Orange Islands

The Orange Islands is a Unova overseas territory in the Selian Ocean. It is the largest Unovan overseas territory by area, and second largest by population. Its four smaller islands are completely uninhabited and are used for research purposes and nature preservation. It was originally its own country when it split from Unova when the country unifed. In 1893, it was incorporated as a Unovan territory. Today, it is Unova's most important and dependent territory. Its inhabitants are ethnically Unovan and hold a Unovan citizenship, but have a strong cultural identity as a separate nation. Nonetheless, in the past 100 years, it has integrated more with mainland Unovan culture, particularly that of the province of Phione, which boasts a culture of Rapt, a plant commonly used as a recreational drug. Hallito Army base is a large employer on the island, and is strategically placed to keep a keen eye on the eastern Selian Ocean.

Relationship to Unova
Historically, the Orange Islands has maintained a strong cultural identity, even after becoming a Unovan territory. Its inhabitants have a Unovan citizenship and vote in elections, but do not pay taxes and are not subject to certain federal laws. Its economy is heavily based on the exportation of Qesi, an exotic fish found only in the eastern Selian Ocean. Qesi is popular most provinces in the Istoren Peninsula, as well as in southern Lugia. Thus, there is a large demand that fules the OI economy.

Ethnically, its inhabitants are descended from early Unovians. Before it split from Unova, the territory was largely Unovan. Since the split, it has maintained its own identity. There has been tension with the locals and the Unovan mainland government over the classification of the Islanders. In 2210, the territory revolted against the government and declared itself a sovereign nation. This lasted for 5 months and ended when the Unovan government agreed to classify the territoriy's inhabitants as "Islanders" and would only be related to Unovians through their early ancestors.

Recently however, the OI has largely been assimilating to Unovan culture. One particular example is in the Rapt culture that is prevalent in Phione. Rapt can only be legally grown in Phione Province. In the 2440's Rapt demand grew exponentially, and was attributed to the OI.

Possible Annexation
In recent years, there has been much speculation on the possibility of Unova annexing the islands, thus making them an official province of the country. Although the move has support from much of the islands themselves and about 60 percent of mainland Unovians, most of the international community is highly opposed as it would give Unova almost total dominance over the Selian Ocean. Cuba, Jaimaica, Australia, Fiji, and China are the most highly opposed since an important trade route runs next to the country. Governmetn leaders, including the Prime Minister, have been appealing to the international community to support the annexation. The issue remains hotly debated among Unovians and among many other countries.