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Location Southeastern Asia, group of twelve islets, coral reefs and sea mounts scattered over the South China Sea, about two-thirds of the way from Southern Vietnam to the Southern Philippines.
Geographic Coordinates 8 38 N, 111 55 E Total Land Area Less than 50 sq km. However the Republic is spread out over 80 000 sq km, not including the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Coastline 926 km Climate Tropical Terrain Flat Highest Point 36 metres - Dutchman's Cap, Eliza Cay Lowest Point South China Sea Natural Resources Fishing, Pearl Beds, Guano, Copra, Figs, undetermind oil and natural gas potential. Natural Hazards Typhoons; Serious maritime hazards due to numerous reefs and shoals. Islands, Atolls, Sea Mounts and Reefs of the Republic of Morac-Songhrati-Meads Meads Island The largest island of the archipelago and site of the national capital Southwark. Richly endowed by vegetation and natural springs, it is not difficult to understand why the Chinese refer to Meads Island as Itu Aba, which means "Great Tranquility Island". Illegally occupied by Taiwan. Boags Atoll Centre of the nation's pearling industry, Boags Atoll has a naturally deep harbour and hosted visits from cruise ships (including the "Love Boat") eager to see the sights of the archipelago, purchase pearl products duty free and sample the legendary Songhrato friendliness. Now illegally occupied by Vietnam. Eliza Cay Named after Princess Eliza, daughter of King James I. On the initiative of Queen Michelle, much of the cay was gazetted as Queen Michelle National Park. Eliza Cay is now illegally occupied by China. Cloma Island Located south of Meads Island, Cloma Island is renowned for its lush vegetation and sparkling spring water. Cloma is the principal site for the Republic's guano industry which has traditionally been one of the Republic's biggest export earners. The southern tip of the island has been gazetted as a national park in order to protect the large colony of ocean tortoises who nest in Haven's Bay. Now illegally occupied by China. Tomas Islet Situated about sixty kilometres southeast of Cloma, Tomas Islet is another island known for its large guano deposits. The famous Songhrato poet Huntley Carson (1911-1977) lived on Tomas for many years and produced classics like "If the Gown Fits", "That's not a waterstain on my trousers" and "There was a Young Girl From Songhrati" while on the island. Bombay Castle Located about twenty kilometres southwest of Meads Island, the reasoning behind the name Bombay Castle has unfortunately been lost to history. The island is the centre of the Republic's fig growing industry. Illegally occupied by the Philippines. Coopers Cay Home to the archipelago's only mangrove swamp, Coopers Cay produces much of the nation's copra (coconut) output. Illegally occupied by Malaysia. Goring Isle Glorius white sandy beaches and a rainforest interior teeming with wildlife made Goring Isle a popular tourist destination for Songhrato and international visitors alike. Streatley, the nation's second largest town, is located at the southern end of Goring and was famous for its laidback, easy going style. It is believed that the invading Chinese Army razed Streatley to the ground. Putney Shoal Situated about 20 kilometres north of Meads Island, Putney Shoal usually receives the nation's highest annual rainfall. Currently illegally occupied by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Reschs Reef Reschs Reef became the centre of world scientific attention in 1978 when a rare Mega Mouth Shark Megachasma pelagios was sighted off the Reef by local fisherman Brendon "Wally Dangler" Whitehorn. Now illegally occupied by the Philippines. Pike's Sea Mount Site of the National Morac-Songhrati-Meads Observatory which attracted astronomers from around the world keen to escape the pollution that affects many other observatories. The comet "Zane 1024" was discovered by astronomer Dr Edgar Von Buttox in 1971. Keep an eye on the skies for Zane 1024 when it returns in 2046. Pike's Sea Mount is now illegally occupied by Malaysia. Brakespear Shoal The most westerly point of Morac-Songhrati-Meads above sea level, Brakespear Shoal was considered little more than a hazard for shipping until 1969, when oil was first discovered in its bay. Since that time, China, Vietnam and Malaysia have all laid claim to Brakespear and China currently illegally occupies the shoal (causing irreversible environmental damage too we might add). Additionally there are several other features scattered throughout the archipelago that appear at low tide. Population An unofficial 1999 census listed 6642 Morac-Songhrati-Meads citizens scattered around the world. There are currently over 2500 troops of various nationalities illegally stationed in our country. Capital Southwark, Meads Island Other settlements
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