Låpøtré

Låpøtré is the northernmost land mass in Natia and an autonomous region of Cydoni-Gibberia. Though only recently discovered, studies of Låpøtré's geology has shown that it is one of the oldest land masses in the world. Due to its unusual geographical location, there appears to be a division of ecosystems on Låpøtré, with a chilly, frozen eastern coastline contradicting the more tropical western seaboard of the island. As the island is relatively small and far away from any other land masses (the nearest Angelic island is several hundred miles away), there is very little pollution there, and as such the areas of the Reunal Ocean surrounding the island are very clean, and make the island a popular fishing location and tourist hotspot for many northern Natian populations.

There is only one airport on Låpøtré, called the Aîrpørtré, which is situated in the island's capital city, Šppóplä (meaning Special Potato Plantation). The airport is relatively small but offers many direct flights to the mainland of Cydoni-Gibberia, Angelic, Bacchus and New Acadia, as well as to various nearby nations. Most flights travel to and from Cydoni-Gibberia, and it is through the airport in Cydoni-Gibberia that Låpøtréiáns are able to travel elsewhere. There are a few shipping ports on the island, with marine transport to the neighbouring countries. Låpøtré is comparable in size to Lost Isle, although slightly smaller, and the enclave formerly occupied by Starogardia.

Låpøtre does not have its own broadcaster, and instead recieves a regionalised version of CyGiTV, the national broadcaster of Cydoni-Gibberia, with some of its programming tailored to suit the demands of the island. As Låpøtré is not an independent nation and does not have its own national broadcaster, it is ineligible to apply to participate in the Nation Song Contest, since it is considered a part of Cydoni-Gibberia, Låpoøtréiáns may vote in the contest, and their artists may represent Cydoni-Gibberia at the contest if they wish to.

History


Låpøtré was formed many millions of years ago by volcanic activity from underneath Natia's crust. As the crust was at its thinnest at the northermost point of Natia, Låpøtré was one of the first land masses to form.

The island was discovered in early May 2009, by scientists from Cydoni-Gibberia. However, a land dispute, with Reym-L-Dneurb claiming it as their sovereign territory, despite Cydoni-Gibberia claiming to have discovered it, led to a war over the island's nation. The war was fought over three battles and Cydu forces eventually won out over those from Reym-L-Dneurb, and so the island became the territory of Cydoni-Gibberia. As a sign of goodwill to their opponents, an area of Låpøtré was granted to Reym-L-Dneurbian residents, and has since become known as RëšeLå, a portmanteau of "Reym-L-Dneurbian settlement on Låpøtré". Låpøtre's name itself is a portmanteau of the words "Langenlois Potato Tree", the island's most prominent form of exclusive wildlife.

Låpøtré in contests
Låpøtré is ineligible to participate independently in the Nation Song Contest as it is de jure an autonomous region of Cydoni-Gibberia, which has been a member of the contest since its independence. However, it has been suggested that the island was once a member of the VanityEdge Song Contest.

On 18th October 2020, an agreement was reached between CyGiTV, LTV and the NBU which would allow Låpøtré to become the first autonomous region to take part in the Waiting List Song Contest, starting from the 207th edition, and was also given voting rights in the 206th edition of the contest despite not participating at this point. With a population of just 133,000, Låpøtré is one of the smallest entities to be represented separately at an NBU contest.

Låpøtré's entries in the contest characteristically fall under the umbrella of dance music and EDM tracks in various genres, stemming from the island's reputation as a party island and a popular tourist destination as a result. The island's best result in the contest is 10th place, achieved in the 210th edition with DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ's "Charmed Life".