methodist, Baptist, Roman Catholic), Muslim, Other.
Languages: English
Education: Literacy -- 98%.
Work force n/a

Government
Type: Constitutional monarchy
Constitution: Current Promulgated January 2004
Independence: January 19, 1972 as Republic; Principality established October 3, 2003.
Branches: Executive—Sovereign Prince (head of state & government), Prime Minister. Legislative--unicameral Parliament. Judicial—Criminal Court, Civil Court, High Court
Administrative subdivisions: Two main island groups—Aurora (South), Cardea (North).
Political parties: None formal. Heavy Libertarian sentiment.
Suffrage: Universal at age 18.
Central government budget (2004 est.): n/a
Flag: Crimson bar across top, white bar across bottom with black scalloped cross in center.

Geography
Both Minerva Reefs are located about 270 miles southwest of the Tongatapu Group.

Location at 23S38, 178W55: The atolls are located on a common submarine platform from 549 to 1097 meters below the surface of the sea. Cardea is circular in shape and has a diameter of about 3.5 miles. There is a small island around the atoll, with a small entrance into the flat lagoon with a semi-deep harbor. Aurora is parted into The East Reef and the West Reef, both circular with a diameter of about 3 miles. Around both atolls are two small sandy cays, vegetated by low scrub and some trees. Several iron towers and platforms are reported to stand near the atolls, along with a disused light tower stand on Aurora, erected by the Americans during World War II. Geologically the Minervan islands are of a limestone base formed from uplifted coral formations elevated by now dormant volcanic activity.

The climate is basically subtropical with a distinct warm period (December-April), during which the temperatures rise above 32^oC (90^oF), and a cooler period (May-November), with temperatures rarely rising above 27^oC (80^oF). The temperature increases from 23^oC to 27^oC (74^oF to 80^oF), and the annual rainfall is from 170 to 297 centimeters (67-117 in.) as one moves from Cardea in the south to the more northerly islands closer to the Equator. The mean daily humidity is 80%. 

History
Minerva was originally discovered in 1852 by a group of American whalers. It was not until 1942-45 that any real occupation came to the island, when U.S. Military forces occupied the atolls and islands during the War in the Pacific in World War II. In 1971, dredging and construction commenced at the atolls in order to build up and expand existing dry islands and create new islands. The Republic of Minerva was declared independent and sovereign on January 19, 1972. The Republic was recognized by other states by basic acknowledgement, in diplomatic language and actions, and therefore was a sovereign state.

On June 15, 1972 King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV of Tonga issued a royal declaration stating that the Kingdom of Tonga sought to extend jurisdiction into the sovereign territory of Minerva, claiming legitimacy through claims that the Minervan Atolls were traditional fishing grounds for Tongan peoples.

On June 21, 1972, after only six short months of existence, the Republic of Minerva was invaded by Tongan security forces and the Minervan flag torn down. Tonga then abandoned the territories and Fiji staked a short lived claim. Later, on July 15 Tonga staked a formal claim via Royal Proclamation and went on to occupy the territories.

Shortly after the events on June 21, the occupation, coupled with serious economic difficulties and sheer lack of resources to liberate their country, the government of Minerva was forced into exile by the end of 1973.

After years of failed attempts at liberation and control, on October 1, 2003, a reformed Minervan government was founded. The newly reformed government - established as the Principality of Minerva - was created with the vision to establish Minerva as a functional and active member of international community of states.  

Government
Minerva's constitution, promulgated January 2004 provides for a constitutional monarchy.

The executive branch includes the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. In intervals between legislative sessions, the Executive Offices issues Executive Orders, which can become law if confirmed by the Parliament. The active Ministries of the Principality are: Ministry of Commerce & Financial Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Security & Defense and the Commission of Justice.

The unicameral Parliament numbers a total of ten and is chosen by popular referendum on June 1 of each election year, which is every 3 years. However, before an election may be held the Sovereign Prince must dissolve the previous Parliament and call for elections. Post election, the Sovereign Prince must call for the Parliament to create its government. The total term of the Representative is three years, and the Representative is limited to no more than four consecutive terms in office. Representatives are required to be of at least the age of eighteen.

Minerva's court system consists of Criminal Court, Civil Court, and a High Court. Justices are appointed by the Commission of Justice.

Principal Government Officials
Executive – HRH Prince Calvin

Prime Minister – HE James Collin, CBC

Minister of Security / Royal Advisor — Sir William Patrick, CBC

Minerva maintains an office in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. More information can be obtained from the official website: http://www.minervanet.org

Political Conditions
There are no formal political parties in Minerva, and individuals run on their own platforms; however political movements are openly welcomed by the administration and individuals are free to express their opinions and concerns directly with Parliamentary representatives or with the Prince during appropriate times. The governing style of the Principality is that of little interference. Aside from basic regulation of trade and currency, and some minor environmental issues, citizens and residents are largely free to go about their business with very little intervention from the government; for example, there is no income tax.

Economy
Minerva’s development plans emphasize a growing private sector, upgrading agricultural productivity, developing tourism, and improving the island's communications and transportation systems. A small construction sector is planned for development in response to the need for construction services for hospitals, schools, and wharves.  Given Minerva’s central location on the Pacific travel routes and the reasonably calm harbor lagoons of the atolls, the islands are an ideal place for the establishment of yacht & ship re-supply and repair services – an industry currently being developed.

Efforts are being made to discover ways to diversify. One hope is seen in fisheries; tests have shown that sufficient Skipjack Tuna pass through Minervan waters to support a fishing industry.

The tourist industry is relatively undeveloped; however, the government recognizes that tourism can play a major role in economic development, and efforts are being made to increase this source of revenue.

Foreign relations
Minerva is largely diplomatically isolated given the relative youth of the new government. Diligent efforts are being made to build diplomatic bridges with neighboring countries as well as major nations in the West, and the Minervan state has been recognized by minor states.

Diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Tonga are stale and undeveloped, and the Principality is trying to mediate a peaceful resolve to the dispute between the two countries concerning the Minervan territories.

Minerva is actively petitioning the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) for membership and participation.

Defense
The defense and security of the Minerva isles is maintained by a citizen militia & civil defense force called the Royal Minervan Security Corps (RMSC). These roles are not full-time professional positions, but are civilians who serve their community on a part-time basis. The mission of the Royal Minervan Security Corps is to maintain properly trained and equipped units to be available for a prompt mobilization for security, national emergency or other crisis situations.

The RMSC is not an offensive military force. The RMSC is neither equipped nor trained for such operations. The Sovereign Prince is the principal high commander of the RMSC and may mobilize the RMSC as needed. The RMSC is administered by the Minister of Security & Defense on behalf of the Parliament.