In the world of Saṃsāra the difference between people, beast, and monsters is only a matter of prospective. Many of the non-people of this world have what most would call civilizations and cultures of their own.
Most governments invite ambassadors from as far away as 3000 miles. Anything further away is considered not to have an influence on the government. An exception to this would be from the largest cultures.
Generally, a central city is the seat of government for each island country. Other major cities may participate in the government.
Outside of the islands there are water-based civilizations with their own governments. The boundaries between the civilizations may be stable or contested. Some of these civilizations may be near the water surface but by far the most are in the deep oceans.