Howtowdie
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| Flag of Howtowdie | |
| Motto: Vive La Bagatelle | |
| No Map Available Yet | |
| Region | The East Pacific |
|---|---|
| Capital | Cocotapioca |
| Official Language(s) | English, Japanese |
| Leader | The Right Honourable Myrtle Peacock |
| Population | 8 million |
| Currency | The Mitten |
| NS Sunset XML | |
Contents
Summary
The Principality of Howtowdie is a small, environmentally stunning nation, notable for its strong anti-business politics. Its hard-nosed, cynical population of 8 million are fiercely patriotic and enjoy great social equality; they tend to view other, more capitalist countries as somewhat immoral and corrupt.
The government -- a sprawling, bureaucracy-choked, socially-minded morass -- juggles the competing demands of Social Welfare, Education, and Law & Order. The average income tax rate is 40%, but much higher for the wealthy. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Retail.
Education and welfare spending are on the rise, gambling is outlawed, political parties are banned from advertising and receiving private donations, and same-sex marriages are increasingly common. Crime is well under control, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Howtowdie's national animal is the pikachu, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, and its currency is the mitten.
Government
The Howtowdese government is modelled on a three branch sysyem: an administrative branch in the Cabinet, a legislative branch in the Diet and a judiciary branch in the Court.
The current Prime Minister is the Right Honourable Myrtle Peacock. She is aided by Deputy Prime Minister the Right Honourable Jimmy Chestnuts.
National Symbols
The Green Sun Flag
The green sun and tree in full leaf represent the pride of the Howtowdese in their beautiful forests and natural environment. The national flag also shows an example of the traditional Howtowdie art of the potato print.
Pikachu
This small rodent, native to Howtowdie, is the country's official national animal. The pikachu is a popular domestic pet in rural areas. It is considered a good omen to see one and people frequently leave apples in their gardens to attract the creatures.
Magnolias
This tree is the civic symbol of the Howtowdie capital, Cocotapioca. Its flower is used as the Imperial family's crest and is considered a national symbol.
National Holidays
There are eleven public holidays during the year. Special events or festivals take place in each prefecture on these days; government offices and schools are closed.
- January 1 - New Year's Day
- People traditionally celebrate the beginning of the new year by watching the sun rise from the mountains or ocean.
- February 9 - Culture Day
- A day to celebrate the appreciation of culture and to promote participation in cultural activities for all.
- March 20 - Vernal Equinox Day
- Marking the first day of spring.
- May 13 - Howtowdie Day
- A day to commemorate the founding of Howtowdies's democracy and constitution.
- June 15 - Children's Day
- A festival to celebrate the healthy growth of children. Children hold parades in most towns and a seven year old girl or boy is chosen as ruler for the day in each prefecture.
- September 23 - Autumnal Equinox Day
- Marking the first day of autumn.
- September 29 - Elders' Day
- A festival to express respect for the contribution of the elderly. People pay visits to elderly relatives and neighbours on this day with traditional gifts of lucky oranges.
- November 14 - Community Day
- A day to give thanks to the community.
- December 22 to 24 - Blanket Week
- Three days to celebrate the labours of the year and the setting in of winter.
