Margate

The Republic of Margate, or simply Margate (other terms include Margate Antarctica Islands, MAI and Margate Archipelago) is a parliamentary republic located in the Sub-Antarctic, near Clearwater Island and Flystonia. Formerly a Sherby Hoodwounds colony, it seeks to be prominent in the Antarctic with its onerepublic strategy and globalised economy. It is known for economic competitiveness, uncorrupt government, harmony among races and brutal policies often criticised by neighbouring countries. It is one of the three core members of the Western Union.

Margate is often considered a great power on the international stage, holding significant economic clout and military might. The Republic's strategic location on the SABER, combined with progressive economic strategies, has made it one of Antarctica's most prosperous economies, being the 6th highest in terms of GDP in 2012. The nation's military is also one of the most advanced in the world, with a large army and an expanding navy and air force.

First colonised by the High Penguin Confederacy in 1810, it has changed hands many times, from the High Penguins to the Japalandese, then the Puffish and Sherbians, before becoming self-governing in 1957. When it merged with Azilda in 1963, racial riots and political disagreements broke out, resulting in separation in 1965 and the independence of Margate Antarctica Island, as it was known then. Since, it has acquired several neighbouring territories including its former colonial owners, Sherby Hoodwounds. In 2012, Margate Antarctica Islands was officially renamed to Margate.

Origins
Sources state that MAI originated probably around the 3rd century CE, when tribal colonies, most notably from current-day Trans-Antarctica and Pengolia, sailed along the Sub-Antarctic to look for new homes. Margate Antarctica Island, as well as Sherby Hoodwounds and Margate Cross Island, were prominently located along the sailors' routes, which resulted in a steady influx of immigrants to the island, in which they would later call home.

By the 14th century CE, the islands were good fishing ports but had little communication with neighbouring colonies and countries. In 1495, Lloyd Ootama, king of the nearby Ambassador Islands, discovered Margate Island while sailing on a popular spice route. Immediately, he annexed it and made it a territory of the Ambassador Islands. In 1583, the Ambassador Islands ceded to Sherby Hoodwounds, which in turn made MAI a Hoodwoundian colony. However, they simply ignored it and gave the island to the king.

Confederate Rule (1810-1912)
In 1810, the High Penguin Confederacy, recognising the need to secure a stake in the lucrative trading route between the Ninja Archipelago and Asiapelago, purchased Margate Island from the tribal kings that governed the island (and made payments as well to the Kingdom of Sherby Hoodwounds, which had de jure sovereignty over it). Trading ports were set up where the most prominent settlements and fishing villages were located at across the island, with the colony of Muxen established in 1811 on the western coast of the island. Difficult local conditions, such as the prominence of tropical disease, and the presence of pirates, mired the project, and in 1817 it was decided to establish another colony on the eastern coast of the island, which was closer to the Antarctic mainland and easier to administer. The colony of Margate was hence founded two years later in 1819, and its colonial charter gave it the western half of the island. Muxen Colony was subsequently absorbed into Margate Colony in 1853.

HPC government policy mandated little to no taxes would be imposed on traders coming into Margatian ports beginning in 1820. This gave the colony a significant advantage over competing ports along the principal Ninja Archipelago-Asiapleago sea route in the Southern Antarctic, such as Westion City in the neighbouring Permish colony of Westion, and Bridgestadt, Ed Island. Over the course of almost a century, hundreds of thousands, primarily from war-torn Zhou and the newly occupied Batavian colony of Hindonesie would immigrate to Margate, and the colony prospered thanks to a combination of good geographical location, a lassiez-faire economic and taxation policy, as well as significant investment from the High Penguins.

Japalandese Occupation (1912-1918)
A hundred yeas later, the HPC was couped, and the High Penguins withdrew from Margate. The Japalandese took advantage of the power vacuum and proceeded to annex the island, along with it's neighbour Sherby Hoodwounds. Resistance came in the form of locals who had been trained in the military and inexperienced paramilitary forces - but the island was overrun within one month. The Japalandese first took control of Muxen-Liad on the western coast, before pushing inland and launching another invasion force on the eastern coast just south of Margate City. Many Zhouese-Peletoniums, due to their support for the Republic of Zhou's forces during the Zhouese-Japalandese War, were jailed as prisoners of war. High Penguins suffered a far worse fate - they were transferred to Khanzem, where they were treated much worse than the Zhouese.

Sherbian Rule (1919-1963)
When the fall of Japaland, a Leage of Antarctic Nations referendum was conducted, and the people chose to merge with Sherby Hoodwounds, living by their rule until 1963. The Margatians were to join with Sherby in 1923, and were to be under a temporary Puffish administration while Sherby rebuilt. The Puffish were highly unpopular, culminating in the 1919 Anti-Puffish Revolt, with 254 deaths, 1,500 injuries and thousands in arrests, forcing the Puffish to implement martial law and hand over the colony to the Sherbians two years early in 1921.

The Great Depression of 1929 flushed whatever progress that had been made in rebuilding the Sherbian economy down the drain. The Margatian cities, reliant on trade, were hit the hardest, with 29% unemployment in Muxen-Liad at the height of the recession. To stem the drain of investors and wealth, the Sherbians implemented austerity measures, which were highly unpopular and ineffective. While other nations slowly recovered over the mid 1930s, Sherby remained in depression. Increasingly unpopular moves and the lack of Margatian representation in the Sherbian government frustrated the Margatians, who began to riot and protest on the streets, resulting in the Independence War. While outnumbered and under-equipped, the Margatians managed to prevent the Sherbians from regaining control for four years until 1944. An agreement was finally made to let the Margatians have self-governance as a colony for twenty years until 1964, and a dominion similar to the arrangement between Puffle'and and Calada thereafter.

Self-governance (1945 - 1963)
In the 1930s, the Principality of Sherby Hoodwounds installed the Westminster parliamentary system that would be used as the basis of Margate's government. A governor was placed in charge of Margate and handled all internal affairs, reporting back to the Prime Minister of Sherby Hoodwounds once a month. Governors were elected every five years by the Sherbian government.

In 1946, the first local elections were held, with the Labour Movement winning a majority of the seats with Saiba Mostafique becoming the first Chief Minister. Other political parties would slowly begin to pop up, including the Democratic Margatians' Party, the Penguins' Action Party and the United Socialist Front. In 1959, the Penguins' Action Party was elected into office, with Lee Kwan You taking the standings. However, ties were beginning to be strained between the Sherbians and Margatians, with the Sherbians taking more repressive actions and unpopular moves which the Margatian government could not fight, such as the carving off of the entire north-western coast and giving it to the Johannes, who formed a small majority in the region and had only arrived in the 1930s, and aggressive media censorship

Merger and Seperation with Azilda (1963 - 1965)
March 1963 was a turning point for the history of Margate. Under Lee's rule, Margate was separated from Sherby and joined the Republic of Azali, located in northwest Sherby Hoodwounds that gained independence five years prior. Together, they formed the Federated Republic of Azilda. Increasingly violent territorial claims and diplomatic tensions from Sherby Hoodwounds, major differences between the two partners on how to govern, and racial riots between the Azalis and the Zhouese-Peletoniums split the nation and prevented any real economic progress from being made. Two years later, Margate was forcefully expelled from the Federation, its representatives to the Parliament which had expelled the nation having boycotted the vote. August 9th, 1965 marked the day of indpendence, with Lee Kwan You's statement of independence and his words of "[I] always believed in merger..." rocking the tiny island to its core.

Nation building (1965-2003)
The Republic of Margate Antarctica Island, as the nation was now called, was an impoverished third world nation at the time of independence. Analysts predicated that the tiny nation would be forcefully re-absorbed into Sherby Hoodwounds in a matters of years, with the Azalis and Johannes having succumbed to such a fate, or even annexed by a Ninja Archipelagoan colonial nation like Puffle'and or Castilla. Post-independence, the nation signed a defence pact with the Water Kingdom and implemented a compulsory three-year military service for all male citizens, to act as a deterrent against any would-be invaders. Building up its army from scratch was enormously difficult, with the military only deemed ready to fully defend the nation in 1982, a full 17 years after independence.

To maintain social stability and peace, the 1966 National Stability and Security Act (NSSA) was passed, allowing the government to forcibly detain anyone deemed to be a threat to stability without a warrant for an indefinite period of time. Many suspected communists and communist sympathisers were detained under the Act, and they were forced to renounce their loyalty to Communist cause and leave the nation. Later on the Act was abused, with the Penguin's Action Party detaining political dissidents and journalists, thereby restricting freedom of speech and movement in the country. In addition, the Racial Integration Act (RIA) was passed in 1970, forcing the integration of Zhouese and Enclave penguins in the newly established housing projects in a 3:1 ratio, as correspondent to the racial makeup of the time. Increasingly draconian legislation was passed as the years went on, further eroding the civil rights maintained in the constitution. In spite of this, the PAP continued to stay in power, having won the support of the local populace, who were tired of the instability and chaos of the pre-independence years.

1971 marked the year the government began consolidating the population into major urban centres. Under the newly-established Urban Development and Housing Authority (UHA), villagers in inland areas and residents living in settlements with populations under 10,000 were relocated to newly-built apartment blocks in New Districts, newly-established suburban areas surrounding existing metropolitan areas. Today, the bulk of the Margatian population live in the towering apartment blocks of densely packed cities, with wilderness having taken over places that were once idyllic villages, all in the name of progress and efficiency. To the government's credit, the scheme allowed for basic services to be provided to all citizens, with education now accessible to all school-age children, and health, fire and police services now able to work more efficiently. The New District scheme can be best seen in Margate City, where the scheme was piloted, and 30 New Districts subsequently incorporated. This allowed for a close to 100% urbanisation rate, and the New District scheme continues on today in newly incorporated regions.

The Continental Economic Shift, which had begun in the 1950s, saw the shift of manufacturing companies from the more developed Ninja Archipelagoan nations to less developed nations such as South Joseon with the rise of transport and communication technologies, and cheaper wages. Capitalising on this trend, the Margatian government ordered the creation of two special economic zones (SEZs) in Margate City and Muxen-Liad in 1969, and reduced taxes for multi-nation corporations investing in the country. By the end of the 1970s, Margate had emerged as a prominent manufacturing hub, the large, relatively educated, low cost labour pool having attracted many such companies. At its peak in 1981, over 2000 foreign companies had invested in the nation. The manufacturing sector still plays a role in the Margatian economy, but on a smaller scale and with an emphasis on high-tech manufacturing technologies.

Education reforms also began post independence. Compulsory education was implemented, with education up to the pre-university level heavily subsidised. Pre-independence, curriculum had been taught in one of the five languages - English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil or Penguinian - dependent on which school you went to. Shortly after independence, the Margatian government established a policy of bilingualism, mandating the teaching of English and one another language, usually that person's mother tongue, with the main medium of instruction for all non-mother tongue languages and literature in English. Additionally, a focus on STEM subjects was put into place, to prepare citizens to enter the manufacturing and transshipment-driven workforce.

The 1980s saw Margate enter a period of unprecedented prosperity. Competition from nations such as Zhou and Malesia forced the diversification of industry, with the oil and chemical refining, high-tech manufacturing sectors emerging. Additionally, tourism and the financial sector began to take off in the middle of the decade, with the liberalisation of travel and communications restrictions, having been in place since the periods of unrest in the 1950s. A highly-educated workforce also meant that these industries were also more sustainable, and it was also during this period that the first Margatian multi-national corporations, such as ColdFoods, HansTech and Kerellist Industries.

By the turn of the century, Margate's economic-oriented policies and it's neutrality in the various Antarctic conflicts that had led the rest of the continent into instability had meant that it was emerging as one of the foremost economic powers on the Antarctic stage. It was also during this period that further liberalisations in freedom of speech were set in stone.

Sherby Hoodwounds War (2003-2005)
Main article: Sherby Hoodwounds War

The Margatian-Sherbian War brought the peace and prosperity which Margate had experienced in the last four decades to an end. There had always been tensions between Margate and her former colonial owner, however by the turn of the century, arguments over water, which Margate relied on the Sherbians for, had boiled over. Popular revolution overthrew the Sherbian government in 2002, and the newly formed Penguins' Socialist Movement government sought to re-annex Margate as the first step in achieving continental hegemony.

On June 1st, 2003, the Sherbian Socialist Republic declared war on Margate, immediately beginning a bombing campaign on the consolidated metropolitan areas and military bases. Caught off-guard, the Margatian government immediately mobilised reserve troops, numbering around 800,000, marking the first time that Margate's civilian army had been called into action. Sherby's larger military and the preemptive strike, however, hindered the Margate Defence Forces' ability to fight back. President N V Shan immediately invoked the Sovereignty Clause written into the Constitution, bringing national airlines Margate Airlines under government control to evacuate vulnerable segments of the population to UnitedTerra, seizing refinery equipment of multinational corporations to enhance military production, and unlocking the national reserves, which held close to a trillion Margate dollars, to help fund the war. With Margate having signed the Treaty of Dorkugal and joining the Free Republic Union a week earlier, the USA and Freezeland joined the war on the Margatians' side, although it would take a full six months for substantial help to arrive. By the time the Freezelandians and Antarcticans had sent considerable help, Margate City was under siege, the rest of the nation having been invaded by the Sherbians. A slow but steady recapture of Margatian cities and an invasion of the Sherbian mainland eventually forced the capitulation of the Sherbian government, ending the war a full sixteen months later.

By the end of the war, Margate was decimated, with much of the infrastructure destroyed and the military having suffered heavy losses. The national reserves remained open to fund reconstruction, re-arm the military and encourage couples to have more children, with a substantial proportion of the male populace having been killed or injured during the course of the war.

onerepublic
Developed after the War, Onerepublic aimed to unite small nations under a single banner and to allow Margate to punch it's weight on the political stage and gain international influence and prestige. The concept focuses on a centralized state with similar measures implemented across all states, so as to ease economical tensions and federal issues. Phase One began in 2007 with the Sherby Hoodwounds and Cross Island joining Margate to form the Republic of the Margate Antarctica Islands, and continued with the entry of Auzua Mostafique and Lasoun.

Phase Two began in 2013, this time with the aim of increasing military might as well, with the annexation of the Rock Union as well as the attempted annexation of Red Island and Hailvale, which failed as international pressure was mounted on Margate. Even more embarrassingly, Nexon, a segment of the conquered Rock Union, split off from Margate, culminating in a regional war. Though Margate still tried to expand, options became limited after that. One notable lost opportunity was Clearwater Island voting to join the USA over Margate in exchange for paying off their debts.

Renaming
On February the 15th, 2012, which was the 100th anniversary of Japaland's attack on Margate under the High Penguin Confederacy, the Republic of Margate Antarctica Islands was officially renamed the Republic of Margate, under the Constitution Naming Exercise, Article 1, Section A, Subsection 1 which allowed the name, "Margate Antarctica Islands", to be changed with the approval of the President, Prime Minister and previous, alive Prime Ministers, and influential members of the community.

The names Republic of Margate and Republic of Margate Antarctica Islands was used simultaneously for a period of five years until 2017, when the latter was officially decommissioned. There was an attempt to rename "Margate Antarctica Island", to Margate Central Island, but it was later rejected in favour of the less confusing and more traditional Kenestral.

Rearmament Program
Main Article: 2014 Margatian Rearmament Program

In March 2014, Margate joined the Circular Powers to further military and economic co-operation with Snowiny (today the United Provinces) and the Terra Federation, and to compete against the newly formed Axle Powers. Shortly after Margate was dragged into the Western Theatre of the Frosian War after a terrorist attack on the Benneton Towers.

Because of the events of the war, the modernization and rearmament of Margate's military was boosted and billions were poured into this program. In reality, slow reforms had been made following the Plague War, with the old Margate Defense Vanguard being abolished and reorganized into the Margate Armed Forces, although most reforms leaned towards the side of defense, such as the purchase of a mobile, all-weather air defense system that could intercept Surface to Surface Missiles (SSMs) fired from 20 kilometers away to 200 kilometers away (itself replaced by a similar version that could intercept Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs), SSMs and rockets fired from 3 to 1,500 kilometers away). However, with national security threatened by terrorists and enemy states, the people in charge of the rearmament program made it more aggressive, eventually turning into a fast-paced and efficient program. With advises from Margate's Three Great Generals, the three branches of the Armed Forces saw new weapons introduced to the soldiers.

The state media was used as a propaganda tool by the military and government to convince young Margatians to join the army. When the results weren't what they expected, the Margatian Government announced a law stating that anyone living under poverty will be immediately drafted into the army. As a result, the number of soldiers in the Armed Forces increased significantly. The state of Nexon became the headquarters of the Margatian Space Command. Many advanced military weapons were also developed in Nexonan military labs, which were used to devastating effects. Despite the end of the Rearmament in August 2014, the Ministry of Defense still expands the Margate Armed Forces regularly.

2015 Margatian Presidential and General Election
In a bid to continue retaining political power amidst increasing unpopularity, the Penguins' Action Party in 2014 announced that they would be reorganising the government into a semi-presidential republic, with more power given to the executive branch. It was hoped, that by separating the pillars of government, the populace's demands for increased transparency would be fulfilled.

The 2015 Presidential and General Election was scheduled for 16th March, 2015, with campaigning beginning five months earlier in November. While the PAP hoped that they would narrowly win, the election and the governmental reformed backfired on them as they were booted out of office by the opposition party. The election ended the nearly six decade authoritarian rule of the PAP, as the populace displayed their discontent against the rising cost of living, restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly, and the unsuccessful second phase of the onerepublic scheme, which had brought nothing but humiliation on the international stage. The Margatian Unity Coalition (MUC), previously the opposition, swept the election with 60% of the seats and 73% of the popular vote. Frederick Mueller was voted in as the President of Margate, with Alex Whitaker as the Prime Minister. Frederick Mueller's first act was to pardon all of Margate's political dissidents. He also repealed the ban of chewing gum in Nexon, although his proposal for the complete abolishment of the ban was repealed by Parliament. Martial law also ended in Nexon, allowing the operation of nightclubs and casinos to resume for the first time in 9 months. An amnesty was also offered to NNM terrorists. While many accepted the amnesty, others didn't and continued fighting. When they surrendered, the terrorists were shown no mercy as all 5,200 of the POWs were hanged. The Margatian police also conducted Operation:Cold Blood, an anti-organized crime operation which saw the complete removal of the Nexonan Mafia and International Syndicate from Margate, mostly done with bullets. Aside from the introduction of the Privacy Protection Act in Nexon, Long Lee and many PAP politicians were charged with multiple allegations of corruption, including nepotism, embezzlement and receiving kick-backs. Investigations are currently only, and if found guilty, Long Lee and his fellow conspirators would be given a minimum of 20 years in prison or a maximum of life imprisonment.

The Mueller Administration
In July 2015, Margate, along with Munijoch, UnitedTerra and Magonia, created the supranational organization The Zeta Connections. This opened up trade and relations with the Munians and Terrains. While Margate was allowed to purchased futuristic weapons from PULSE and spy gears from the Terrain Spy Union, it also marketed its industrial products and natural resources to UTR and the Munians. The huge populations of UnitedTerra and Munijoch meant that demand for Margatian goods was quite high, allowing the nation's GDP to rise, which in return allows them to finance several programmes to develop the MAF and purchase military products from the two nations. However, pretty soon supply was running out as demand got higher. In order to combat this, Prime Minister Alex Whittaker passed a bill in Parliament which pretty much made Margate's manufacturing industry semi-automated. Despite being paranoid about the cons of a fully-automated manufacturing industry, the PM also transformed Nexon's industries into an automated one. He compensated for the Nexonans who lost their jobs thanks to the introduction of drones by recruiting them into the MAF.

Beside that, Frederick also relaunched the Onerepublic scheme, annexing numerous trading ports in the Sub-Antarctic. He also started the OneNetwork program, the objective of which is to turn several smaller nations into Margatian satellite states, effectively placing them under its sphere of influence. When the last island was annexed and integrated as a Margatian state, the President made an announcement to celebrate the annexation, famously saying that Margate 'is now in a new era, the New Margate Order has dawned'.

In lieu of the massive success of The Zeta Connections, Margate, Magonia and Munijoch created their own special alliance called The M Triumvirate, with the goal of forging Magonia a future of economic prosperity and a formal introduction to the world stage. Around the same time,, although they eventually backed down.

Joining the Western Union
The Margatian government under the Penguins' Action Party had envisaged the Western Union as a bloc of free trading nations who were able to unite and stand up to the great powers as a collective, be it on the diplomatic or battle front. This original vision was what led President Frederick Mueller and his Margatian National Party to continue membership in the Union upon assuming office in 2015 in spite of the flurry of criticism they had made against the previous administration. Under Mueller’s leadership, further integration was pushed for, leading to the creation of supranational bodies (the Western Parliament, Commission and Courts of Justice) to coordinate trade, migration, defence and foreign policy. Further admission of Caseusopolis and Tropicalis into the Union over the next 2 years would be basically expedited by Margatian policymakers. In 2016 the Margatian Parliament ratified Acadia’s ascension into the Union by a very small margin, with Mueller’s Margatian National Party – which held over 60% of the seats in the legislative body – split between anti-Acadian and pro-expansion camps.

Aiming to get Acadia on its feet and in line with international norms, trade relations began to expand between the two nations and the Margatians, along with the Snowinns, pushed Acadia to uphold creature rights and cease its belligerent rhetoric against innocent nations. However, this was not to be the case. Tensions between the United States of Antarctica and Acadia had risen to such a point in 2017, due to President Brant Esser’s continuing rhetoric against Dorkugal, East Pengolia and the legitimacy of the 2016 Presidential Election prompted the USA to place troops at the Acadian border. Margate's role in the Western Union was called into question after a speech by Antarctican vice president Happyface141 subtly threatened military action. Having been locked into a treaty of mutual defense with Acadia, the Margatian government was particularly alarmed at the prospect of war with the Free Republic Union and the newly-formed United Antarctica Pact of Justice. Total war would cripple the conscription-based military that would be needed to sufficiently defend the country and cause an economic crisis that would last for a generation. As a result, the Margatian government issued an ultimatum to Acadia and the Western Commission – Acadia would cease their war-mongering activities, or Margate would leave the Union, because it should not be drawn into a conflict it did not start, it did not think was worthy of fighting for, and thus was rather unwilling to fight for. The Marxit Crisis, as it came to be known as, was resolved after weeks of negotiations with the Commission, Acadia and the United States, although tensions still remained between the Acadian and Margatians.

The beginning of 2018 marked the largest expansion for the Western Union, with 5 more nations inducted into the Union. Among the five was Duck Island, long presumed as an oddity on the international stage by the Margatians but vouched for by the United Provinces. The Margatian Parliament ratified Duck Island’s entry into the Union by a comfortable margin, hoping for increased trade relations. Duck Island’s membership would prove to be difficult to handle – the Axle Powers, among other nations of significance, did not accept the Duckish nation as legitimate, which made the signing of free trade deals difficult. To make matters worse, more often than not, Duck Island would support Acadia and their policies. The Achadia Crisis, again triggered by the Acadians, resulted in international condemnation against Acadia for supressing citizens’ rights to free speech, press and assembly. Most of the Western Union was in favour of suspending Acadia from the Western Union until further reforms were made – the Mueller administration in particular was very vocal in suspending Acadia from the Union. However, a unanimous decision would have had to be made by all other member states for suspension to occur as written under the Western Union Charter. Duck Island’s rejection of any suggestion to suspend Acadia meant it had placed an effective veto on this very idea. This irritated the Margatians greatly and led some to question whether the Union truly was a united collective.

Shortly after the Crisis ended, an assassination attempt was made on Shopper President Lavender by Acadian and Duckish nationalists. Although not state-sponsored, this basically killed any negotiations for a proposed Axle-Western Free Trade Agreement, which had been a pipe dream since the formation of the Union. This incident reinforced the idea within certain groups of Margatian society that the Acadian and Ducks were tainting the Western Project. Privately, MAF officials worried about the prospect of being pulled into accidental war, while businessmen lamented that Margate’s membership in the Union was stunting potential business opportunities in the Axle Union, in spite of agreements with nations in the bloc such as the M Triumvirate and Zeta Connections. Although the Western Business and Economic Forum, held earlier in May 2018, had been a stunning success, the unstable geopolitical scene spooked investors and businessmen as the new year approached. The departure of Amataria from the Western Union in 2019 caused a massive headache again for the Margatians. The political mess that was the Achadia Crisis and the cancellation of negotiations for the Axle-Western FTA meant little attention was paid to Amataria’s withdrawal notice from the Union. Upon realising that Amataria had decided to leave without paying heed to the negotiation process, the Margatians, along the rest of the Union, scrambled to secure a withdrawal deal with Amataria. To make matters worse, Shopper President Lavender unilaterally intervened in the negotiations process, attempting to force the Western Union into signing a deal with Amataria that would leave the Union worse off.

Public discontent regarding the Western Union was once again at a tipping point - but an emergency Western Congress convened for member nations to voice their discontent resulted in an agreement that decentralised and removed some of the cumbersome bureaucracy associated with the Union, and made it easier to reign in what future unacceptable or belligerent behaviour from member states, so as to avoid another incident that would destabilise the Union once again

Near Future
After posting strong economic growth for quite a while, Margate’s economy was affected by the Shops Civil War as a result of Shops’s implosion. The government imposed a series of measures in order to rejuvenate the economy, which helped to lift the country out of a recession 4 years after the civil war. Following the event, Margate’s economic growth was no longer as much as it used to be. This led to widespread dissatisfaction among the populace towards Mueller’s Margate National Party. As a result, when Mueller resigned in 2031 due to poor health, the Margatians were quick to vote the MNP out of power and brought the Penguins’ Action Power back into power again. In a surpise election, the PAP managed to gain over two-thirds of the seats in the Parliament while PAP-endorsed presidential candidate Stanley Tjoeng managed to win over 78.8% of all votes. The PAP’s leader, Benjamin Teng, became the new Prime Minister. The PAP’s second reign saw the President delegating much of the Presidency’s power to the Prime Minister, with President Stanley Tjoeng himself playing a role that's not as involved in politics. Under Teng’s guidance, the economy began to grow faster once again.

Topography
Margate is often thought of as a single geographical entity, due to the usage of "Home Islands" as a descriptor for the core territories of the Republic. In reality, the core territories nation spans across two major archipelagos - the Ambassador Islands and the Rock Islands - and the geographically distinct regions of Auzua and Lauson. Most of these islands were formerly volcanic islands, with the notable exception of Crossia.

The Ambassador Islands are considered to the core region of Margate and are located the furthest away from the Antarctic mainland of the Home Islands. They consist of the three largest islands of Sherby, Kenestral and Crossia, and the topography of the three islands are not too similar to that of Japaland or Haiwan, with a flat coastal plain on their eastern portions, a mountainous interior and a thin strip of coastal lowland on the west coast. Approximately 70% of these islands is considered to be highland or mountainous regions, with the Ambassador Range stretching from north to south in these regions. With much of the interior of the islands mountainous, the Margatian government has resorted to land reclamation to provide cities the space to expand.

The Rock Islands are far more mountainous, with settlements typically on the coast or in valleys. These islands are more rich in natural resources, and so are exploited for earth ores and precious metals, in addition to other industry. Auzua and Lauson, on the other hand, and are relatively flat with fertile soils, and as a result the agricultural sector flourishes in these regions. Since the onerepublic annexations and integrations, work has begun to expand the land area of these new regions through land reclamation and the cutting of small hills.

Flora and Fauna
MAI has few types of flowers. Most plants are located along the tropical area of Margate Antarctica Island, Margate Sherby Hoodwounds and Margate Cross Island. Flowers include the infamous Lotus Flower, the Snowflaked Orchid and the Icebiscus. The Icebiscus is the strangest of them all and is only found, blooming in Fjord Lumpur. Flowers usually grow in Bloomflower.

Due to the urbanisation of MAI, many varieties of species have been constrained to small forests or placed in zoos. Wild crabs and puffles roam freely throughout these forests, although mysterious sightings of seals (not Leopard Seals, mind you) have been spotted throughout the forest. Zoos in MAI are notable for their high standard of facilities and care towards animals, all of which are owned by a government subsidiary Margate Wildlife Conservation.

Climate


Climate in MAI is strangely varied according to parts of the island. For example, in Margate Central, the north of the island is a snow wonderland, identical to all other Antarctic cities, however, the south of the island is of a tropical climate, which is usually found in areas between the two tropics of the Earth. Some conspiracy theorists have debated if it was the BoF's doing, while geologists claimed there was a lifelong El Nino effect on regions of the island. The MAI has been excluded from the Antarctic oscillation due to this.

Other geologists also claim a partial hole in the ozone layer, causing heat and UV levels to increase substantially. Experiments have been carried out, some proving the presence of such a hole, while others pointing towards the El Nino oscillation.

Territories


Margate's core territories consists of 7 states, 1 special autonomous region (SAR) and 1 special capital region (SCR), collectively known as the Home Islands. Two major archipelagos make up these states - the Ambassador archipelago and the Rock Archipelago. Auzua and Lauson islands and their surrounding territories make up the remainder of the islands. While all of these landmasses are geographically distinct from each other, they are commonly and politically known as the Margatian Archipelago. Margate also has jurisdiction over 3 overseas territories and 1 autonomous territory.

States

 * Kenestral - Political, cultural and economic centre of Margate, Kenestral has the largest population and is home to many of the larger cities in Margate. Its main economic activities include finance, transshipment and trade, and other services. Kenestral is also notable for being the only state with a 100% urbanisation rate, as a result of the 1971 New District Act, which consolidated citizens into towns of populations of 10,000 and above while abandoning small rural villages. The bulk of the state's population is housed in cities of at least 500,000 residents, with a massive national park and military restricted zone covering 50% of the land area. The Special Capital Region of Margate City was carved out in 2018 in order to give the government more control over the capital city.
 * Sherby Hoodwounds - Former colonial master, Sherby Hoodwounds today drives the manufacturing and innovation industries in Margate. Sherbian cities retain more Freezelandian-style architecture, due to influence from the High Penguin Confederacy and a substantial population of Penguinian-speaking citizens. It's capital is Sherbion, home to over 3 million inhabitants and the renowned Margatian National Laboratories, the national biochemical research institute. Sherby Hoodwounds also uses the New District system and has since merger begun to consolidate its population into large urban areas.
 * Cross - Formerly a colony of Margate, Cross was elevated to state status in 2008. The state is very similar to Kenestral culturally, and is considered to be more rural of the three Ambassador Islands. Its primary economic activity is tourism, and has a higher population of senior citizens than the rest of the country due to a long-standing reputation of being more laid back as compared to the rest of the country.
 * Auzua - Auzua merged with Margate in 2011, and since then its strong agricultural sector has been put to good use, with sprawling high-tech farms consisting of vertical plantations. Auzua is also home to a growing agricultural research industry that aims to increase crop yields and sturdiness amid climate change within the growing gap in the ozone layer above Margate. The state grows most of Margate's food, reducing the nation's reliance on food imports.
 * Lauson - Lauson is primarily known for its furniture building and timber harvesting industries, although it also produces a substantial portion of the nation's annual fishing yields.
 * Rock Island - Rock Island, once the main island of the Rock Union, was allowed to keep some of its music-based culture and has brought a revival in the arts and music industries. Key broadcasting stations and Margate's most prominent recording studios are located here. More recently, ore mining and arms manufacturing from neighbouring North Bank and Nexon respectively, has spilled over into the state.
 * North Bank - North Bank's ore mining and lumber industries have been exploited since its annexation into Margate, allowing the nation to remain competitive in the manufacturing sector internationally. The island is primarily mountainous and it has been said the Margate Armed Forces has multiple bunkers dug into the mountains for national security purposes.
 * Nexon Special Autonomous Region - Formerly known of New Westion, Nexon's short-lived breakaway in 2013 has given the island considerably more autonomy as an attempt to appease the local populace and the artificially created Nexonan race. Nexon is home to Margate's growing military-industrial complex, with chemical engineering being another notable industry. The Margate Space Command and the bulk of the Margate Armed Forces are based in this state, with the MAF still trying to figure out and refit for use some of the inventions and oddities procured during during the state's breakaway in 2013.

Territories

 * Aerius Island - Purchased after the fall of Yow, Aerius Island is a small, oil-rich island which acts as a key trading base and allows Margate to retain a military presence in the East Antarctic. It serves as an alternative port of call to the Port of Puerto Elanor, much to the annoyance of Polaris, with a growing number of ships originating from Western Union nations opting to call there in recent years.
 * Margatian Oil Archipelago - An oil and mineral rich region, Margate controls seven islands in the Oil Archipelago region, with Shops Island controlling the other islands. The fall of Shops Island in 2027 would see Margate annex the remainder of the Oil Archipelago and contest the Black Island Chain with the United Provinces
 * Summer Island - An island of the Freezelandian Ocean Territories gifted to Margate in 2010 by King Triskelle for the protection they provided to part of Freezeland during the Snoss Occupation. The island offers Margate a strategic position in the Northern Antarctic, with a military base located on the island.

Autonomous Territories

 * Soloraya Archipelago - Abundant in minerals such as diamonds, iron, tin and uranium, Soloraya used to be small, independent countries until the entire archipelago came under the control of the High Empire of Nexon and later the International Syndicate before it was taken over by Margate. Ever since then, the natives have enjoyed a relatively peaceful life, a low cost of living and a booming economy, although income inequality and undeveloped infrastructure at certain parts of the archipelago still plague Soloraya as a result of devastation. Three of the domains, namely Zamrud, Natalia and Van Rykes, are leading the archipelago in terms of economic growth, while the rest still lag behind them.

Government
Margate is a semi-presidential and constitutional republic, with the government consisting of legislative, judiciary and executive branches.

Legislative powers rests in the Parliament of Margate, the unicameral chamber of the legislature consisting of 1200 representatives from around Margate. Members are elected to seats via a first-past-the-post system, although some constituencies have switched to using the Alternative Vote beginning in 2010. Despite the usage of a plurality electoral system, there is large fragmentation within the government based on individual parties. Hence, political parties often form alliances, the four major ones being the Penguin's Power Party, Conservatives Coalition, the Independents' Union and the Liberals Alliance. The last election was held in 2015, whereby the Conservative Coalition and Independents' Union formed a coalition government, overthrowing the PAP's regime as it was revealed just before the election that the governmental officials of this party had embezzled money.

Ever since the start of the New Margate Order era, the country’s political freedom has increased relatively. Opposition politicians no longer fear speaking out against the govermment on social media or on other media outlets. Only 2 individuals were arrested for sedition in 2016, with no arrest for said charge in 2017 and 2018. The country’s state media is less biased towards the government compared to the PAP’s rule and is more independent in its contents. Margatian elections have become more transparent too, with the Elections Department removed from the Prime Minister’s Office and remade into the independent Elections Commission in 2016.

Political dissidence
Previously before the New Margate Order, dissidents against the government were treated harshly, which ranged from being sued by ex-PM Long Lee to being imprisoned without trial under the 1966 National Stability and Security Act. A teenager who criticized Lee Kwan You on his blog days after his death was immediately sued to bankruptcy and imprisoned for 5 years by Long Lee, but he was pardoned and given compensations days after Mueller was inaugurated by prisoners.

Nowadays, political dissidents are given fair treatment by the government as President Mueller believes in the freedom of expression. Nevertheless, as per original policy written in the Constitution, anyone who tries to undermine the nation's stability by sparking racial tensions or expressing extreme Communistic views that threaten national security would be detained indefinitely but under humane conditions as expressed in the 1966 National Stability and Security Act, which has not been repealed by Mueller's government contrary to expectations. Due to the recent spark of terrorism, the Special Offences Act was passed by Parliament in 2015, which allowed the nation's intelligence agency (Special Branch) to conduct surveillance on any suspected terrorist, as well as arresting and detaining them, a move followed by the United Provinces as well. The act has been criticized by many civil rights activists.

Demographics
MAI is renowned for its diverse yet harmonious culture. There are very few conflicts between races, unlike the relationship between the High Penguins and Khanz. Most of them are the special race of Zhouese/Enclave Peletoniums, while another large race is the Adelie Penguins. The High Penguins and Khanz somehow get along in MAI.

Population
Margate is one of the most densely populated nations in the continent, mainly attributed to an abnormally high urbanisation rate of close to 90%, with the main island of Kenestral itself having a 99.4% urbanisation rate due to the New District scheme and the Urban Consolidation Act. The Republic has a population of 40 million, with most citizens living in dense cities. The population has increased fourfold in fifteen years, mainly due to the onerepublic mergers and annexations, and a now discontinued preferential immigration policy for Zhouese, Permish Hindian, or Hindonesian citizens. The end of such programs, and a low birth rate, means that the Margatian population will reach 44.5 million by 2030, with a projected 1% population growth rate annually.

Languages
Margate's official languages are English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Penguinian is recognized as a regional language in Sherby Hoodwounds, and German, in Nexon. Official documents and important signage are written in all four official languages and the regional language if applicable. However, English and Chinese do stand out (much to the chagrin of the minority races), with the majority of the population being of ethnic Zhouese origin. Most business interactions, political discussions and general discourse are held in English due to the Biligualism policy, which mandates English as a first language for all. When interacting informally, citizens use a localized version of English called Singlish which is English mixed with grammatical rules and vocabulary from other languages, including Mandarin Chinese, Malay, Tamil and an assortment of Chinese dialects.

L33t, wikitext and HTML are generally frowned upon and not well understood by the general public, with their usage completely banned in Sherby due to it's culture of formality.

Race
Margate's population can primarily be broken down into 4 major ethnic groups as listed below. Racial classifications in Margate differ from that of international convention, listing the four races and subsuming all other races into a broad "other" category, even those usually thought as "majority" or "common" in Mainland Antarctica, like the Adelie or Emperor race.


 * Zhouese-Peletoniums, usually of Zhouese origin or ancestry
 * Enclave-Peletoniums, usually of Hindonesiën or Malesian origin or ancestry
 * Sherbian Penguins, who are of mixed High Penguin and Enclave ancestry and form the majority in Sherby Hoodwounds
 * Nexonan Penguins, artificially created by scientists during the breakaway of the High Empire of Nexon, and subsequently integrated into the Margatian population.

Notes:
 * The 2013 census was conducted prior to the annexation of the Rock Union
 * The Nexonan race was artificially engineered during Nexon's rebellion and breakaway in 2013.

MAI has one of the most diverse cultures thanks to the presence of racial harmony. It is a major transit hub for most penguins as well.

Literacy Rate
99% of all citizens are able to write, with 95% of all citizens holding a O level degree. Half of all citizens have a diploma in technical courses, while one-third hold at least a university degree.

Culture
Margatian history and arts is a mix of Hindian, Hindonesian, Zhouese and other Asiapelago culture and arts. Despite this diversity, the only notable symbol of Margatian culture is food, as there is a lackluster arts and music scene

Arts


The arts scene in Margate is slowly disappearing, as most think a steady income job is better than a one-time-rich no steady income job such as becoming an artist. Nevertheless, there are some modern artists, and there is a gradual increase of penguins creating traditional arts such as Chinese Caligraphy, Malay Batik Painting, and Indian Paintings. Paintings are the most common, but there are a notable few pottery works.

Art was recently re-introduced in schools, with the government hoping that students will gain an interest in art and become future artists. They learn about the different penciling and colouring techniques, different styles of artwork, and different colouring and painting mediums.

With the introduction of the state Rock Island as a vibrant music and arts performing scene and area, music and art lovers have flocked to the area, as well as aspiring artists and singers.

Cuisine
Like Munijoch, Margatians grow their food in special "green towers" to preserve space and increase crop yield per square foot. Unlike them, however, Margatians tend not to be so concerned as to how their food is grown but rather how they eat it. In regards to this, Margatian citizens (particularly the elite) have been known to have some of the most strict palates in Antarctica, driven by the need to have only the greatest culinary dishes from the cultures that they want. As a result, the Margatian cuisine choice tends to stray away from the lesser-known dishes and instead concentrates on the famous ones, which are usually refined or custom-ordered to their specialty. The most popular of these cultures are Zhouese, proven by the abundance of Zhouese restaurants within cities.

Music
The music scene is more vibrant, as said before, with the promotion of Rock Central. Before that, Margate had a good music performing scene. Penguins such as Mitchell Wong, Chin Mei Hui and Melodie Song have all contributed to the charts, both locally and internationally. But the most famous of all is Enclave songwriter Ismail Juban, who wrote the Margatian Royal Anthem, The Gates of Margate: Onward Margate, now simply referred to as The Gates of Margate or Majulah Margatia, although most refer to it by its latter name, since it is after all sung in malay.

The Margatians love music and patriotic songs, even changing their national anthem ever year since 2010. 2013's national anthem is One United Margate.

Movie Scene
The movie scene was not renowned until 2013, as movies before then were in a mix of Chinese and English, and most of the time Marglish. The film The NS Story: Boys To Men came out in 2013, hitting 7th on the charts for 2012 and 6th in 2013, being the only Chinese/English mixed film to be in it and the first non-Western-type film to be on the charts for many years.

Customs and Laws
One of several customs all penguins have in MAI is that they don't tuck in their shirts/clothing. In fact, there is a law that whoever tucks in their clothing, like that of a Dorkugese, will be fined. It is said only Dorkugese are allowed to do so, and have to carry a 'Dorkugese Pass to Margate' in order to do so. This is said to be attributed to "even out strictness of regulations". However, for formal occasions like weddings or conventions, the penguin can tuck in his or her shirt only at the venue. It was later found out that the Margatian governement installed this rule to prevent collapse of penguins due to heat-stroke, since the island is partly tropical.

Chewing gum is also forbidden. This law was passed in 1980 after cleaners, who were outraged about penguins leaving chewing gum everywhere (leaving them to scrape it off), went on a two-day strike. This law is highly controversial, and many penguins, even Margatians, having criticised this.

Politically, there are several subjects considered to be taboo, such as communism, criticising the arbitrary detention laws and criticism against the President (but not the Prime Minister).

Flags
The Margatian flag has five stars and four hexagons on it. While the flag has never been changed since it's independence in 1965, the meanings of the shapes of the flags have changed considerably. In 1965, the five stars reflected the ideals of the nation, while the hexagons meant to represent the world revolving around the nation. After the onerepublic merger with Cross, Sherby, Lauson and Auzua, the five stars represented the five main islands and the four hexagons represent the ideals. Once the Rock Union had been annexed in 2013, the nine shapes reflected the nine islands. The flag is now undergoing a change to reflect the nation's ideals to follow other nations in their footsteps and become a greater power, instead of remaining neutral.

National Anthem
Margate's national anthem has had a quirky history, having changed in 1989 and 2000, and then yearly from 2004 to 2014. The rationale behind was to prevent the anthem from becoming "boring", although it did cause confusion every single year when it was changed each National Day. It was later revealed that the yearly change was part of a massive attempt to keep the populace patriotic and happy (and the PAP in power). By 2015, the system was scrapped and the anthem reverted to "The Gates of Margate", the original anthem at the time of independence and the most familiar to citizens, having been in use for 23 years. Some of the previous national anthems have since become popular patriotic songs, including Stand Up, Margate (2005), Homeland (2006) and Three Stars Arising (2009), and are played frequently during events of national pride, and on National Day itself.

''Click on "Expand" to view the National Anthems of Margate over the years


 * 1922-1963 (under the Kingdom of Sherby Hoodwounds): Bless Diana
 * 1963-1965 (as Azilda): United Country
 * 1965-1988: The Gates of Margate
 * 1989-1999: Onward Margate Antarctica
 * 2000-2004: MAI to Go!
 * 2005: Stand Up, Margate
 * 2006-2007: Homeland
 * 2008: The Song of Margate
 * 2009: Three Stars Arising
 * 2010: Homeland
 * 2011: One Republic United
 * 2012: The Light of the Stars
 * 2013: One Margate
 * 2014: The Future is Today
 * 2015-present day: The Gates of Margate

Note: Homeland was reused as the anthem in 2007 due to its overwhelming popularity, and again in 2010 (in part due to the General Election). It was briefly considered as a candidate for the National Anthem in 2015 when the system of changing the anthem yearly was scrapped, although it was eventually dropped.

Housing
The Margate Antarctica Islands is well-known for it's public housing system. As most penguins within MAI live in government-owned properties, these penguins are not considered poor or in poverty. The public house system mainly consist of uniform, high-rise buildings within a certain area. The government organisation put in charge is the Housing Organisation Board, or HOB.

In the late 1960s, the government of MAI wanted to relocate the then vastly spread out large population of Margate City into close homes, especially in that of cities. As land was considered scarce in Margate City, they built tall towers with numbers of units within them. As a result, Margate City is one of the most densely populated cities in all of Antarctica, even to this day.

Other cities such as Fjord Lumpur and Muxen-Liad also started having tall, "HOB blocks", as they were dubbed. As time passed, HOB blocks started getting taller and more closely packed. HOB blocks attract tons of homebuyers due to the good infrastructure and a good number of facilities located within short proximity ranges. However, HOB flats are generally very small (except for four or five-room flats), and at most, four people could live in a single small HOB flat. They are generally cheap and go under the Modern Savings Plan, a comprehensive scheme that helps HOB owners place a deposit on their flat and pay installments for an extended period of time. They could later sell or lease their flats provided they earn enough money to pay back the remaining installments (at most 20% of the price).

Private housing is also mainly in the form of high-rise buildings. These high-rise buildings are called "condominiums" although their definition is largely different from the original one. Condominiums in MAI have luxury features such as swimming pools and security guards. They stand out from HOB blocks because their design is usually classier or more intuitive.

However, in recent years, HOB flats have started to have such luxury features as well, some of which have prices that are much higher than their private housing counterparts. These HOB flats are usually rare, though, and only five or six have been constructed in each major city.

Other types of housing such as terrace houses, mansions and et. cetra are usually quite expensive. Purchasing land in MAI is extremely costly, regardless of in the city or in the countryside.

Telecommunications
Prior to 2007, MAI had its own telecommunication services which partook in phones, Internet services and television set-up boxes. Many users complained that the data plans were often confusing, expensive and very unreliable. The Governance didn't have a role in MAI's telecommunications, and the Bureau of Fiction routinely tried to destroy MAI's services, but failed due to unknown reasons.

Eventually, though, the government grew fed up with the telecom providers and nationalised all of them, sold them to the Governance who in turn promised not to charge citizens more for data plans. Thanks to the Governance, the Internet connection speed has risen dramatically. Taxes for telecommunication services is relatively cheap, taking only 0.1% of the taxpayer's bill.

In 2016, the government attempted to repurchase all telecom assets from the Governance to privatize them, to rid Margate of Governance influence and to have the ability to further restrict freedom of speech on the internet if they so desire. However, the Governance refused to sell them back to the government, and the government chose not to force nationalize them due to the risk of UAN sanctions led by the USA if they did.

At an astonishing internet connection speed of 87 mbps, Margate enjoys the fastest internet speed in the world. This is primarily because of advanced development in telecommunications technology.

Utilities
Before 2016, MAI government made a deal with the Governance to allow MAI full control over it's own water, electric and gas supply while the Governance still has a say in it. The two parties constantly bickered over deals and modifications, although MAI usually got it's say as long as they gave an extra tribute to the Governance (sizable "donations").

However, thanks to the two parties diverse views, the supplies within the country are sufficient and cheap. Formerly, MAI depended on neighbouring Sherby Hoodwounds for water due to its small land space, but thanks to the merger water supplies are now sufficient for the country. Almost 100% of all energy sources are from clean sources such as solar energy, since solar panels are relatively cheap in Margate thanks to extensive research and development. MAI is strictly against the implementation of nuclear power plants and bickered over the Governance over the matter.

Public Transit
The Margatian public transport system is well-planned, with high-speed trains and buses connecting towns and cities, rapid transit networks in the cities and bus networks connecting to the rail network. The high speed rail was built in 1999, connecting every city and cutting down travel time to 10 minutes between each city, making trade and business meetings easier, but this network is only available in Kenestral, Sherby and Nexon. The rest of the states have normal rail systems. Normal railroads run throughout the states, with trains connecting each and every town. Every train is electrically powered, without the use of coal. Rapid transit networks and trams connect major areas of each town and city to the high-speed network.

The rail network is complemented by the bus network, originally the primary mode of public transport. Nowadays, it is used as feeder services to move passengers to the rail network. Most of the buses are hybrid electric and disabled-friendly. Despite the Margatian transport system being one of the best in Antarctica, penguins frequently complain about breakdowns which are happening more frequently due to the aging system, some of which are over 30 years old.

Air
With the plan for a booming economy in business and trade, the government has also invested in airports and the national carrier, Margate Airlines, in which it has a 49% stake in. Thanks the the island's former strategic location, penguins flying to the Asiapelago or UnitedTerra from the Ninja Archipelago had to pass through here, making it necessary for the airports to have a considerable capacity and have comfort. Hence, the national carrier is the fifth largest in Antarctica, with all the Antarctic airlines merged into one, and the airports are one of the continent's best rated. Ever since the opening of the airports at South Pole City, the nation has been trying to promote itself as more of a destination than a transit airport.

The busiest airport in the nation is the Margate City-Lhangi International Airport, which has a capacity of 66 million a year, with another 18 million worth of capacity under construction. This airport is the best in Antarctica, being efficient yet bright and comfortable.

Road
Sprawling road networks stretch throughout the nation, and are well maintained and upgraded, with 10 lane highways in major metropolitan areas. In recent times, the government has been made aware that the nation sits underneath a permanent opening of the ozone layer, exposing penguins to harmful UV rays. Thus, they have been imposing heavy road taxes, toll booths (which are now being replaced by the new satellite based Electronic Road Toll), expensive parking (the rate in the city area is about 1 and a half times that of South Pole City per hour. Residents have to outbid one another to get the privilege to own a car. A medium-cost car is worth about 70,000 Margate Dollars, but due to this system, each medium-cost car can set back one anywhere between M$130,000 and M$200,000.

Rail
Margate has an extensive system of High-Speed Rail and electric rail networks, which for allow fast and easy commute between cities, as well as between ports and industries. The electric railroad system is predominantly used for pedestrian travel, although many industries also use them for cargo between cities. Most ports also feature rails that directly load trains onto massive shipping boats, then are transferred to their next stop on another territory.

Water
Being along the SABER, most sea traffic along this route passes through the Margatian Straits, making it one of the most congested sea routes in Antarctica. There are a multitude of ports along this route, with the busiest being the Port of Tuarkis in Margate City. Having provided excellent and efficient port services, along with it's strategic geographic location, many shipping companies prefer to dock and transfer goods along the Margatian ports. The large amount of sea traffic is handled by the Margate Ports Command, which ensures efficiency in usage of port terminals and sea lanes, as well as avoid collisions.

Naval security is handled by the Republic of Margate Armed Forces Naval Command, which enforces against illegal activity such as trafficking, piracy and smuggling within Margate's territorial waters. There have been instances of Shopper craft entering Margatian waters and patrolling it as if it was their own, which the Margatian government has complained about to the Shopper government to no avail.

Education
Education in MAI is strict. However, the relationship between a teacher and a pupil is the strongest among all countries, based on a research.

A typical MAI chick would start out with Primary School at the age of 6. Thereafter, the chick would move on to Secondary School at the age of 13 for four years. After that, they have an option to go to Junior College/Poly, in which they would spend one year in Poly and two years in NS, or spend a whole three years at NS. After completing all, he/she would reach the age of 20. They would then head on to University for as long as they want, at the minimum, two years.

From Primary School to Secondary School, the school year starts at the first working day of the year.

Primary School
Primary School is the first stage of education in MAI. It is compulsory for all chicks to undergo this level, so that they would not be dumb and end up as Mwa Mwa Penguins in the future. They would have to undergo six years of Primary Schooling, one year for one level.

Primary One and Two chicks only have one examination paper to sit for: the Year-End Exam Paper (also known as the YEEP). The syllabus is light and consists of English, Mother Tongue (Chinese, Malay, Sherbian, L33t depending on which school) and Mathematics. These two years of schooling are usually referred to as lower primary.

Primary Three and Four chicks have two examination papers to sit for: the Mid-Year Exam Paper (MYEP) and Year-End Exam Paper. Science, consisting of Physics and Biology, is added onto the syllabus. Their burden would increase with extra homework, and they are allowed to become prefects of the school at this stage. This is commonly referred to as middle primary.

Primary Five and Six chicks are usually stressed out often. They would then have four examination papers to sit for: Term 1 Exam (T1E), Mid-Year Exam Paper, Term 3 Exam (T3E) and Year-End Exam Paper. They may also have to sit for an extra examination, known as the July Exam Paper (JEP), if they fail in the Mid-Year Exam Paper. In some areas, the Term 1 Exam and the Term 3 Exam would be removed. For Primary Six chicks, instead of taking the Term 3 Exam and Year-End Exam Paper, they would take the 'Prelims', which would be held before the most important exam of all-PSEA.

Primary School Exiting Assessment
The Primary School Exiting Assessment is compulsory for all chicks. Every chick must take part in at least one paper for the PSEA (it means the WHOLE subject, eh?). The PSEA is usually held from August to October. Stress doubles and chicks get confused.

The PSEA is considered a state secret and a nationwide activity, therefore, PSEA is taken very seriously in all schools. Even in you are in the hospital, you STILL have to take the PSEA, but instead of going to the school where the PSEA is held, the PSEA comes to YOU! That is why PSEA causes stress in most penguins.

The setters for the PSEA paper are locked up in a prison located somewhere in Eastshield, and have been tortured severely. A court case was held because of this and even more controversy sparked.

Secondary School
Starting from Secondary School, the MAI equivalent of Grade 7 to 10, education is no longer compulsory. Secondary school education usually takes four-to-five years depending on the stream one is in based on their results on their PSEA results.

The streams are:
 * Inergrated Programme - for penguins with scores 250 and above. A 6 year stream, skipping the O-Levels at Secondary 4 and jumping to the A Levels at JC2
 * Gifted - for penguins who are in the Gifted Education Program and have a score of more than 240. 4 years stream
 * Express - for penguins who have a score of more than 200. 4 years stream
 * Normal (Academic) - for penguins who have a score less than 200 but are academically stronger than others with below 200. 5 years stream
 * Normal (Skill (known as Technical)) - for penguins who have a score less than 200 but obtain better skills than others with below 200. 5 years stream

Secondary school has a number of courses for one to choose depending on the school's budget and facilities. However, the Ministry of Education has a high spending budget each year, so this is of not much concern. Secondary school students are required to take the following courses prior to the Sec Two Streams:


 * Languages - English and their mother tongue (mother tongues included Chinese, Malay, Tamil and Penguinian)
 * Mathematics and Sciences - Biology, Chemistry, Physics etc.
 * Humanities - History, Geography and Literature

After Sec Two, students are able to take part in a multitude of courses of their own choice. They are allowed to take up to eight courses, several of which need to be compulsory.

'O' Levels
All 'O' Level candidates are required to take at least six major examinations. The six examinations are:
 * Two languages (English and either Chinese, Melayu, Tamil or Penguinian)1
 * Two mathematics (Standard Math and either Principles of Accounting or Advanced Math)
 * Two or three sciences (Chemistry and either Biology and Physics)2 3
 * Two humanities (Social Studies and either Geography, Literature or History)3 4

In addition, the following subjects can be taken


 * One arts elective (Music or Art)
 * One technical subject (Home Economics, Engineering, Archeology, Design and Technology)

All subjects, with the exception of Social Studies, Mother Tongues and Technical Subjects, are marked by the University of Oxfire. The other subjects are marked by local teachers and the Penguinian Board of Examinations (for Penguinian)

They would then be streamed into either junior colleges, polytechnics or the dreaded Comprehensive Technological Unit, a frou-frou term for those who didn't do so well in the 'O' Levels.

'O' Level marks are determined by the number of points. A1 is worth one point, A2 is worth two points, B3 is worth three points and so on. The lower the points, the better you are. Points are taken directly from the grades you incur from the six major examinations. Extra examinations and co-curricular activities deduct points and form the overall score.

Entering a school depends on the system it uses. One of the more prestigious junior colleges, the Abridged Junior College, uses the L1R5 system, which looks at the marks of one's language and five relevant subjects.

Notes: 1 : Chinese, Melayu, Tamil and Penguinian are considered as Mother Tounge subjects and may be taken at the Normal, Basic, Express or Higher Levels 2 : Persons who take three sciences are ineligible for the technical courses 3 : Sciences and Humanities subjects can be taken at the Elective or Pure levels 4: Social Studies is the study of government systems, ideologies and politics.

'N' Levels
Those in the Normal streams could take the 'N' Levels, a watered-down version of the 'O' Levels as some call it. The 'N' Levels basically follows the same format as the 'O' Levels. After the 'N' Levels, students study for another year and take the 'O' Levels with the Secondary Fours of the Gifted and Express streams.

Military
For more information, see Margate Armed Forces.

Margate's military is one of the most advanced in Antarctica. Compulsory military service after graduation from High School is compulsory for all Margatians. This is to ensure that reserve troops at least have some basic knowledge on combat. Everyone from the age of 19 - 55 are required to become soldiers if they are drafted in events of enemy invasions and they are drafted. Those between the age of 55 - 60 can choose whether to fight or not. The Supreme Commander of the Margatian military are the Three Great Generals.

Recently, the Margatian Government, under suggestions from the Three Great Generals, begins to use its state-owned media as military recruitment propaganda. This move has attracted many students who dropped out of Secondary School or Secondary School graduates who don't wish to go to college. Many penguins living in poverty also joined. Joining the Circular Powers and the annexation of the military-oriented state of Nexon increased Margate's military power too.

Margate is now undergoing a rearmament programme, scheduled to be completed by mid 2014. This includes new coats of arms, flags and badges, a redesigned uniform (rumored to be light blue or dark green), purchasing of new weapons and military vehicles, constructing of new bases, and more funding. Margate is also planning for a space programme, both for military and colonization

Antarctic Mainland

 * USA flag.PNG United States of Antarctica - Excellent: The USA and Margate have stable and promising relations, since the nation is after all their biggest trade partner. There have been several conflicts and incidents that have strained relations.


 * The robbery of seven cars and the vandalism of a train depot led to Margate ordering a fourteen-spank count for the penguin responsible. As the convicted was a foreigner from the USA, officials came to negotiate, only ending in disagreement. The South Pole Council almost voted to put a trading embargo on the nation. Eventually, the penalty was reduced to ten spanks only.


 * Margate has also criticised the USA's involvement in Antarctic's politics and it's "imperialistic measures" in the past. Since then, these remarks have died out. When Margate became a Free Republic in 2008, the government had more trade with the USA as a result. However, part of their government was restricted freedom, which led to widespread outrage. The country withdrew from the SPC in 2011, being the first nation ever to do so. While trade has slowed, the Margatians now have trade relations and investments in almost every nation.


 * East Pengolia image flag.png East Pengolia - Horrible: Initial diplomatic ties were moderate, as the then ruling Penguin's action Party had some form of socialism in its policies. However, relations worsened as East Pengolia sided with other communist nations during multiple wars. Now, Margate hates East Pengolia for having a Communist government, who in turns hates Margate's capitalist government. The Margatian intelligence agency (the Margatian Special Branch) often spies on the East Pengolian government and conducts covert operations in it.


 * Freezelandflag.jpg Freezeland - Excellent: Freezeland and Margate are diplomatic and trade partners who trade often. Freezeland signed a defense pact in the early 2000s with the nation which expired in 2004, but the two nations still conduct naval exercises occasionally. Margate also helped to keep certain parts of Freezeland of out Snoss hands during GSWI and establish the protectorate of Margatian Freezeland in 2010.


 * PolarisFlag.png Polaris - Excellent: Margate and Polaris are diplomatic and trade partners, and the nation ignores or avoids dealing with anything to do with the blatant amount of white collar crime and corruption in it's capital. Government controlled companies like Kenestral Holdings are generally ordered to be vigilant when dealing with them to avoid the spread of corruption to the squeaky-clean nation. Nevertheless, this is all in secret, and trade flourishes with investment bonds being immensely popular in both nations.

Asiapelago

 * Amataria Flag.png Amataria - Excellent: Being in the Western Union, Amataria and Margate engage in diplomatic and trade relations. They also mutually defend each other.


 * FlagOfJapaland.png Japaland - Excellent: Japaland and Margate are diplomatic and trade partners. Scientists from the two nations often collaborate with each other in scientific research. Japaland is also one of Margate's top trade partners.


 * MaLOLaysiaFlag.png Malesia - Good: Malesia and Margate are just ordinary trade partners. However, Margate holds close relations with the Malesian city-state of Triangapore. It has supported several Triangaporean independence movements.


 * Flag of North Joseon.png North Joseon - Terrible: Margate hates North Joseon to the core. The Margatian intelligence agency (the Margatian Special Branch) often spies on the North Joseonean government and conducts covert operations in it.


 * ShopsAlternateFlag2.png Shops Island - Good: Shopper-Margatian relations are considered relatively good, with active trade between the two nations. However, Shops holds a grudge against the nation for the protection and harboring of the mafia state Nexon, and for being in the rival Circular Powers. Shops often likes to one-up and jockey around with Margate, just so the Margatians know who is in charge. Despite that, however, the MSB and the SIA often collaborated in intelligence sharing and hunting down terrorists. There were even numerous cases where the MSB and SIA aided each other in conducting covert operations. Recently, President Frederick Mueller has been improving relations with Shops. For some reason, Shops' alternate 'empire' flag was raised at its embassy in Margate City.


 * SouthJoseonFlag.png South Joseon - Excellent: Margate and South Joseon are diplomatic and trade partners, trading products worth billions of Club Penguin Coins annually. South Joseon is the only nation which Margate has a mutual defense treaty with who isn't in the Western Union or The Zeta Connections.


 * Asaina_flag.png Zhou - Excellent: Economic differences aside, Margate and Zhou are trade and diplomatic partners. Diplomatic relations were officially established in 1982. Margate often acts as a mediator between Zhou and the USA, even though that didn't work out so well.

Western Union

 * NewUnitedProvincesFlag.png United Provinces - Excellent: Margate and the United Provinces have been allies for years and they have always stood by each other's sides. The United Provinces aided Margate in the Newdeal Civil War and the Margatians helped repel invaders from the island of Snowiny during the Puffalian-Western War. The two have a lovely, long-lasting relationship and a Margatian-Snowinn cultural exchange is held every year, and each year the cities of Winsburg and Margate City switch back and forth in hosting it. Via the Western Union the relationship between the United Provinces and Margate became even better as the two nations were joined by common historical, economical, military, cultural and political ties.

Criticism
MAI has been known for its brutal and strict policies, constraining freedom within the state. In 2002, the case of Mikefazer14 tightened relations with the USA. Mikefazer14 reportedly vandalised buildings and threw toilet paper on houses, both of which were banned in MAI. Mikefazer14 was caught and caned four times, reduced from six after pleading from the USA's government. He later spoke that the police was restrictive and did not allow him to explain himself. Others, however, say that MAI's rules were effective and managed to bring out a clean and low-crime state.

MAI has also constrained freedom in other ways. For example, protests were not allowed unless a permit was gained. Those who protest could be caned or jailed up to five years. People blame the Penguins' Action Party, the ruling party, for their actions. There were fines behind littering, eating, drinking or smoking in prohibited areas, or even in illegal possession of items such as bubble gum or weaponry. Expression of opinion was even compromised, to the point that making political jokes publicly may cause trouble. On the hindsight, however, MAI was top in terms of ease of doing business.

MAI is also known for staying neutral, which could be a problem at times. For example, during the war between the Revolutionists and Loyalists for the fight for independence, MAI gave no help to either side at all, banning any "notable protestors of either side" from entering the country. It also criticised several countries for their actions, such as Snowzerland, both Pengolias, the Ninja Archipelago and the USA.

Off-site links

 * If you haven't noticed, Margate is a parody of Singapore
 * Even though it's not in the Asiapelago in Antarctica, Singapore is in Asia