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The Balleny Islands are a series of uninhabited islands in the Southern Ocean extending from 66°15' to 67°35'S and 162°30' to 165°00'E. The group extends for about 160 km (99 mi) in a northwest-southeast direction. The islands are heavily glaciated and of volcanic origin. Glaciers project from their slopes into the sea. The islands were formed by the so-called Balleny hotspot. They were originally claimed by the United Kingdom, and were then transferred to New Zealand before becoming annexed by Westarctica in 2005.

The group includes three main islands: Young, Buckle and Sturge, which lie in a line from northwest to southeast, and several smaller islets and rocks. On 15 March 2024, Grand Duke Travis appointed his son, Crown Prince Ashton Roman as Viceroy of the Balleny Islands. This position is currently the highest authority in the islands and exercises the power of the Westarctican Crown within the colony. The viceroy has the authority to dismiss the governor if he wishes.

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Flag of Westarctica in Antarctica

• 15 Mar - Viceroys are appointed to rule the colonies of Westarctica.
• 5 Mar - The Duke of Denfeld is elected Senate Leader.
• 4 Jan - Westarctica joins the Conference of Santiago.
• 25 Nov - Grand Duke Travis attends the 2023 Dracul State Visit with Dracul.
• 23 Nov - The Flag of Westarctica arrives on the Antarctic Peninsula.
• 20 Nov - The Flag of Westarctica arrives at D'Hainaut Island.
• 7 Nov - The Senate of Westarctica renames McHenry Range and Tulier Glacier.
• 2 Nov - The 2023 Westarctica Conservation Scholarship is awarded to scientist Nathan Blake.

This month in history President Baugh of Molossia meeting Grand Duke Travis 05 May - A Statute for the Autonomy for the Balleny Islands is approved by Grand Duke Travis. (2005) 11 May - The Consular-Consort is disbarred from the nobility and exiled from the Achaean Territory. Her son, Prince Ashton Roman retains his right as heir to the throne. (2004) 15 May - Grand Duke Travis attends a State Dinner with Emperor Oscar of the Empire of Karnia-Ruthenia. (2023) 17 May - Westarctica's first Treaty with another nation is signed with the Republic of Molossia (first state visit pictured). (2005) 22 May - The Royal Council, Westarctica's cabinet, meets for the first time since 2006. (2018) 24 May - Prime Minister Waesche resigns from his post as leader of Westarctica's government after seven years as Prime Minister. (2017) 24 May - Grand Duke Travis attends a diplomatic dinner with leaders from Atlantium and the Principality of Wy. (2022) 26 May - A coup to remove Grand Duke Jon-Lawrence from the throne of Westarctica is successfully organized by the Minister of Defense and the former Grand Duke Travis. (2010) 31 May - Grand Duke Travis conducts a diplomatic visit to Atlantium. (2022)

Featured image MicroCon 2023 was an intermicronational event hosted by the Royal Republic of Ladonia during the summer of 2023. It was the fifth event to occur under the MicroCon banner. The main conference was held in Joliet, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, during the weekend of July 1st. MicroCon 2023 was attended by 133 delegates representing 42 countries, making this the largest gathering of micronationalists ever held in the entire world. In the evening following the conference, the delegations dressed in their most formal attire and attended a gala ball complete with a three course meal. During the gala, several major awards were handed out, including two inductees to the Micronational Hall of Excellence: Queen Carolyn of Ladonia and Queen Anastasia of Ruritania. Also, King George II of Slabovia bestowed a special honorary patch upon the few micronational leaders who have attended very MicroCon to date. Photographer: Prince Jean-Pierre (More Images)

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