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Grand Duchy of Machias
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The Grand Duchy of Machias (Commonly known as Machias) is a small island nation comprising of three Bay of Fundy islands. Machias has a small year round population but reaches a higher seasonal doubling many times over its off season base. Machias is a feudal grand duchy and is ruled by a Grand Duke. The country has a relatively small economy based off of tourism and fisheries. History Machias traces its origins to an error in the Treaty of Paris in which three islands were not accounted for in the settlement after the American Revolution. The main island, Machias Seal Island is the largest and as such has the most history. Over the years it has seen occupation by British lighthouse keepers, American Marines, and currently remains occupied by two members of the Canadian Coast Guard. None of the islands have been settled until the formation of the Duchy and although both the United States and Canada now claim Machias Seal Island neither have settled it nor have international recognition. Such little knowledge of the group of islands even omitted one of there names, New Islay. Territory The Grand Duchy of Machias consists of three islands located within the Bay of Fundy and comprising a total area 22.4 acres). Machias Seal Island and New Islay are located at 44°30′10″N 67°06′10″W and North Rock, the smallest of the islands just four kilometres north. This territory currently falls under no country due to neither the US or Canada wanting to press the issue and the area subsequently is not recognized as belonging to either by the International Court of Justice. This can be seen by the delineation ruling by the ICJ. Government The three branches of government are consolidated unto the Grand Duke but there remains a legislative process. Every twelve months the Grand Duke selects a Prime Minister who forms a cabinet. Each member of the cabinet receives one vote. As well, each citizen with a hereditary noble title receives one vote. All motions must pass by clear majority and with approval of the Grand Duke come into law. Cabinet The 1st Cabinet of the Duchy is headed by the Prime Minister with the cabinet containing the First Lord of the Treasury, Minister of the Interior, Minister of Citizen Affairs, and the Ministry of State and Foreign Affairs. Legitimacy As an entity Machias does fall under that of a nation, citing the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States and the United Nations Charter See Also
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