Difference between revisions of "Athens and Midlands"

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* International Sports code: ARM
 
* International Sports code: ARM
  
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== Religion ==
+
== Life in Athens and Midlands ==
  
−
===State Religion===  
+
=== Religion ===
 +
 
 +
====State Religion====
  
 
Athens and Midlands has no official state religion. But no religion is banned in this country.
 
Athens and Midlands has no official state religion. But no religion is banned in this country.
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The most popular religion is the [[Hinduism]], and accounts for 62 percent of the population. Athens and Midlands has been relatively neutral from the spread of [[Christianity]] in the 5th-17th centuries.
 
The most popular religion is the [[Hinduism]], and accounts for 62 percent of the population. Athens and Midlands has been relatively neutral from the spread of [[Christianity]] in the 5th-17th centuries.
  
−
===Religion Distribution:===
+
====Religion Distribution:====
  
 
*[[Hinduism]] 57%
 
*[[Hinduism]] 57%
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*[[Islam]] 7%
 
*[[Islam]] 7%
 
*[[Other]] 2%
 
*[[Other]] 2%
 +
 +
=== Language ===
 +
 +
==== Language distribution ====
 +
 +
[[Greek]] 43%, [[English]] 31%, [[Arabic]] 10%, [[Punjabi]] 8% [[Esperanto]] 7%, Other 1%
 +
 +
==== Overview ====
 +
 +
[[English]] and [[Greek]] are equally used side by side although [[Greek]] is the first language for 43 percent of the population. [[Greek]] became an official language alongside [[English]] in November 1989. Today, the people of Athens and Midlands are strongly critical of [[Esperanto]], because it is poorly constructed. The main dialect of English is British
 +
 +
[[Esperanto]] was once the chief lingua franca until 1982, when [[Greek]] was gradually adopted between 1967-1981. Esperanto was never popular with the people, with some people complaining that they and their children were made to speak this language while Athens and Midlands was ruled by a dictator, which was overthrown in 1976. The transition project from Esperanto to Greek was introduced by the late Jill Harris in 1981. Meanwhile [[English]] was becoming popular since 1971, and was included as the part of the project in 1983. There was once plans to ban the speaking of [[Esperanto]] in public, but it was turned down in Parliament in April 2005 after complaints of human rights abuses. On Spetember 16th 2005, after hard consultation with the Parliamentary committees, The language transition project was finally completed on 1st November 2005.
 +
 +
====Transition Project (pressured by citizens of the country)====
 +
 +
* Stage 1: Natural and Gradual language conversion. Free language couses for citizens introduced by public consultation in July 1986. Language breakdown on 1st December 1989: [[Esperanto]] 16%, [[Greek]] 41%, [[English]] 28%, Other 15%
 +
 +
* Stage 2: Introduced [[Greek]] and [[English]] to 'generic public signing' from February 1986. [[Esperanto]] ceased to be used in '[[Generic public signage]]' from 25th December 1991. Did not include the Health service and Education service.
 +
 +
* Stage 3: The Health and Education systems transitioned languages over a period between 1st January 1993 to December 31st 2003. This was an exceptionally long process becuase there were still criteria for esperanto to be used. Language breakdown on 1st December 1993: Esperanto 12%, Greek 43%, English 28%, Other 17%
 +
 +
* Stage 4: The transition project was reviewed over language discrimmination. Esperanto was therefore recategorised as a minority language of Athens and Midlands since January 1st 2004.
 +
 +
* Stage 5: Esperanto on official documents are no longer predominantly used since 31st October 2005, but documents in Esperanto continue to be availible when reqested by virtually anyone.
 +
 +
=== Currency ===
 +
 +
The currency of Athens and Midlands is the [[Athenian Drachma]]. Click on the link for further information.
 +
 +
=== Holidays and customs ===
 +
The following is a list of the major statutory holidays in Pacitalia.
 +
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0">
 +
<tr style="background:#efefef;">
 +
  <th>Date</th>
 +
  <th>English Name</th>
 +
  <th>Description</th>
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
<tr>
 +
  <td>1 January</td>
 +
  <td>New Year's Day</td>
 +
  <th>The start of the new year. Millions of people gather in Syntagma Square to see in the new year, both Greogorian and Hijiri</th>
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
<tr>
 +
  <td>21 January</td>
 +
  <td>Jill Harris Day</td>
 +
  <td>NAtional Holiday commemorating the birth of Jill Harris, the first Royal President of Athens and Midlands</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
<tr>
 +
  <td>21 March</td>
 +
  <td>Children's Day</td>
 +
  <td>A national holiday. Children are often given chocolate eggs and olive wreaths in the dozens. Schools are closed for 14 days from the main day of the holiday</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
  <td>9 July</td>
 +
  <td>Pan-Athena Day</td>
 +
  <td>A national holiday in honour of Goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom and patron goddess of Athens</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
  <td>6 September</td>
 +
  <td>Constantina Day</td>
 +
  <td>The birthday of the current Royal president of the country is normally declared a national holiday</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
<tr>
 +
  <td>11 November</td>
 +
  <td>Peace Day</td>
 +
  <td>Another national holiday in rememberance of the heroes of the 1976 revolution</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
  <td>First Monday of November</td>
 +
  <td>Diwali Bank Holiday</td>
 +
  <td>Schools and Banks are normally closed on the first monday of November. Hindus have an automatic right to a holiday during the festival</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
  <td>December 25</td>
 +
  <td>Transition Day</td>
 +
  <td>A national holiday commemorating the surrender of Esperanto troops before Jill harris on this day in 1976</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
  <td>December 31</td>
 +
  <td>New Year's Eve</td>
 +
  <td>Deposanto d'Anno</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
  
 
== Politics ==
 
== Politics ==
Line 125: Line 214:
  
 
There have been plans recently announced by the Athenian Government to make the drachma a common currency for the whole region. This plan awaits approval, but when introduced, it will improve economic links with the three nations in the islands.
 
There have been plans recently announced by the Athenian Government to make the drachma a common currency for the whole region. This plan awaits approval, but when introduced, it will improve economic links with the three nations in the islands.
−
 
−
== Language in Depth ==
 
−
 
−
==== Language distribution ====
 
−
 
−
[[Greek]] 43%, [[English]] 31%, [[Arabic]] 10%, [[Punjabi]] 8% [[Esperanto]] 7%, Other 1%
 
−
 
−
==== Overview ====
 
−
 
−
[[English]] and [[Greek]] are equally used side by side although [[Greek]] is the first language for 43 percent of the population. [[Greek]] became an official language alongside [[English]] in November 1989. Today, the people of Athens and Midlands are strongly critical of [[Esperanto]], because it is poorly constructed. The main dialect of English is British
 
−
 
−
[[Esperanto]] was once the chief lingua franca until 1982, when [[Greek]] was gradually adopted between 1967-1981. Esperanto was never popular with the people, with some people complaining that they and their children were made to speak this language while Athens and Midlands was ruled by a dictator, which was overthrown in 1976. The transition project from Esperanto to Greek was introduced by the late Jill Harris in 1981. Meanwhile [[English]] was becoming popular since 1971, and was included as the part of the project in 1983. There was once plans to ban the speaking of [[Esperanto]] in public, but it was turned down in Parliament in April 2005 after complaints of human rights abuses. On Spetember 16th 2005, after hard consultation with the Parliamentary committees, The language transition project was finally completed on 1st November 2005.
 
−
 
−
===Transition Project (pressured by citizens of the country)===
 
−
 
−
* Stage 1: Natural and Gradual language conversion. Free language couses for citizens introduced by public consultation in July 1986. Language breakdown on 1st December 1989: [[Esperanto]] 16%, [[Greek]] 41%, [[English]] 28%, Other 15%
 
−
 
−
* Stage 2: Introduced [[Greek]] and [[English]] to 'generic public signing' from February 1986. [[Esperanto]] ceased to be used in '[[Generic public signage]]' from 25th December 1991. Did not include the Health service and Education service.
 
−
 
−
* Stage 3: The Health and Education systems transitioned languages over a period between 1st January 1993 to December 31st 2003. This was an exceptionally long process becuase there were still criteria for esperanto to be used. Language breakdown on 1st December 1993: Esperanto 12%, Greek 43%, English 28%, Other 17%
 
−
 
−
* Stage 4: The transition project was reviewed over language discrimmination. Esperanto was therefore recategorised as a minority language of Athens and Midlands since January 1st 2004.
 
−
 
−
* Stage 5: Esperanto on official documents are no longer predominantly used since 31st October 2005, but documents in Esperanto continue to be availible when reqested by virtually anyone.
 
−
 
−
== Currency ==
 
−
 
−
The currency of Athens and Midlands is the [[Athenian Drachma]]. Click on the link for further information.
 
  
 
== Transport ==
 
== Transport ==
Line 221: Line 282:
 
Terms used by the Athens and Midlands government are explained [http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Category:Inside_Athens_and_Midlands here]
 
Terms used by the Athens and Midlands government are explained [http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Category:Inside_Athens_and_Midlands here]
  
−
== Principal Holidays ==
 
  
−
* '''1 November''' Constitution Day: the formal recognition of Athens and Midlands
 
−
*'''First Monday of each month''' Bank Holidays
 
−
* The Chinese New Year Holiday (This year's holiday will be on 29th January 2006)
 
  
  
 
[[Category: Nations]]
 
[[Category: Nations]]

Revision as of 08:58, 28 February 2006

Athens and Midlands
athens_and_midlands.jpg
Flag of Athens and Midlands
Motto: Mediterraniean Islands' longest serving UN Delegate
Not published yet
Region Mediterraniean Islands
Capital West Athens
Official Language(s) English (British) and Greek
Leader Constantina Cataloña (Elected August 2005)
Population 1,303,000,000 as of 15th February 2006
Currency Athenian Drachma 
NS Sunset XML

Nation Codes

The international codes for Athens and Midlands are as follows:

  • ISO: ARAM
  • TLD code: .ath
  • International Phone code: 001
  • Car plates:
    • Athens: ARA
    • Boeotia Regions: ARB
    • Delphi: ARD
    • Corinth: ARC
  • International Sports code: ARM

Life in Athens and Midlands

Religion

State Religion

Athens and Midlands has no official state religion. But no religion is banned in this country.

The most popular religion is the Hinduism, and accounts for 62 percent of the population. Athens and Midlands has been relatively neutral from the spread of Christianity in the 5th-17th centuries.

Religion Distribution:

Language

Language distribution

Greek 43%, English 31%, Arabic 10%, Punjabi 8% Esperanto 7%, Other 1%

Overview

English and Greek are equally used side by side although Greek is the first language for 43 percent of the population. Greek became an official language alongside English in November 1989. Today, the people of Athens and Midlands are strongly critical of Esperanto, because it is poorly constructed. The main dialect of English is British

Esperanto was once the chief lingua franca until 1982, when Greek was gradually adopted between 1967-1981. Esperanto was never popular with the people, with some people complaining that they and their children were made to speak this language while Athens and Midlands was ruled by a dictator, which was overthrown in 1976. The transition project from Esperanto to Greek was introduced by the late Jill Harris in 1981. Meanwhile English was becoming popular since 1971, and was included as the part of the project in 1983. There was once plans to ban the speaking of Esperanto in public, but it was turned down in Parliament in April 2005 after complaints of human rights abuses. On Spetember 16th 2005, after hard consultation with the Parliamentary committees, The language transition project was finally completed on 1st November 2005.

Transition Project (pressured by citizens of the country)

  • Stage 1: Natural and Gradual language conversion. Free language couses for citizens introduced by public consultation in July 1986. Language breakdown on 1st December 1989: Esperanto 16%, Greek 41%, English 28%, Other 15%
  • Stage 2: Introduced Greek and English to 'generic public signing' from February 1986. Esperanto ceased to be used in 'Generic public signage' from 25th December 1991. Did not include the Health service and Education service.
  • Stage 3: The Health and Education systems transitioned languages over a period between 1st January 1993 to December 31st 2003. This was an exceptionally long process becuase there were still criteria for esperanto to be used. Language breakdown on 1st December 1993: Esperanto 12%, Greek 43%, English 28%, Other 17%
  • Stage 4: The transition project was reviewed over language discrimmination. Esperanto was therefore recategorised as a minority language of Athens and Midlands since January 1st 2004.
  • Stage 5: Esperanto on official documents are no longer predominantly used since 31st October 2005, but documents in Esperanto continue to be availible when reqested by virtually anyone.

Currency

The currency of Athens and Midlands is the Athenian Drachma. Click on the link for further information.

Holidays and customs

The following is a list of the major statutory holidays in Pacitalia.

Date English Name Description
1 January New Year's Day The start of the new year. Millions of people gather in Syntagma Square to see in the new year, both Greogorian and Hijiri
21 January Jill Harris Day NAtional Holiday commemorating the birth of Jill Harris, the first Royal President of Athens and Midlands
21 March Children's Day A national holiday. Children are often given chocolate eggs and olive wreaths in the dozens. Schools are closed for 14 days from the main day of the holiday
9 July Pan-Athena Day A national holiday in honour of Goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom and patron goddess of Athens
6 September Constantina Day The birthday of the current Royal president of the country is normally declared a national holiday
11 November Peace Day Another national holiday in rememberance of the heroes of the 1976 revolution
First Monday of November Diwali Bank Holiday Schools and Banks are normally closed on the first monday of November. Hindus have an automatic right to a holiday during the festival
December 25 Transition Day A national holiday commemorating the surrender of Esperanto troops before Jill harris on this day in 1976
December 31 New Year's Eve Deposanto d'Anno

Politics

Official Name

  • Greek: Η αθηναϊκή Δημοκρατία της Αθήνας και των Μεσαγγλιών
  • English: The Athenian Republic of Athens and Midlands

Government Type

Three levels of parliament: The Royal Presidency, The High Presidency and the Low Presidency. The government works similar to a Constitutional monarchy, but in three levels.

Each presidency has similar and exclusive powers, but determined by the maximum length of office he/she can serve.

Royal Presidency

The leader of the Royal Presidency is chosen by election, but the elected president of this level serves for the rest of his/her life, subject to abdication, retirement or a vote of no confidence in extreme cases. The leader of this level has the following exclusive powers, which includes the determination of currency and the issue of money and the official language, which is currently Greek and English.

Leader: Constantina Cataloña

  • Date of Birth: 6th September 1978
  • Inaugurated: 5th June 2001

High Presidency

The leader of the High Presidency is chosen by election, and the elected president of this level serves for up to 10 years, but he/she can call for an election after at least 2 years.

Leader: Stelios Panagiotis (The Kadima Party)

  • Date of Birth: 11th August 1951
  • First elected: 7th January 2006
  • Terms in Office: 1

Low Presidency

The leader of the Low Presidency is chosen by election, and the elected president of this level serves for up to 4 years, but he/she can call for an election at any time.

Leader: Konstantinos Lavrentios (Athenian Independence)

  • Date of Birth: 21st June 1961
  • First elected: 4th August 1996
  • Terms in Office: 3

Political Parties

There are several dozen or so parties currently serving in parliament, and some parties represent both parties. Here below is a list of major parties:

Athenian Independence

Athenian Independence is currently heading the lower presidency. Their policies include the conservation of independence of Athens and Midlands, the reform of social justice and the introduction of the Athenian Drachma across the entire region.

Kadima

Currently heading the High Presidency, the Kadima party, led by Stelios Panagiotis, ensure people with wheelchair disabilities get equal treatment. They also believe that the murder of children should be punishable by death, which is currently in law. They believe that Athens and Midlands should play a massive role in UN resolution and proposal voting on behalf of the region.

Likud

The opposition to the current low presidency believes that Athens and Midlands should quit the United Nations and its delegacy and preserve its own interests. They believe that the other two nations in the region should not be ruled by one country.

Hamas

Note: this party is nothing to do with the Palestinian movement in real-life.

Hamas is a strong opposition in the high presidency the aspires to turn Athens and Midlands in to a very rich country. They are economically active and believe that this country should stand out in the world map. The also believe in religious tolereance and the party is a strong voice on finance and debt-relief.

Pro-Esperanto

This party was formed in 1990 is campaign for the re-instatement of Esperanto as its offical language after Athens and Midlands adopted greek and English jointly as the official language in 1989.

Athens and Midlands and the World

Athens and Midlands is the founder of Mediterraniean Islands.

Athens and Midlands is a member of the United Nations. Athens and Midlands is currently the UN Delegate for the Mediterraniean Islands. Athens and Midlands was elected 231 days ago to 27/2/06, and it is one of the few NationStates nations that have served as an UN delegate for this long.

Like most UN members, when it comes to voting, the current Athens and Midlands desires this very laid-back, yet active nation to be associated with winners, not losers. It is only at a very dire circumstance that Athens and Midlands votes the other way.

There have been plans recently announced by the Athenian Government to make the drachma a common currency for the whole region. This plan awaits approval, but when introduced, it will improve economic links with the three nations in the islands.

Transport

Aerospace

Athens and Midlands has four airports. The main airport, Oaka International Airport is located outside the orbital motorway of West Athens. The three other airports are Delphi National Airport, located just outside Corinth; Sparta Airport, 7 miles west of Sparta City centre; and Karapolis Airport, near Delphi

The international Airport codes are:

  • Oaka International Airport: AOI
  • Delphi National Airport: ADN
  • Sparta Airport: ASA
  • Karapolis Airport: AKP

The Media

Television

The Media in the country is rarely mentioned in the NS world, but it is politically free, exceeding the standard as democratic countries. The main broadcaster is the MBC (Midlands Broadcasting Committee), which is non-commercial and funded by a licence fee, in which all households owning a television set must pay. Under Athenian law, all households and businesses are entitled to all channels broadcast in the country, irrespective of income, race or location.

MBC Television

  • MBC One
  • MBC Two
  • MBC News Service
  • MBC Greek Service
  • MBC World Service

Commercial TV

AMNS: Athens and Midlands' Independent Television

The most popular commercial network is the AMNS (Athens and Midlands Network System), which consists of 6 regions. The commercial television system was only introduced in August 2004.

The AMNS has seven franchises, which are reviewed every 10 years.

Major National Commercial Broadcasters:

Early 2006 has seen a surge in the number of commercial broadcasters considering broadcasting in Athens and Midlands. Some broadcasters from foreign countries are bidding for airtime in the country.

  • TVS: TVS also holds the franchise to run the South region of the AMNS. National channels include the TVS Super Channel and TVS World News Channel, which broadcasts to Mediterraniean Islands.
  • The News Channel: A news channel established in co-operation with MBC, ITN and TVS. Has no advertising, as a part of a policy of simplicity and clear understanding of home and world events.

Radio

The MBC was the only radio service until December 1st 2005, when changes to the law on radio broadcasting to allow commercial and independent broadcasting took effect. The law's lauch date was bought earlier because of high demand for diverse entertainment. Regional radio broadcasting was also introduced early across the country.

MBC Radio Service

The MBC Radio system is non-commercial as with their TV service and there are 6 stations currently in operation:

  • MBC Home Service (Speech Based)
  • MBC World Service
  • West Athens Service (Political discussion)
  • MBC Journal Service (News)
  • MBC Music Service
  • MBC Arts Service

Major Commercial Radio Broadcasters

  • City Radio Group (operates West FM)
  • Virgin Radio
  • Music Radio Group (operates Western FM, Coast FM and Swan AM)
  • Lingua Group (operates 6 stations with different languages: English, Greek, Spanish, Polish French and Turkish)
  • AMIR (Athens and Midlands Independent Radio)

Jargon and such...

Terms used by the Athens and Midlands government are explained here

Retrieved from "http://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Athens_and_Midlands&oldid=148463"