The Free Islands

[Base Nations: Southeast Asia, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines]
Once divided into the fiefs and vassals of the other countries, the Free Islands banded together to declare independence and form their own nation. Their united rebellion succeeded in dislodging all foreign powers, and the rest of the land eventually recognized their sovereignty (albeit grudgingly). Made up of a melting pot of various cultures and ethnicities, there is no centralized government in the Free Islands; each island runs its own affairs. However, when engaging in war or foreign policy they represent each other as one, maintaining a rotating ambassadorship among themselves. The Free Islands are known for being very dangerous, and not only for their chaotic weather: many ports and towns are run like mafias, and numerous pirates and crime syndicates roam the waters and islands.