Santiago (Great White South)

Santiago is a country occupying the islands and coastline of Berkner Bay in Antarctica, bordering to the northeast,  to the east, and  to the south. Santiago also shares a sea border with, to the west. Other than Native Antarctican nations (such as the and the ), Santiago was the first independent country on the Continent.

Indigenous Antarctic Peoples
The country's islands were never inhabited by, though they did occasionally use them as a hunting ground. Some of the land near the border was, while Santiago's north-east (the region near the Maudlandic border) was home to the Kaiws Nation, a major group of Kilaiye people. These Antarctic Natives remain a significant part of the Population, and are the third-largest ethnic group in the country, after Hispanics and Finns. President, who led the country from 1981 until 1996, was a Kilaiye.

Colonial Claims and Settlement

 * See also: 

Russian and British presences were established on Antarctica during the 1820s, though only the Russians were remotely close to modern-day Santiagano territory. Russian settlement began on the tip of the Grahamland peninsula, though this colony was small, and was considered unimportant; so most of the Russian colonial effort was focussed on the Bellinsgauzenia area, across the continent from Santiago. Starting in 1834 (the ), Russian expansion in the area increased, and by 1886, the Russian Empire claimed much of modern-day Santiago.

Conversely, in the 1870s, the British began trying to claim as much Antarctic land as they could; and by the late 19th century they were also claiming much of Santiago. With the establishment of and  colonies in the 1890s, the British finalised the borders of their claims on the Continent.

By this time, Chile and Argentina had also invested in Colonization efforts in Antarctica; which quickly became the largest in the Santiago area. The Russian claim was administered from Russian West Antarctica; the British from British Interior Antarctica; and the Chilean and Argentine claims had no central government.

Between roughly 1886-1900, there was a series of unofficial, un-military clashes in the area between British, Russian, Chilean and Argentine colonists; known as the.

Foundation and Establishment
At the turn of the 20th Century, the four countries were still undecided about the area; though the British seemed like they would soon dominate the area. The vast Hispanic majority of the area were worried at the prospect of becoming a British colony, so the Chileans and Argentines banded together to declare the region independent (it was impossible to unify the population in favour of joining either Argentina or Chile). , a Chilean, emerged as a prominent leader, and led the movement for independence; and in 1901 an interim government was established, with Suárez as President.

The British and Russians soon relinquished their claims, realising that their own colonists were a tiny force, with no legitimate claim to the area (or any real chance of securing it). Delegates from Suárez' government visited Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile, and proved to both governments that their country was well-established and independent of foreign powers.

By 1903, Santiago had full control over all of its current land.

The Great War
Santiago became the 4th Country to join the Central Powers; after President signed the September Agreement with Ministers István Tisza and Karl von Stürgkh of Austria-Hungary, on September 1st, 1914. This brought Santiago into World War I, though the September Agreement stated that Santiago was "to engage in conflict against the enemies of the Central Powers only in the regions of Antarctica and South America". As there was no conflict in South America, Santiago's war effort was focused entirely on the Antarctic Campaign, especially against the bordering Allied colonies of British Inner Antarctica and Russian West Antarctica; and Santiago's only nearby ally was the n Independence Movement. At first, the Santiagan public were in support of the War, as many felt it would increase their country's importance on a Global scale - but after the Miracle of the Marne (on September 12th), public opinion began to shift; and by December, many soldiers and civilians were protesting against the war.

These protests, combined with the fact that Allied troops were advancing closer towards Santiago itself (at this time Santiago controlled only the Berkner Bay islands), resulted in the - a combination of a General Strike, held by Civilians; and an unauthorized Ceasefire, held by many Military divisions. Finally Sanchez, who had been considering a peace treaty for some time, opened peace talks with the Allied nations; and Santiago officially withdrew from the War on December 21st.

Inter-War Years
Immigration to Santiago began increasing in the 20's and 30's, mostly from other Hispanophone regions (especially Spain and South America; though Mexicans and Central Americans also arrived), bringing with them various cultures and traditions. Santiago also saw an unexpected surge of Finnish immigrants during this period, who saw the fledgling country as a fresh start, but wanted to avoid Norwegian-ruled. Today, Finns are the second-largest ethnic group in the country, after Hispanics.

Involvement with the Spanish Civil War
Following World War I, Santiagan politics began to quickly drift towards the Left, and Socialist parties began to dominate. The Spanish Civil War (between Spanish Republicans and Spanish Nationalists) had a phenomenal impact on Santiago; as almost the entire population strongly supported the leftist Republicans, and as the League of Nations had prevented countries from joining the War, a Santiagan International Brigade (the Bodega Brigade, named for, a former President and national hero) was established. Over 1,000 Santiagans joined the Battalion; which became some of the very first support which the Republicans received throughout the war (only Poland sent earlier aid).

With the Republicans' defeat by the Nationalists in 1939, the Bodega Brigade was shipped back to Santiago (having lost over 400 men over the course of the conflict); one of the last Brigades to leave Spain. Santiago immediately declared that any and all Spanish Republican refugees would be welcome within its borders, and began severing Diplomatic links with Franco's Spain.

In 1940, the Republican Government-in-Exile began operating from Santiago; and to this day, Spanish Republican and International Brigade flags fly outside Santiago's Capital Building in.

World War II Period
During the Spanish Civil War, Santiago's relations with pro-Nationalist nations (especially ) became increasingly tense, culminating in a against Bellinsgauzenia, beginning in 1939 and lasting until mid-1943.

World War II in Antarctica was brief. , a small ex-German colony which had effectively become a Nazi puppet state, was the only significant Axis presence on the Continent; and other than Santiago, Bellinsgauzenia and Ognia, the rest of the continent was controlled by Allied nations. New Swabia fought a small campaign until 1941, when it withdrew from the war after the USA joined the Allies. Santiago declared its support for the Allies, but didn't declare war on Germany, Italy or Japan until 1945, long after the Antarctic Campaign was over. Even when Santiago did join the war, it made little contribution to the war effort (like many countries who joined the War so late, Santiago's declaration of war was mostly symbolic).

Geography
Santiago occupies a large strip of land along the coast of Berkner Bay, as well as the various nearby islands, where the majority of the population live.

The islands of Berkner Bay vary greatly in size, from the massive Berkner, Korff and Henry; down to the tiny rock outcrops such as Albatross Island. The larger islands, for the most part, have craggy, fjord-like coasts; which give way to tundra further inland. Much of the country's eastern-most (which are also it's southern-most) areas are south of the tree-line, meaning that no trees grow; and that ferns dominate the flora in these parts. In fact, trees are comparatively rare even North of the tree-line, except on Berkner Island and the country's extreme North, where several forests exist.

Political divisions

 * Main article: 

Santiago is a Unitary Republic consisting of five separate States. Upon foundation in 1901, there were only two states:, consisting of Berkner Island; and , consisting of the lesser islands the country controlled. In 1903, and the country's mainland areas (which had formerly been a part of Bahía) were incorporated as a. The city of (formerly part of Isla) became its own state in 1948; and the  of the  (formerly part of Tierra Firme) was granted statehood in 1973.

Despite Santiago being a Unitary system, States each have their own legislation, and can create their own constitution laws. However, organisations such as Police, Healthcare and Education are all run by the Federal Government, rather than individual State governments.

States are governed by, a term which roughly translates as "Statesman".

Government and politics

 * See also: List of Presidents



Santiago operates a Presidential system, whereby the is both the Head of State and Head of Government. Democracy has been enforced since the country's foundation in 1901.

The executive branch of government is the President's Cabinet, who are selected directly by the President. Any major decision made by the Cabinet must be ratified by the House of Delegates.

The is the legislative branch of government. It has 40 members (delegates), who are elected by local districts; and is presided over by the, who is elected by the delegates themselves.

Major political parties
There are five significant Santiagan Political Parties (ie. those with seats in the House of Delegates), though two of these are especially prominent. Currently, the People's Party are in power, as they have a plurality of seats.

The main Santiagan Parties:


 * MAJOR PARTIES
 *  (PL; Liberal Party) - est. 1902; Center-Left, Liberal
 *  (PPS; Santiagano People's Party) - est. 1914; Leftist, Democratic Socialist
 * MINOR PARTIES
 *  (POS; Workers' Party of Santiago) - est. 1939; Far-Left, Trotskyist
 *  (PS; Santiago Party) - est. 1915; Center-Right, Conservative, Christian Democrat
 *  (PV; Green Party) - est. 1963; Center-Left, Environmentalism
 * DEFUNCT PARTIES
 *  (PN; National Party) - 1902-1915; Rightist, Nationalist
 *  (PCS; Communist Party of Santiago) - 1927-1970; Far-Left, Stalinist

The People's Party currently have 14 Delegates in the House, giving them a plurality government. The Liberal Party are the official opposition, with 11 Delegates. The Santiago Party and the Greens each have 7 Delegates; while the Workers' Party have just a single Delegate, making them the smallest party Represented.

The country's two major defunct parties, the National Party and the Communist Party, are both continued by 'successor' parties. In 1915, the National Party was succeeded by the more moderate, as well as several smaller, more radical Right-Wing parties; while the Communist Party merged into the Workers' Party in 1970.

Historically, the Liberal Party have had the most Presidents, with a total of five (all but one of these have been members of the prominent Political ). The People's Party have had four, including National Heroes and ; as well as  and incumbent. Two have been members of the Santiago Party - and  - and the National Party and the Greens have each had one President:  and, respectively. First President was not a member of any Party.

Economy
Santiago, operates a Social-Capitalist economy, whereby private businesses dominate most industries, but they are subject to heavy Government regulation. However, the Government only uses its full regulatory powers in certain industries - notably Mining. Some industries have been heavily Nationalized, such as Transport, Healthcare, and the Postal Service; while some industries are almost completely privatized, such as small-scale retail (i.e. tiny, family-run businesses).

Like many Antarctic nations, Santiago's economy relies more on Primary and Secondary industries than the rest of the Developed World; though Tertiary industries are still the largest type.

Santiago is usually affected by Global economic trends; for example: the economy boomed through the 1920s; and then plummeted during the Great Depression. The current Global Recession is also affecting the country; though many economists say it is now on the road to recovery.

Culture
Santiago's culture is influenced by the culture of the citizens' ancestry. There are several elements of Latin American culture, primarily inherited through Chile and Argentina; while the Spanish and the Finns have also imported their own cultures.

Sport
Sport in Santiago is more oriented towards singular, outdoor sports; particularly fishing, hiking, jogging, hunting and sailing. Team sports are also popular, especially Association Football (Soccer), Baseball and Cricket; all of which have a major Santiagano National Team. Other significant sports in the country include Tennis, Skiing, Rugby, and Golf.