Howland Governorate

Howland Governorate Howland
Governorate (Province)
From top, clockwise: Port Northford in Howland, a small town on Gibson Island, major port facilities on Elizabeth Island.
Flag
Motto:  Howland's Place
Country	Arcerion
Head of Governorate	Lieutenant-Governor
Population  (2026)
• Total	1,347,953
Time zone	UTC-3:00 (WOT)

Howland Governorate, sometimes known as Howland Province or in North Cronan "Tanlé," is a small semi-landlocked archipelago in the Albion Sea (Northern Odoneru Ocean). The territory is a province or federal subdivision of the Confederated Provinces of Arcerion, and is formed of three principal islands, those being Elizabeth Island, Gibson Island, and New Moorden. The three islands sit at the absolute northernmost habitable territory occupied by any Occidental nation, and is the most economically developed territory in North Crona. Considered an Arcer overseas territory, the Governorate have internal self-governance, even though it remains part of Arcerion's sovereign territory and has a population that is over 75% Arcer. The territory also has the oldest continuously operating northernmost deepwater port in Crona.

Some speculation over actual Arcer claim to the islands, as they were uninhabited frozen Arctic tundra and sub-Arctic landmass that had previously remained undiscovered. After Arcer colonization during the late 1800s and early 1900s, the population and development of the islands grew rapidly with early growth industries such as whaling and a limited mining economy. It also served as one of the few modern ports and dock facilities in Northern Crona due to the lack of developed Indigenous maritime commerce during the early 20th century. It has also been a traditional seat for Occidental military power, as the Armed Forces of Arcerion, specifically the Royal Arcerion Naval Service, maintains a significant posture at Port Northford to defend natural resource rights.

The population of 1.3 million citizens is the largest concentration of Occidentals in the Arctic, although the majority of these are located in Port Northford, the main urban centre and the governorate's seat for the legislature and most of the provincial-level services. There has been some dispute with Alpachnee and other Northern Cronan countries over the Economic Exclusive Zone of Howland, which extends to include the massive Albion Sea Gas Fields that provide much of the governorate's economy. Resource extraction, liquid natural gas refinement, and other petroleum-related industries are important parts of the economy, with fishing, whaling, and other economic sectors making up less than half of the remaining governorate GDP. The EEZ disputes continue to be a point of intrnational conflict and tension between Arcerion, its allies, Kiravia, North Cronan countries, and the League of Nations.

The population is primarily made up of two demographic groups, naturalized ethnic Arcers, second- and third-generation Ardmori expats from the Great Flight, when much of Ardmore's Loyalist population fled to Arcerion post-Ardmori Civil War, and a minority Indigenous community that has emigrated to work in the gas and oil industry. Immigration continues to be steady and year-over-year there is a slight increase, and the fertility rate of 1.2 remains high for other overseas territory of similar nature.

The island is import-focused as there is limited agriculture due to the hostile climate, with much of the governorate relying on maritime commerce for fresh fruit, vegetables, and finished commercial products. The islands have an average temperature in the summer of 10° Celsius, and during the winter months an average of -24° Celsius. The islands are home to significant sea bird populations, as well as sea lions, walrus, multiple kinds of large whales. The only land mammals of note are arctic fox and some species of rabbit and lemming, although these were nearly hunted to extinction in the 1900s due to the need for fresh meat.

History

Arco Polar Expeditions

Main article: Arco Polar Expeditions

The Arco Polar Expeditions (1891-1918) were a series of ten major Arctic explorations undertaken by Arcerion, aimed at expanding naval influence and conducting scientific research. Sponsored by the Arcerion Naval Service, these expeditions were marked by harsh conditions, novel technologies, and significant achievements, including reaching the North Pole and mapping the Arctic coastline. The 1891 expedition, led by Walter Hetherington and John Howland, initiated the exploration, followed by subsequent voyages that faced challenges such as the loss of the Forthright in 1893. John Howland's successful 1899 expedition, which involved extensive preparation and collaboration with Burgoignesc whalers, set the stage for further Arctic endeavors. These expeditions contributed valuable scientific data, bolstered Arcer national pride, and established Arcerion as a significant player in Arctic exploration. Critically, they established the Howland Governorate as a significant northern outpost for Arcerion, allowing it to later begin the exploitation of the Albion Sea for natural resources, particularly fossil fuels.

Population

Map of Howland Governorate, the three islands comprising it, and the seat of the Governor and legislature, Port Northford.

As of the latest census, the population of Howland Governorate is approximately 1,347,953. The governorate's population is primarily composed of ethnic Arcers, who make up around 75% of the total population. The remaining 25% is comprised of various minority groups, including Ardmori expats, who are the descendants of refugees who fled to Arcerion following the Ardmori Civil War, and a small but significant Indigenous community, who have emigrated to the governorate to work in the gas and oil industry. The population of the governorate is relatively young, with a median age of 32.4 years, and a fertility rate of 1.2 children per woman, which is higher than the national average. The governorate's population is also predominantly urban, with over 80% of residents living in the capital city of Port Northford and its surrounding metropolitan area. The official language of the governorate is Arcerion, although many residents also speak other languages, including Ardmori and various Indigenous languages.

Culture

The culture of Howland Governorate is a unique blend of Arcerion and Indigenous influences, shaped by the territory's history, geography, and economy. The governorate's population is predominantly composed of ethnic Arcers, who have brought with them their language, customs, and traditions. However, the Indigenous community, which has emigrated to the governorate to work in the gas and oil industry, has also had a significant impact on the local culture. The blending of these two cultures has resulted in a distinct identity that is both Arcerion and uniquely Howlander.

The governorate's culture is also heavily influenced by its harsh, Arctic environment. The extreme cold and isolation have fostered a strong sense of community and resilience among the population, who have developed unique customs and traditions to cope with the challenges of living in such a remote and unforgiving region. For example, the annual "Festival of the Northern Lights" is a popular celebration, where locals gather to watch the spectacular display of the aurora borealis and share stories, food, and drink. The festival is a testament to the governorate's strong sense of community and its deep connection to the natural world.

Despite its remote location, Howland Governorate has a thriving arts and cultural scene. The governorate is home to a number of museums, galleries, and performance venues, which showcase the work of local artists, musicians, and writers. The governorate's unique cultural identity is also reflected in its cuisine, which combines traditional Arcerion dishes with Indigenous and Arctic influences. Popular local specialties include "snow crab" (a type of crab found in the Albion Sea), "seal oil" (a traditional Indigenous dish made from the oil of seals), and "Arctic char" (a type of fish found in the governorate's rivers and lakes). These dishes are often served at community gatherings and celebrations, where they are shared with visitors and locals alike.

Petroleum Industry

Main article: Albion Sea Gas Fields

Howland Governorate is a critical element of Arcerion's extensive Albion Sea Gas Fields in the sense of both logistics and sovereignty. The Albion Sea Gas Field, located in the Arcer Economic Exclusion zone near Howland Governorate, is one of the largest natural gas and oil fields globally and the largest in the Northern part of the Odoneru Ocean. Discovered in 1977 by the RV Rochester, the field comprises Eastern and Western structures, with the Western Field holding the majority of the gas. The first deep sea drilling rig was completed in 1978, and by the 1980s and 1990s, the field saw significant development during the Arcer gas boom. The Arcer government extended its maritime sovereignty to include the gas fields in 1980, and the Arcerion Oil and Gas Company, along with the Howland Petroleum Corporation, have been the major owners since the initial discovery.

The development of the Albion Sea Gas Field led to extensive offshore installations and the construction of the Port Northford Petroleum Complex (PNPC). The gas is transported via the Arco Arctic Petroleum Pipeline, completed in 1989, to the Port Northford for processing and refinement. Employment in the gas and petroleum industry is a significant part of the Howland Governorate's economy, involving approximately one-fifth of its 1.3 million citizens. Arcerion is a major global petroleum exporter, with substantial annual exports of natural gas and daily oil production. The Arcer government maintains sovereignty over the gas fields, supported by naval patrols, to protect its economic interests and has faced maritime tensions with neighboring countries over the field's exploitation.

Sovereignty

The sovereignty of Howland Governorate is a complex issue, with the territory being a province of the Confederated Provinces of Arcerion, while also having a significant degree of internal self-governance. The governorate is considered an Arcer overseas territory, and as such, the Arcer government maintains sovereignty over the territory, including its natural resources. However, the governorate's unique history, geography, and cultural identity have led to some speculation over the actual Arcer claim to the islands.

International Disputes and Tensions

The sovereignty of Howland Governorate has been the subject of international disputes and tensions, particularly with regards to the Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) of the governorate, which extends to include the massive Albion Sea Gas Fields. The EEZ disputes have led to tensions between Arcerion, its allies, Kiravia, North Cronan countries, and the League of Nations. The Arcer government has maintained sovereignty over the gas fields, supported by naval patrols, to protect its economic interests, but this has faced challenges from neighboring countries, who claim that the exploitation of the field is a threat to their own economic and environmental interests. The situation remains unresolved, with ongoing negotiations and diplomatic efforts to resolve the disputes and ensure the continued stability and prosperity of the governorate.

Naval Stations

Naval Station Northford

The Royal Arcerion Naval Service established the permanent garrison and docking of frigates and patrol vessels in Port Northford during the First Great War in response to threats to the ability to protect the governorate's sovereignty and access to Arcer goods and the sea lines of communication prior the laying of undersea telegraph cables to the introduction of wireless radio. The initial naval station had docking berths and space for several warships, and after the First Great War an airstrip was constructed, followed by a ship repair facility, as well as an expansion of refuelling and resupply stations.

By the 1930s and the approaching Second Great War, Arcerion invested heavily into the maritime infrastructure of the Naval Station. A permanent frigate squadron as well as several destroyers and a seasonally-based light cruiser group remained there to assist with convoy protections, maritime sovereignty patrols, and diplomatic missions to Northern Cronan nations.