Federated States (Venusian Haven)

Ishtar, officially the Federated States of Ishtar (F.S.I), is a Federal Democratic Republic comprising of 2 former Venusian colonies of the United States of America. Ishtar is currently the largest and one of the most influenticial nations on Venus. Ishtar was established in 1995 with the unification of 2 American colonies.

Etymology
The name Ishtar is derived from the name of the continent where the majority of the F.S.I is situated. The name Ishtar was given to the continent because of its beauty. Before the formation of the nation, there used to be two major nations making up the now Ishtar, both American.

Early exploration
Not much was known about the Venusian surface up until the Space Race, in which unmanned probes were able to get a closer look at the planet. Along with radar mapping from Earth-based telescopes, it was discovered that Venus did have a surface divided between oceans and continents.

Colonization
The United States exploration of Venus started badly with the loss of the Mariner 1 probe on launch. The subsequent Mariner 2 mission enjoyed greater success, and after a 109-day transfer orbit on December 14, 1962 it became the world's first successful interplanetary mission, passing 34,833 km above the surface of Venus. Its microwave and infared radiometres revealed that the Venusian cloud tops were cool and the surface temprature was matching the temprature of the tropical areas of Earth, increasing hopes that the planet might harbor ground-based life. Mariner 2 also obtained improved estimates of its mass and of the astronomical unit, and detected a magnetic field and radiation belts.

The first American landing took place on the 20th July, 1979, three years after the Soviets. This date is highly symbolic as the Lunar landings of 1969 happened on the same day. The first America to set foot on the Venusian surface was none other than Neil Armstrong himself, who had stepped foot on Luna 10 years ago on the same date.