Difference between revisions of "Artoonia"
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flag=http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/artoonia.jpg | | flag=http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/artoonia.jpg | | ||
region=[[The Satellite of Love]] | | region=[[The Satellite of Love]] | | ||
| − | motto= | + | motto=Libereco, Egaleco, Frateco | |
map=[http://www.geocities.com/wedgiesaurusbob/Map.png Artoonia map] | | map=[http://www.geocities.com/wedgiesaurusbob/Map.png Artoonia map] | | ||
language=Esperanto, GLA | | language=Esperanto, GLA | | ||
capital=Lumo | | capital=Lumo | | ||
| − | population= | + | population=7,739,456,658 | |
| − | currency= | + | currency=Pundo | |
| − | leader=Emperor Artu Iª | + | leader=Emperor Artu Iª, Prime Minister Bela AŬBURNA |
}} | }} | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
| − | Although scholars | + | (Although scholars have proposed many theories concerning the origins of the Artoonian people, the following account is the official story according to the National Ministry.) |
| − | + | Originally, the Artoonian islands were populated by five ethnic nations: the Muzinese, the Gregian, the Spandano, the Jagites, and the Ajman. Wars between these groups were frequent, until a loose confederation was established ''ca.'' 1378 C.E., following the wholesale slaughter of the Jagianites at the hands of a Muzine-Gregian alliance. However, infighting was still common as each of the four remaining groups fought to make itself supreme over the others. This confederation dissolved in 1733 C.E., when the Ajman, having just ascended to dominance in the confederal council, attempted to enslave the other three groups. Fighting continued for years until a young general, Artu I, began to amass an army from among the poor and downtrodden of each of the four remaining nations. | |
| − | + | Artu was born the son of an half-Muzinese prostitute in the Gregian region. His father was believed to be an half-Ajman, half-Spandan soldier. Because of his conflicting ethnic identity--none of the various Artoonian peoples would have him--Artu was cast out into the wilderness and raised by monks. These monks, from '''The Order of the Silent Monkey''', were followers of the ancient Ajman philosopher Taŝio, and they taught Artu their warrior code. Their taking him in was motivated by their ancient prophecy that "a hated mongrel" would one day usher in a new era of peace. | |
| − | After this had occurred, Artoonian religious and philosophical leaders began advocating that the only way to cement this new national identity and prevent future genocides was through intermarriage. Many Church of Artoonia clergy refused to perform marriages among same-ethnicity couples, likening such unions to incest, as a crime against nature. Children of mixed-ethnicity couples often went so far as to search out spouses who would complement their ethnic background. Within three generations, census records indicated that fewer than 8% of the Artoonian people were "purebred" | + | Artu, hoping to live out this prophecy, began to recruit soldiers from the lower classes of all four societies, and after amassing an army of three thousand soldiers, began a guerilla war against the leaders of the four nations, assimilating them into a new "nation" he called the "Artuanoj" (''"followers of Artu"''). |
| + | |||
| + | Within two years, the Spandan had been completely assimilated into Artu's new nation. He then made peace with the Gregian (although it was always claimed by Artu's campaign that this was done diplomaticly, his enemies and some historians claim that he kidnapped the Gregian princess Akina to force their alliance/surrender), then attacked the Muzinese, until they joined three years after that. He then offered peace to the Ajman, although they declined, and a very bloody four-year conflict ensued, until Hektor, son of Ajman general Setipo the Bloodthirsty, was slain in battle on 30 March 2004. The resulting grief led Setipo to join the Artuana alliance, and on 3 April, the nation-state of Artoonia was proclaimed. | ||
| + | |||
| + | After this had occurred, Artoonian religious and philosophical leaders began advocating that the only way to cement this new national identity and prevent future genocides was through intermarriage. Many Church of Artoonia clergy refused to perform marriages among same-ethnicity couples, likening such unions to incest, as a crime against nature. Children of mixed-ethnicity couples often went so far as to search out spouses who would complement their ethnic background. Within three generations, census records indicated that fewer than 8% of the Artoonian people were "purebred" Ajman, Gregian, Muzinese, or Spandan. Today, there remain fewer than twelve thousand (12.000) such ethnically-identified persons (fewer than two thousand of whom are under thirty years of age), and the word "Artoonian" is a perfectly acceptable ethnic classification. | ||
==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
| − | '''Location:''' An island chain in [[The Satellite of Love]], south of [[Interlocking Land]], south-west of [[Cybertronus | + | '''Location:''' An island chain in [[The Satellite of Love]], south of [[Interlocking Land]], south-west of [[Cybertronus]], and east of [[Pechins]]. Surrounded by the Sea of Artoonia (''La Martunia'') to the east, and the Sea of Pechins to the west. |
'''Area:''' 846,006 km² (326,645 mi²) (land) | '''Area:''' 846,006 km² (326,645 mi²) (land) | ||
| Line 29: | Line 33: | ||
'''Area, Comparitive:''' About twice the size of California. | '''Area, Comparitive:''' About twice the size of California. | ||
| − | '''Climate:''' Mainly temperate. Mountainous regions in Wejo generally cooler and than the lower lands. | + | '''Climate:''' Mainly temperate. Mountainous regions in Wejo generally cooler and than the lower lands. Above-average precipitation from August to May. |
'''Elevation extremes:''' Vale of Takro, -32 m (-105 ft); Mt. Ŝameso, 7,243 m (23,763 ft) | '''Elevation extremes:''' Vale of Takro, -32 m (-105 ft); Mt. Ŝameso, 7,243 m (23,763 ft) | ||
| Line 52: | Line 56: | ||
'''Religions:''' Christianity, 80% (Church of Artoonia, 74%; Orthodox, 15%; Roman Catholic, 8%; Misc. Protestant, 3%); Judaism, 6%; Islam, 5%; Buddhism, 3%; Other/Unaffiliated, 6%. | '''Religions:''' Christianity, 80% (Church of Artoonia, 74%; Orthodox, 15%; Roman Catholic, 8%; Misc. Protestant, 3%); Judaism, 6%; Islam, 5%; Buddhism, 3%; Other/Unaffiliated, 6%. | ||
| − | '''Patron Saint:''' Sanktulo | + | '''Patron Saint:''' Sanktulo Mikelangelsko (''Saint Michæl the Archangel''). |
'''Sex ratio:''' At birth: 1.240 m:f; under 15 years: 1.101 m:f; 15-64 years: 0.992 m:f; 65 years and over: 0.862 m:f; total population: 0.987 m:f | '''Sex ratio:''' At birth: 1.240 m:f; under 15 years: 1.101 m:f; 15-64 years: 0.992 m:f; 65 years and over: 0.862 m:f; total population: 0.987 m:f | ||
| Line 62: | Line 66: | ||
'''[[Language]]s:''' [[Esperanto]] and GLA ("Gestlingvo Artuana": Artoonian Sign Language) are official languages for all governmental publications (printed and audiorecorded in Esperanto, videorecorded in GLA). Most citisens are polylingual, and are likely to speak [[English]], [[French]], [[Spanish]], and/or [[German]], among other languages (being able to speak many languages is considered a mark of honour). | '''[[Language]]s:''' [[Esperanto]] and GLA ("Gestlingvo Artuana": Artoonian Sign Language) are official languages for all governmental publications (printed and audiorecorded in Esperanto, videorecorded in GLA). Most citisens are polylingual, and are likely to speak [[English]], [[French]], [[Spanish]], and/or [[German]], among other languages (being able to speak many languages is considered a mark of honour). | ||
| − | '''Literacy Rate:''' | + | '''Literacy Rate:''' 99.1% |
'''Official Calendar:''' Civil year follows Gregorian calendar, beginning on 1 January. The Church of Artoonia follows a liturgical calendar beginning on 29 September, the Feast of St. Michæl. | '''Official Calendar:''' Civil year follows Gregorian calendar, beginning on 1 January. The Church of Artoonia follows a liturgical calendar beginning on 29 September, the Feast of St. Michæl. | ||
==Government== | ==Government== | ||
| − | '''Official Style:''' La Sanktimperio de | + | '''Official Style:''' La Sanktimperio de Artunia (''The Holy Empire of Artoonia'') |
'''Government Type:''' Constitutional Monarchy, headed by an Emperor, who wields theoretically absolute power. Most legislative action, however, is handled by a republican assembly. | '''Government Type:''' Constitutional Monarchy, headed by an Emperor, who wields theoretically absolute power. Most legislative action, however, is handled by a republican assembly. | ||
| Line 73: | Line 77: | ||
'''Administrative divisions:''' 10 provinces: Ajmo, Celaja, Ejomo, Fleĝia, Greĝo, Ĥalijo, Kozinto Muzino, Spandino, Vanjo, Wejo. The capitol city of Lumo is situated geographically between Kozinto and Ejomo, although it is considered a part of neither. | '''Administrative divisions:''' 10 provinces: Ajmo, Celaja, Ejomo, Fleĝia, Greĝo, Ĥalijo, Kozinto Muzino, Spandino, Vanjo, Wejo. The capitol city of Lumo is situated geographically between Kozinto and Ejomo, although it is considered a part of neither. | ||
| − | + | '''National Holidays:''' (in Gregorian and Church of Artoonian dates) "Imperiatago" (''"Empire Day"''), 3 April/''7 Artuobro''; Festo de Sanktulo Mikelangelsko (''Feast of St. Michael the Archangel''), 29 September/''1 Mikelobro''; La Naskiĝtago de L'Imperiestro (''"Emperor's Birthday"''), 18 June/''23 Juliobro'' (or Monday immediately following if 18 June is Saturday or Sunday). | |
| − | + | ||
| − | '''National | + | |
'''Suffrage:''' 16 years of age, universal. | '''Suffrage:''' 16 years of age, universal. | ||
| − | '''Executive branch:''' The Emperor is both chief of state and head of government, although many functions of the latter are handled by the Prime Minister (or ''"Ĉefministro"''). | + | '''Executive branch:''' The Emperor is both chief of state and head of government, although many functions of the latter are handled by the Prime Minister (or ''"Ĉefministro"''). On 18 March 2007, Bela AŬBURNA became the first female elected to this position. A Cabinet is selected by the Emperor, although the Kunsidantaro must confirm any Cabinet Ministers who are not members of it. |
| − | '''Elections:''' The Emperor is appointed for life, needing the approval of both the nobility and the Church of Artoonia, and must also be one not already disqualified from the office by decree of a past Emperor (a future Emperor cannot be disqualified | + | '''Elections:''' The Emperor is appointed for life, needing the approval of both the nobility and the Church of Artoonia, and must also be one not already disqualified from the office by decree of a past Emperor (a future Emperor cannot be disqualified by immutable characteristics like race or sex, but rather by certain criminal or immoral acts or even Decrees of Attainder). The Prime Minister is chosen from the membership of the Kunsidantaro's "People's House" by a second general nationwide election held one week after the regular election. |
'''Legislative Branch:''' Tricameral assembly known as the '''Kunsidantaro''': | '''Legislative Branch:''' Tricameral assembly known as the '''Kunsidantaro''': | ||
| − | "The People's House", | + | "The People's House", 96 seats apportioned amongst the provinces by decennial censi, with each province guaranteed at least 5 seats. |
"His Majesty's House", comprised of all holders of hereditary estates of nobility, and of any life estates if approved by the Emperor. | "His Majesty's House", comprised of all holders of hereditary estates of nobility, and of any life estates if approved by the Emperor. | ||
| − | "House | + | "The Mob House", comprised of any citisen 16 years of age who attends its daily session, has little legislative power, but may issue nominal declarations in support or opposition to other governmental entities, or with a three-fifths vote may block The People's House from deliberating on tax or war legislation for a day. |
'''Elections:''' Held at least once every three years, or as necessary when a vote of no-confidence dissolves the Kunsidantaro. | '''Elections:''' Held at least once every three years, or as necessary when a vote of no-confidence dissolves the Kunsidantaro. | ||
| Line 93: | Line 95: | ||
Highest court is The Imperial Court, unless the Emperor elects to hear a case. Imperial Court Justices are appointed by the Emperor, with the Kunsidantaro's approval, for life. A lower system of federal courts exists with judges appointed by the Emperor, with Kunsidantaro approval unnecessary (appeals courts work the same way). Provincial judicial systems are generally three-tiered, although their judges are usually elected. | Highest court is The Imperial Court, unless the Emperor elects to hear a case. Imperial Court Justices are appointed by the Emperor, with the Kunsidantaro's approval, for life. A lower system of federal courts exists with judges appointed by the Emperor, with Kunsidantaro approval unnecessary (appeals courts work the same way). Provincial judicial systems are generally three-tiered, although their judges are usually elected. | ||
| − | '''Political Parties:''' (from right-to-left wing) ''Partio Artuana Nacia'' (Artoonian National Party), ''Partio Dekstrista'' (Rightists' Party), ''Partio Artuana Modera'' (Artoonian Moderate Party), ''Partio Kristanodemokrata'' (Christian Democrat Party), ''Partio Maldekstra'' (Leftist Party), ''La Partio Socialista Popola de | + | '''Political Parties:''' (from most-right- to most-left-wing) ''Partio Artuana Nacia'' (Artoonian National Party, PAN), ''Partio Dekstrista'' (Rightists' Party, PD), ''Partio Artuana Modera'' (Artoonian Moderate Party, PAM), ''Partio Kristanodemokrata'' (Christian Democrat Party, PKD), ''Partio Maldekstra'' (Leftist Party, PMD), ''La Partio Socialista Popola de Artunia'' (Socialist People's Party of Artoonia, PSPA); numerous smaller parties with limited success at local levels. Prime Minister AŬBURNA represents PAN, in coalition formed with PKD and PAM. |
| − | '''Flag description:''' | + | '''Flag description:''' two horizontal bars red and green charged with a blue Maltese Cross hoist formed from four points about a circle fimbriated white. Proper dimensions of the flag are the "Golden Ratio" (1.618:1). Replaced an older tricolour with a white bar at top but otherwise similar. |
==Economy== | ==Economy== | ||
See also [http://nseconomy.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?nation=Artoonia economic detail] | See also [http://nseconomy.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?nation=Artoonia economic detail] | ||
| − | '''Currency:''' | + | '''Currency:''' Pundo |
| − | '''Currency divisions:''' | + | '''Currency divisions:''' ρ1 is equal to μ4 (uncoj), and ρ5 equal β1 (bloko) |
| − | '''Note: although the | + | '''Note: although the bloko is legally the standard currency from which the pundo's and unco's values are determined, the ''bloko'' is used in exchanges to foreign currencies.''' |
| − | '''Currency code:''' | + | '''Currency code:''' ARB (old), ARP (new) |
'''Fiscal Year, governmental:''' 29 Sep. - 28 Sep. | '''Fiscal Year, governmental:''' 29 Sep. - 28 Sep. | ||
| − | '''Major Industries:''' Agriculture, Defence Contracting, Tourism, Information Technology | + | '''Major Industries:''' Agriculture, Defence Contracting, Tourism, Information Technology, Education |
| − | '''Transportation:''' '' | + | '''Transportation:''' ''Aertunia'' (''"Airtoonia"'') provides 96% of air travel within and into Artoonia. ''Trajnlinioj Artuanaj'' rail service and ''Gazelo'' busses provide long-distance land transportation; and for short distances, busses and cabs can be hired for those who do not have a private vehicle. Due to the nation's insular geography, boat travel is also widespread, and it is recommended that travelers not bring their own cars. |
==Advice for Travelers== | ==Advice for Travelers== | ||
Visitors should be aware that while most Artoonians are very hospitable to foreigners--especially those who bring their wallets--a few cultural tendencies are often mistaken for ill-temper by the same. Hence, the tourist should always keep in mind that: | Visitors should be aware that while most Artoonians are very hospitable to foreigners--especially those who bring their wallets--a few cultural tendencies are often mistaken for ill-temper by the same. Hence, the tourist should always keep in mind that: | ||
| − | (A) Artoonians are a fiercely proud and extroverted people, and it is considered proper to boast loudly and publicly about one's successes, be they due to skill or mere fortune | + | (A) Artoonians are a fiercely proud and extroverted people, and it is considered proper to boast loudly and publicly about one's successes, be they due to skill or mere fortune. One who seems to a foreigner an annoying braggart is often considered by Artoonians a friendly, outgoing person. |
| − | (B) Artoonians are prone to offer unsolicited advice to anyone whom they feel could be helped by it, whether they know each the advisee or not (a custom and social grace known locally as ''Konsilismo''). When approached by a stranger and offered any sort of advice, the proper response is to smile politely and thank the advisor for taking an interest, | + | (B) Artoonians are prone to offer unsolicited advice to anyone whom they feel could be helped by it, whether they know each the advisee or not (a custom and social grace known locally as ''Konsilismo''). When approached by a stranger and offered any sort of advice, the proper response is to smile politely and thank the advisor for taking an interest, not necessarily to follow (or even listen to) it. |
| − | (C) Crime | + | (C) Crime may be a problem in Artoonia, especially in remote areas and poorer neighbourhoods. Travelers who cannot avoid these areas are urged to arm themselves, and to be trained in the safe use of whatever armaments they carry. Small arms may be safely and legally imported into the country for personal defencive use, if they are properly checked with luggage during travel and declared at Customs. Although Artoonia's concealed-carry laws are fairly lax, foreign nationals are advised to keep documentation of any weapons (and especially should retain receipts of weapons purchased on Artoonian soil, as the government will buy back any weapons purchased by foreigners for the lesser value of 75% of the original retail price or β1000). |
Latest revision as of 18:19, 1 November 2007
| |
| Flag of Artoonia | |
| Motto: Libereco, Egaleco, Frateco | |
| Artoonia map | |
| Region | The Satellite of Love |
|---|---|
| Capital | Lumo |
| Official Language(s) | Esperanto, GLA |
| Leader | Emperor Artu Iª, Prime Minister Bela AŬBURNA |
| Population | 7,739,456,658 |
| Currency | Pundo |
| NS Sunset XML | |
Contents
History
(Although scholars have proposed many theories concerning the origins of the Artoonian people, the following account is the official story according to the National Ministry.)
Originally, the Artoonian islands were populated by five ethnic nations: the Muzinese, the Gregian, the Spandano, the Jagites, and the Ajman. Wars between these groups were frequent, until a loose confederation was established ca. 1378 C.E., following the wholesale slaughter of the Jagianites at the hands of a Muzine-Gregian alliance. However, infighting was still common as each of the four remaining groups fought to make itself supreme over the others. This confederation dissolved in 1733 C.E., when the Ajman, having just ascended to dominance in the confederal council, attempted to enslave the other three groups. Fighting continued for years until a young general, Artu I, began to amass an army from among the poor and downtrodden of each of the four remaining nations.
Artu was born the son of an half-Muzinese prostitute in the Gregian region. His father was believed to be an half-Ajman, half-Spandan soldier. Because of his conflicting ethnic identity--none of the various Artoonian peoples would have him--Artu was cast out into the wilderness and raised by monks. These monks, from The Order of the Silent Monkey, were followers of the ancient Ajman philosopher Taŝio, and they taught Artu their warrior code. Their taking him in was motivated by their ancient prophecy that "a hated mongrel" would one day usher in a new era of peace.
Artu, hoping to live out this prophecy, began to recruit soldiers from the lower classes of all four societies, and after amassing an army of three thousand soldiers, began a guerilla war against the leaders of the four nations, assimilating them into a new "nation" he called the "Artuanoj" ("followers of Artu").
Within two years, the Spandan had been completely assimilated into Artu's new nation. He then made peace with the Gregian (although it was always claimed by Artu's campaign that this was done diplomaticly, his enemies and some historians claim that he kidnapped the Gregian princess Akina to force their alliance/surrender), then attacked the Muzinese, until they joined three years after that. He then offered peace to the Ajman, although they declined, and a very bloody four-year conflict ensued, until Hektor, son of Ajman general Setipo the Bloodthirsty, was slain in battle on 30 March 2004. The resulting grief led Setipo to join the Artuana alliance, and on 3 April, the nation-state of Artoonia was proclaimed.
After this had occurred, Artoonian religious and philosophical leaders began advocating that the only way to cement this new national identity and prevent future genocides was through intermarriage. Many Church of Artoonia clergy refused to perform marriages among same-ethnicity couples, likening such unions to incest, as a crime against nature. Children of mixed-ethnicity couples often went so far as to search out spouses who would complement their ethnic background. Within three generations, census records indicated that fewer than 8% of the Artoonian people were "purebred" Ajman, Gregian, Muzinese, or Spandan. Today, there remain fewer than twelve thousand (12.000) such ethnically-identified persons (fewer than two thousand of whom are under thirty years of age), and the word "Artoonian" is a perfectly acceptable ethnic classification.
Geography
Location: An island chain in The Satellite of Love, south of Interlocking Land, south-west of Cybertronus, and east of Pechins. Surrounded by the Sea of Artoonia (La Martunia) to the east, and the Sea of Pechins to the west.
Area: 846,006 km² (326,645 mi²) (land)
Area, Comparitive: About twice the size of California.
Climate: Mainly temperate. Mountainous regions in Wejo generally cooler and than the lower lands. Above-average precipitation from August to May.
Elevation extremes: Vale of Takro, -32 m (-105 ft); Mt. Ŝameso, 7,243 m (23,763 ft)
Natural resources: Coal, Copper, Lead, Uranium, Bauxite, Gold, Iron, Mercury, Silver, Tungsten, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Timber
Land use: arable land: 73%, permanent crops: 7%
Irrigated land: 642,399 km² (2004 est.)
Natural hazards: mild volcanic activity in mountains, moderate flooding in river basins, forest fires
Environmental issues: fossil fuel emissions, water pollution from pesticide use, erosion from terrain renovations
Demographic and Cultural Data
Nationality: noun: Artuano (plural: Artuanoj), Artoonian (plural: Artoonians) adjective: Artuana, Artoonian
Ethnicities: White/Caucasian, 80%; Black/African, 10%; Asian/Pacific Islander, 7%; Other/Unavailable Data, 3%. Estimates put 21% as Hispanic, but falling into one of the above classifications, since the Ministry of Censi does not keep official records regarding Hispanic origen. (Ethnic Artuanoj are considered "White" in the same.)
Religions: Christianity, 80% (Church of Artoonia, 74%; Orthodox, 15%; Roman Catholic, 8%; Misc. Protestant, 3%); Judaism, 6%; Islam, 5%; Buddhism, 3%; Other/Unaffiliated, 6%.
Patron Saint: Sanktulo Mikelangelsko (Saint Michæl the Archangel).
Sex ratio: At birth: 1.240 m:f; under 15 years: 1.101 m:f; 15-64 years: 0.992 m:f; 65 years and over: 0.862 m:f; total population: 0.987 m:f
Life expectancy at birth: 81.79 years (male: 79.97 years; female: 84.10 years)
Fertility rate: 4.31 children born/woman
Languages: Esperanto and GLA ("Gestlingvo Artuana": Artoonian Sign Language) are official languages for all governmental publications (printed and audiorecorded in Esperanto, videorecorded in GLA). Most citisens are polylingual, and are likely to speak English, French, Spanish, and/or German, among other languages (being able to speak many languages is considered a mark of honour).
Literacy Rate: 99.1%
Official Calendar: Civil year follows Gregorian calendar, beginning on 1 January. The Church of Artoonia follows a liturgical calendar beginning on 29 September, the Feast of St. Michæl.
Government
Official Style: La Sanktimperio de Artunia (The Holy Empire of Artoonia)
Government Type: Constitutional Monarchy, headed by an Emperor, who wields theoretically absolute power. Most legislative action, however, is handled by a republican assembly.
Administrative divisions: 10 provinces: Ajmo, Celaja, Ejomo, Fleĝia, Greĝo, Ĥalijo, Kozinto Muzino, Spandino, Vanjo, Wejo. The capitol city of Lumo is situated geographically between Kozinto and Ejomo, although it is considered a part of neither.
National Holidays: (in Gregorian and Church of Artoonian dates) "Imperiatago" ("Empire Day"), 3 April/7 Artuobro; Festo de Sanktulo Mikelangelsko (Feast of St. Michael the Archangel), 29 September/1 Mikelobro; La Naskiĝtago de L'Imperiestro ("Emperor's Birthday"), 18 June/23 Juliobro (or Monday immediately following if 18 June is Saturday or Sunday).
Suffrage: 16 years of age, universal.
Executive branch: The Emperor is both chief of state and head of government, although many functions of the latter are handled by the Prime Minister (or "Ĉefministro"). On 18 March 2007, Bela AŬBURNA became the first female elected to this position. A Cabinet is selected by the Emperor, although the Kunsidantaro must confirm any Cabinet Ministers who are not members of it.
Elections: The Emperor is appointed for life, needing the approval of both the nobility and the Church of Artoonia, and must also be one not already disqualified from the office by decree of a past Emperor (a future Emperor cannot be disqualified by immutable characteristics like race or sex, but rather by certain criminal or immoral acts or even Decrees of Attainder). The Prime Minister is chosen from the membership of the Kunsidantaro's "People's House" by a second general nationwide election held one week after the regular election.
Legislative Branch: Tricameral assembly known as the Kunsidantaro: "The People's House", 96 seats apportioned amongst the provinces by decennial censi, with each province guaranteed at least 5 seats. "His Majesty's House", comprised of all holders of hereditary estates of nobility, and of any life estates if approved by the Emperor. "The Mob House", comprised of any citisen 16 years of age who attends its daily session, has little legislative power, but may issue nominal declarations in support or opposition to other governmental entities, or with a three-fifths vote may block The People's House from deliberating on tax or war legislation for a day.
Elections: Held at least once every three years, or as necessary when a vote of no-confidence dissolves the Kunsidantaro.
Judicial: Adversarial court system. Highest court is The Imperial Court, unless the Emperor elects to hear a case. Imperial Court Justices are appointed by the Emperor, with the Kunsidantaro's approval, for life. A lower system of federal courts exists with judges appointed by the Emperor, with Kunsidantaro approval unnecessary (appeals courts work the same way). Provincial judicial systems are generally three-tiered, although their judges are usually elected.
Political Parties: (from most-right- to most-left-wing) Partio Artuana Nacia (Artoonian National Party, PAN), Partio Dekstrista (Rightists' Party, PD), Partio Artuana Modera (Artoonian Moderate Party, PAM), Partio Kristanodemokrata (Christian Democrat Party, PKD), Partio Maldekstra (Leftist Party, PMD), La Partio Socialista Popola de Artunia (Socialist People's Party of Artoonia, PSPA); numerous smaller parties with limited success at local levels. Prime Minister AŬBURNA represents PAN, in coalition formed with PKD and PAM.
Flag description: two horizontal bars red and green charged with a blue Maltese Cross hoist formed from four points about a circle fimbriated white. Proper dimensions of the flag are the "Golden Ratio" (1.618:1). Replaced an older tricolour with a white bar at top but otherwise similar.
Economy
See also economic detail
Currency: Pundo
Currency divisions: ρ1 is equal to μ4 (uncoj), and ρ5 equal β1 (bloko) Note: although the bloko is legally the standard currency from which the pundo's and unco's values are determined, the bloko is used in exchanges to foreign currencies.
Currency code: ARB (old), ARP (new)
Fiscal Year, governmental: 29 Sep. - 28 Sep.
Major Industries: Agriculture, Defence Contracting, Tourism, Information Technology, Education
Transportation: Aertunia ("Airtoonia") provides 96% of air travel within and into Artoonia. Trajnlinioj Artuanaj rail service and Gazelo busses provide long-distance land transportation; and for short distances, busses and cabs can be hired for those who do not have a private vehicle. Due to the nation's insular geography, boat travel is also widespread, and it is recommended that travelers not bring their own cars.
Advice for Travelers
Visitors should be aware that while most Artoonians are very hospitable to foreigners--especially those who bring their wallets--a few cultural tendencies are often mistaken for ill-temper by the same. Hence, the tourist should always keep in mind that:
(A) Artoonians are a fiercely proud and extroverted people, and it is considered proper to boast loudly and publicly about one's successes, be they due to skill or mere fortune. One who seems to a foreigner an annoying braggart is often considered by Artoonians a friendly, outgoing person.
(B) Artoonians are prone to offer unsolicited advice to anyone whom they feel could be helped by it, whether they know each the advisee or not (a custom and social grace known locally as Konsilismo). When approached by a stranger and offered any sort of advice, the proper response is to smile politely and thank the advisor for taking an interest, not necessarily to follow (or even listen to) it.
(C) Crime may be a problem in Artoonia, especially in remote areas and poorer neighbourhoods. Travelers who cannot avoid these areas are urged to arm themselves, and to be trained in the safe use of whatever armaments they carry. Small arms may be safely and legally imported into the country for personal defencive use, if they are properly checked with luggage during travel and declared at Customs. Although Artoonia's concealed-carry laws are fairly lax, foreign nationals are advised to keep documentation of any weapons (and especially should retain receipts of weapons purchased on Artoonian soil, as the government will buy back any weapons purchased by foreigners for the lesser value of 75% of the original retail price or β1000).
