Ariddian Isles

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Ariddian Isles
ariddianunityflag0xp.png
Flag of Ariddian Isles
Motto: none
the Ariddian Isles: geopolitical
Region Uhuhland
Capital Rêvane & Nouvel Espoir
Official Language(s) French, English, Wymgani
Leader Nuriyah Khadhim
Sovereignty 2144
Population over 10 billion
Currency Ariddian credit (Ç) 
Internet TLD .ari, .nwa
Calling code +96
ISO Code none
NS Sunset XML

Geographically, the term "Ariddian Isles" refers to twenty islands located south of the Uhuhland mainland. The climate is semi-tropical. The indigenous inhabitants are the Wymgani. Nineteen of the islands make up the PDSR Ariddia, while the twentieth is split between West Ariddia and North-West Ariddia.

Politically, the term "Ariddian Isles" refers to a federation uniting Ariddia and North-West Ariddia, established in 2144.


History

The islands were first settled about 3,000 years ago by Pacific Islanders of indeterminate (though possibly Polynesian) origin. These original settlers became the Wymgani, with their own unique culture and language. Over the next six or seven centuries, they spread throughout the Ariddian Isles.

The Isles' colonial history begins in 1662, with the arrival of the first European explorers, followed by the first European settlers in the early 1670s, and by annexation in 1683.

The country became a sovereign republic in 1810, and, in 1985, elected a communist government led by Xavier Gris, who proclaimed the birth of the Social Republic.

In 2011, the Isles were split into two distinct political entities, with the capitalist secession of Limea and the proclamation of a sovereign West Ariddia. Ten years later, North-West Ariddia in turn became an independent country.

In 2141, Ariddia and North-West Ariddia (under the leadership respectively of Nuriyah Khadhim and Jeremy Cohen) began to take concrete steps towards re-unification, which were resisted by West Ariddian (capitalist) President Jean-Charles Paon. Reunification of the PDSRA and North-West Ariddia was achieved three years later, with West Ariddia opting out.

For more information, see the article on the History of Ariddia.

Politics of the Federation

The Federation of the Ariddian Isles consists in two autonomous states (the PDSRA and North-West Ariddia). It has a single, democratically elected head of State (Prime Secretary), a single Secretary for External Affairs and a shared Indigenous Parliament (Wehela Iolih).

The Prime Secretary’s task is to appoint a Cabinet for each State, based upon the composition of the ruling coalition in each State's Parliament, and subject to that Parliament’s approval. Each Cabinet is be nominally headed by a Second Secretary. The Prime Secretary "oversees the operations of government", but may not oppose the policies of a Cabinet composed of members not of his or her own party.

Foreign relations and diplomacy are conducted on a federal level, with the Secretary for External Affairs answering to both State Parliaments.

Members of he Wehela Iolih are elected by Wymgani citizens in both State from federal lists of candidates, with no distinction made between Ariddian or North-West Ariddian candidates or voters. It is empowered to amend or veto the application to Indigenous people of any legislation from either State's Parliament.

The current (and first ever) federal Prime Secretary is Nuriyah Khadhim. Turei Lauru is Second Secretary of the PDSRA, and Jeremy Cohen is Second Secretary of North-West Ariddia.

Seperate armed forces remain for each State. In theory, the federal Prime Secretary is commander-in-chief of the armed forces, but in practice the agreement is that a State's forces may not be called upon without the consent of that State's Parliament.

Citizenship

A two-tiered citizenship is in place. Every citizen has both federal citizenship of the Ariddian Isles and State citizenship in his or her own State. Dual citizenship laws which existed prior to Federation are maintained, meaning that it remains possible to have State citizenship in both States simultaneously, under certain conditions. Each State retains its own citizenship and immigration laws, but any person obtaining citizenship in one State automatically gains federal citizenship, and may settle freely in the other State. Visas are issued at State level, not federal level. Any person granted a tourist visa, student visa or worker's visa by either State may also enter the other State with that visa, but a business visa issued by North-West Ariddia does not enable you to enter the PDSRA; the PDSRA does not issue business visas.

Symbols

Reunification raised the inevitable issue of national symbols. A federal flag was chosen. The North-West Ariddian Parliament accepted to recognise the national anthem of the PDSRA as the federal anthem, as it had been the anthem of the entire Ariddian Isles prior to partitioning. Rêvane and Nouvel Espoir were given joint status as capitals - making the Federation one of the few countries of the world with two capital cities. There is no federal motto.

Citizens of the Federation are officially refered to as "Ariddian Islanders", although this term is also used to describe all inhabitants of the Isles, including West Ariddians. Confusingly, Ariddian Islanders are sometimes refered to as "Ariddians". "We are all Ariddian!" was a popular slogan used by those in favour of reunification.

The tree kangaroo, which can be found throughout the Isles, was chosen as national animal. The grapefruit was given the status of "national fruit".

The currency of the Federation is officially the Ariddian credit. This apparent unity masks the fact that the name is in fact used for two distinct units of currency, one for the PDSRA and one for North-West Ariddia. The two currencies are legal tender throughout the Federation, with an official and permanent exchange rate of one Ariddian credit from North-West Ariddia for Ç53.4479 from the PDSRA. This situation is rendered more complex still by the moneyless economy in the PDSRA. North-West Ariddians who lack PDSRA State citizenship are required to pay for purchases and (some) services while in the PDSRA. People from the PDSRA must also use money while in North-West Ariddia.

Culture

See the section on culture in Ariddia for culture in the PDSRA. North-West Ariddians differ from the people of the PDSRA in a number of ways. Religious membership is thought to be higher in North-West Ariddia, although no official statistics exist. Vegetarianism is widespread (an estimated 38% of North-West Ariddians are vegetarian or vegan), but is still adopted only by a minority, whereas it is deeply rooted (and compulsory) in the PDSRA. The PDSRA's socialist ethos is a topic of debate rather than consensus in North-West Ariddia.

The Federation has fourteen universities: thirteen in the PDSRA and one (Nouvel Espoir National University) in North-West Ariddia.

The West Ariddian issue

Two months prior to the birth of the Federation, West Ariddian President Banita Sho conducted a referendum asking West Ariddia's citizens whether they wished to integrate it. The proposal was rejected by 52.9% of voters. President Sho has promised another referendum two years from now.

See also

External links

International reactions to the creation of the Federation

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