Tramosia
History:
First colonized by Portugal in the early 16th century. It was historically
used as an important waypoint and a trading outpost (including slave trade)
connecting Portugal with Brazil and Africa. Majority of the population is
descendants of former colonists from Europe and slaves brought from
Africa.
It was formally decolonized in 1974 and a ruthless Portuguesedominated
authoritarian regime followed. Low intensity insurgency by APP
(Army of Peace and Prosperity) erupted in 1994 as resistance from the
African- and non-Portuguese population mounted while the external
support for the regime dwindled in the post-cold war climate. Government
collapsed in 1997 after a major earthquake caused mass devastation,
plunging the country into chaos. First democratic election took place in
1999 with an overwhelming victory for the Peace and Prosperity party.
In 2003 the popular president Vincent Lamosu died in mysterious
circumstances during a trip on his yacht. Vice-president Juan Kodula
stepped in and a quick investigation pointed at an assassination by TUL
(Tramosian Unity League) which has been leading a low-level resistance
ever since 1999. Violence escalated and further elections have been
delayed indefinitely, citing security risks. Some supporters of APP have
been disillusioned with the new government, citing rising corruption,
repression and godlessness.
A violent civil war erupted in 2006, mostly along the lines of APP
(southeast, African) vs TUL (northwest, European). Kodula died of an
aneurysm in 2009, during a rousing speech from his balcony and the island
has once again descended into violanet chaos amidst allegations of
meddling by foreign powers who may be supporting local factions. Situation
seemed hopeless and tens of thousands have died. Civil war raged in cities
and mountains alike.
After intensive negotiations and mediation by Brazil, Peace Accords
were signed in 2015. Ceasefire ensued and has mostly held. Most
importantly the peace brought a Brazil-led peacekeeping mission and a
commitment to hold a referendum on the future of the island in March 2025.
Situation has calmed down since 2015 with the island under a mixed
interim government. And although violence, corruption and political conflict
are still common it seems like the island might be on the right track at the
moment and some people are looking forward to the referendum with hope.
Others are expecting trouble…
Economy:
Primarily fishing and agriculture. Quickly growing tourism industry
(esp. since the Peace Accords brought relative “peace”) focused on the
smaller islands in the east and south. Recently discovered rich deposits of
lithium in the eastern part of the island (the Lautio region) are attracting a
lot of attention from Australian mining companies with prospecting already
taking place.
Military:
The island has hosted a relatively important and strategically located
Portuguese naval base (part of NATO, built in the bay in the east, Baia do
Sol) and a radar station during the Cold War. The base has since been
mostly reduced and then abandoned during the 90s. It was partially
reactivated for the UN peacekeeping mission and currently hosts a small
detachment of about 150 sailors and marines (mostly from Brazil and
Portugal) and two small patrol boats.
Demographics:
Total population 3 million:
• 2 million of African descent (primarily speaking Portuguese and
English), mostly living in the south and east
• 1 million European descent (primarily speaking Portuguese and
French), mostly living in the north and west
Religion is nearly uniformly catholic, but the separation of state and
church is hotly debated. Some parts of the population are deeply religious
and conservative, mostly the Portuguese speakers and the more rural
north-eastern part of the island. This is creating problems with some
attempts at reforms, increasing tourism and potential mining operations.
region name population european spoken port. conservative notes
Murtago 0.4 mil 50% 90% 50% rural, major fishing
Valle do Diabo 0.2 mil 80% 90% 90% rural, very isolated
Lautio 0.2 mil 40% 60% 95% rural, lithium discovered
Porto Salato 1 mil 10% 70% 30% urban, capital city
Costa de Aranha 0.3 mil 10% 50% 20% rural, quickly developing
Ilhas de Polvo 0.3 mil 40% 60% 10% rural, very touristy
Baia do Sol 0.6 mil 50% 70% 10% urban, richest region