San Javier

The Republic of San Javier (Spanish: República de San Javier) commonly known as San Javier is a small island nation located on a 30km2 atoll between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. San Javier has a total population of 4,197 people, making San Javier the second least populous country in the world. The capital is San Javier de la Atolón, while the sole official language is Spanish.

Archaeological evidence shows that the atoll of San Javier had previously been inhabited by Taíno people long before the arrival of the Spanish in the 19th century. There is also considerable evidence to show that the atoll had at one time been inhabited by the Mayans. who established a small colonial settlement on the atoll. San Javier became independent from Spain in 1945, with it's newly formed government taking the form of a democratic republic. Recieving humanitarian aid, the island experienced a sudden productive, infrastructural and societal boom in the few following decades prior to it developing it's own national identity. San Javier's government became increasingly autocratic, leading international observers to label San Javier as a "banana republic" under the regime of Beñat Rodriguez, which was characterised by brutal oppression of all opposition. In 1987, a Rodriguez was deposed by a coup d'etat which installed self-styled "El Presidente" Batista Hernández, a former farmer and social justice activist. Under Hernández San Javier has established close ties with Cuba and Venezuela, and seen an improvement in healthcare, education and subsequently, quality of life. Hernández has been described as a "benevolent dictator" both by domestic and international sources.

San Javier's economy consists of mixed state and private ownership, relying mostly on primary practices and the export of resources. The main industries on the island include farming, fishing, tourism and manufacturing. San Javier's most notable exports are Tobacco and Alcohol products. San Javier is relatively poor and ranks low in terms of GDP per capita, however ranks relatively highly for human development, education and health.