The Republic of Hilal (Arabic: جمهورية الهلال, Jumhūriyyat al-Hilāl), also known as Hilal (الهلال, al-Hilāl), is a sovereign state located in southern Aphrodite Terra on planet Venus. The region was initially a series of Iraqi-dominated settlements established throughout the early 2000s. The majority of settlers came from Iraq and the Middle East, gradually developing into a safe haven for many Arab dissidents. During the chaos of the Arab Spring on Earth, the region came together and declared their independence from Iraq. While debated on Earth (particularly among Middle Eastern nations), the newly proclaimed nation soon gained support on both Earth and Venus (with New Kamchatka being their biggest supporters). Hilal continues to be unrecognized by Iraq.