Antarctic Region

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The People's Republic of Antarctic Region

antarctic_region.jpg
Year Founded: 2006
Year of Independence: 2006
Government type: Democracy
Region: The Pacific
Motto: "The foundation of the world"
Map: [1]
Official Language(s): English
Capital: Antarctica City
Population: 2.1 billion as of Feb 22,2007
Currency: Antarctic Dollar
Currency Code: None
Leader: Jeremy
Major Religion(s): Varies widely
Time Zone: T- across entire region (U.S. Mountain Time)
ISO Code: AQ
Internet TLD: .AQ
Phone Code: 672

NS NSEconomy Pipian XML

Antarctic Region is the portion of the continent of Antarctica lying between 90° west and 150° west.

History

In early 2006 Jeremy left the United States wishing to form a country of his own. It would be modeled after the U. S. in many ways, but more libertarian, and with a more strict constitution.

Jeremy traveled to the continent and set up camp at the coast, exactly half way between the borders (the coast at longitude 120° W). This became the town of Antarctica City. A roadway was constructed running along the 120 meridian to the south pole (home of the Admunsen-Scott Research Base).

Initially, settlement was slow. Building costs were high and there was little incentive to move. However, shortly thereafter the realization of energy sources lead to a rush of settlement. Antarctica is light for six months, and dark for six months. During the daylight season a very high amount of solar radiation hits the continent. This can be used directly during the daylight season, and stored to use during the night season. While building cost were high, operating costs could be greatly reduced. Therefore, industries rushed to the continent, and with them came settlers. Soon, factories popped up along the meridian road and around Antarctica City, most notably automobile manufacturers.

Lifestyles

Due to Antarctica's harsh climate, life must be lived differently than in much of the world. Buildings are very heavily insulated, and solar heated. They are pole structures built off of the ground, to avoid melting out their foundations. Electricity is also solar generated; this is typically on a per-building basis. The majority of dwellings are units sold out of government-administered buildings, although some wealthier individuals build their own dwellings. The landscape is nothing but snow and ice. Roadways and sidewalks are roughened patches of ice. Motor vehicles resemble large snowmobiles- rear tracks and front skis.

For a more "temperate" living, many indoor parks, natatoriums, amusement parks, etc. exist. Travel outside is limited. When one does travel outside, it is necessary to wear very thick suits, with full head shields with tinted lenses. This created a problem early on- when outside, people could not tell who eachother was! Early solutions included sewing nametags or other noticable artwork onto these suits. Newer technology has brought 360° helmets (reminiscent of the "space suits" of 1950s cartoons), which allow one's whole head to be visible and still protected.

Technology

Curbs and footings can not be made of poured concrete as in temperate areas. Instead, insulated, heated tanks carry water (typically at 40°-50°F), which is sprayed into forms. It freezes in minutes and holds tight. Other construction is manufactured from steel. Roadway bridges are coated with ice much like asphalting. Also, many things using air need preheating- outdoor suits have breathing tubes that snake from the outside of the helmet, around the body, to the inside. Internal combustion engines hae very little cooling needed, but require heaters on the air intakes.

Government

The government is comprised of three branches. The legislative branch is a unicameral legislature, with districts required to have nearly the same population in each (+/- 1%). The executive branch is an elected president. Offices in both branches have term limits of three three-year terms. The judicial branch, responsible for interpreting the constitution, is Jeremy. He will be replaced by a 13 person panel should he be unable to perform. A panel of 13 is preselected; if someone on that panel loses elligibility a new person is named. Lower courts also exist with elected judges.

Incorporated cities have their own government. The only current incorporation is Antarctica City. Citizens outside of cities are under the domain of the national government. Cities only operate the lowest-level courts; appeals are handled in the national court.

Highways

There are two principle roadways- the Coastal Highway, which runs from the Russkaya Research Station to the 90W boundary (where there is a port linking to Peter I Island), and the Meridian Highway, which runs along the 120th W meridian from the Coastal Highway to the South Pole. They meet at Antarctica City.

Military

The military provides both local and national protection. It is comprised of three branches- land defense, air defense, and sea defense.

See Also