Culldrome Isles

''Culldrome redirects here. Were you looking for Culldrome City, the country's capital?''

The Archipelago Republic of the Culldrome Isles, also known as the Culldrome Isles or just Culldrome, is a group of islands located north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Unlike most, Antarctic countries, Culldrome is quite warm; grass, trees and other plant life is abundant and the many inhabitants are used to the warm weather. The country is a Free Republic. It is also located in an isolated region, but nonetheless, Culldrome is part of several diplomatic groups. The most notable of these is the UAN and The Axle Powers. Culldrome is a moderately powerful country, ranking 12th for its GDP, ranking 9th for military strength and is a hyperspace power. Although not a major player on the international stage, Culldrome has the support of its allies and is self-sufficient to a degree. The Culldrome Isles are known and characterized by their excellent hospitality, cuisine, culture, and diversity.

Original Settlement

 * See also: Skulldrome Isles

The Culldrome Isles was not inhabited until around the 5th century. Around then, several penguins had migrated from places such as the High Penguin Confederacy to the Skulldrome Isles. Several small towns had been set up around Skulldrome's coastlines. Many more penguins migrated and soon there was a large influx of Ninjas from what is now Club Penguin. These ninjas soon formed a majority of the population.

In the 8th century, the many tribes and settlements in the Skulldrome Isles were united as the Kingdom of the Ninjiana Isles. The Ninjiana Isles soon spread their influence through sea trade. The Kingdom also had a large mining industry, managing to mine out gold, iron and Porcyals. The power of Porcyals was discovered by the ninjas, who then learned to harness them and keep it as a secret. Years later in the 1800s, Ninjiana ships began to reach Antarctica and a small Viking Penguin settlement on the Antarctic Peninsula

The ninjas soon began to attack these settlements, one of which was home to Mark the Warrior. Porcyals accidentally made their way to the settlements and the ninjas mounted a full-force attack. Mark, thinking that something about the crystals was suspicious, decided to muster together sailors, ships and supplies. Then, Mark, now captaining the fleet, sailed north, to the place of the last sighting of the ninjas.

Founding and Colonial Age (1854-1859)


On January 26, 1854, Mark and his fleet of ships, sailed into Culldrome Bay. A small settlement was founded on the shores of the bay and founded the Culldrome Isles. A small camp was set up as some of the ships were broken down to be used for wood. A few days later, the camp began to run out of freshwater and food. Mark went out with a scouting party to find a more suitable area for a long term settlement. The team trekked for a few days before settling down in what is now known as Culldrome City on the banks of the Mossy River. The whole colony moved and started to live here. Within a few months, buildings were built and a road to the bay was built.

The small settlement began to grow and eventually, Culldrome became a small country. A government was set up as scouting teams explore the island. Ships also began to contribute to the effort, looking for other nearby islands and the ninjas. Supplies were sent in from the Viking Penguin settlement, but eventually, Culldrome became self-sufficient.

In 1857, a small castle called Hedgewall Castle was built. Located towards the south of the city, it was situated at the base of the Collwall Mountain Range. The castle was usually bombarded with snow and ice. Blizzards were common. Not many knew about the castle and so it was a quiet and peaceful settlement.

Beginnings
To the settlers, the Culldrome Isles were uninhabited and isolated. Most of them thought that they were far off from the ninjas, and in turn, the Porcyals. Exploration ships were soon sent out and began to map the territory to the east of Culldrome Island. They found the small archipelago of the Treshurr Islands and the mountainous Menap Island. By 1860, small colonies were established there. The value of the Porcyals attracted many immigrants from modern-day Freezeland and the Kingdom of Puffle'and- hence the colonies' main spoken language was English.

Not so far away, the inhabitants of the Skulldrome Isles were watching the settlers from the sidelines. Spies had been sent into the cities and towns, cunningly disguised. The ninjas on the island concluded that their Porcyals were no longer safe. So they retaliated.

Sea Battles
In late 1860, a small fleet of ships from Skulldrome sunk a ship carrying supplies to Menap Island. Soon, a blockade was formed around the island. The small colony on the island was still not able to self sustain itself and was still defenseless. The colony was later raided by ninjas. Wondering what had happened to the ships, Culldrome sent out a few ships to investigate. They met the blockade and retreated, taking heavy losses. After this was found out, Culldrome declared war on Skulldrome.

In 1861, a state of total war was proclaimed. Most of the citizens were either sent to become soldiers or to become builders, helping the war effort. Fleet after fleet began to raid the ninja ships. Unfortunately, ninjas had taken control over the Treshurr Islands colony. It became a base of operations where ships were built, with the settlers becoming slaves. Soon a large fort named Fort Knahsram was built by the settlers.

In 1863, Mark the Warrior sailed with a couple of ships to the Treshurr Islands. Their goal was to put an end to the ninja's reign of terror. If Fort Knashram fell, the ninjas would lose the fight of the western front. The fleet was sunk en route and Mark captured. He became a factory worker at Fort Knashram. Eventually, he managed to escape it with four workers. They escaped to quiet settlement tucked away in the forests. As this happens, the battle still raged on for the Culldrom and the ninjas. Quick skirmishes were performed by both sides but this failed to do any real damage.

Many ships were lost on both sides; there are estimates of up to 100 ships sinking. The crews of these ships usually make it back to safety, but some were captured by the ninjas or even perished.

Moving Inland
Noticing that the ninjas were moving closer to Culldrome Island, they began construction on a small fort atop a hill, named Fort Charlamandaster. The hill was actually a volcano, which erupted during construction. It is unknown, but most say that the ninjas used their Card-Jitsu and Porcyal powers to make the volcano erupt.

The penguins noticed this and moved into the volcano's magma chambers, (now named Mt. Charlamander). They ignored the safety risks and formed a small township inside the volcano. It soon became a fully stocked fort, complete with farms, barracks and a small weapons factory.

As the ninjas began to mount assaults onto the mainland, the soldiers in Mt. Chalramandaster would use arrows dipped in Hot Sauce to light boats on fire. The ninjas would escape and be captured by the soldiers. However, in 1865, a large fleet of ships arrived. The soldiers inside the mountain could not sink all of the ships fast enough. The ninjas penetrated inland and captured Culldrome City, effectively capturing the mountain in the process.

Hedgewall Castle, which was hidden, was eventually over-run by the ninjas. It was destroyed and looted, leaving the inhabitants to flee into the city and the wilderness. Today, the castle ruins still stand, most of it covered in snow from avalanches.

Ninja Rule
Once the capital city was taken over, scores of ninjas were dispatched to the countryside and the other small towns. There, they stormed down houses and set up outposts. Within a week, the whole Culldrome Isles belonged to the ninjas. With this expanded territory, they put the citizens to work. They usually worked in factories, producing products from weapons to furniture. The other citizens were put to work in mines.

In the mines, the penguins were forced to look for the promised Porcyal. This gave them hope, as they thought that when they found the crystal, someone would use its powers to free everyone. Over a period of 10 years, an estimated 100 kg of Porcyals were found. The ninjas stockpiled this and built many weapons of mass destruction. High ranking ninjas were given the privilege of these "super-weapons". They could manipulate the elements more powerfully than before.

Life for the workers, however, was vastly different. They woke up every morning at around 6 AM. After a short breakfast consisting of badly made porridge, they were immediately put to work. The first work shift lasted until 12 PM. To signal the end of the first shift, giant bells were strategically placed around the island. They all rung at the same time, with the bells echoing throughout the land. One hour of eating and rest was allowed before the next shift started. The second shift lasted until 7 PM, where the bells tolled and another hour of rest was allowed. At 8 PM, the workers would attend an assembly, in which announcements would be made. This usually lasted for one hour. At 9 PM, the workers could start going to sleep. Some of them, however, stayed up all night devising escape plans. This always never worked due to the guards finding out.

Freed at Last (Early 1900s)
In 1890, Mark the Warrior and his friends reached the mainland. A small resistance army was formed and soon there was a large scale rebellion. In an epic battle, Mark used Porcyals to defeat the ninjas by destroying the capital building. Due to this, Mark is widely known around the isles as a selfless hero and freedom fighter. After 30 long years of being forced to work in factories, the Culldrom were freed.

Bluetower Castle
Main article: Bluetower Castle

After the end of the occupation, a massive cleanup started. All of the roads were re-paved, the buildings re-built and trees re-planted. Restoration took a few months. During that time, the ninjas were forced to retreat back to Skulldrome. To avoid a repeat of this takeover, construction on a castle began. Hedgewall Castle, which was a small settlement, had been destroyed. Instead of re-building the castle, a new one was proposed to be built. The new castle was named Bluetower Castle and was supposed to be a safe haven for creatures from far and wide.

The castle took approximately 10 years to complete. It was constructed from sandstone and stone, which was mined in a quarry nearby. To celebrate the construction of the castle, a month-long celebration was held. The festivities started on New Year's Eve 1899 and ended on Culldrome Day 1900 (January 26). To celebrate the new millennium, fireworks were used for the first time. The current national flag and anthem were raised and played respectively for the first time, as well.

The castle continued to attract inhabitants. New creatures like terns, polar bears and turtles began to move into the castle. With a rapid influx of inhabitants, the castle went through several upgrades and expansions from 1910 to 1923. Despite the large population, the location was very isolated. The surrounding forests protect and shelter the castle from any outsiders. To this day, the castle hasn't adopted most modern customs and technology.

Skulldrome Isles
As the ninja forces retreated back to their homeland, treaties were signed to ensure the peace of the islands. This meant that the Skulldrome Isles could not attack the Culldrome Isles, and breaking the treaty would result in retaliation. Skulldrome was also annexed and became a territory of Culldrome. The leadership of Skulldrome was transferred from the Ninja Master to the Supreme Leader during a ceremony in 1910.

Mt. Charlamander
Main article: Mt. Charlamander

The large volcanic mountain fortress virtually lost its purpose after the ninjas went back to Skulldrome. After the last ninjas left, the fortress became pointless. The inhabitants left for the newly constructed Bluetower Castle. The population of the mountain shrunk from 400 to just 20. The mountain was like a deserted town. After a few years, blacksmiths were attracted to the mountain as the magma was ideal for metal works. The mountain also had no ruler, and so in 1910, the title Great Guardian was given for the first time. The Great Guardian had several sets of full armor for him made and had weapons crafted. The Guardian thought that the mountain offered a strategic outpost to repel any attackers.

This prophecy came true and pirates began to invade the mainland in 1919. The small force was not enough. A recruitment program was set up, attracting penguins and terns to the mountain. The army soon became well-known for its tern soldiers. With the next waves of pirate attacks, the mountain was well prepared and easily defeated the pirates.

Late Colonial Period (1910-1930)


With the Ninja War and post-war rebuilding, Culldrome fell into a period of disarray. With a poor government in place, the mainland had been divided up into several isolated kingdoms. During the 1910s, many small skirmishes were fought over land and power, struggling to rebuild and sustain themselves. In 1922, the six main kingdoms at the time signed the Treaty of the Isles, unifying them together into the modern Culldrome state and putting a democratic government in place.

In 1923, ships were sent to establish (hopefully permanent) colonies in the Treshurr Islands and Menap Island. Great care was taken to avoid being seen by the ninjas. So much care was taken that, in fact, military outposts were set up on the colonies. The soldiers who were trained there were also cross-trained to be police-penguins. They would keep the peace and make sure everything went right on the colonies. Mines were set up to hunt down more Porcyals.

By 1925, the colonies had grown into little towns. They were now self-sufficient and even had a small army, complete with ships. Trees and minerals from mines were found on the islands and were shipped back to Culldrome. All of this trading eventually made a trade route flourish. The ships traveling on the route, however, were easy prey for the pirates.

This trade route also had the pirates setting up a town in the Treshurr Islands. In 1926, the pirates invaded the colony on the Treshurr Islands. The army tried to defeat it but the force was so overwhelming. The citizens escaped safely and traveled back to the mainland. The government was furious. The Treshurr Island colony had slipped out of their grasp twice now. A large attack was mounted at the pirates, but the Culldrom were defeated. After the defeat, the Culldrom government negotiated with the pirates. The pirates were told to stop attacking them and become privateers for the navy and in return, Culldrome would give them the entire Treshurr Isles and they could be part of Culldrome. The pirates agreed and began to set up settlements.

The pirates, now just naval sailors, build many docks and fortresses. They ruled the seas with their mighty ships and helped to expand Culldrome's naval influence far and wide.

Industrial Revolution (1931-1970)


By now, Culldrome was falling behind in technology. Other nations had already developed cars, planes, usable electricity, and modern weaponry. Culldrome also found itself swimming in coal after large mines had opened up on Menap Island. Oil was not a viable option for use, as it was expensive to import oil to Culldrome. The nation soon began to research and develop technology, utilizing the vast amounts of cheap coal. Soon, many steam-powered devices, gadgets, and vehicles began to appear, created by Culldrome's newly founded manufacturing industry. The country soon began to resemble a steampunk society.

By 1936, primitive steam cars and trucks were developed and by 1942, steam engines were fitted to airships and large flying steamships were developed. Radio technology reached Culldrome in 1947 with many radio stations beginning to spring up around the islands. This became a great asset in the media industry, as it allowed news to be quickly spread, especially to remote areas all over Culldrome. In the 1950s, televisions began to spring up around the country. TVs were more expensive to run than the radio, so it did not phase out the radio. Other, simpler gadgets began to appear around the country including watches, telephones and vacuum cleaners.

In 1942, Culldrome City was hooked up to the Governance. This provided electricity to fuel Culldrome's scientific and industrial growth, as well as telecommunications with the rest of Antarctica. To reduce bills, Culldrome began to use a large amount of coal from its mines to power coal-fired power stations. These stations provided 20% of the whole archipelago's electricity needs. The other 80% was provided by the Governance. This measure would, later on, save money in the long run. In the 1960s and 70s, clean power sources began to spring up. Wind, solar and hydroelectric power were used to substitute the coal power stations.



Oil Powered Era (1971-1989)
In the early 1960s, oil was found deep in the ocean north of Culldrome. Oil wells sprang up and extracted the oil. Toxic Island, then known as Oil Island, was founded as Culldrome's first external territory to act as a waypoint to the oil fields. This paved the way for an industrialized Culldrome. The starting price of petrol in Culldrome was 1.5 coins per liter (6 coins per gallon). Slowly, the price began to climb as it replaced anything coal-powered (besides the power stations). Oil was also much cheaper compared to coal. This surge of oil prompted car manufacturers to open up factories in Culldrome. Culldrome transitioned from a steam-powered society to a more modern, oil-powered one.

The oil also announced the jet age in Culldrome. Air Culldrome (see Airlines) purchased a fleet of 5 Snowing 707s to operate the short hops from Culldrome City to Shiverpool, establishing Culldrome's first air links. Many more airlines were established. Gradually, ships were out-favored for overseas transport than planes.

Due to this big boom of cars and planes, the price of oil peaked at 4.5 C per liter in 1979. This caused many economical problems and was known as the 'Culldrome Oil Crisis'. Oil usage rapidly plummeted, with the oil price lowering and slowly steadying out. By the mid-1980s, internationally imported oil began to replace Culldrome's oil needs.



Porcyal War (1990-1996)
See Porcyal War. See also: Treaty of Treshurr

Modern Era (1997-2012)
After the end of the Porcyal War, citizens on both sides began re-building. This caused an economic boom and a population boom. This was due to the soldiers returning to a peaceful life and the economy re-stabilizing. The clean-up took until 2000. It was then that the centennial anniversary of Bluetower Castle was celebrated. The national flag and motto also had its "birthday". After the festivities, Culldrom life returned to normal.

Technology continued to expand with the advent of Peach's IcePhone and, later, IcePad. The Internet finally reached the isles, as well as wireless cell-phone capability. Building infrastructure was replaced with newer designs with many safety improvements. Car designs were perfected and soon, Hybrid electric and fuel cell powered cars were sold to the general public. The Culldrome Scientific Research Agency was also founded, bringing in many technological innovations. Many laboratories were built around the nation. A rocket launching pad was built on Toxic Island, and eventually, Culldrome gained the capability to go into space, placing it into the space race with many other nations, like the Snowzerland and Shops Island.

Further Expansion (2012-2013)


In 2012, Culldrome City was invaded by ninjas from Skulldrome. The ninjas were lead and commanded by Gravity, Swiss Ninja and Chub 667X. The trio commanded their forces to invade the city, using a giant flying ship as a base of operations and a place to launch infantry from. Another trio, Chub 777, Buhc 777 and Sonic Boom manage to infiltrate the ship and destroy it, with help from a Porcyal. The ninjas retreated and the city rebuilt itself from the ground up. The battle was later dubbed the Nightmare of Culldrome.

In 2013, Culldrome took part as a major belligerent in The Great Yowien War. With the hard effort of Culldrome in the war, they captured Golden City and claimed it as a Culldrome Overseas Territory. When Yow was split up in the Partition of Yow after the war, Culldrome also gained a large portion of Yowien territory. These conquests have dramatically boosted Culldrome's population, land area, and economy.

In late 2013, The Axle Powers was formed. It was an organization of three nations, Culldrome, Munijoch and Shops Island. The agreement established an age of large and rapid expansion, economically, politically and militarily. Trade suddenly became more profitable and the military grew powerful. Overall, all of the Axle Powers benefited from each other. Culldrome went from a small, isolated nation to a large, powerful nation known around Antarctica.

Confederate Culldrome and Reformation (2014-2015)


Throughout 2013, in the aftermath of the Nightmare of Culldrome, public opinion of Culldrome's current leader, Steven Snowen, began to fall. Instead, the public started to support Blizzard Dux and his opinions. In early-2014, Dux, with his power and support, seceded the Skulldrome Isles from the rest of Culldrome, along with Culldrome Yow, forming the Confederacy of Independent Culldrome. Immediately after, he declared war on the Culldrome Isles, starting the Culldrome Civil War and Shadow of Culldrome. The war dragged on for a few days before both forces surrendered. The CIC had gained a lot of lands and it wasn't until later on that Culldrome retook back all of its land.

At the same time, Culldrome was involved in the Frosian War, a massive war that affected many countries, especially Culldrome's ally, Shops Island. The two wars slowed down Culldrome's economy and production for several months before it quickly recovered thanks to help provided by the Axle Powers. It also saw conscription being enacted, mass funding to the military, the destruction of half the capital city and expansion in the territory.

In the Post-War Period, Culldrome reformed and reorganized itself. Culldrome experienced a population boom and increased immigration rates. In turn, its military power built up again to become more powerful. The nation's economy grew larger and stronger. The government was also reformed; forming dozens of smaller districts from which to govern from and enlarging the government lower house, the House of Culldrome.

International aid programs also helped Culldrome back on its feet. Most significantly, the 2014 Shopper Outreach Program aided Culldrome the most. It received funding for infrastructure rebuilding from the Pink Heart Plan and virtually unlimited cheap oil from the Trans-Antarctic Pipeline Initiative. Since then the Culldrom economy has begun stagnating, with growth on all sides of the board leveling out. 2015 brought a much-needed calmer change to Culldrome as it turned towards future innovation, change, and prosperity.

In late 2015, the country began to step up its space program and began to expand the Culldrome Extraterrestrial Colonies. This was a response to the advent of space colonization that year by Shops Island, Ed Island, and Munijoch.

Map




''The map on the left shows the Culldrome Isles Archipelago. The map on the right shows all Culldrome Territories around Antarctica. Click any to enlarge.''

States and Islands
The Culldrome Isles has five states, all of which are located within the Culldrome Archipelago. As an archipelago nation, states all consist of islands.


 * Culldromeislesflag.png  Culldrome Island - The mainland of the archipelago. This is the most important island in the whole archipelago, containing the capital and many other points of interest.
 * Culldrome City - Capital of the Culldrome Isles.
 * Seacast - A large port city located in Culldrome Bay. A lot of ocean trade happens here.
 * Clarkson - A manufacturing and population hotspot of Culldrome.
 * Bluetower Castle - A castle tucked away in the forests of Mossroam. It is widely known for its hospitality and cuisine.
 * Mt. Charlamander - An extinct volcano, with an army living inside its empty chambers.


 * Sneltenflag.png   Snelten Island - A Rocketsnail inhabited island, artificially formed during the Porcyal War.


 * Treshurrflag.png   Treshurr Isles - A small group of islands where many pirates and sea-fairing creatures live.


 * Menapflag.png   Menap Island - An island dominated by the mining industry, the main industry of Culldrome.


 * Skulldromeflag.png    Skulldrome Isles - A group of islands inhabited almost entirely by ninjas.

Territories and Colonies
In addition, Culldrome also has five territories and colonies. These are part of Culldrome, but are not within its main archipelago region. Territories and colonies have few differences but are effectively the same; the two terms are interchangeable.


 * Culldromeyowflag.png   Culldrome Yow - An overseas territory obtained in the Partition of Yow.
 * Golden City - The largest city in the Culldrome Isles, both in population and size. It is also home to Circuit Valley, a technological hotspot and production center.


 * Toxicislandflag.png   Toxic Island - A very polluted coral atoll with many military and science bases.


 * Daireisleflagcurrent.png   Daire Isle - A small yet heavily industrialized and militaristic city-state territory.


 * Civislandflag.png   Civ Island - A small and isolated colony. Known for its warm weather and peace and quiet.


 * Newlowlawflag.png   Lowlaw Island - A small group of islands located in the Sub-Antarctic region. It is known as a waypoint for ships and a trading hub.


 * Newlifeislandflag.png   Life Island - A tiny island located off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula acting as a strategic outpost with a tiny economy.


 * Culldromeecflag.png   Culldrome Extraterrestrial Colonies - A collection of extraterrestrial territories, on the Moon, Mars and several other places throughout space.

These states, territories, and colonies are further divided into counties (See here.) There are 71 counties in the Culldrome Isles. These counties are only primarily used for division purposes in voting, census taking and location finding, with administrative duties undertaken by the states.

List of States, Territories and Colonies

 * - Culldrome Island is often referred to as the mainland.

Culture
Culldrom culture and their way of life is considered "vintage" and "old" for many other penguins. This may be true, as traditional Culldrom culture is based around the old lifestyle of the 1800s. Culldrom culture is prevalent, particularly away from large urban centers, in the countryside settlements of Bluetower Castle and around the Mossy River. However, as more and more technology and global influence seeps into the islands, the Culldrom are beginning to welcome some of these modern practices. The result is a unique mix between old fashioned culture and the modern-day culture. The culture is also diverse as many other cultures and immigrated here and caused a melting pot effect.

Cuisine
The Culldrom offer a diverse array of foods due to the equally diverse culture. The foods range from Snoss Cheese to Antarctic fast foods. Besides this, the isles also have a range of their own. The Culldrom are famous for their exquisite desserts, the famous ones being tarts, puddings, cakes, fudge, and other sweets. Main foods include bread, vegetables, mushrooms, and fish. Fish, however, are only usually eaten at large feasts or events.

Drinks include water, juice, milk, coffee, tea and Cream Soda. In addition, there are sweet cordials and the famed Cream Soda variation, Fall Soda. Fall Soda is famous around the isles and is usually exported in large quantities. The drink is made in the basements of Bluetower Castle, where the secret recipe is constantly under guard.

Arts
Music is the main creative art in Culldrome. A large amount of the citizens can sing and most usually join bands or singing groups. Many famous singers hale from the Culldrome Isles. In addition to singing, string instruments are mass-produced and widely used. Guitars and banjos are the most common instruments. The smaller, lesser-known arts include literature, acting, and visual arts. These arts are still common, but not as large as music.

Architecture


Buildings in the Culldrome Isles are based on wooden or natural themes. Instead of igloos, which would melt, penguins usually live in wooden bungalows with a thatched grass roof. Stone is used in areas where fire is used (eg. fireplaces and kitchens) and for paths. Grass is abundant in Culldrome and so most houses have a front yard and sometimes a back yard. Supplementing the naturally themed homes are modern styled houses. Made out of brick and concrete, these modern homes have started to spring up in many newly developed urban areas around cities. Although not as common as the natural ones, they are increasingly becoming more common.

Away from suburban areas, houses and buildings are commonly built in trees, though wooden houses are sometimes seen. Trees that are used for homes need to be big and stable, so thick, old trees are used. To expand this, balconies and additional rooms may be built onto the tree, as well as basements, cellars and the like.

In the cities, more modern designs are used. Skyscrapers have recently become standard for large companies opening up central offices in Culldrome. Large and important buildings in the CBD follow a neoclassical style of building, with many pillars and windows. These buildings generally use sandstone for construction, as it is abundant in the Isles. Such buildings include the national Capitol and the Central Train Station.

City building has focused on the "grid" type pattern for roads. The grid system is used in the city and suburban areas. However, in the more undeveloped areas, roads tend to follow the land, curving up, down and around hills and mountains. The roads there are also usually not paved and are just made up of dirt.

Demographics
The Culldrome Isles are dominated by Penguins and Puffles, although a wide variety of other creatures inhabit it. Culldrome has a large amount of cultural and species diversity with creatures such as terns and whales also inhabiting it. 65% of the population are Penguins, 20% are Free Puffles (wild and pet puffles are not counted in the census) and the other 15% are other creatures. Among the penguin population, the largest groups are the Adelie Penguins (65%), Viking Penguins (16%), and High Penguins (9%), with small minorities of Emperor and Small Penguins.

A large portion, approximately 65%, of the population of Culldrome have their ancestry reported as being from the Ninja Archipelago, in particular from Puffle'and. The other half of the population have their ancestry from Asiapelago (20%) and Freezeland (9%), with the remaining 6% from other parts of the Antarctic mainland and other countries. Culldrome is reliant on immigration to grow its population, with recent population booms in the past 10 years tripling its total.

Climate
Temperatures in the Culldrome Isles can reach over 30 degrees celsius, especially during summer. Heatwaves can bring the temperatures even higher, although these are quite rare. During winter, the temperature can fall enough to cause snow. Rain is common, which turns into snow during the winter. Seasons are considered very important as a farming calendar was traditionally followed.

Currency


From 1854 to 1900, there was no form of currency at all, with bartering used instead. New laws in 1904 stated that the official currency would be gold. Gold was not actual gold, but a metal coin that was gold plated. The more valuable the gold (ie:100 gold coin), the more actual gold would be used (ie: 10 carats). This system had many flaws in that penguins would smelt the coins and separate the gold. The alloy was actually worth more than the gold amount. The government ignored this until 1980, where it adopted usage of USA's currency - the pebble. However, in 2006, the currency was changed again to the more simple Club Penguin coin.



The coin that is used in Culldrome has the same value as a Club Penguin coin, but have been modified to come in different amounts. There is the normal coin (worth 1C), the "ten coin" (10C), a "twenty-five coin" (25C), a "fifty coin" (50C) and a "one-hundred coin" (100C). The coins are also decorated. On all coins, one side has a fish, the value of the coin and the date it was minted. On the opposite side, is the Coat of Arms of Culldrome. However, this side is sometimes replaced by other things to commemorate special events. For example, in 2012, a penguin was depicted on some coins to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Porcyal War. Unlike most countries, Culldrome does not use any form of note currency.

Trade
All of Culldrome's trade relies on overseas transport, being an isolated archipelago of islands. Cargo ships were extensively used for imports and exports, even today. With the arrival of cargo planes, cargo could be carried much further and faster. However, ships are still used for about 85% of imports and exports, due to their ability to carry large amounts of cargo, such as raw minerals.

Culldrome has a small manufacturing industry; not enough to sustain itself. As a result, most products are often produced overseas and then imported. This process makes many imported products to be expensive. The government has put taxes in place for companies producing goods to be imported, thus reducing the cost to the consumer.

Despite being in its administrative region, the Culldrome Isles are not a part of the SABER. This is why the archipelago is so isolated from economic powerhouses like the USA. To compensate for this, exports are sent to nearby countries that are a part of the SABER (eg. Ninja Archipelago and then sent around the Sub-Antarctic from there. However, due to its extensive diplomatic partnerships, this isolation has become less of an issue with Culldrome becoming increasingly less Antarctic-centric.

Culldrome has also benefited largely from its alliance with The Axle Powers. A large amount of trade is conducted between Shops Island and Munijoch, the countries part of the alliance. Culldrome's economy has increased drastically with the alliance, with it's GDP nearly doubling. Culldrome exports most of its producings, such as food, minerals, and timber, and in return receives refined goods, oil and weapons.

Industries
There are various industries that operate in Culldrome. The largest industry is mining. There are hundreds of mines scattered around the islands, with the majority located on Menap Island. Other large mining industries are also located in the Culldrome Extraterrestrial Colonies, Lowlaw Island and Life Island. The industry has formed the economic backbone of Culldrome, supporting it even since its early days. A variety of produce is extracted from the mines including coal, iron, tin, copper, gold and Porcyals. Most of Culldrome's mines utilize modern equipment, such as big mining vehicles. However, a small portion still uses manual labor (ie. pickaxes).

The second largest industry is the agricultural sector. All of the farms around Culldrome provide it with its food needs. A large amount of Culldrome's land is used for agricultural needs, with large fields and farms around the islands. Culldrome produces more than it needs, so it exports much of its food, competing with many nations in Latin Antarctica. Culldrome is also located more northerly than most countries, resulting in a warmer climate. This means that food can grow better and more varieties can be grown.

Other industries include logging, which has gained traction due to the heavy timber exports to Shops Island, and manufacturing, which has increasingly picked up thanks to the establishment of factories in Clarkson, Daire Isle and Menap Island.

Government

 * Main article: Government of the Culldrome Isles.

The government of the Culldrome Isles is a federal representative democratic republic. The government is elected by the citizens. The government of Culldrome is divided into two houses, the Upper House and the Lower House, named the Culldrome Isles Cabinet and the House of Culldrome, respectively. Although small, the Culldrome government controls the entirety of the nation and its territories.

International Stage
Culldrome has some power on the international stage, in the form of the UAN. It has very limited power and is just like most of the other nations part of it. However, it is part of The Axle Powers, an agreement and union between Shops Island, Munijoch and Ed Island. Culldrome is supported politically by Shops, through its power in both the Axle Powers and the UAN.

Foreign Relations
The Culldrome Isles have formal diplomatic relations with most countries.


 * AxlePowers.png The Axle Powers
 * ShopsIslandFlag2013.png Shops Island - Excellent. With the creation of The Axle Powers, relationships with Shops Island have developed further, with the two countries being very close allies and partners. Shops Island is considered to be Culldrome's most powerful and dependable ally.


 * Munijoch.jpg Munijoch - Excellent. As a part of the Axle Powers, Munijoch and Culldrome have both helped each other to develop themselves and their relationships.


 * Ed Island Flag.png Ed Island - Excellent. Culldrome looks up to Ed Island's technological prowess and development. After joining the Axle Powers, relations and partnerships between the two have increased.


 * Zeta Connections flag.PNG The Zeta Connections
 * UnitedTerra flag.PNG UnitedTerra - Excellent. Relations between the two have picked up in recent times, and they both support each other economically and politically. Culldrome looks up to UnitedTerra for its military strength and prowess.


 * Magonia flag.PNG Magonia - Excellent . The two are at good terms and developing relations after their newly formed alliance.


 * MAI.png Margate - Excellent. The two are very close allies and are both vital economic and political partners. They also both engage in military exercises and exchange high-quality goods.


 * Antarctic Mainland
 * USA flag.PNG USA - Excellent. The two countries are allies in war and have very good trading partnerships, with Culldrome looking up at the USA for its power and strength.


 * Freezelandflag.jpg Freezeland - Good. They both support each other as they are both old Free Republics. However, the two don't interact with each other much anymore.


 * PolarisFlag.png Federal Republic of Polaris - Good. The two are good very good trading partners, with plenty of trade occurring between the two.


 * Flag of Ninja Archipelago Union.png Ninja Archipelago Union
 * UK Flag 2.png Puffle'and - Great. The two have some small trade agreements, exporting O-Berries to them. Their alliance during The Great Yowien War also helped relations, although their rule by Swiss Ninja has soured some relations.


 * Flag of Castilla.png Castilla - Excellent. The two are considered allies due to their opposition to Snowzerland and their alliances. The two also engage in a lot of trade.


 * Bandera de Lisboagal.png Lisboagal - Good. Their close relation to Castilla aids international relations. A few trading agreements have developed Culldrome's relations wits Lisboagal over the years.


 * Ruscoe Federation Flag.png Rusca - Fair. Rusca's mighty army are partners with Culldrome's army. As such, the two are excellent allies during war. However, the two don't engage in much activity.


 * Snozerland Flag 2 edited-1.png Imperial Empire of Snowzerland - Bad. The nation's part in the Nightmare of Culldrome weakened relationships. In addition, the Great Snowzerland Wars caused distrust between the two. However, their alliance during The Great Yowien War increased relations a tiny bit. Relations between the two have been balancing on the scales.


 * Frankterre Flag.png Frankterre - Good. Trade between the two is prominent and agricultural produce is imported from there and treated highly in Culldrome.


 * Liguria Flag.png Liguria - Decent. Trade between the two only picked up recently and relationships are still developing.


 * Pengvaria Flag.png Batavia - Good. The two have many trade agreements. They also have a friendly rivalry with their militaries and both partake in practices.


 * Sato.png South Antarctic Treaty Organization


 * NewUnitedProvincesFlag.png United Provinces - Good. The two engage in a lot of trade and share similar views. The two also have a friendly rivalry with each other.


 * Flag of the Seal Islands.svg Seal Islands - Excellent. The two have many trade agreements with each other and support each other's ideas. The fact that the two are big archipelagos has also made the two support each other.


 * Newestpenguio.png Penguio - Good. The two share similar ideas and views, but do not generally interact with each other, due to isolation.


 * AUOFlag.png Asiapelago United Organization
 * Asaina flag.png Zhou - Bad. Although they are good trading partners, it's alliance with Snowzerland, their part in several wars and conflicting political agreements has caused relations with Zhou to fall.


 * Hindonesie Flag.png Hindonesie - Good. Relations between the two have been forged by long and old trading agreements dating back many years.


 * FlagOfJapaland.png Japaland - Excellent. Due to the Japalandese-based culture of the Skulldrome Isles, overseas relations had always been good. They are also very good trading partners and allies sharing similar views.


 * Amataria Flag.png Amataria - Good. The two are on good terms with each other and relations have increased after its part in the Shadow of Culldrome, helping Culldrom troops. Trade agreements are slowly being picked up.


 * MaLOLaysiaFlag.png Malesia - Good. The two maintain good relations with each other, with some trading agreements between them. More recently, its alliance with Shops Island has further developed relationships.


 * SouthJoseonFlag.png South Joseon - Excellent. The two have many trade agreements, as well as sharing political views and are allies.


 * Flag of North Joseon.png North Joseon - Horrible. Culldrome disagrees with much of North Joseon's ideas and views and the two dislike each other very much.

Military

 * Main Article: Military of the Culldrome Isles



A vast amount of money is spent on the Culldrom Military. Most of it is usually used for protection and defense instead of attack. In the case that attack is necessary, the military is prepared to attack at a moments notice, able to be dispatched from a wide variety of military bases. Nationally, the various military forces are on top of the list for weapon use and are sometimes protested against by pacifists. On the international stage, the Culldrome Isles are ranked at 9 of about 30 other countries for top militaries. Culldrome has a large army for their territory and is a capable military power.

Flag


The current national flag of the Culldrome Isles was created in 1900, as a celebration of Bluetower Castle being constructed. However, this was not always the flag of the Culldrome Isles (see Coat of Arms). In addition to the national flag, all of Culldrome's states and territories have flags of their own, symbolizing themselves.

The flag is divided into two halves - the upper half represents the sky and the lower half represents the green grass that is found plentiful in Culldrome. In the middle of the flag is a Porcyal, a rare, purple crystal with unspeakable powers, a common symbol in Culldrome. Four yellow lines are radiating from them, symbolizing power and strength. Below the Porcyal, is a fluer-de-lis. This represents the diverse features of the land and, again, royalty. Above the Porcyal is the constellation of Crux, also known as the Southern Cross. The constellation can be seen from the entire southern hemisphere, including Culldrome.

Coat of Arms


The Culldrome Isles Coat of Arms was officially adopted for use in 1855. At the time, the Coat of Arms doubled as a flag. This was the case until Culldrome's Ninja occupation, subsequent civil unrest, and formation of kingdoms. With the Treaty of the Isles signed in 1922, the kingdoms united into the modern Culldrome state and the current flag was created. The Coat of Arms consists of a red shield with a crown on it, both representing power. On the shield is a Porcyal, representing Culldrome and the crystals abundance in the country. Below the shield is a banner with the national motto on it (see below).

Motto
The national motto of the Culldrome Isles is "For the Good of All". This was the motto of the Kingdom of the Culldrome Isles, adopted in 1919 when the country consisted of kingdoms. The motto was created after many began to question its authority on the island, with the Kingdom replying that its actions were for the greater good. It was adopted as the national motto in 1922 and its meaning is still used to justify Culldrome's actions.

Anthem
The national anthem of Culldrome, titled as Stand for the Porcyals, was first sung as the anthem in 1900, to celebrate the completion of Bluetower Castle. It was originally composed in 1878, during the ninja occupation of the isles. Originally called Stand for the Porcyals, it was an instrumental piece to commemorate the penguins lost in the battles. In 1922, the song was slightly modified and re-named to For the Good of All, after the national motto. The anthem is an instrumental piece and is one of a handful of national anthems without lyrics.

Later, in 1973, Culldrome was given a Royal Anthem, called The Royal Anthem of Culldrome. The music is usually played when introducing the Supreme Leader, or any similar high ranking official.

Transportation


Main article: Transport in the Culldrome Isles

There is a wide range of transportation methods around the Culldrome Isles, including air, land, sea and even space. It has the adequate and modern infrastructure to handle the hundreds of thousands of passengers and goods moving around. The Culldrome Isles also has a large partnership with the Land Transport Ministry of Antarctica, providing travel between Culldrome and Antarctica, as well as the other nations with partnerships.

Trivia

 * This is a very loose parody of Mossflower Woods from the Redwall series.
 * It also bears many similarities with the Lichenblossom Isles.
 * The Culldrome Isles is one of the few places in the Antarctic region with grass.
 * The air force uniform goggles look extremely similar to Amigopen's goggles. It is claimed by some people that Amigopen helped make the uniform for the air force, but Amigopen denies it.
 * Many think that the title "Supreme Leader" makes Culldrome sound like a communist country.
 * Since it is located far to the north sunsets and sunrises happen more often than at the pole.