PORT MARIA

Port Maria arms Port Maria flag

Port Maria is a small chain of reefs east of New Zealand. The main settlement is on the Maria Theresa Reef. Two other reefs, Ernest Legouve and Wachusett, are also parts of the republic, but these are not permanently inhabited.

The reefs were annexed to Port Maud in 1973, but the administration was transferred to Waikoa Island in 1979, and the country became independent in 1981.

The small state, with around 1000 inhabitants, is popular with tourists, and the economy is entirely based on the income from tourism.

President is Mrs Marie Larouse (since 1986).