LaivNFang
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| Flag of LaivNFang | |
| Motto: "Close your eyes... it'll all be over soon" | |
| Region | Antarctic Oasis |
|---|---|
| Capital | LaivNFang Central |
| Official Language(s) | English |
| Government | Presidential Republic |
| - President | Kristian S. Hayes |
| - Attorney-General | W.M. Hodgman, QC |
| - Minister for Defense | General James B. Barrett |
| - Minister for Economic Growth | Stretch A. Hollick |
| - Minister for Transport | Emma Lee |
| Population | 378 Million |
| Currency | Pound |
| NS Sunset XML | |
LaivNFang, officially the United States of LaivNFang, is a nation situated in the Antarctic Oasis and is home to some 378 million multi-cultural residents. The nation of LaivNFang federated via referenda in 1988 and has since shared diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries including Omigodtheykilledkenny, Cronaria, The Unionized Stoners, Kivisto, Naudrathir, Guetland, Anaryssia and Queen Fran.
LaivNFang is a member of the United Nations.
Contents
Government
The United States of LaivNFang is a presidential republic, with a parliamentary system of government. Democratic elections are held every six years, in which the people elect members to the 128-seat House of Representatives, where the LaivNFang Liberal Party currently holds the balance of power. The LaivnFang Labor Party and the Fangish Democrats currently serve in Opposition. The Government is led by the Prime Minister, currently Mr Kristian S. Hayes, whose unprecedented popularity has led him win three consecutive elections making him the longest serving Prime Minister of LaivNFang in history.
For many years, LaivNFang operated under a semi-presidential republic system, with the nomination of President being a matter for the winning party's rank and file to select from elected members. Powers and responsibilities were made available to the offices of the Prime Minister and the President in an internal party room ballot. In January 2007 however, President Sarah A. Martini resigned the Office of President after the Government narrowly won a vote to merge it with the Office of the Prime Minister, giving Mr Hayes complete control of both State and Government. The move was well-received by the general public, who were beginning to lose confidence in the importance of the President's role in society.
On January 11 2007, Prime Minister Hayes made an important address to the nation, outlining his vision for the future 'the strength of which lies in good bilateralism within the Antarctic Oasis region.' He went on to announce that he was reducing his cabinet minstry to six new-look portfolios, designed at making the government 'more transparent.' Darren Gourlash, Jody McCann and high-profile Treasurer William G. Hallifax were all dropped from the new line-up. The move was seen by the general public as a broader push by Hayes to consolidate his power.
The following portfolios are represented by the cabinet:
- Office of the Administration (encompassing Federal & State Government Affairs)
Minister responsible: Kristian S. Hayes
- Office of Economic Growth (encompassing Treasury, Commerce & Foreign Affairs)
Minister responsible: Stretch A. Hollick
- Office of Defense (encompassing the Armed Forces; the LPA & the SSP)
Minister responsible: General James B. Barrett
- Office of the Attorney-General (encompassing Law and Order & Social Welfare)
Minister responsible: W.M. Hodgman, QC
- Office of Transport, Roads & Infrastructure
Minister responsible: Emma Lee
- Office of Education & The Arts
Minister responsible: Ruth M. Walker
The last election was held on September 28, 2006 in which the LaivnFang Liberal Party won a majority 94 seats, whilst the Labor Party retained 28 and the Democrats, just 6.
The judiciary is controlled by the High Court of LaivNFang, which has extensive representation throughout the country and overseen by Cheif Justice Mary M. Miles. The Attorney-General of LaivnFang is W.M. Hodgman, QC.
Defense
LaivNFang is served by the LaivNFangish Police Association (LPA) a national crime-fighting force which has been extensively effective in reducing the crime rate and deterring criminals. The LPA are also responsible for operating highly-successful community education programmes, designed to assist youth in bridging a better future.
The Armed Forces of LaivNFang largely consists of an elite AirForce contingent, supported by considerable ground forces in the Army. The Navy exists in predominately a support and transport role and is also responsible for sea border patrol.
A small specialist force of ninjas known as the Special Service Patrol (SSP) are responsible for keeping an eye on LaivNFang's land borders which have remained peaceful in past years.
The Armed Forces are overseen by the Minister for Defense, General James B. Barrett who is also the in-service Chief of the Armed Forces.
Military service is undertaken on a voluntary basis and is open to all male and female permanent citizens who are over the age of 18 and declared fit.
In late December, 2006, General Barrett was forced into hiding after it was revealed two overzealous police officers shot dead a driver who incidently crossed double road lines on one of LaivNFang's major highways. The Prime Minister was forced to defend the action via press release, saying the citizen was assessed as being 'a considerable threat' to the safety of the general public, an opinion which received very little sympathy.
Demographics
LaivNFang has maintains an active immigration program throughout the region to boost population growth. A diverse range of immigrants are granted citizenship with a particular emphasis on previous vocational training. The immigration quota also makes allowances for additional family members and possible refugees, whose cases are heard on an individual basis by the High Court.
English is the national language but the traditional Fangish is also widely used. Thanks to progressive social policies in multi-cultural education, a considerable proportion of the population are bilingual. Consideration is also made in general society for the hearing and visually imparied.
The Supreme Church of LaivNFang is the official state religion, however is adopted by only 44% of the population. The head of the church is the Bishop Paul "Stretch" Hollick, who is best known for his televangelistic preaching and for living a very comfortable lifestyle.
School attendance is compulsory throughout LaivNFang for children aged 6–16 years and education at this level is Government-sponsored. In addition, the Government has established 52 public universities and 627 feeder colleges, at which teachers, instructors and lecturers are tested on a routine basis to ensure their skills are at a premium standard. Approximately 64% of LaivNFangems between the ages of 24 and 68 have vocational or tertiary qualifications. New Education Minister, Ruth M. Walker has promised to lift the national qualifications standard to 80% within 6 years, essentially meaning she would need to be relected at the next national election to fulfill this promise.
An increase in trans-gender activity amongst the nation's youth has led to ill-concieved Government policy to admit transsexuals to psychiatric wards without having their cases assessed on an individual basis. The move has been met with criticism from the country's most influential civil rights activists, who believe it's unfair to treat these people as criminals. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister has refused to back down from his stance on this issue.
The most beloved national sport is LaivNFang Rules Football, which holds a grand final spectacular every November, often attracting high profile Government ministers. The game is considered an icon of the LaivNFangish way of life. National sporting teams also represent LaivNFang in International Cricket, Golf and Basketball.
Economic Growth
LaivNFang's strong economy has been considered increasingly revolutionary in recent years, backed by a liberal-minded Government with a distinct passion for Uranium Mining. Cheese and Soda export industries dominate foreign markets. Domestically, many LaivNFangems benefit financially from shares in the fishnet stocking industry.
The Government has been repeatedly criticised for allowing private militia to use high-powered main battle weapons to complete corporate take-over transactions when civil negotiations go awry.
Former Treasurer, William G. Hallifax came under fire on Christmas Day 2006 for authorising the immediate seizure of a 110oz. (3.1kg) gold nugget detected and unearthed on crown land in the north-east of the country, by a private citizen. The extremely rare find, worth up to $100,000 was collected by Government officials just 27 minutes after the find, leaving the propector shocked and understandly, very distraught.
The current minister responsible for Economic Growth is Mr Stretch A. Hollick, who assumed office in January, 2007 offering immediate tax relief across the board. The current income tax rate for all LaivNFangems is 56%.
Transport, Roads & Infrastructure
In 2006, the Government announced its commitment to funding a massive overhaul of the nation's freeway system. Public concern has risen over the costing of the project and the timetable for its completion. Reports of long traffic delays and increased road rage related-incidents have overshadowed this election promise. Then-Minister of Transport, Jody K. McCann adamantly refused to publically table any details of the freeway upgrade plan, which led to public out-cry and proved very damaging to the Government in the polls. It's widely believed this is the reason he was dumped when Prime Minister Hayes assumed full power.
It was announced on January 11, 2007 that the new minister responsible for this portfolio would be Ms Emma Lee.
Space Exploration
Early in the new year of 2007, the Government announced it was commencing immediate design work on the nation's first spacecraft. The $1.8 billion dollar project is being heavily invested in by the Pepsi Company, whose many high-profile executives have been offered a seat on-board during the first launch.
