Danish Taino Islands (The Kalmar Union)

The Danish Taino Islands are a small island group in the Taino Sea lying between Boriken and Álengsk Carib Islands. The population is around 126,000 and the capital is Kristiansted.

The official language is Danish.

The currency is the Danish Krone (DKK).

History
In 1557 in the midst of a general scramble for control of the Taino and Carib islands a Danish naval squadron sailed into what would become Kristiansted harbour and claimed it for Denmark. The claim was accepted by the neighbouring powers and the native peoples, largely as they created a barrier between the prosperous and peaceful Taino islands and the more warlike Caribs to the East.

Unofficially known as the Queen Catherine Sophia Islands, the islands were quickly Christianised and new harbours built to handle the booming cross Atlantic trade. However, beyond this Denmark appeared to be uninterested in developing its territory further. As it became more and more bogged down in German affairs the territory was given virtual autonomy and they quietly negotiated their own way through the diplomatic minefield of the region. Their Lutheranism was tolerated, even at the height of the Leifian War of Religion as they helped keep several large Carib armies from attacking Castillian Boriken from their un-annexed islands to the East and South.

After a string of devastating hurricanes and poor government in the early-1700s the territory petitioned Copenhagen to intervene and clean out the corrupt officials. It did so, officially re-establishing direct rule in 1733. This increase of Danish, and Kalmar, activity in the Carib Sea was a major factor in the Mexic-Kalmar War (1743-1752).

Though the islands did come under bombardment from the Mexic navy several times they escaped occupation. However a number of the small and mostly isolated islands harboured pirates and smuggling was rife. During the 'Golden Age' of Taino Piracy figures such as Jens 'Rødskæg' Jakobsen, Christopher Stensgaard and Lisbeth Pilmark caused massive disruption to trans-Atlantic trade operating out of the islands. Though their activities were finally crushed by the Kalmar and Aragonese fleets in the 1790s the islands retained an air of illegality and licentiousness.

The islands would again prove their worth during the Iberian Revolution. Boriken had embraced republicanism along with its rulers and the local generals were given the task of wiping out Portugal and Kalmar's ability to conduct military operations in the area. Three times the islands were attacked but skillful use of the under strength Danish forces forced them back. They would eventually join in the Portuguese conquest of Boriken and distinguished themselves at the siege of Arasibo.

The islands were returned to home rule in 1939 and, despite frequent hurricanes, they currently enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the Taino/Carib region.

Government
The small single-chambered Riksdag is elected every four years.