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{{Infobox political division | {{Infobox political division | ||
| name = Ila | | name = Ila | ||
| native_name = Sherbro | | native_name = Sherbro | ||
| settlement_type = [[Protectorates of Liberta|Protectorate]] | | settlement_type = [[Protectorates of Liberta|Protectorate]] | ||
| Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
| flag_size = 150px | | flag_size = 150px | ||
| flag_link = | | flag_link = | ||
| image_seal = | | image_seal = Coat_of_Arms_of_Ila_(compact_version).svg | ||
| seal_size = | | seal_size = 90px | ||
| seal_type = Coat of Arms | | seal_type = Coat of Arms | ||
| seal_link = | | seal_link = | ||
| etymology = | | etymology = | ||
| nickname = Sherry | | nickname = Sherry | ||
| motto = | | motto = "Glory be to the Republic, democracy we must defend" | ||
| image_map = File:Ila (orthographic projection).svg | | image_map = File:Ila (orthographic projection).svg | ||
| map_caption = Location of the Ila Protectorate | | map_caption = Location of the Ila Protectorate | ||
| Line 33: | Line 33: | ||
| leader_title2 = Vice Governor | | leader_title2 = Vice Governor | ||
| leader_name2 = [[Asi Icarus]] | | leader_name2 = [[Asi Icarus]] | ||
| legislature = [[ | | legislature = [[Senate of Ila]] | ||
| upper_house = | | upper_house = | ||
| lower_house = | | lower_house = | ||
| Line 45: | Line 45: | ||
| area_sq_mi = | | area_sq_mi = | ||
| percent_water = negligible | | percent_water = negligible | ||
| population_estimate = | | population_estimate = 560,448 | ||
| population_census = | | population_census = 558,234 | ||
| population_estimate_year = 2022 | | population_estimate_year = 2022 | ||
| population_estimate_rank = | | population_estimate_rank = 2nd | ||
| population_census_year = 2020 | | population_census_year = 2020 | ||
| population_density_km2 = | | population_density_km2 = 933.333 | ||
| population_density_sq_mi = <!-- Do not remove as per WP:MOSNUM --> | | population_density_sq_mi = <!-- Do not remove as per WP:MOSNUM --> | ||
| population_density_rank = | | population_density_rank = | ||
| Line 86: | Line 86: | ||
| footnotes = | | footnotes = | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Ila Protectorate''' ([[Elroy Standard of Libertan English|Libertan English]]: {{IPAc-en|aɪ|l|ɒ}}), officially the '''Sovereign Protectorate of Ila''', often shortened to just '''Ila''', and also colloquially known as '''Sherbro''', is a protectorate of [[Liberta]]. It encompasses the entirety of Ila Island and is situated on the coast of {{w|Sierra Leone}}. Several smaller {{W|Skerry|skerries}} | The '''Ila Protectorate''' ([[Elroy Standard of Libertan English|Libertan English]]: {{IPAc-en|aɪ|l|ɒ}}), officially the '''Sovereign Protectorate of Ila''', often shortened to just '''Ila''', and also colloquially known as '''Sherbro''', is a protectorate of [[Liberta]]. It encompasses the entirety of Ila Island and is situated on the coast of {{w|Sierra Leone}}. Several smaller islands and {{W|Skerry|skerries}} surrounding the island are also part of its territory. It is the second largest and most populous of the Libertan protectorates. Ila has a population of roughly 560,000 and maintains a high degree of autonomy. The judicial capital of Ila is ''Malacia'', situated on the eastern coast, whilst the largest city, the economic and cultural capital, is ''Acta Calet'' on the southeastern shore of the island. | ||
Inhabited before and since the arrival of Libertans, the {{w|Sherbro people}} were the first inhabitants of Ila. Archaeological evidence suggests they lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Libertans arrived in the 700s, looking to expand their agricultural production. Upon their arrival, Libertans employed the local population in voluntary work camps, deeming colonization by force to be too dangerous. In 819 the colony was granted protectorate status, and the military instead spearheaded the operation. Libertan settlers looking to work the land arrived in waves during the 14th and 15th centuries, and again in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was granted autonomy on May 16th, 1707. The industrial revolution swept across the island, and in the 20th century, the protectorate was further modernized. Beginning in the 1950s, the infrastructure allowed the tourism industry to flourish. During the {{W|Sierra Leone Civil War|Sierra Leonean Civil War}}, the strategic military importance of the protectorate allowed for it to act as a base for {{W|United Kingdom|British}}, {{W|United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone|UNAMSIL}}, {{W|Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group|ECOMOG}} and Libertan troops. Ilan politics are generally focused on topics such as {{W|illegal immigration}} and {{W|sovereignty}}. In the Libertan political sphere, Ila is generally staunchly {{W|Opposition to immigration|opposed to immigration}} and {{W|Social conservatism|socially conservative}}. Since the cusp of the 21st century, Ila has been a firmly interconnected part of Liberta. | Inhabited before and since the arrival of Libertans, the {{w|Sherbro people}} were the first inhabitants of Ila. Archaeological evidence suggests they lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Libertans arrived in the 700s, looking to expand their agricultural production. Upon their arrival, Libertans employed the local population in voluntary work camps, deeming colonization by force to be too dangerous. In 819 the colony was granted protectorate status, and the military instead spearheaded the operation. Libertan settlers looking to work the land arrived in waves during the 14th and 15th centuries, and again in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was granted autonomy on May 16th, 1707. The industrial revolution swept across the island, and in the 20th century, the protectorate was further modernized. Beginning in the 1950s, the infrastructure allowed the tourism industry to flourish. During the {{W|Sierra Leone Civil War|Sierra Leonean Civil War}}, the strategic military importance of the protectorate allowed for it to act as a base for {{W|United Kingdom|British}}, {{W|United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone|UNAMSIL}}, {{W|Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group|ECOMOG}} and Libertan troops. Ilan politics are generally focused on topics such as {{W|illegal immigration}} and {{W|sovereignty}}. In the Libertan political sphere, Ila is generally staunchly {{W|Opposition to immigration|opposed to immigration}} and {{W|Social conservatism|socially conservative}}. Conversely however, the island hosts a thriving {{W|Casino|casino culture}} and dominant {{W|Tourism|tourism industry}}, with the {{W|nightlife}} of ''Acta Calet'' considered among the best in Africa. Since the cusp of the 21st century, Ila has been a firmly interconnected part of Liberta both economically and logistically. | ||
As the largest domestic producer of agricultural products, excluding olives, by a considerable margin, the Ilan government has been able to leverage a considerable amount of autonomy compared to other protectorates. Maintaining a strong agrarian culture, the main economic sectors have historically been centered around farming and ranching, especially in the central regions. In modern times, this has largely been superseded by manufacturing, {{W|heavy industry}} and a growing domestic tourism industry. In the wake of a fast growing tourism focused economy, there is a growing and widespread {{W|Income distribution|income inequality}} in Ilan society. The historic isolation from Liberta, differing climate and proximity to other ethnic groups has resulted in a unique Ilan culture. Though historically frowned upon by mainland Libertans as "low culture", the Ilan culture is today frequently celebrated and embraced in both the media and in general as a unique aspect of Libertan culture. Often likened with {{W|Culture of Australia| | As the second largest domestic producer of agricultural products, excluding olives, by a considerable margin, the Ilan government has been able to leverage a considerable amount of autonomy compared to other protectorates. Maintaining a strong agrarian culture, the main economic sectors have historically been centered around farming and ranching, especially in the central regions. In modern times, this has largely been superseded by manufacturing, {{W|heavy industry}} and a growing domestic tourism industry. In the wake of a fast growing tourism focused economy, there is a growing and widespread {{W|Income distribution|income inequality}} in Ilan society. The historic isolation from Liberta, differing climate and proximity to other ethnic groups has resulted in a unique Ilan culture. Though historically frowned upon by mainland Libertans as "low culture", the Ilan culture is today frequently celebrated and embraced in both the media and in general as a unique aspect of Libertan culture. Often likened with the {{W|Culture of Australia|portrayal of Australians}}, Ilan people are frequently portrayed as relaxed and familiar with nature. Following the gradual ousting of native Africans in the 14th and 15th century, Ila is today a largely homogeneous country. Though a small minority of native Sherbro remain in the northwestern regions of the island, they constitute less than 5% of the total population of the island. | ||
==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
The origin of the name ''Ila'', originally spelled ''Ilha'', is unknown, but was used since the Libertan discovery of the island, as shown in texts from the eight century documenting the exploration of the island. Some {{W|Historical linguistics|historical linguistic}} evidence points to the word likely originating | The origin of the name ''Ila'', originally spelled ''Ilha'', is unknown, but was used since the Libertan discovery of the island, as shown in texts from the eight century documenting the exploration of the island. Some {{W|Historical linguistics|historical linguistic}} evidence points to the word likely originating from the {{W|Classical Latin}} word ''īnsula'', meaning "island". | ||
''Sherbro'' is the name used to denote both the native African people of the island, as well as the island itself. The {{W|Sherbro people}} have historically inhabited the island until their ousting in the 14th and 15th century. The nickname ''Sherry'' is also derived from the name. | ''Sherbro'' is the name used to denote both the native African people of the island, as well as the island itself. The {{W|Sherbro people}} have historically inhabited the island until their ousting in the 14th and 15th century. The nickname ''Sherry'' is also derived from the name. | ||
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=== Arrival of Libertan explorers (743–819) === | === Arrival of Libertan explorers (743–819) === | ||
[[File: | [[File:Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien 2016 Antikensammlung Büste bärtiger Mann AS I 1433 a.jpg|thumb|350x350px|Bust of Hadrian the Great, who discovered Ila on behalf of Liberta in 743.]] | ||
The overcrowding and lack of resources of the impoverished Liberta sparked an interest in exploration and a search for new lands which could be used for farming and resources. In the spring of 743, the Libertan convoy of ''Pristinus'' and ''Aequor'', led by ''Hadrian the Great'' departed from Liberta proper. They traveled along the coast of Morocco, stopping by {{W|Agadir}} where the crew took great interest in the town of Imsouane. However, unable to purchase the town outright, they continued to venture south. Following stops in Gambia and Ghana, but without coastal contact with the wealthy {{W|Ghana Empire}}, the crew relied on trade with local tribes along the coast. By the late summer of 743, the convoy arrived at Ila. Hadrian, yet to have yielded any major success in trading nor in finding a good location for a colony, promptly established the colony on the second day of anchorage. Scouting of the area proved that what was initially believed to be a peninsula was instead an island. The locals proved to be friendly, but Hadrian documented that he was nonetheless disappointed by their "primitive way of life." Half of the crew were left on the island, before ''Pristinus'' and ''Aequor'' departed for Liberta. | The overcrowding and lack of resources of the impoverished Liberta sparked an interest in exploration and a search for new lands which could be used for farming and resources. In the spring of 743, the Libertan convoy of ''Pristinus'' and ''Aequor'', led by ''Hadrian the Great'' departed from Liberta proper. They traveled along the coast of Morocco, stopping by {{W|Agadir}} where the crew took great interest in the town of Imsouane. However, unable to purchase the town outright, they continued to venture south. Following stops in Gambia and Ghana, but without coastal contact with the wealthy {{W|Ghana Empire}}, the crew relied on trade with local tribes along the coast. By the late summer of 743, the convoy arrived at Ila. Hadrian, yet to have yielded any major success in trading nor in finding a good location for a colony, promptly established the colony on the second day of anchorage. Scouting of the area proved that what was initially believed to be a peninsula was instead an island. The locals proved to be friendly, but Hadrian documented that he was nonetheless disappointed by their "primitive way of life." Half of the crew were left on the island, before ''Pristinus'' and ''Aequor'' departed for Liberta. | ||
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=== Libertan Imperial Era (1000–1600) === | === Libertan Imperial Era (1000–1600) === | ||
[[File:Gustave Boulanger - Répétition du "Joueur de flûte" et de la "Femme de Diomède" chez le prince Napoléon - Orsay RF 1550.jpg|thumb|400px|left|Despite the poverty of the island, the rendezvous of towns were often lavishly decorated. A Sherbro woman can also be seen, ensuring that the incense flame is alive.]] | [[File:Gustave Boulanger - Répétition du "Joueur de flûte" et de la "Femme de Diomède" chez le prince Napoléon - Orsay RF 1550.jpg|thumb|400px|left|Despite the poverty of the island, the rendezvous of towns were often lavishly decorated. A Sherbro woman can also be seen, ensuring that the incense flame is alive.]] | ||
After decades of military rule, the strict control of the Naval government was relaxed, and by the 14th century, mainland Liberta was increasingly internationalized. A greater public knowledge and increased curiosity in the foreign, brought attention back to the isolated protectorates. This eventually spread to Ila, when the government of Liberta proclaimed and subsequently ordered that settlement of the island was to be initiated. Men and women, most of them impoverished, joined the journey on the hundreds of boats heading for the island. A few | After decades of military rule, the strict control of the Naval government was relaxed, and by the 14th century, mainland Liberta was increasingly internationalized. A greater public knowledge and increased curiosity in the foreign, brought attention back to the isolated protectorates. This eventually spread to Ila, when the government of Liberta proclaimed and subsequently ordered that settlement of the island was to be initiated. Men and women, most of them impoverished, joined the journey on the hundreds of boats heading for the island. A few had luck, but most ended up as either {{W|Domestic worker|domestic workers}} or {{W|Sharecropper|sharecroppers}} on the new estates of the island. Mass anger ensued, as many had been promised a better life, when most returned to similar arrangements as back home. Still, even those who were {{W|Farmhand|farmhands}}, the least prestigious occupation, lived under significantly better circumstances than those with equivalent jobs in mainland Liberta. All farms were still required to export all food that was not consumed to the Libertan mainland. | ||
The lot system was introduced in 1366, early on in the settlement efforts, and its purpose was to maintain societal order. The entire island, excluding the Sherbro marshes in the northwest, was split up into thousands of {{W|Land lot|lots}}. The system worked on a ''first come, first served'' basis. On a total area of 550 square kilometers, two thousand lots were established, allotting roughly a quarter square kilometer per family. Since roughly 10,000 settlers arrived before the settlement effort was shut down, only a fraction of the families and people received their own lot. By 1380 the system had effectively disintegrated, as through purchases and agreements, the number of lots had shrunk to 600. Most were bought out by early settlers, who transformed their lots into massive estates, some covering tens of square kilometers. | The lot system was introduced in 1366, early on in the settlement efforts, and its purpose was to maintain societal order. The entire island, excluding the Sherbro marshes in the northwest, was split up into thousands of {{W|Land lot|lots}}. The system worked on a ''first come, first served'' basis. On a total area of 550 square kilometers, two thousand lots were established, allotting roughly a quarter square kilometer per family. Since roughly 10,000 settlers arrived before the settlement effort was shut down, only a fraction of the families and people received their own lot. By 1380 the system had effectively disintegrated, as through purchases and agreements, the number of lots had shrunk to 600. Most were bought out by early settlers, who transformed their lots into massive estates, some covering tens of square kilometers. | ||
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=== Autonomy, second wave of settlers and slave trade (1600–1830) === | === Autonomy, second wave of settlers and slave trade (1600–1830) === | ||
[[File:Joaquin Sorolla - Las tres velas.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Unlike in mainland Liberta, women in 17- and 18th century Ila typically wore scarfs to | [[File:Joaquin Sorolla - Las tres velas.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Unlike in mainland Liberta, women in 17- and 18th century Ila typically wore scarfs to cover their hair.]] | ||
Whilst Liberta experienced the Age of Enlightenment, Ila became an important center for the {{W|Atlantic slave trade}}. Though few if any slaves were boarded from the island itself, many ships waited in the deep harbors of Ila, waiting to cross the Atlantic ocean. Following the {{W|Treaty of Tordesillas}}, Portugal had a near complete monopoly over west African slaves, and Portuguese ships frequently resupplied at Ila. By the 1690's the {{W|Royal African Company}}, {{W|Dutch West India Company}}, and the {{W|South Sea Company}} were all operating from or using Ila as a transfer point. As Liberta could take a small amount of tax for each ships' guaranteed safety, the Libertan central government acquired significant wealth from this arrangement. Little of this however, was ever used in Ila. This continued to nurture local resentment toward the Libertan mainland. At the same time, the countless interactions and agreements with both the {{W|Kingdom of England}} and the {{W|Dutch Republic}} fostered a golden era of diplomacy with Europe, solidifying Liberta as a European actor. Liberta, not formally engaged with any European conflicts, took great advantage of its political neutrality, as Ila welcomed English (later British), Dutch, Portuguese, and French ships. The geographic location of Ila was also close to the quickest route to {{W|Dutch Brazil}}, and it therefore served as the last stopping point before the ships transatlantic journeys, where vessels stocked up on supplies. | Whilst Liberta experienced the Age of Enlightenment, Ila became an important center for the {{W|Atlantic slave trade}}. Though few if any slaves were boarded from the island itself, many ships waited in the deep harbors of Ila, waiting to cross the Atlantic ocean. Following the {{W|Treaty of Tordesillas}}, Portugal had a near complete monopoly over west African slaves, and Portuguese ships frequently resupplied at Ila. By the 1690's the {{W|Royal African Company}}, {{W|Dutch West India Company}}, and the {{W|South Sea Company}} were all operating from or using Ila as a transfer point. As Liberta could take a small amount of tax for each ships' guaranteed safety, the Libertan central government acquired significant wealth from this arrangement. Little of this however, was ever used in Ila. This continued to nurture local resentment toward the Libertan mainland. At the same time, the countless interactions and agreements with both the {{W|Kingdom of England}} and the {{W|Dutch Republic}} fostered a golden era of diplomacy with Europe, solidifying Liberta as a European actor. Liberta, not formally engaged with any European conflicts, took great advantage of its political neutrality, as Ila welcomed English (later British), Dutch, Portuguese, and French ships. The geographic location of Ila was also close to the quickest route to {{W|Dutch Brazil}}, and it therefore served as the last stopping point before the ships transatlantic journeys, where vessels stocked up on supplies. | ||
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==== Anglicization ==== | ==== Anglicization ==== | ||
In 1867 the ''Great Language Transition'' was among the first Imperial laws to be drafted and implemented, as such Libertan protectorates were forced to adopt English as its official language, and Latin as its national language. This change was particularly quick in Ila, mainly due to the strong trade relations with the British Sierra Leone Colony. Evidence points to many, especially in the harbor towns of the island, being able to speak English. Though rural communities were slower to adapt to the new language, by 1895 a large majority (>85%) of inhabitants of the island were proficient in English. Though many streets and minor places were renamed to English names or anglicized, towns retained their Latin names. | In 1867 the ''Great Language Transition'' was among the first Imperial laws to be drafted and implemented, as such Libertan protectorates were forced to adopt English as its official language, and Latin as its national language. This change was particularly quick in Ila, mainly due to the strong trade relations with the British Sierra Leone Colony. Evidence points to many, especially in the harbor towns of the island, being able to speak English. Though rural communities were slower to adapt to the new language, by 1895 a large majority (>85%) of inhabitants of the island were proficient in English. Though many streets and minor places were renamed to English names or anglicized, towns retained their Latin names. | ||
=== Industrialization and war effort (1900–1945) === | |||
The fast paced industrialization of the island in the late 19th century would slow down by the cusp of the 20th century. Despite the various dangers associated with industrial work, a considerable portion of the working population had moved from the plantations of the interior to the factories of the coastal towns. This depletion of rural workforce resulted in the mechanization of the large farmsteads, with domestic tractor manufacturers such as ''E. H. Smith'' experiencing rapid expansion. Meanwhile, as the industrial capacity of metropolitan Liberta decreased, the increasing investment in the industry of the island exacerbated this trend further. Shipbuilding, steel production, and other heavy industries relocated to Ila in particular, mostly due to its flat and open landscapes. {{W|Blue-collar worker|Blue-collar work}} thus remained the norm of the island, leading to a significantly slower modernization of various aspects of society. The comparatively small and only university on the island, the ''University of Ila'' in ''Malacia'' enrolled less than 2,000 students, and only 3% of the island was university educated in 1947, compared to 61% in metropolitan Liberta. The island's industrial capacity became an important part of the Libertan war effort during the Second World War, in which many of the various airplanes, trucks, and ships of the Libertan military were produced. Due to its lack of proximity from Axis forces, the factories and military bases of the island remained important throughout the war. Additionally, support equipment for the {{W|Royal Navy}} was exported to {{W|Sierra Leone Colony and Protectorate|British Sierra Leone}} in the later stages of the war. | |||
=== Casino culture and brief independence movement (1945–1980) === | |||
The industrial boom which followed the war led to an increased national acknowledgement and investment interest from metropolitan Liberta. This, along with a prospering film industry, resulted in the interest of business magnate [[Charles Thaddeus Joseph|Charles T. Joseph]], who constructed the ''Hotel Regency'', the first casino in Liberta. Due to restrictive gambling laws in metropolitan Liberta, Ila became a lucrative location for resorts and casinos. The island also proved popular for domestic tourism, which was amplified significantly during the {{W|jet age}}, with ''Air Force Base Hadrian'' refurbished into a large capacity airport. The Regency and similar establishments were located several miles from the city limits of the then only city on the island, ''Malacia''. Positioned near the long beaches along the southwestern coast of the island, the group of resorts and hotels were incorporated into ''Acta Calet'', a settlement with no corporate income tax and run by the casinos themselves. | |||
The vivacious and sometimes debauched nightlife surrounding the casinos in ''Acta Calet'' harshly contrasted the socially conservative climate of the rest of the island. However, owing to its comparative remoteness on the island, far from the fertile farmlands in the north and the industry of the northwest, and its proximity to the only major airport on the island, the casino industry was largely left to its own by the local government. By the 1970's however, the political climate of the island had been significantly altered by the influx of new inhabitants from metropolitan Liberta, settling in ''Acta Calet'' in order to support the growing entertainment and hospitality industry. As a result of the Great Reform of 1707, Libertan citizens who relocated to a protectorate permanently are limited by a 1-year period before being able to partake in local elections, and simultaneously being barred from participating in elections in metropolitan Liberta. The large influx of new voters who were for the most part considerably more socially liberal and progressive resulted in major wins for the liberal Republican party in the 1970's. The party, which was also pro-autonomy, increasingly emphasized independence as a goal for its government. The administration voted to reform the title of the island to include the word "Sovereign" and to include it in all government ministries, agencies, and associated entities. It also instated the current flag of the island, which replaced the Libertan flag, and signed into law that all government buildings were to hoist the Ilan flag above the national flag. Simultaneously, the Loyalist party became a mouthpiece for much of the socially conservative, native population, and strongly protested many of the changes of the Republican administration. Protests and clashes between sides erupted in 1977 and 1978, before the two parties split into four. The resulting parties were two pro-autonomy parties and two loyalist parties, covering both sides of the political spectrum respectively. | |||
The debate surrounding the casino and entertainment industry soured, with sharp disapproval from the socially conservative side of much of the unregulated {{W|Sex industry|adult entertainment industry}} thriving around the establishments. A failed attempt to outlaw gambling in the Ilan Senate failed in 1979, resulting in a violent brawl inside of the house. In 1980, the {{W|Libertarianism|libertarian}} {{W|Dark horse|political dark horse}} ''James R. Abrams'' unexpectedly won the governorship, and managed to deescalate the polarization by decentralizing political power to the counties of the island. In 1982 the Cross-Strait Bridge was constructed between eastern Ila and the coast of Sierra Leone, which provided easy transport of goods between the two, and aimed to somewhat lessen the dependence of Libertan imports. | |||
=== Urbanization and contemporary history (1980–) === | |||
By 1981 all but four counties had banned gambling, ''Malacia'', ''Extra'', ''Acta'' and ''Calet'' county. These were all highly urbanized areas with high population density and modern amenities, infrastructure and entertainment. Despite being a comparatively small island, the difference in quality of life and culture between the cities and the countryside was considerably noteworthy. In the rural bayous of the northern coast many homes lacked running water, whilst luxury brand stores and Michelin-starred restaurants inhabited the cities of the south. This divide was in part further amplified by the highly decentralized system of government, which governor ''James R. Abrams'' had increased further. The island-wide government did not generate a sizable revenue from the casinos and resorts, since it did not levy virtually any taxes on those establishments. Instead, the revenue and reinvestment from taxes largely remained inside the counties they were situated in. As the cities continued to expand, suburbs sprawled out across county lines and into rural counties, which resulted in both local conflicts and awareness of the basic and straining conditions under which much rural Ilans lived. Following the release of the highly successful documentary ''Jungle Albinos'' in 1991, the awareness of the widespread poverty and poor quality of life in northern Ila increased significantly. It is credited with helping to ensure that the tax system of the island was reformed and the Sovereign Improvement Fund (SIF) was established by the Senate in 1992. The SIF allocated tax income from the wealthier southern counties toward the impoverished northern counties, and rapidly expanded local infrastructure, electricity grids, and other services. By 1996 nearly 97% of the homes in northern Ila had access to running water and over 70% to asphalt roads, compared to an estimated 15% and 8%, in 1991. | |||
As Liberta formally joined the {{W|Sierra Leone Civil War|Sierra Leonean Civil War}} in 1997, it also deployed thousands of Ilan troops into the country. Although largely unimpaired by the neighboring war (as it was mostly fought in the northern provinces of Sierra Leone), it nonetheless deeply affected Ilan society and culture. The increasingly heavy presence of military troops on the island and the bombings of the Strait Islands in 1998, the Ilan independence movement lost much of its popularity. The conservative loyalist Unite Party won the election of 1998, and lobbied for the establishment of a new Libertan naval base in northeastern Ila. It also established the Sovereign Border Force (SBF), as well as the Sovereign Counter-terrorism and Intelligence Agency (SCIA). As a result of the war, the Cross-Strait Bridge was closely monitored, and on the Ilan end a large point-of-entry toll and inspection facility was constructed. | |||
As the rural population of Ila were rapidly lifted out of poverty, rapid urbanization transformed much of the countryside counties into depopulated areas by the early 2000s. Conversely, the improved infrastructure and access to the north of the island provided many northerners with an improved ability to move or work in the southern counties. In 1998 the "Ranch line" was established by the neighboring county to ''Acta'' and ''Calet'', ''Bey County''. The ranch line aimed to limit suburbanization and to preserve the property and lands of ranchers who used the dry lands of the center of the island. It became emblematic of the complicated attempt to preserve the cultures of the rural counties with the highly urbanized and densely populated southern coastline. | |||
==== 2014 Ebola outbreak ==== | |||
Following reports of {{W|Ebola}} in nearby {{W|Guinea}} in March 2014, the Government of Ila issued a travel warning to the country, but did not curtail Guinean transports entering Ila. As the infection rate was confirmed to be extremely high, the Sovereign Border Force began refusing entry to Guinean vehicles and travelers in April. | |||
==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
[[File:Sherbro Landsat.jpg|thumb|Satellite image of Ila, with colors adjusted.]] | |||
The main island, Ila Island, has an area of roughly 600 square kilometers. At its longest and widest, it is 51 km long and 24 km wide. It is located off the coast of {{W|Sierra Leone}}, separated from the mainland by a river in the north and a strait in the east. These waterways contain many skerries and islets, known as the Ilulas. Off the western extremity of the island, the Keeles archipelago stretches further west into the Atlantic. With the Keeles in the west, and the coast of Sierra Leone in the north, they together form the protected entrance to the Ilan river and strait. | |||
Most of the island, especially the southern areas, consist of sparse forest and arable soils. The northwestern areas along the coast are swampy, with dense vegetation and hundreds of small rivers. The south of the island consists mostly of {{W|Regosol|regosol soil}}, whilst the northeastern part is dominated by {{W|fluvisol}}. The sandy southern shoreline is generally unfit for agriculture. | |||
=== Fauna === | |||
Both {{W|Leatherback sea turtle|Leatherbacks}} and {{W|Green sea turtle|Green sea turtles}} use the waters of the island as breeding grounds, with the southern beaches often used for {{W|Nesting instinct|nesting}}. The many rivers of the island are rich in {{W|Tarpon}}, some of the largest recorded specimens have been caught in Ila. {{W|African manatee|African manatees}} are widely distributed across the river delta north of the island, in the Sherbro river system. They have been sighted along the northern coast in the swamplands of Ila, and have been a protected species since 2003. | |||
==Government and politics== | ==Government and politics== | ||
===Government=== | |||
===Politics=== | |||
===Law enforcement=== | |||
====Border force==== | |||
==== Border force ==== | |||
[[File:MQ-9 Reaper - 080717-F-5957S-222.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A Sovereign Border Force {{w|General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|Predator B}} drone taking of from AFB Hadrian.]] | [[File:MQ-9 Reaper - 080717-F-5957S-222.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A Sovereign Border Force {{w|General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|Predator B}} drone taking of from AFB Hadrian.]] | ||
Unlike all other protectorates, Ila maintains a judicially separate and autonomous {{W|Border guard|border force}}, the ''Sovereign Border Force'' (SBF). The force was established in 1969, as the rapidly modernizing Ila began to regulate {{W|Freedom of movement|free movement}} to its only neighbor, {{W|Sierra Leone}}. According to the Government of Ila, the official role of the SBF is solely to curb {{W|illegal immigration}}. The force and its officers are {{W|Assault weapon|heavily armed}} and are authorized to use {{W|Deadly force|lethal force}}, which it has used several times against Sierra Leonean immigrants, often to sharp criticism from mainland Liberta and {{W|Human_rights#Informational_strategies|human rights organizations}}. The SBF is subordinate to the Government of Ila, but lacks any regulatory {{W|by-laws|bylaws}}, making it significantly more autonomous than the Ilan police force. It is organized as a protectorial force, with several regional {{W|Corps|corps}}. These are subordinate to the central command, so county and municipal governments maintain no control over their regional SBF counterparts. Despite its generally positive perception in Ila, the SBF is often negatively viewed in mainland Liberta. The force has also caused international relations issues between Ila (as Liberta) and Sierra Leone. In August 2012, following a situation which resulted in two immigrants being shot and later dying of blood loss, the Sierra Leonean {{W|consulate}} in ''Malacia'' recalled several of its diplomats. In response, the SBF increased its controversial drone surveillance and interception program. The Sovereign Border Force and its perceived {{W|Use of force|use of excessive force}} is a contentious topic, both in Ila and Liberta. | Unlike all other protectorates, Ila maintains a judicially separate and autonomous {{W|Border guard|border force}}, the ''Sovereign Border Force'' (SBF). The force was established in 1969, as the rapidly modernizing Ila began to regulate {{W|Freedom of movement|free movement}} to its only neighbor, {{W|Sierra Leone}}. According to the Government of Ila, the official role of the SBF is solely to curb {{W|illegal immigration}}. The force and its officers are {{W|Assault weapon|heavily armed}} and are authorized to use {{W|Deadly force|lethal force}}, which it has used several times against Sierra Leonean immigrants, often to sharp criticism from mainland Liberta and {{W|Human_rights#Informational_strategies|human rights organizations}}. The SBF is subordinate to the Government of Ila, but lacks any regulatory {{W|by-laws|bylaws}}, making it significantly more autonomous than the Ilan police force. It is organized as a protectorial force, with several regional {{W|Corps|corps}}. These are subordinate to the central command, so county and municipal governments maintain no control over their regional SBF counterparts. Despite its generally positive perception in Ila, the SBF is often negatively viewed in mainland Liberta. The force has also caused international relations issues between Ila (as Liberta) and Sierra Leone. In August 2012, following a situation which resulted in two immigrants being shot and later dying of blood loss, the Sierra Leonean {{W|consulate}} in ''Malacia'' recalled several of its diplomats. In response, the SBF increased its controversial drone surveillance and interception program. The Sovereign Border Force and its perceived {{W|Use of force|use of excessive force}} is a contentious topic, both in Ila and Liberta. | ||
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==Demographics== | ==Demographics== | ||
==Culture== | ==Culture== | ||
[[Category:Liberta]] | |||
[[Category:Ila]] | |||