Colonies could definitely be an interesting mechanic to add to the game. I'd be interested to see more ideas on what a colony could offer your nation after it was built.
They take up way too much space, I'd prefer if they weren't there.
At the very least put some sort of option to hide/display the images in the account settings.
As Chappie said Triumvirs serve 6 month terms. You can see the history of them here: http://politicsandwar.wikia.com/wiki/Green_Protection_Agency, which starts from December 2013. In the past we've had a bunch of leaders leave the alliance without finishing their terms so that is also accounting for a higher than normal count.
o/ GPA