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===First human settlement=== | ===First human settlement=== | ||
Based on archaeological evidence, the earliest habitation of the Saukhin Islands appears to date between 100 and 200 CE. It is believed that the first wave originated from the [[Vallos]] subcontinent, primarily from modern-day [[Takatta Loa]] and [[ | Based on archaeological evidence, the earliest habitation of the Saukhin Islands appears to date between 100 and 200 CE. It is believed that the first wave originated from the [[Vallos]] subcontinent, primarily from modern-day [[Takatta Loa]] and [[Vallejar]]. The second wave occurred two hundred years earlier, from 400 CE to 600 CE, and consisted of settlers from [[Audonia]] and [[South Crona]]. The topic of settlement date is somewhat debated throughout the archeological community, as many also believe the first settlers of the islands to originate from the neighboring [[Truk|Truk islands]], and while there has been evidence of native Truk peoples migrating to the Saukhins during that time period, it was not enough to connect the various large communities built within the islands. For the first few centuries of the archipelago's inhabitance, there was no sole governing body throughout the islands. Instead, the islands were dominated by smaller fishing communities, often with a population of about 150 for the largest communities. These communities would evolve into small [[w:Chiefdom|chiefdoms]], in which said chiefdoms would then grow to encompass entire islands. Local chiefs, who were called opili'i, ruled their settlements, often with the ultimate goal of serving their communities. They would launch small but significant wars to extend their influence and defend their communities from predatory rivals, often other Polynesian chiefdoms who sought to invade for the purpose of draining resources or power projection. Ancient Tapkoii was a caste-based society, with complex systems of hierarchies being the sole distributor of power throughout the chiefdoms. Population growth was facilitated by complex ecological and agricultural practices that combined upland agriculture, deep ocean fishing, gardening systems, and complex fish husbandry systems. These systems were upheld by spiritual and religious beliefs, mostly the island religion of Tuhauata, that linked the cultural continuity with the upkeep of natural health. | ||
===Tapkoii Kingdom=== | ===Tapkoii Kingdom=== | ||
Revision as of 20:36, 27 September 2024
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Saukhin Islands | |
|---|---|
 Flag  Seal | |
 Location of the Saukhin Islands within Tierrador | |
| Country | Tierrador |
| Capital (and largest city) | Oaroa |
| Largest parish or parish-equivalent | Oaroa Parish |
| Government | |
| • Body | Commonwealth Legislature |
| • Governor | Nathan Daubâ (TCU) |
| • Lieutenant governor | Seth Qalis |
| • Qangreč delegation | 7 delegates |
| Area | |
| • Total | 10,992 km2 (4,244 sq mi) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 2,033,649 |
| • Density | 190/km2 (480/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC–08:00 (East Australis Time) |
| SPT Abbreviations | IS, Tap. |
| Area codes | 808, 848, 752 |
| ISO 3166 code | TI-IS |
The Saukhin Islands (Qabóri: Insôletaí Saukhíns), also known informally as the Saukhins and Tapkoii, are a Tierradorian commonwealth and archipelago in the Polynesian region in the Ocean of Cathay. At their closest point to the Australis mainland, they are 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) northeast of Teschego. They are the southernmost of the Administrative divisions of Tierrador, and have a population of 2 million people.
The Saukhin Islands consist of over 85 islands throughout its 11,000 square kilometer radius. The five main islands, from largest to smallest area, include Taseí, Auapka, Laui, Tapakata, and Kuapa. Many smaller islands include Kopa Lopa, Pazani, Tapikota, Kapio, Turpin, and Tahua’na. The main industry in the Saukhins is agriculture, with the dairy and livestock farming sectors in the Saukhins achieving remarkable prominence. These industries rank the Saukhins among the most important regions in the world. Vast stretches of fertile land provide ample grazing areas for livestock, and modern farming practices have been adopted to ensure high productivity. The Saukhin dairy industry, in particular, is celebrated for its production of top-quality milk and dairy products, contributing significantly to both domestic consumption and international trade. Apart from land-based agriculture, the Saukhins benefit immensely from their island location and the abundance of marine resources in the surrounding waters. The tropical climate supports a vast and diverse aquatic ecosystem, making the Saukhin fishing industry one of the largest on a global scale. Mineral extraction is also a very large industry, characterized by its vast copper mines and petroleum fields.
The Saukhin Islands are a very popular destination for international and domestic tourists alike. Its lush beaches, subtropical climate, and important natural destinations attract more than 16 million tourists nearly. Many natural and historic sites include Mount Ganja, the tallest point in Tierrador, the historic Fort of Oaroa, which was once thought to be indestructible until the Battle of Oaroa in 1832, and the small but significant island of Kopa Lopa, which features many seaside luxury resorts, and is a prominent destination for many celebrities and wealthy people alike.
The Saukhin Islands have been inhabited for nearly two thousand years. Its close proximity to the Truk Islands have fueled competition with the neighboring emirate for most of its history. However in the early 1600s, the Capture of Truk by the Daxian Empire put an end to these competitions and implemented the Tapkoii Kingdom as the sole independent nation in the Polynesian region. In May 1832, The Qabóri Woqalate launched a surprise attack on the island of Kuapa, which resulted in the Saukhin Conquest. The conquest only lasted for twenty-one days, and while the Saukhins fought hard against the Qabóri, they were simply outmatched. Following the Saukhin Conquest, the islands were admitted as a qoyalet of the Qabóri Woqalate. The islands would serve as an important location throughout modern Tierradorian history, as the region fully expressed the Tierradorian control of many Polynesian trade routes, playing a factor in the economic boost that the nation experienced throughout the mid-to-late 20th century.
Of the commonwealth’s 85 islands, only 15 are inhabited as of the 2030 census. The most populous island is Taseí, which consists of 45% of the archipelago's population. The next four most populous islands are Auapka, Laui, Kuapa, and Tapakata. Those five islands make up 92% of the commonwealth’s population and serve as the economic center for the archipelago.
Etymology
The name Saukhin Islands is likely derived from the Qabóri word Sauqhí Insé, meaning "Society Islands". The origin of this name is unknown, however it is theorized that the use of the word "society" comes from Qabóri traders' surprise when they first discovered the islands in 1553, and seeing that the islands were already inhabited by Polynesian peoples, as they were led to believe that the islands were uninhabited. In 1995, archeologists discovered an old journal, presumably from the same year. One of the surviving entries detailed an aišo’s journey to the Saukhin Islands, and how his commanding officer jokingly referred to the islands as the "Society Islands" upon discovering them.
The alternate name Tapkoii is believed to be derived from the Tapkoii language, which is the official language of the islands, translating to "homeland".
History
First human settlement
Based on archaeological evidence, the earliest habitation of the Saukhin Islands appears to date between 100 and 200 CE. It is believed that the first wave originated from the Vallos subcontinent, primarily from modern-day Takatta Loa and Vallejar. The second wave occurred two hundred years earlier, from 400 CE to 600 CE, and consisted of settlers from Audonia and South Crona. The topic of settlement date is somewhat debated throughout the archeological community, as many also believe the first settlers of the islands to originate from the neighboring Truk islands, and while there has been evidence of native Truk peoples migrating to the Saukhins during that time period, it was not enough to connect the various large communities built within the islands. For the first few centuries of the archipelago's inhabitance, there was no sole governing body throughout the islands. Instead, the islands were dominated by smaller fishing communities, often with a population of about 150 for the largest communities. These communities would evolve into small chiefdoms, in which said chiefdoms would then grow to encompass entire islands. Local chiefs, who were called opili'i, ruled their settlements, often with the ultimate goal of serving their communities. They would launch small but significant wars to extend their influence and defend their communities from predatory rivals, often other Polynesian chiefdoms who sought to invade for the purpose of draining resources or power projection. Ancient Tapkoii was a caste-based society, with complex systems of hierarchies being the sole distributor of power throughout the chiefdoms. Population growth was facilitated by complex ecological and agricultural practices that combined upland agriculture, deep ocean fishing, gardening systems, and complex fish husbandry systems. These systems were upheld by spiritual and religious beliefs, mostly the island religion of Tuhauata, that linked the cultural continuity with the upkeep of natural health.
Tapkoii Kingdom
The Tapkoii Kingdom rose to power in 1675 when Chief Kauap'aua of Taseí Island inherited the throne from his father, Chief Tapaliu'iu. Kauap'aua learned of the Capture of Truk, which happened seven days prior, and was the cause of uncertainty throughout the islands. In the mid-1600s, the islands were at a state of peace, but without cooperation, simply living in isolation unless a foreign power chose to attack, which rarely happened. The Daxian conquest of the neighboring Truk Emirate created a wave of fear throughout the archipelago. In response, Chief Kauap'aua called for all the island chiefs to meet in Oaroa, where he discussed uniting the islands into one kingdom. During the pivotal gathering, Kauap'aua addressed the assembly of chiefs, advocating for a collective response to the situation at hand. Initially met with skepticism and reluctance, Kauap'aua's proposal of a united archipelago faced resistance from island chiefs who were accustomed to the prosperity and autonomy of their independent, isolationist states. The archipelago had thrived in a state of relative self-sufficiency, each island enjoying its own governance and resources. However, as the looming specter of a Daxian invasion continued to cast an ominous shadow over the islands, the gravity of the situation became increasingly apparent to the various island chiefs. Faced with the stark reality of an external threat that transcended their individual sovereignties, a collective sentiment of urgency and solidarity began to permeate the discussions. The island chiefs eventually set aside their initial reservations and apprehensions, and in a unanimous decision, they reached a consensus to embrace Kauap'aua's vision, paving the way for the unification of the islands into a formidable entity known as the Tapkoii Kingdom.
The newly-formed kingdom struggled for most of its existence. The Qabóri Woqalate, who first came to the islands in the 1550s, offered to protect the small kingdom in exchange for the kingdom to allow the Woqalate to use the Port of Oaroa as a trading and military outpost. Constant transferring of ruling dynasties by the different islands caused a fluctuation of the kingdom's political system. The presence of Qabóri traders throughout the islands did not help that cause either, as they were mostly interested in using the islands as a means to continue any illicit narcotics trade that they could not do back on the mainland. On August 4, 1811, Joseph Kapuala, a native of Taseí, assaulted Qabóri businessman Aphío Evíle in an Oaroa bar, and was then arrested for it. Kapuala claimed that Evíle intentionally spilled his drink to get a rise out of him, which ultimately succeeded. Following pressure from the Qabóri government, Kapuala was sentenced to 15 years in prison without a fair trial. This caused outrage throughout the islands, and many Tapkoii residents called for the expulsion of the Qabóri forces, as the fears of a Daxian invasion had all but dissipated.
Tierradorian Conquest
Main article: Saukhin Conquest
As similar incidents took place, the Kingdom's patience would eventually run out. On May 7, 1831, the king of Tapkoii, King Wapuhunea, signed a decree expelling and severing ties with the Qabóri Woqalate. This sent shockwaves throughout the Woqalate, as the Saukhin Islands were one of the most important and strategic locations for the Qabóri Navy. The newly-implemented Woqala Saqula I saw this as a challenge to her and Qabór's sovereignty, and promised the situation would be dealt with accordingly. Just one year later, the Saukhin Conquest would begin on May 31, 1832 and would last for twenty-one days. The vast advantage in manpower for Qabór allowed for a swift and easy annexation of the Kingdom. The once-thought invincible Fort of Oaroa was destroyed in nearly three days, and, on June 25, 1832, the Saukhin Islands were admitted as a qoyalet of Qabór, and in 1917, they would be assigned under the Teschego Commonwealth. Wapuhunea was forced to sign the Saukhin Charter into effect, and while he would remain in power as king of Tapkoii, most of his powers would be stripped in favor of a democratically-elected governor, essentially making the Kingdom a puppet state of Qabór. Today, the Monarch of Tapkoii is still an established position, however, similar to the monarchies of Bogocía and Porvaos, it is clearly a ceremonial position, having absolutely no executive power throughout their respective commonwealths.
Island Revolution
In the aftermath of the conquest, a palpable tension permeated the air as the Qabóri government attempted to establish its authority over the Saukhins. However, the indigenous populations vehemently rejected the Qabóri governance and the House of Havqanoq, viewing them as an imposition on their cultural identity and traditional way of life. This discontent manifested in frequent and widespread demonstrations that echoed through the streets of many Saukhin cities. These demonstrations were not isolated events but rather a coordinated expression of resistance across various island commonwealths within the Qabóri Woqalate. Indigenous communities, bound by a shared sense of frustration and a desire for autonomy, protested against what they perceived as an oppressive foreign rule. The streets became the battleground for their discontent, with the atmosphere charged with the energy of defiance and a collective yearning for self-determination. As these demonstrations gained momentum, they evolved into a larger movement known as the Qabóri Island Revolution. In early 1887, the discontent erupted into a full-fledged revolution that sought to challenge the Qabóri government's control over the islands. The revolutionaries, comprising a diverse coalition of indigenous groups, united under the common goal of reclaiming their autonomy and preserving their cultural heritage. The revolution was characterized by a series of intense confrontations, both on the streets and in more strategic political arenas. The Saukhin front of the Revolution was among one of the most important fronts, with the islands serving as leadership throughout the revolution. However, their involvement would not last long, as Joaô Penix, a general for the Saukhin Guard, unknowingly disclosed confidential information with an SBS Informant while intoxicated. The Qabóri government took advantage of this blunder and stormed the Saukhin Guard headquarters in Oaroa in 1888, all but ending the Island Revolution for the Saukhin Islands.
Modern era
The Saukhin Islands played a pivotal role in Tierrador's involvement in the Second Great War. They were the site of several naval battles between the Tierrador and Daxia in the late 1930s. The Battle of Taseí, which occurred in 1940, was a decisive allied victory, and was a major turning point for the allied campaigns in the Polynesian region. Many monuments from the Second Great War remain on the islands today.
The 20th century following the Second Great War stood out as a pivotal and transformative era in Saukhin history, marked by a confluence of political, social, economic, and cultural changes that reshaped the trajectory of the Saukhin people and their islands. The increased production of cash crops such as bananas, cocoa, and oranges. By the 1960s, the commonwealth's agricultural industry would see a massive spike in production and distribution, which resulted in calls for the islands to be upgraded to their own commonwealth. In 1975, Woqali Pedro Kintón signed into effect the Saukhin Integration Act, which officially upgraded the islands' status from a qoyalet of Teschego to a commonwealth.
Today, the Saukhin Islands are one of the most notable commonwealths of Tierrador. It is one of the largest tourist attractions in the country, and is a prominent destination for cruise travel.
Geography
The Saukhin Islands are located about 1,500 kilometers to the northeast of Stenza. The islands form the Polynesia ecoregion with Truk, Rapa Rapa, and Lotoa. The Saukhin Islands is the largest and most populated archipelago of the Polynesian region. The archipelago consists of ten large islands, along with almost 70 smaller islands. These islands are all volcanic in origin. Taseí is the largest and most populous island in the archipelago, at 945,142 inhabitants, which covers almost half of the entire region's population. Auapka is the second most populous island, at 556,983 inhabitants. Luai, Chuli and Kuapa are only other islands to have a population greater than 100,000 inhabitants. The islands are very mountainous, with the volcano Mount Ganja being the largest point in Tierrador.
Flora and fauna
The Saukhin Islands, much like their Polynesian neighbors, exhibit a geographical remoteness from larger contiguous habitats. Life on these islands is thought to have originated through complex interactions of environmental factors, namely wind, waves facilitated by ocean currents, and the conveyance of various organisms such as birds, insects, and seeds, potentially adhering to their plumage. These insular landmasses stand distinguished for hosting one of the most diverse ecosystems globally, encompassing a myriad of species belonging to the realms of fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Notable among the indigenous fauna of the Saukhin Islands are the Saukhin reef heron, an avian species gracefully populating coastal regions; the Taseí swallow, distinguished for its aerial prowess; the Polynesian clam, an unassuming yet ecologically significant bivalve; the pygmy killer whale, an enigmatic marine mammal navigating the surrounding waters; the Kuapa shark, a species that assumes a prominent role in the marine ecosystem; and the Kapa Lopa chameleon, which is the largest species of chameleon in the world. These islands, renowned for their exceptional biodiversity, find their landscape primarily dominated by subtropical laurel forests. The verdant expanse of these forests blankets the islands, and provide a lush habitat for the diverse array of flora and fauna. Large majestic trees punctuate the landscape, with their canopies creating a dynamic interplay of light and shade on the forest floor. The olfactory ambiance is infused with the fragrant notes of blossoms intermingling with the earthy scents emanating from the rich vegetative cover, forming a sensory panorama that enriches the immersive experience of the islands.
Climate
The climate of the islands is among one of the more interesting situations in the island world, as despite the islands being in a warm subtropical climate, the trade winds greatly moderate the weather of the islands. Throughout the year, it is generally unusual to see a temperature higher than 86 degrees and lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. On average, summer highs usually reach 84 degrees, with lows at 75 degrees, though lower temperatures have been recorded before. In the winter, temperatures can reach 68 degrees, with lows of 41 degrees. The highest recorded temperature was 111 degrees Fahrenheit, on the island of Kopa Lopa on Christmas Day of 1977, during the southern hemisphere's southern season, and the lowest recorded temperature was 11 degrees, on the peak of Mount Ganja on July 7, 1991. The islands' unusual climate patterns have earned them the nickname "Chilly Islands".
Politics
Commonwealth Government
The government of the Saukhin Islands is similar to the governments of the Bogocía and Porvaos commonwealths–a typical commonwealth government, complete with a Governor and a Commonwealth Legislature, with the addition of a purely ceremonial monarchy. The current monarch of the Saukhin Islands is King Kapahuna, who has had the throne since 2008. As codified in the Saukhin Charter, there are three branches of government: the executive, legislative and judicial. The executive branch is led by the democratically-elected Governor of the Saukhin Islands, who is assisted by the Lieutenant Governor of the Saukhin Islands, both of whom are elected on the same ticket. The governor is the only commonwealth public official who is elected commonwealth-wide by universal suffrage; all others are appointed by the governor. The lieutenant governor acts as the Home Officer for the commonwealth. The governor and lieutenant governor oversee twenty agencies and departments from their offices in the Regional Capitol. The official residence of the governor is Saukhin Place in Oaroa. The current governor is Nathan Daubâs, who was elected in 2033 by a landslide victory, and is currently serving his first term as governor. Governors are limited to two terms. The legislative branch consists of the unicameral Saukhin Commonwealth Legislature, which is composed of 51 members, led by the President of the Legislature. The Legislature meets at the Regional Capitol. The unified judicial branch of the Saukhin islands is the Saukhin Commonwealth Court. The region's highest court is the Imperial Court of the Saukhin Islands, which uses the former Tapkoii seat of government Iapoialoa as its meeting place.
Imperial Government
The Saukhin Islands are represented in the Qangreč by seven representatives. Following the 2035 Tierradorian general election, all seven seats are held by the local Coalat Tapkoii, an independent party which primarily focuses on Saukhin nationalism, and issues regarding the islands. Brian Kapihuna, Aphía Maitusa, and Tabití Kostari all represent the three constituencies of the Taseí island. Greg Potsduff represents the fourth constituency, Ipkai Tasiné represents the fifth, Kuli Saspanen represents the sixth, and Antti Saphio'osa represents the seventh constituency. All of the aforementioned officials were elected in the 2035 election, with the exception of Greg Pottsduff, who was election in 2027.
Imperial official agencies in the Saukhin Islands are based at the King Ita'hapasia Imperial Complex, overlooking the Oaroa National Harbor. The State Bureau of Security, Tierrador Income Office, and the Woqalate Guard maintain their commonwealth offices there. The complex is also the site of both the commonwealth's tribunal and imperial courts.
Saukhin nationalism
While the Saukhin Islands are internationally recognized as sovereign territory of the Woqalate while also being broadly accepted in mainstream understanding, many scholars have long questioned the legality of such claims. Many political organizations have sought some form of increased Saukhin autonomy, in similar fashion to other Tierradorian overseas possessions, though to little or no avail. While there is substantial domestic support for an independent Saukhin Islands, not much progress has been made since 1975, when the islands were upgraded from a qoyalet of Aracadó to their own commonwealth. The Tapkoii libreía movement views the Saukhin Conquest and the subsequent overthrowing of King Wapahunea in 1832 as illegal, and views the subsequent annexation of the Saukhins by the Woqalate as illegal as well. Said movement seeks some form of greater autonomy for the islands, such as free association or independence from the Woqalate.
Despite the claims made by Saukhin liberation movements, when asked about national identity, the majority of respondents from the Saukhin Islands (62.3%) considered themselves Tierradorian and Saukhin in equal measures, followed by 27.4% who consider themselves more Saukhin than Tierradorian. 5.4% of the respondents considered themselves only Saukhin, and 4.9% considered themselves only Tierradorian. In a 2026 survey, 79% of Saukhin residents claimed to be content with the commonwealth's current state of autonomy, while 21% preferred more autonomy.
Defense and law enforcement
Due to their location, the Saukhin Islands are one of the most heavily-guarded commonwealths in Tierrador. The TDF has four military bases in the islands. The Saukhin Lagoon, a large body of water in which the islands form a ring around, have been the site of six nuclear tests in the 1960s. As of 2034, there are 8,000 TDF personnel stationed in all of the Saukhin Islands.
The commonwealth's main law enforcement administration is the Saukhin State Patrol, whose jurisdiction covers the entire commonwealth. The fourteen individual parishes each have their own police department, typically confining their jurisdictions to their respective island. The Oaroa Police Department and the Auapka Parish Police Department both provide forensic services for all agencies in the commonwealth.
Demographics
According to the 2030 Tierradorian census, the Saukhin Islands have a recorded population of 2,033,649. However, as of 2033, that number is estimated to have gone up to 2,221,550. The total land area of the archipelago is 10,992 square kilometers, resulting in a population density of 185 inhabitants per square kilometer. The islands also make up the qoyalet of Tapkoii. This qoyalet is further divided into 14 parishes total, with Oaroa Parish being the most populous. There are seven cities in the Saukhin Islands with a population greater than 100,000; Oaroa, Qahawaia, Wapkii, Tolapata, Port Waikata, Kuapa, and Chuli. Oaroa is the most populous city on the archipelago, with a population of 445,233, making it the 30th-largest city in Tierrador, behind Wadičaq but ahead of Anders.
Around 35% of Saukhin residents claimed to be from another Tierradorian commonwealth or country. The majority of foreign-born residents immigrated from the neighboring Truk Islands, however many people emigrate to the islands from nations such as Alstin, Ceylonia, Stenza, Urcea, Almadaria and Takatta Loa. Many illegal migrants use the Saukhin Islands as an entry point to the Tierradorian Woqalate, due to the Saukhin immigration laws not being as strict as the mainland.
In terms of religion, the islands are primarily Catholic, however influence from the neighboring Truk Islands also create a large Polynesian Sea Muslim diaspora throughout the islands. In 2030, 68% of the islands' population self-reported as Catholic, with 16% reporting as Sunni Muslim and 8% as Shia. Five percent reported as irreligious, and the remaining three percent reported as "other".
Islands
There are three archipelagos that make up the Saukhin Islands. Ordered from south to north, the main four Saukhin Islands are Tapakata, Luai, Taseí, Auapka, which make up the South Saukhin Archipelago; Kuapa, Kopa Lopa, Tapikota, Turpin, Apa’kali and Tahua’na make up the North Saukhin Archipelago; and the western barrier of the archipelago to the immediate north of Luai features the smaller three islands of Pazani, Kapio, Colasan, and Kamoebas, which make up the West Saukhin archipelago. Just below Tapakata is the well-known islet of Kopa Lopa, which, along with neighboring Urcean territory Rapa Rapa, is a prominent tourist destination, and is usually the highlight of the archipelago in the eyes of the international community. There are also several smaller islets and atolls throughout the open water area of the archipelago, however these are mostly unnamed, uninhabited, and have no significance besides marine biological research.
Auapka
Auapka is located 27 miles north of Taseí and is the second-most populous island in the Saukhin Islands, with about 560 thousand inhabitants. The main city in Auapka is Ravirua, the 37th most populous urban area in Tierrador. Auapka is home to the native Auapka parrot, Dark green iguana, Saukhin bullshark, and many colorful species of fish. Auapka is the third-most visited island in the archipelago. The Watiki Harbor in western Auapka is a major military base, home to 1500 TDF personnel. Auapka is one of the four main components of the South Saukhin Archipelago.
Kopa Lopa
Kopa Lopa is located just above Rapa Rapa, on the eastern end of the archipelago. The geographical nature of this island is best described as a volcanic island surrounded almost entirely by thin atolls, with the Kopa Lopa Lagoon acting as the median between the two. It is the second-most visited island in the archipelago, behind Taseí. Kopa Lopa is a major international tourist destination, famous for its seaside and offshore luxury resorts. The main settlement of the island, Atkali, is on the southern side of the island. The island's produce limited to what can be obtained from the sea and from the plentiful coconut trees, which were historically of economic importance for the island's agricultural revenue. The island is nicknamed "Celebrity Island," due to many celebrities choosing to vacation on the island.
Kuapa
Kuapa is the northernmost island of the archipelago. It has a land area of about 500 square kilometers, making it the sixth largest island in the archipelago. It has a population of 140,000, with the bulk of that number being in the island's capital of Kuapa City. Kuapa is known for being the first island discovered by Qabóri settlers, as it is the island with the closest proximity to the Tierradorian mainland. It was also the first island captured in the Saukhin Conquest in 1832. The island features an abundance of the Kuapa shark.
Taseí
Taseí is the largest, most populous, and southernmost island in the commonwealth. The commonwealth’s capital, Oaroa, is situated on the northern coast of the island, and is the most densely populated area in the archipelago. Taseí is separated into two parishes; Oaroa Parish and Taseí Parish. Taseí is the economic capital of the Saukhin Islands, with 75% of all economic activity occurring within the island. Two of the commonwealth’s main cities, Oaroa and Wapihuna, are situated on the north and south ends of the island, respectively. Oaroa is home to the University of Tapkoii, the largest public university in the Saukhin Islands and the fourteenth-largest in Tierrador. Wapihuna is a World Heritage Site, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the archipelago. It is the most extensive island in the region, taking up almost 1/4 of the archipelago's land area, at about 3,221 square kilometers. Taseí is a major producer of livestock and dairy, being the 11th-largest in the Tierradorian Woqalate.
Economy
The Saukhin economy is primarily based on three industries: tourism, agriculture, and mineral extraction. Out of those three industries, tourism is the largest within the region. The Saukhins receive around sixteen million tourists per year from different nations all over the world. This accounts for 35% of the Saukhins' GDP. Mineral extraction makes up nearly 20% of the GDP and tropical agriculture, primarily bananas and tobacco, are grown for export to Crona, Sarpedon and Levantia. In recent history, there has been concern from ecologists that the resources, especially in the more arid islands, are being overexploited. However, there is still an abundance of several important agricultural resources, such as tomatoes, potatoes, onions, sugarcane, grapes, vines, dates, oranges, lemons, figs, wheat, barley, maize, apricots, peaches and almonds. From 2011 to 2026, the Heartland Development Board had implemented numerous policies to combat the over-harvesting of these resources when there was a growing threat of scarcity to the Saukhin agricultural industry. While the policies did little to nothing to help the situation, the overexploitation eventually resolved itself, as many local farmers cut back on the harvesting of their crops.
The tourism industry makes up a large percentage of the Saukhin economy. Many tourists destinations include the islet of Kopa Lopa, the Saukhin Lagoon, the Fort of Oaroa, Mount Ganja, and the various lush beaches and natural habitats. The islet and atoll of Kopa Lopa is well-renown for its captivating charm, which stands as a testament to the archipelago's cultural and historical richness. It is a prominent destination for many celebrities and influential figures, earning it the moniker "Celebrity Island". The Saukhin Lagoon is a picturesque expanse of water, and it further adds to the allure of the commonwealth, providing a serene retreat for visitors seeking tranquility amidst the splendor of the archipelago's natural beauty. Mount Ganja is the second-highest peak in the Tierradorian Woqalate. It stands out as a prominent geographical feature, and not only contributes to a scenic panorama but is also popular amongst hikers and adventurers with its hiking trails and panoramic views. The various lush beaches, coupled with the diverse natural habitats, underscore Saukhin's commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable tourism.
Mineral extraction is the third largest industry in the archipelago. The islands feature several pockets of copper and nickel, the abundance of these resources playing a significant role in the Saukhin Conquest. The islands are one of the largest copper exporters in the world, exporting $45 billion worth of the resource every year. Another significant resource is petroleum, which was recently discovered along the Saukhin Lagoon in 1984. The Tierradorian government allowed PetróTerra to construct petroleum drilling rigs, much to the protest of the Saukhin people. These rigs produce 105,000 barrels of oil per day, making it one of the largest exporters of petroleum domestically. In 2032, the commonwealth reported a GDP of $103 billion, the 15th-largest in Tierrador. The median household income was $86,429, the third-largest only behind Sonaxa and Taisgol.
Sports
Sports are very popular throughout the archipelago. The most popular sport in the Saukhins is Saukhin wrestling, which features two opponents standing in an octagonal-shaped ring, where they must attempt to throw each other to the ground and keep them there for at least ten seconds. Football is another popular sport throughout the commonwealth. Some football clubs include Oaroa FC, UD Vana Vana, SD Kuapa, and FC Laui. Oaroa FC is the most successful out of those four clubs, being the only club to participate in the Premiership, where they have done multiple times. They won the Qopa Terranóq in 2016, a 4–1 upset over the heavily-favored Qapitol.
Ice hockey is another popular sport played on the islands, despite their climate not being ideal for the sport. The Saukhin Hockey League is one of the five semi-professional member leagues of the Tierradorian Hockey League. It consists of ten teams based on five different islands. The Oaroa Islanders and the Kuapa Tahuna are the two most successful teams in the SHL, and they have an fierce intraregional rivalry. Both teams have met several times in the SHL playoffs; the first in the 1991 SHL Finals, where the Tahuna won in six games. They would go on to win the Yedlin Cup. The latest meeting took place in the 2029 SHL first round, where the Islanders won in five games. Other popular sports include basketball, baseball, and gridiron football, though mostly on the college level.
Gridiron football is also quite popular, though mostly on the interscholastic and collegiate levels. The islands do not have a professional gridiron team, however they are home to the Tapkoii Big Tahuna, who currently play in the OIAA Division I-A's Songun Coast Conference. Historically, Tapkoii had not seen much success, though they became quite popular in the late 2000s, when they had won 3 straight Polynesian Athletic Conference championships and were featured in a New Year's Eight Bowl Game, losing in 2008 but winning in 2009. In 2023, USI moved to the Songun Coast Conference, after nearly 50 years of being a charter member of the 10-team PAC. This gave them a massive advantage in recruiting, as they were now in a "Power 6" conference.