Featured article

The Flag of Westarctica has gone through many changes since the nation first declared itself a sovereign territory. Although the original flag of the Achaean Territory was generally considered to be an eyesore, subsequent flags were designed to be more aesthetically pleasing while also encompassing the values of Westarctica. There have been five flags representing Westarctica since the nation was first founded. Only two of these flags have ever actually flown on a flagpole.

In late 2014, Grand Duke Travis decided it was time to bring back some of the old symbols of Westarctica. In a show of solidarity with the old regime, he created a new flag utilizing the old symbology of the "Cross and Crown" design. To make the flag more aesthetically pleasing, simple tinctures of blue and white were used instead of the original teal and forest green found on the 2004 - 2010 flags. The specific tincture of blue is called "Westarctica Blue" and is considered a protected official color of Westarctica.

(Full Article...)

In the news

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 Picture The southern elephant seal is one of the two species of elephant seals. It is the largest member of the clade Pinnipedia and the order Carnivora, as well as the largest marine mammal that is not a cetacean. It gets its name from its massive size and the large proboscis of the adult male, which is used to produce very loud roars, especially during the breeding season. The world population was estimated at 650,000 animals in the mid-1990s, and was estimated in 2005 at between 664,000 and 740,000 animals. Studies have shown the existence of three geographic subpopulations, one in each of the three oceans. Tracking studies have indicated the routes traveled by elephant seals, demonstrating their main feeding area is at the edge of the Antarctic continent. While elephant seals may come ashore in Antarctica occasionally to rest or to mate, they gather to breed in subantarctic locations. Photographer: Liam Quinn (More Images)

Quote of the Week “If an untrained person were to dive into freezing water, death would come quickly.” - Lewis Pugh, Antarctic Endurance Swimmer

More info

• About Encyclopedia Westarctica
• General disclaimer
• Copyright issues