Template:Featured Articles/31-2009
 An island nation in the South Seas, Madripoor is the vertiable "hive of scum and villainy". Long a haven to pirates and slavers, the island retains a fierce independence. Over the last fifty years, Madripoor has swung between control through the throne and control through the Presidency, which rather shortsightedly was put in the hands of the military. With an ostensibly democratic government in place, Madripoor has reaped rewards through support with the G7 and Europe. Important trading partners include Japan, India, Australia and the US. There is even a WTO facility in the capital. However, it has also been widely criticized for their lack of effectiveness against local pirates, lax customs and trade policies, and their steadfast refusal to extradite criminals. Its usefulness as a staging ground for 'unofficial' trade, however, ensures its continued sovereignty. |
