abstract
| - Several years ago a volcano erupted out of the ocean floor near Simoa, dramatically warming the local climate. Plant life on the island has thrived in the increased humidity, allowing bigger palms and brighter flowering bushes. The sudden increase in heat may in fact be exactly the event that will attract tourism to the otherwise quiet nation. Niua Simoa is a volcanic island with a large coral reef around its edges. There are three local volcanoes. Mount Totara is extinct, and the site of an old fortified village. Mount Nikau is active, towering up in the centre of the island. The third volcano is unnamed, but it is out in the ocean, and the resulting steam has caused a permanent heat hase over the island. Sand bars have built up atop the reef, forming islands (motu) around the lagoon. There is great fishing in the shallow lagoon, with a fresh water source flowing down from lava formation hills. Tapuwhai Town, the main township, is small, and there are very few large houses. This island is a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy, with the family Tapuwhai as heads of state. Henry I is current ruler, although his age is showing, and Henry II is set to take over. There is a Parliament, but its powers are tightly reigned by the royals. Public infrastructure is very poor, there is no public pool and the Sim Nation military have withdrawn from the island. However foreign aid and private investment has ensured science, crime and other elements are represented in the economy. A recent investment is the Waka Village subdivision, an attempt to lure wealthy overseas sims. This is a sim-made island in the lagoon with lots that sell at a very hefty premium, although they provide lovely views to make up for the cost.
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