Difference between revisions of "Bedistan"

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{{Infobox_Nation |
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{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=340 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
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flag=http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/bedistan.jpg |
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|+<big><big>'''[http://www.nationstates.net/Bedistan The Grand Dominion of Bedistan]'''<br/>
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region=[[Terranordalis]] |
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'''Domine'da Grádire Bédistem'''<br/>
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motto="Strength in the Face of Adversity" |
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'''El Dominio Grande de Bédistan'''<br/>
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map=[http://bellsouthpwp.net/h/a/harleyt_1387/TerranordalisMap.png Regional map] |
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'''Η Μεγάλη Εξουσία του Βεδιστάν'''</big></big>
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language=[[English]], [[Spanish]], Classical [[Greek]], [[Noterelenda]] |
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| align="center" colspan="2"|
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capital=Columbia |
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{| border=0 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 style="background:#f9f9f9; text-align:center;"
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population=Over 3.4 billion |
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| width="130px"| [http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/bedistan.jpg]
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currency=1 bakrani (þ1) = appx. US$1.96 |
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|-
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leader=President Gail Luffy
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| align=center colspan=2 | Flag of Bedistan
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}}
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|}
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|-
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| align=center colspan=2 | <small>''Motto: Robur prae adversitas''</small>
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|-
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| align=center colspan=2 style="background:#f9f9f9;" | [[Image:BedistanInAO2100.png]]<br>
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<small>Full map: [http://bellsouthpwp.net/h/a/harleyt_1387/BedistanAOMap.png]
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|-
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| '''[[Region]]''' || [[Atlantian Oceania]]
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|-
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| '''[[Official language|Official languages]]'''<br/>&nbsp; - National<br/>&nbsp; - Provincial<br/> || <br/>[[English]], [[Noterelenda]]<br/>[[Spanish]], [[Greek]], [[German]], [[Syokaji]]
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|-
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| '''Other languages'''<br><small>spoken by at least 100 million</small> || [[French]], [[Pacitalian]]
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|-
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|'''[[Wikipedia:Capital|Capital]]''' || [[Columbia]]
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|-
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|'''Largest city''' || [[Sonoma City]]
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|-
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|'''[[Population]]'''<br/>(2100 census)
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| 6,537,196,584
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|-
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|'''Establishment'''
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| June 1, 2003
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|-
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| '''National animal''' || [[Wikipedia:Porcupine|Porcupine]]
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|-
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|'''[[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]]''' (2100 est.) <br/>&nbsp; - Total <br/>&nbsp; - GDP/capita
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| <br/>þ201.0 trillion <br/>þ30,746.05
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|-
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| [[CHDI]] (2099)
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| .876 (<span style="color: green">high</span>) (unofficial estimate)
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|-
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|'''[[Currency]]''' || 265.14 '''[[bakrani]]''' (þ) = 1 ounce of gold<br/>þ1 = 100 cents (c)
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|-
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| '''[[Wikipedia:Time zone|Time Zone]]'''
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| [[AOTC]]±0000<br/>([[Calania]] and [[Verdena]] portions),<br/>AOTC+0200<br/>(western [[Evestigatus]] portion),<br/>AOTC+0300<br/>([[Paleoparipia]] and eastern [[Evestigatus]] portions)
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|-
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| '''[[Wikipedia:Top-level domain|Internet TLD]]''' || .bd, .bds
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|-
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| '''International sporting abbreviation''' || BDS
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|-
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| '''[[Wikipedia:List of country calling codes|Calling Code]]''' || +13
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|}
  
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The '''Grand Dominion of Bedistan''' is one of the original nations in the region of [[Terranordalis]] and was founded June 1, 2003, both on the real-life and Bedistani calendars.
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The '''Grand Dominion of Bedistan''' ([[Noterelenda]]: ''Domine'da Grádire Bédistem'', [[Spanish]]: ''el Dominio Grande de Bédistan'', [[Greek]]: ''<nowiki>'</nowiki>η Μεγάλη Εξουσία του Βεδιστάν'') was one of the largest and economically strongest nations in the region of [[Atlantian Oceania]].  The nation gained independence on June 1, 2003 and ceased to exist circa 2110.
 +
 
 +
The original territory of Bedistan has been absorbed into the [[Unified Capitalizt States]] as the [[Bedistan (state)|state of Bedistan]].
 +
 
 +
All information provided below is for historical reference only, and most of it is no longer accurate.
  
 
== Geography ==
 
== Geography ==
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On Terranordalis' northern continent, Bedistan stretches some 442 miles from north to south and is 455 miles across from west to east at its widest point.  On the southern continent, it stretches 548 miles from north to south and is 250 miles across from west to east at its widest point.  It consists of a total of twenty-one political divisions, known as provinces, in addition to the Federal District, where the capital of Columbia is located.
 
  
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Mountains cover much of Bedistan's northern and eastern provinces, with rolling hills in the heartland and a coastal plain in the historic south, near the capital of Columbia.  The provinces of Notelara and Macarida on the southern continent of Terranordalis are mostly flat, while Kiúsagad is more hilly.
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[[Mainland Bedistan]] lies at the southern end of [[Calania]], the largest landmass in Atlantian Oceania, stretching all the way from the west coast to the east coast.  The nation also consists of portions on the continents of [[Verdena]], [[Paleoparipia]] and [[Evestigatus]].  Bedistan consists of a total of thirty-three political divisions, known as provinces, in addition to the Federal District, where the capital of [[Columbia]] is located.
  
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Bedistan has a population of 3.409 billion as of March 2063 (January 7, 2005 IRL), with well over 90% of that in urban environments, as space effectively prohibits non-urban settings these days.  Columbia, the capital city, is one of only three major Bedistani ports, the others being the much less well-known city of Hendersonburg on the far southern coast and Port Lusambo, the largest city in the Jativan Islands, well to the west of Bedistan's mainland.
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Most of Bedistan is relatively flat, with some hills in the northern provinces.  Bedistan has ample coastlines, and its beaches are extremely popular due to the nation's constant warm climate.
  
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All of the Bedistani mainland is in the GMT -1 time zone, but the Bedistani Jativan Islands are in GMT -2.
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Bedistan has a population of 6.537 billion as of January 2100, with well over 90% of that in urban environments, as space effectively prohibits non-urban settings these days.
  
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=== Bordering Nations ===
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=== Bordering nations ===
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Bedistan is bordered by [[Commerce Heights]] to the west, [[Lontorica]] to the northwest, [[Silverbrook]] and [[Karacos]] to the northeast, [[Imminent Implosion]] to the east, [[Replucans]] and [[Lukeonia]] to the southeast, and the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the south.  Some parts of Bedistan were formerly portions of the no longer present nations of Jativa, Sokojiwa, and Khiousagahd.
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=== Major Cities ===
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[[West Bedistan]] is bordered by [[Abattoir]] to the northwest, [[the Lowland Clans]] to the north, [[Pedriana]] to the northeast, [[Sarzonia]] to the east by water, [[Crystilakere]] to the southeast by water, [[Bettia]] to the south, [[Nedalia]] and [[Krytenia]] to the southwest, and [[Xile]] to the west by water.  [[East Bedistan]] is bordered by [[Lontorika]] to the northwest, [[Imminent Implosion]] to the east, and the [[Unified Capitalizt States]] and [[The International City|International City]] to the west.
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Columbia is Bedistan's capital and largest city, located at the far southern end of the original territory.  Other major cities include Sonoma City, the entertainment capital of the nation; Hampton, Bedistan's economic powerhouse; and Port Lusambo, a prime vacation spot and international port.
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=== Provinces and major cities ===
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* [[Federal District (Bedistan)|Federal District]], national capital [[Columbia]]
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* [[Paruvia]], capital [[Dennis]]
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* [[Neshoba]], capital [[Alexandria]]
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* [[Troy]], capital [[Ilium]]
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* [[Sonoma]], capital [[Sonoma City]]
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* [[James (province)|James]], capital [[Jamestown]]
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* [[Solara]], capital [[Eastfield]]
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* [[Sonobago|Sonobago (소노바고)]], capital [[Sonobago Dosi|Sonobago Dosi (소노바고 도시)]]
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* [[Lolestu (province)|Lolestu (로렛투)]], capital [[Sokojiwa Dosi|Sokojiwa Dosi (소코지와 도시)]]
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* [[Grant]], capital [[Grant City]]
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* [[Hampton (province)|Hampton]], capital [[Hampton (city)|Hampton]]
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* [[Jackson]], capital [[Graceville]]
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* [[Konila]], capital [[Neue Livinable]]
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* [[West Koveria]], capital [[Neue Metrewalk]]
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* [[East Koveria]], capital [[Neue Kleinestadt]]
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* [[Fulton]], capital [[Woodruff]]
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* [[Novaria]], capital [[New Town]]
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* [[Spalding]], capital [[Griffin]]
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* [[Hyatt]], capital [[New Haverford]]
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* [[Carinia]], capital [[San Solari]]
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* [[Lincolnshire]], capital [[Dionte]]
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* [[Northwind]], capital [[Eagle's Rest]]
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* [[Kiusagad]], capital [[Beaagkh]]
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* [[Uropia]], capital [[IJsselmeer]]
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* [[Henderson (province)|Henderson]], capital [[Hendersonburg]]
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* [[Makarida]], capital [[Kenie]]
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* [[Notelara]], capital [[Kikiö]]
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* [[Réplukanz]], capital [[Werd]]
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* [[Tingitana (province)|Tingitana]], capital [[Savana]]
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* [[Sutelara]], capital [[Kumbara]]
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* [[Fargama]], capital [[Apto]]
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* [[Aïstsokoqiuä]], capital [[Eskoji]]
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* [[Karakós]], capital [[Dinteo]]
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* [[Arjenibrúk]], capital [[Snolaï]]
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 +
[[Columbia]] is Bedistan's capital and second largest city, located at the far southern end of the mainland territory.  Other major cities include [[Sonoma City]], the largest city and entertainment capital of the nation; [[Hampton (city)|Hampton]], Bedistan's economic powerhouse; and [[New Lusambo]], a prime vacation spot and international port.
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=== Climate ===
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Most of Bedistan has a tropical climate; thus it is very warm or hot practically all year round.  There tends to be quite a bit of precipitation, especially during the summer, when it is almost guaranteed to occur every afternoon in great downpours due to the heat and humidity.
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 +
*[[Neue Metrewalk]], [[West Koveria]], Bedistan
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**July high:  82.2°F (27.9°C)
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**July low:  63.6°F (17.6°C)
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**January high:  67.5°F (19.7°C)
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**January low:  49.5°F (9.7°C)
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**Annual precipitation:  34.42 in (874 mm)
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*[[Sonoma City]], [[Sonoma]], Bedistan
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**July high:  94.2°F (34.6°C)
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**July low:  70.3°F (21.3°C)
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**January high:  74.3°F (23.5°C)
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**January low:  53.8°F (12.1°C)
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**Annual precipitation:  47.21 in (1199 mm)
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*[[New Lusambo]], [[Henderson (province)|Henderson]], Bedistan
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**July high:  91.9°F (33.3°C)
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**July low:  76.7°F (24.8°C)
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**January high:  73.4°F (23.0°C)
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**January low:  62.7°F (17.1°C)
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**Annual precipitation:  58.23 in (1479 mm)
  
 
== Economy ==
 
== Economy ==
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Bedistan's economy has always been one of the strongest in [[Terranordalis]], with the [[United Nations]] categorizing it as "Frightening" since the late 2000s.  Bedistan's per capita gross domestic product is roughly þ22,600 (over US$44,000).  Most government funds are spent on commerce, with Bedistan's automobile manufacturing industries regularly receiving large government handouts.  Income taxes were eliminated at one point, likely due to influence caused by large amounts of immigration from [[Commerce Heights]]; they have since been reinstated at around 4%.  There is an annual trade deficit of around þ380 billion (about $740 billion).
+
Bedistan's economy is one of the strongest in Atlantian Oceania, with the [[United Nations]] categorizing it as "Frightening" since the late 2000s.  Bedistan's per capita gross domestic product is roughly þ30,750.  Most government funds are spent on commerce, with Bedistan's automobile manufacturing industries regularly receiving large government handouts.  Income taxes are virtually nonexistent.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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The land now known as Bedistan was first colonized in 1970 by a nation long forgotten that lay a few thousand miles to the west.  Three attempted colonial uprisings between 1987 and 2000 were unsuccessful, but on June 1, 2003, the Empire of Bedistan was officially formed.  At first, the Empire was ruled by a dictator whose name was never known.  He was finally ousted on November 7, 2004, and [[Scott Henderson]] became the [[List of Bedistani presidents|president]] of the newly renamed Democratic Republic three days later.
 
  
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Paripana, the original name of the region now known as [[Terranordalis]], did not take long to erupt into war, as [[Lontorica]]n threats to shoot down aircraft in the now-defunct Baetica, [[Commerce Heights]], and Bedistan caused the First Paripanan War to break out on November 26, 2005.  The Lontorican leader was quick to propose peace terms to the allied forces, however, and the war would end the very next day.
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''See also:  '''[[Flags of Bedistan]]'''''
  
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In 2006, Bedistan began to expand by colonizing the easternmost part of Paripana's southern continent, but the very next year this area would gain independence and become the nation of [[Tingitana]].  In 2015, Jativa left the region, and the Jativan Islands were divided among [[Commerce Heights]], Bedistan, and Baetica.  When the first incarnation of the United Siokaji Consortium, which consisted of Sokojito and Sokojiwa, ceased to exist, Bedistan annexed the western third of Sokojiwa.  When Paripana became [[Terranordalis]], Baetica's Jativan Islands were divided between Commerce Heights and Bedistan.  Bedistan would later lay claim to another portion of the Southern Continent next to an area of [[Lontorica|Lontorican]] territory and south of Khiousagahd.  Upon Khiousagahd's dissolution in 2053, Bedistan annexed the central and northeastern areas of its land to effectively connect the whole nation with the exception of West Jativa.
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===Colonial times and revolution===
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The land once known as Bedistan was first settled in 1963 and officially colonized in 1970 by the [[Wikipedia:United States|United States of America]].  Three attempted colonial uprisings between 1987 and 2000 were unsuccessful, but on June 1, 2003, the Empire of Bedistan was officially formed.  At first, the Empire was ruled by a dictator whose name was never known.  He was finally ousted on November 7, 2004, and [[Scott Henderson]] became the [[List of Bedistani presidents|president]] of the newly renamed Democratic Republic three days later.  Some conspiracy theorists believe that the unnamed dictator and Henderson were in fact one and the same, despite mountains of evidence to the contrary.
  
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====Origin of the nation's name====
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Prior to independence, Bedistan was known simply as American Paripana.  Upon gaining independence, the people chose to name the new nation in honor of revolutionary leader B.D. Gibson.  Gibson's first and middle initials are the origin of the first half of the nation's name.  ''Bedistan'' was the most popular choice out of several options, including ''Bedinia'' and ''Bidgica'' among others.
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===Early conflict===
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Paripana, the original name of the region now known as [[Terranordalis]], did not take long to erupt into war, as [[Lontorica (nation)|Lontorican]] threats to shoot down aircraft in the now-defunct Baetica, [[Commerce Heights]], and Bedistan caused the First Paripanan War to break out on November 26, 2005.  The Lontorican leader was quick to propose peace terms to the allied forces, however, and the war would end the very next day.  No Bedistani casualties were suffered during the war.
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 +
===The expansion years===
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 +
====Tingitana and West Jativa====
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In 2006, Bedistan began to expand by colonizing the easternmost part of Paripana's southern continent, but the very next year this area would gain independence and become the nation of [[Tingitana]].  In 2015, Jativa left the region, and the Jativan Islands were divided among [[Commerce Heights]], Bedistan, and Baetica.  The Bedistani portion of the islands became the state of [[West Jativa]] in 2016.
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 +
====Extraterrestrial endeavors====
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Throughout the 2010s, both Bedistan and Commerce Heights were actively researching space travel.  Bedistan made a great breakthrough in the [[FTL]] field, which enabled Bedistan to colonize the distant planet of [[Nótereth]] (literally, ''new world'') in 2018.  Contact was lost with the Nótereth colony, though, and nobody knows what may have become of it.
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====Humanitarian expansion====
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The nations surrounding Bedistan tended to be particularly unstable, and as a result Bedistan often had to annex land from fallen governments for the goodwill of the people living there.  When the first incarnation of the United Siokaji Consortium, which consisted of Sokojito and Sokojiwa, ceased to exist in 2028, Bedistan annexed the western third of Sokojiwa.  When Paripana became [[Terranordalis]], Baetica's Jativan Islands were divided between Commerce Heights and Bedistan.  Bedistan would later lay claim to another portion of the Southern Continent next to an area of Lontorican territory and south of Khiousagahd.  Upon Khiousagahd's dissolution in 2053, Bedistan annexed the central and northeastern areas of its land to effectively connect the whole nation with the exception of West Jativa.  The nations of Silverbrook and Karacos ceased to exist in early 2064, and in order to prevent complete anarchy there, Bedistan took control of all of Silverbrook and the northern half of Karacos (the southern half of Karacos went to [[Imminent Implosion]]).  Lontorica and Tarraconesis ceased to exist in early 2066.  Bedistan took control of the eastern portion of mainland Lontorica and Lontorican territory on the Southern Continent, while Commerce Heights took over western Lontorica and northern Tarraconesis.
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 +
===New surroundings===
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In 2070, an unexpected invasion by [[Tingitana]], Bedistan's former colony, forced Bedistan to leave its longtime home of [[Terranordalis]], moving to new land in [[Atlantian Oceania]].  In a year-long process, citizens and supplies were transported by sea to the new location with help from [[Starblaydia]], [[Druida]], [[Pedriana]], [[Legalese]], and [[Chacor]].  Bedistan's cities and networks were rebuilt as closely as possible to their original ways, though there are some differences between the new land and the old.  Bedistan began to integrate into the region quickly, becoming a member of the [[Federation of Like-Minded States]] in 2071.
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 +
==International relations and interactions==
 
Bedistan, along with several other neighboring nations, was always a fierce enemy of the Republic of Aquilla in [[The New Meritocracy]] until it ceased to exist in 2053.
 
Bedistan, along with several other neighboring nations, was always a fierce enemy of the Republic of Aquilla in [[The New Meritocracy]] until it ceased to exist in 2053.
  
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Since 2010, Bedistan has become isolationist in practically all affairs except those of sport.  Bedistan has been a participant in the [[World Cup]] ever since its fifth incarnation played in [[Tanah Burung]] in Bedistani year 2006 and has since made a record five semifinal appearances.  Bedistan and [[Oglethorpia]] co-hosted World Cup VIII in 2018, and Bedistan also co-hosted World Cup XVIII in 2058 with [[Eauz]].  As yet, Bedistan's sporting teams boast three major championships, having won [[Under-21 World Cup]]s IV and VI in [[Total n Utter Insanity]], as well as [[Eagle's Cup]] IV in [[The Eagles Nest]].
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For most of its existence, Bedistan has been isolationist in practically all affairs except those of sport, though that has changed somewhat since the move to [[Atlantian Oceania]].  Bedistan has been a participant in the [[World Cup]] ever since its fifth incarnation played in [[Tanah Burung]] in Bedistani year 2006 and has since made a record six semifinal appearances.  Bedistan and [[Oglethorpia]] co-hosted [[World Cup 8]] in 2018, and Bedistan also co-hosted [[World Cup 18]] in 2058 with [[Eauz]].  As yet, Bedistan's sporting teams boast four major championships, having won [[Under-21 World Cup]]s 4 and 6 in [[Total n Utter Insanity]], [[Eagle's Cup]] 4 in [[The Eagles Nest]], and [[World Cup 21]] in [[Cockbill Street]] and [[Lethislavania]].  Bedistani athletes also won fourteen medals at the 2008<sup id="note1_return">[[#note1|1]]</sup> Summer Olympics in [[Kaza]], [[Kaze Progressa]] before competition was canceled.
  
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== Culture ==
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Bedistan has been a member of the [[World Cup#The World Cup Committee|World Cup Committee]] since 2015 and is also a member of the NationStates International Olympic Committee General Congress (NSIOC-GC).  In addition, Bedistan has recently applied for admittance into the G-16, an economic alliance consisting of nations with some of the strongest economies in all NationStates.
  
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=== Sports and Entertainment ===
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== People and culture ==
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The national sport of Bedistan is football (known as soccer in some countries).  Bedistan recently qualified for its twelfth [[World Cup]] appearance in thirteen attempts.  In addition to the main national team, Bedistan also has an under-21 national team, which has won two [[Under-21 World Cup]]s.
+
  
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In addition to the national teams, Bedistan has a very strong league system.  The [[Bedistan Premier League]] consists of four levels of competition in which a total of 76 professional clubs compete.  Clubs relegated from the Fourth Division drop off into the National League System, which consists of six slightly more localized levels.  Clubs relegated from the Third Divisions of the Highland League, Heartland League, and Lowland & Outlying League leave the National League System and fall into the very loosely regulated local area of Bedistani football.
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The majority of Bedistanis are Caucasian, and about 65 percent of the population is of American descent.  Other ethnicities, such as British, German, and Korean, are also relatively common.  Most British live in the northern and northeastern parts of the country.  Germans have the greatest concentration in the northwest, but a sizable number can also be found in the islands of the far southeast.  Koreans and other Asians are most numerous in east central Bedistan.  Other nationalities, including French and Greek, can be found in significant numbers in certain parts of the nation.
  
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The [[Bedistan Premier League|BPL]] champions for Seasons 2062 and 2063 are [[Yuba United]].
+
=== Sports and entertainment ===
 +
The national sport of Bedistan is [[Wikipedia:Football (soccer)|football]].  [[Bedistan national football team|Bedistan]] finally won [[World Cup 21]] in 2070, its seventeenth attempt to do so, and has since also won World Cups [[World Cup 26|26]] and [[World Cup 27|27]].  In addition to the main national team, Bedistan has reinstated its under-21 national team, which won two [[Under-21 World Cup]]s before its temporary dissolution.
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 +
In addition to the national teams, Bedistan has a very strong league system.  The Bedistani leagues are integrated with the [[International Association Football League]], and a total of 86 professional clubs compete in it and the other [[Bedistani football league system|Bedistani domestic leagues]].
  
 
=== Language ===
 
=== Language ===
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[[English]] is Bedistan's primary [[language]], and is spoken by about 97% of the population.  Spanish is also fairly widespread, but is predominantly heard along the coast near Columbia.  It is spoken by nearly 40% of the population.  Classical [[Greek]] is one of the newer languages in Bedistan, ironically enough, and is mainly spoken on the Southern Continent in former Khiousagahd.  [[Noterelenda]], at one time planned to replace all Bedistani languages, has gained modest popularity and is spoken fluently by about 20% of the population.  Noterelenda is most widely used in West Jativa (or Oste Qátiva, as it is called in that language).  Most of Bedistan's modern province names come directly from or are derived from Noterelenda words.
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[[English]] is Bedistan's primary [[language]], and is spoken by about 97% of the population.  Spanish is also fairly widespread, but is predominantly heard along the coast near Columbia.  It is spoken by nearly 40% of the population.  Classical [[Greek]] is one of the newer languages in Bedistan, ironically enough, and is mainly spoken in Kiusagad province.  [[Noterelenda]], at one time planned to replace all Bedistani languages, has gained modest popularity and is spoken fluently by about 60% of the population, a number that continues to rise.  Noterelenda is most widely used in the islands of Henderson province.
  
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Various dialects have also developed as a result of cultural intermingling near national borders.  Many northwesterners speak German to some extent, and it is also somewhat understood in West Jativa.  English is the only language widely understood in many parts of the northeast, and it is often spoken with a British-like accent there.  There are also very small French- and Latin-speaking minorities along the Imminent Implosion border, stemming from the old days of Baetica.
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Various dialects have also developed as a result of cultural intermingling near national borders.  Many northwesterners speak [[German]] to some extent, and it is also somewhat understood in the Port Lusambo area.  English is the only language widely understood in many parts of the northeast, and it is often spoken with a British-like accent there.  There are also very small [[French]]- and [[Latin]]-speaking minorities along the east coast, stemming from the old days of Baetica. More recently, some easterners have begun speaking [[Pacitalian]], likely a result of Bedistan's proximity to [[Sarzonia]], where many speak the language.
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==== Official languages by province ====
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 +
[[English]] and [[Noterelenda]] are official languages in all twenty-four provinces and the [[Federal District (Bedistan)|Federal District]].
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 +
[[Spanish]] is an official language in the provinces of [[Neshoba]], [[Troy]], and [[Paruvia]] in southeastern [[Mainland Bedistan]].  [[Greek]] is an official language in [[Kiusagad]] province.  [[German]] is one of the newest languages to receive official recognition in Bedistan, having been made an official language of the provinces of [[Konila]] and [[West Koveria|West]] and [[East Koveria]] in 2090.  [[Syokaji]] was finally, after many decades of prodding, added as an official language of [[Lolestu (province)|Lolestu]] and [[Sonobago]] in 2094.
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 +
=== Public holidays ===
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 +
There are a number of officially recognized government holidays in Bedistan:
 +
; January 1 : New Year's Day
 +
; February 17 : President's Day
 +
; March 16 : Evacuation Day, the day on which Bedistan and its people were forced to flee from the invading Tingitanan forces
 +
; March 21 : Winter's End Celebration - although winter in Bedistan is not particularly cold, most of its people tend to be very fond of warm summertime weather.
 +
; June 1 : Independence Day
 +
; November 7 : Democracy Day - also known as Election Day, self-explanatory
 +
; November 27 : Memorial Day
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; December 24-31 : Winter Festival - Bedistan's attempt at a religiously-neutral way of celebrating the holidays
  
 
== Education ==
 
== Education ==
Line 60: Line 203:
 
Public education in Bedistan starts at the age of five and is structured in such a way that ideally, all students are adequately prepared for their chosen profession by the time they complete school.  The drawback to this is that a student must make a career decision relatively early in life.
 
Public education in Bedistan starts at the age of five and is structured in such a way that ideally, all students are adequately prepared for their chosen profession by the time they complete school.  The drawback to this is that a student must make a career decision relatively early in life.
  
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=== Elementary school ===
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For more information, please see '''''[[Education in Bedistan]]'''''.
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 +
== Communication ==
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 +
=== Telephone ===
 +
 
 +
Bedistani telephone numbers consist of eleven digits in the following format: '''pp-dd-lll-nnnn'''.
 +
 
 +
''pp'' is the province code, which in most cases lies within the range 01 to 25, corresponding to Bedistan's twenty-four provinces plus the Federal District.  For instance, the Federal District is represented by the code 01, while Henderson province is represented by the code 25.
  
−
Elementary school consists of the first six years of formal education, which are named, unsurprisingly, Grades One through Six.  Elementary education is very general, as all students are exposed to a wide spectrum of subjects, including math, science, [[English]], foreign [[language]]s, and social studies.  The elementary school day lasts seven hours, including a 30-minute lunch break and a 30-minute physical activity break.
+
''dd'' is the district code, which lies within the range 01 to 99.  A district, for purposes of telephone number assignment, is a geographical division one step below a province.  Not all provinces have the full 99 districts.  For instance, within the province of Sonovago (province code 05), Sonovago City is represented by the district code 16, while Ukto-li is represented by the district code 59.
  
−
In Grades One through Three, each student has one teacher, who teaches the student each of the four basic disciplines (math, science, English, and social studies) for one hour each every day.  Specialized foreign language teachers teach the students a foreign language for one hour each every day.  In Grade One, the language is [[Spanish]].  In Grade Two, [[German]] is taught.  In Grade Three, Classical [[Greek]] is taught.  The activity for the remaining hour varies from day to day, with common subjects being music and computer education among others, all taught by specialized teachers.
+
''lll'' is the local area code, which lies within the range 001 to 999.  Typically, these are assigned on a city-by-city basis.  The smallest cities may receive only one area code, but the vast majority of cities have several (in the case of the largest cities, they may even have over a thousand, requiring them to be represented by more than one district code).
  
−
In Grades Four through Six, each student has two teachers.  One teaches math and science, while the other teaches English and social studies.  Students spend two hours with each teacher every day, and each teacher is encouraged to split class time 50/50 between his or her two specialized subjects.  Each student still takes one hour of foreign language, but he or she now gets to choose the language.  Common choices are [[French]], [[Dutch]], [[Portuguese]], [[Japanese]], and [[Chinese]].  In Grade Six only, a student also has the option of taking a second year of a language that he or she has already taken.  Therefore, by Grade Six, every student will have been exposed to at least six languages, including English, and possibly seven.  The activity for the remaining hour of the school day functions the same as in Grades One through Three.
+
Finally, ''nnnn'' is the number assigned to an individual line within a local area code.  Thus, the phone number of a major office building in Sonoma City might be 09-15-325-4504.
  
−
=== Middle school ===
+
==== International calls ====
  
−
At the end of Grade Six, each student makes a decision regarding his or her middle school track.  Students who plan to eventually go on to university choose the university-bound track, while those who do not choose the career-bound track.  The seven-hour school day (including a 30-minute lunch break) includes classes that are determined by which track the student is on.
+
To reach a Bedistani phone line from outside the country, one must first dial Bedistan's country code, which is 13.  Thus, to reach a government office in Columbia from a [[Vilita]]n government office, one might dial 13-01-46-346-2323.
  
−
Middle school lasts for three years consisting of Grades Seven through Nine.
+
==== Special province codes ====
  
−
==== University-bound ====
+
Certain "province codes" are actually reserved for other purposes.  Province code 80 is used for toll-free lines, but these have become so numerous that they have expanded to 81, 82, and 83.  Currently, the range 80-89 is reserved for future expansion of this system.  Similarly, province code 90 is used for higher-toll lines.
  
−
Students on the university-bound track take Algebra I, English VII, Provincial Studies, and Science VII in Grade Seven.  The remaining two slots (all classes are one hour long) have some flexibility, though not a whole lot.  For the three years of middle school, each student is required to take three units of foreign language, two units of fine arts, and one unit of physical education.  The foreign languages must be continuations of languages taken in elementary school, and at least two of the three units must be the same language.  Therefore, depending on the student's preference, every university-bound student will have had three to five years of at least one foreign language (possibly even three years of two languages) before proceeding to high school.  In Grade Eight, required classes are Geometry, English VIII, World History I, and Biology I.  In Grade Nine, required classes are Algebra II, English IX, Bedistani History, and Earth Science.
+
==== Emergency services ====
  
−
==== Career-bound ====
+
Dialing the number 0000 will automatically connect you to local emergency services.  To safeguard against accidental use of this feature, no portion of a valid telephone number can consist entirely of zeroes.
  
−
Students on the career-bound track take General Math VII, English VII, Science VII, and Career Prep I in Grade Seven.  The remaining portion of the day is open, though with limitations.  All career-bound students are required to have two units of foreign language, two units of fine arts, and two units of physical education during their three-year stay in middle school.
+
===Radio===
 +
FM radio is broadcast in Bedistan over the range of frequencies from 87.8 MHz to 108.0 MHz.  It is divided into channels with midpoint frequencies in intervals of 200 kHz from 87.9 MHz to 107.9 MHz.  Government regulations exist to make sure stations broadcast at similar frequencies in separate locations do not interfere with each other, but apart from that radio in Bedistan is more or less free.
  
−
In Grade Eight, students take English VIII and Career Prep II.  The two "open" classes can be used for:  optional math (Algebra I), optional science (Biology I), optional Provincial Studies, or additional units of foreign language or fine arts.
+
===Television===
 +
Digital cable services are available in all parts of the nation at low cost.  Such packages include local channels that primarily provide news and weather reports as well as national channels such as [[Bedistan News Network|BNN]] and [[Bedistan Sports Television|BSTV]].
  
−
In Grade Nine, the only mandated class is Career Prep III.  The three "open" classes can be used for:  optional math (Algebra I or Geometry), optional science (Biology I or Earth Science), optional geography/history (Provincial Studies or World History I) or optional English (English IX).  In addition, a student can take Career Prep IV (how this is done:  the student takes two hours of CP III the first semester and then two hours of CP IV the second semester) or Military Science I.
+
==Government and politics==
  
−
=== High school ===
+
===Executive branch===
 +
Bedistan has been led by a [[List of Bedistani presidents|president]] ever since 2004.  Presidents are elected to six-year terms, and the Constitution states that no president may serve more than one term in office.  The president serves as both head of state and head of government.
  
−
At the end of Grade Nine, a student may choose to switch from one track to the other.  This is done by means of the University-Bound and Career-Bound High School Placement Tests.  If a student passes the test with a score of 700 (on a scale of 100 to 1000), he or she is allowed to switch tracks, but will be required to take extra classes in order to do so.
+
===Legislative branch===
 +
The legislative branch is known as the Senate, and it is a unicameral body of 245 senators, ten representing each of Bedistan's twenty-four provinces and five representing the Federal District.  Bedistan has preserved the American election format, with the people voting for individual candidates rather than parties as a whole.  Senators are elected to two-year terms and are allowed to serve up to five terms, or ten years total.
  
−
High school lasts for four years consisting of Grades Ten through Thirteen.
+
===Parties===
 +
There are six main political parties in Bedistan:  the Democratic Party, the Progressive Party, the Capitalist Party, the Socialist Party, the Reform Party, and the Green Party.  Ever since political parties were officially introduced in 2036, the Capitalist Party has spent nearly half the time in power.  [[Esther Marchese]] won re-election to her second and third terms as president on the Capitalist ticket in 2036 and 2038, and her successor [[Sandra Fleischer]] was also a Capitalist.  There was then a period of constantly shifting power.  The Green Party briefly assumed control with Jamie Penaloza's election in 2046, then independent candidate [[Vernon Schultheis]] shocked the nation by garnering over ninety percent of the popular vote in 2048.  The Socialist Party's Antwan Telman took over in 2050, but he was exceedingly unpopular and finished third in the 2052 election.  The Capitalists gained the reins of power again through Edgardo Ronnie, but he too lasted only one term.  Next came twelve years of Democratic Party control in the form of Shelba Feazelle and Gail Luffy, each of whom served three terms.  The Progressive Party's only turn at the presidency began in 2066 with the election of [[Patrick Morgan]], who served four years.  [[Dean Willis]]' ascension to the presidency in 2070 due to Morgan's incapacitation put the Capitalists back in the spotlight.
  
−
==== University-bound ====
+
===Elections===
 +
Presidential elections occur in even-numbered years, and legislative elections occur in odd-numbered years.  Until 2052, elections were decided wholly by the popular vote, simple plurality deciding the winner.  However, due to the typically large number of candidates, many presidents were elected with less then 40 percent of the vote and sometimes less than 30 percent.  In 2052, Bedistan's presidential elections switched to an electoral congress style, with a total of 215 possible votes distributed among the provinces and Federal District.  Again, only a plurality was required to determine the winner, but 2052 was the only time under this system that the winner did not receive a majority (Edgardo Ronnie won 99 out of the 215 votes).  Starting in 2070, the total possible number of votes was increased to 245, incorporating the redrawn provincial borders.
  
−
Students entering the University-Bound track by means of scoring at least 700 on the University-Bound High School Placement Test will be required to take extra classes for the first year of high school.  In Grade Ten, a student must complete Algebra II, English IX, and Bedistani History (plus any prerequisites) if he or she has not already done so, in addition to completing all classes required for Grade Ten by the student's specialization.
+
The system underwent another change for the 2076 elections.  Election day is officially set for November 7, regardless of the day of the week.  If a candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, he or she is immediately elected.  If not, the top three candidates participate in a runoff on November 10.  If this still does not produce a majority, the top two participate in a final runoff on November 14.  In the event that the November 14 runoff results in a tie, the Senate decides the winner.  The elected president is inaugurated on December 1.
  
−
===== Specializations =====
+
A national referendum in 2101 resulted in an amendment to the Constitution that changed the president's term of office from two years to six, while at the same time limiting the president to one term instead of three.
  
−
At the beginning of Grade Ten, each student must select an area to specialize in during high school.  There are seven areas of specialization available for the university-bound student:
+
==Transportation==
  
−
*Mathematics
+
===Land===
−
*Biology and environmental sciences
+
−
*Physical sciences
+
−
*English
+
−
*Foreign language of the student's choice
+
−
*Social studies
+
−
*Fine arts
+
  
−
Classes required for graduation depend on the student's specialization.  With the exceptions of Foreign Language and Fine Arts, there are seven available classes in each specialization.  The Foreign Language cluster includes levels IV through IX of every available language (meaning a student is required to have taken at least three years of their chosen language previously), in addition to levels I through IV of each language's literature.  The Fine Arts cluster includes levels I through IV of Band, Chorus, and Visual Arts.  Students are required to take at least six classes in their specialization, at least two classes in every other specialization, and at least two "miscellaneous" classes (including Computer Science I and II, Physical Education, and Military Science I).  Students take seven classes per year, for a total of twenty-eight, ''not including'' any additional classes needed as a result of a track switch.
+
Bedistan has had a nationwide freeway network in place for several decades, serving over sixty-five major cities.  In addition, it features a direct link to the [[Bettia]]n freeway system by means of a border crossing near [[Porthbalfa]], south of [[Hendersonburg]].  The freeway network is officially called the National Expressway System, and in common parlance its routes are referred to by the letter X followed by the number.
  
−
==== Career-bound ====
+
* Full article:  '''[[National Expressway System]]'''
  
−
Students entering the Career-Bound track by means of scoring at least 700 on the Career-Bound High School Placement Test will be required to take extra classes for the first year of high school.  In Grade Ten, a student must complete Career Prep II (plus any prerequisites) if he or she has not already done so, in addition to completing all classes required for Grade Ten by the student's specialization.  The student must then complete Career Prep IV (plus prerequisites) by the end of Grade Eleven.
+
===Water===
  
−
===== Specializations =====
+
[[Columbia]], the capital city, is one of eight major Bedistani ports, the others being [[Jamestown]], [[Eagle's Rest]], [[New Lusambo]], [[Hendersonburg]], [[Atarashii Yojimbo]], [[Nova Aeon]], and [[Ny-Fjordalen]].
  
−
At the beginning of Grade Ten, each student must select an area to specialize in during high school.  There are nine areas of specialization available for the career-bound student:
+
===Air===
  
−
*Automotive
+
Notable Bedistani [[List of Atlantian Oceania airports|airports]] include:
−
*Computer tech
+
*[[Esther Marchese]] International Airport, [[Columbia]] (CLA)
−
*Manufacturing
+
*Graceville-Amissville International Airport, [[Graceville]] (GRA)
−
*Public service
+
*[[Scott Henderson]] Memorial Airport, [[Hendersonburg]] (HEN)
−
*Domestic
+
*Hampton International Airport, [[Hampton]] (HMP)
−
*Architecture and design
+
*New Lusambo International Airport, [[New Lusambo]] (PTL)
−
*Construction
+
*Sonoma City International Airport, [[Sonoma City]] (SCI)
−
*Energy and resources
+
*Sonobago International Airport, [[Sonobago Dosi]] (SNV)
−
*Military
+
*Edgewood Field, [[San Solari]] (SSL)
  
−
If none of these specializations suits the student, he or she may continue with general career training, though this is typically not advised.
+
----
  
−
All students must complete Career Prep IV in Grade Ten if they have not already done so (with exceptions made for students transferring from the University-Bound track as above).  Like the University-Bound students, Career-Bound students must pass a total of twenty-eight classes.  Students must take at least eight courses in their chosen specialization, at least one in every other career-bound specialization, at least two units of Physical Education, and must complete a foreign language through at least level V.  Students must also take Career Prep V, VI, and VII sometime during their high school career.  General career trainees will take Career Prep levels V through XII.
+
{| align="center"
 +
|-
 +
| width="50%" |
 +
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" align="center"
 +
|-
 +
| width="34%" align="center" | '''NW:''' [[Abattoir]]
 +
| width="32%" align="center" | '''N:''' [[The Lowland Clans|TLC]]
 +
| width="30%" align="center" | '''NE:''' [[Pedriana]]
 +
|-
 +
| width="34%" align="center" | '''W:''' [[Xile]]<sup id="note2_return">[[#note2|2]]</sup>
 +
| width="32%" align="center" style="background:#efefef" | '''western Bedistan'''
 +
| width="34%" align="center" | '''E:''' [[Sarzonia]]<sup>[[#note2|2]]</sup>
 +
|-
 +
| width="34%" align="center" | '''SW:''' [[Krytenia]], [[Nedalia]]
 +
| width="32%" align="center" | '''S:''' [[Bettia]]
 +
| width="34%" align="center" | '''SE:''' [[Crystilakere]]<sup>[[#note2|2]]</sup>
 +
|}
 +
| width = 50% |
 +
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" align="center"
 +
|-
 +
| width="34%" align="center" | '''NW:''' [[Lontorika]]
 +
| width="32%" align="center" | '''N:''' [[Dorian and Sonya|Dorian & Sonya]]<sup>[[#note2|2]]</sup>
 +
| width="34%" align="center" | '''NE:''' ocean
 +
|-
 +
| width="34%" align="center" | '''W:''' [[The International City|Int'l City]], [[Unified Capitalizt States|UCS]]
 +
| width="32%" align="center" style="background:#efefef" | '''eastern Bedistan'''
 +
| width="34%" align="center" | '''E:''' [[Imminent Implosion|Imm. Implosion]]
 +
|-
 +
| width="34%" align="center" | '''SW:''' [[Unified Capitalizt States|UCS]]
 +
| width="32%" align="center" | '''S:''' [[Space Union]]<sup>[[#note2|2]]</sup>
 +
| width="34%" align="center" | '''SE:''' ocean
 +
|}
 +
|}
  
−
=== Post-secondary education ===
+
{{AO Nations}}
 +
{{Bedistan}}
  
−
After completing Grade Thirteen, University-Bound graduates will almost always proceed to the university of their choice, where they will typically spend at least four years.  Career-Bound graduates will usually be able to start their chosen careers right away, though some may be required to attend a two-year Career College before they can start working.
+
[[Category:Nations]]
  
−
[[Category:Bedistan]]
+
<small><sup id="note1">[[#note1_return|1]]</sup> The 2008 Olympics did not take place during Bedistani year 2008, but rather in the mid-2050s.</small><br/>
 +
<small><sup id="note2">[[#note2_return|2]]</sup> Separated by a body of water.</small>

Latest revision as of 19:56, 16 July 2007

The Grand Dominion of Bedistan
Domine'da Grádire Bédistem
El Dominio Grande de Bédistan
Η Μεγάλη Εξουσία του Βεδιστάν
[1]
Flag of Bedistan
Motto: Robur prae adversitas
BedistanInAO2100.png

Full map: [2]

Region Atlantian Oceania
Official languages
  - National
  - Provincial
English, Noterelenda
Spanish, Greek, German, Syokaji
Other languages
spoken by at least 100 million 		French, Pacitalian
Capital Columbia
Largest city Sonoma City
Population
(2100 census) 		6,537,196,584
Establishment June 1, 2003
National animal Porcupine
GDP (2100 est.)
  - Total
  - GDP/capita
þ201.0 trillion
þ30,746.05
CHDI (2099) .876 (high) (unofficial estimate)
Currency 265.14 bakrani (þ) = 1 ounce of gold
þ1 = 100 cents (c)
Time Zone AOTC±0000
(Calania and Verdena portions),
AOTC+0200
(western Evestigatus portion),
AOTC+0300
(Paleoparipia and eastern Evestigatus portions)
Internet TLD .bd, .bds
International sporting abbreviation BDS
Calling Code +13

The Grand Dominion of Bedistan (Noterelenda: Domine'da Grádire Bédistem, Spanish: el Dominio Grande de Bédistan, Greek: 'η Μεγάλη Εξουσία του Βεδιστάν) was one of the largest and economically strongest nations in the region of Atlantian Oceania. The nation gained independence on June 1, 2003 and ceased to exist circa 2110.

The original territory of Bedistan has been absorbed into the Unified Capitalizt States as the state of Bedistan.

All information provided below is for historical reference only, and most of it is no longer accurate.

Geography

Mainland Bedistan lies at the southern end of Calania, the largest landmass in Atlantian Oceania, stretching all the way from the west coast to the east coast. The nation also consists of portions on the continents of Verdena, Paleoparipia and Evestigatus. Bedistan consists of a total of thirty-three political divisions, known as provinces, in addition to the Federal District, where the capital of Columbia is located.

Most of Bedistan is relatively flat, with some hills in the northern provinces. Bedistan has ample coastlines, and its beaches are extremely popular due to the nation's constant warm climate.

Bedistan has a population of 6.537 billion as of January 2100, with well over 90% of that in urban environments, as space effectively prohibits non-urban settings these days.

Bordering nations

West Bedistan is bordered by Abattoir to the northwest, the Lowland Clans to the north, Pedriana to the northeast, Sarzonia to the east by water, Crystilakere to the southeast by water, Bettia to the south, Nedalia and Krytenia to the southwest, and Xile to the west by water. East Bedistan is bordered by Lontorika to the northwest, Imminent Implosion to the east, and the Unified Capitalizt States and International City to the west.

Provinces and major cities

Columbia is Bedistan's capital and second largest city, located at the far southern end of the mainland territory. Other major cities include Sonoma City, the largest city and entertainment capital of the nation; Hampton, Bedistan's economic powerhouse; and New Lusambo, a prime vacation spot and international port.

Climate

Most of Bedistan has a tropical climate; thus it is very warm or hot practically all year round. There tends to be quite a bit of precipitation, especially during the summer, when it is almost guaranteed to occur every afternoon in great downpours due to the heat and humidity.

  • Neue Metrewalk, West Koveria, Bedistan
    • July high: 82.2°F (27.9°C)
    • July low: 63.6°F (17.6°C)
    • January high: 67.5°F (19.7°C)
    • January low: 49.5°F (9.7°C)
    • Annual precipitation: 34.42 in (874 mm)
  • Sonoma City, Sonoma, Bedistan
    • July high: 94.2°F (34.6°C)
    • July low: 70.3°F (21.3°C)
    • January high: 74.3°F (23.5°C)
    • January low: 53.8°F (12.1°C)
    • Annual precipitation: 47.21 in (1199 mm)
  • New Lusambo, Henderson, Bedistan
    • July high: 91.9°F (33.3°C)
    • July low: 76.7°F (24.8°C)
    • January high: 73.4°F (23.0°C)
    • January low: 62.7°F (17.1°C)
    • Annual precipitation: 58.23 in (1479 mm)

Economy

Bedistan's economy is one of the strongest in Atlantian Oceania, with the United Nations categorizing it as "Frightening" since the late 2000s. Bedistan's per capita gross domestic product is roughly þ30,750. Most government funds are spent on commerce, with Bedistan's automobile manufacturing industries regularly receiving large government handouts. Income taxes are virtually nonexistent.

History

See also: Flags of Bedistan

Colonial times and revolution

The land once known as Bedistan was first settled in 1963 and officially colonized in 1970 by the United States of America. Three attempted colonial uprisings between 1987 and 2000 were unsuccessful, but on June 1, 2003, the Empire of Bedistan was officially formed. At first, the Empire was ruled by a dictator whose name was never known. He was finally ousted on November 7, 2004, and Scott Henderson became the president of the newly renamed Democratic Republic three days later. Some conspiracy theorists believe that the unnamed dictator and Henderson were in fact one and the same, despite mountains of evidence to the contrary.

Origin of the nation's name

Prior to independence, Bedistan was known simply as American Paripana. Upon gaining independence, the people chose to name the new nation in honor of revolutionary leader B.D. Gibson. Gibson's first and middle initials are the origin of the first half of the nation's name. Bedistan was the most popular choice out of several options, including Bedinia and Bidgica among others.

Early conflict

Paripana, the original name of the region now known as Terranordalis, did not take long to erupt into war, as Lontorican threats to shoot down aircraft in the now-defunct Baetica, Commerce Heights, and Bedistan caused the First Paripanan War to break out on November 26, 2005. The Lontorican leader was quick to propose peace terms to the allied forces, however, and the war would end the very next day. No Bedistani casualties were suffered during the war.

The expansion years

Tingitana and West Jativa

In 2006, Bedistan began to expand by colonizing the easternmost part of Paripana's southern continent, but the very next year this area would gain independence and become the nation of Tingitana. In 2015, Jativa left the region, and the Jativan Islands were divided among Commerce Heights, Bedistan, and Baetica. The Bedistani portion of the islands became the state of West Jativa in 2016.

Extraterrestrial endeavors

Throughout the 2010s, both Bedistan and Commerce Heights were actively researching space travel. Bedistan made a great breakthrough in the FTL field, which enabled Bedistan to colonize the distant planet of Nótereth (literally, new world) in 2018. Contact was lost with the Nótereth colony, though, and nobody knows what may have become of it.

Humanitarian expansion

The nations surrounding Bedistan tended to be particularly unstable, and as a result Bedistan often had to annex land from fallen governments for the goodwill of the people living there. When the first incarnation of the United Siokaji Consortium, which consisted of Sokojito and Sokojiwa, ceased to exist in 2028, Bedistan annexed the western third of Sokojiwa. When Paripana became Terranordalis, Baetica's Jativan Islands were divided between Commerce Heights and Bedistan. Bedistan would later lay claim to another portion of the Southern Continent next to an area of Lontorican territory and south of Khiousagahd. Upon Khiousagahd's dissolution in 2053, Bedistan annexed the central and northeastern areas of its land to effectively connect the whole nation with the exception of West Jativa. The nations of Silverbrook and Karacos ceased to exist in early 2064, and in order to prevent complete anarchy there, Bedistan took control of all of Silverbrook and the northern half of Karacos (the southern half of Karacos went to Imminent Implosion). Lontorica and Tarraconesis ceased to exist in early 2066. Bedistan took control of the eastern portion of mainland Lontorica and Lontorican territory on the Southern Continent, while Commerce Heights took over western Lontorica and northern Tarraconesis.

New surroundings

In 2070, an unexpected invasion by Tingitana, Bedistan's former colony, forced Bedistan to leave its longtime home of Terranordalis, moving to new land in Atlantian Oceania. In a year-long process, citizens and supplies were transported by sea to the new location with help from Starblaydia, Druida, Pedriana, Legalese, and Chacor. Bedistan's cities and networks were rebuilt as closely as possible to their original ways, though there are some differences between the new land and the old. Bedistan began to integrate into the region quickly, becoming a member of the Federation of Like-Minded States in 2071.

International relations and interactions

Bedistan, along with several other neighboring nations, was always a fierce enemy of the Republic of Aquilla in The New Meritocracy until it ceased to exist in 2053.

For most of its existence, Bedistan has been isolationist in practically all affairs except those of sport, though that has changed somewhat since the move to Atlantian Oceania. Bedistan has been a participant in the World Cup ever since its fifth incarnation played in Tanah Burung in Bedistani year 2006 and has since made a record six semifinal appearances. Bedistan and Oglethorpia co-hosted World Cup 8 in 2018, and Bedistan also co-hosted World Cup 18 in 2058 with Eauz. As yet, Bedistan's sporting teams boast four major championships, having won Under-21 World Cups 4 and 6 in Total n Utter Insanity, Eagle's Cup 4 in The Eagles Nest, and World Cup 21 in Cockbill Street and Lethislavania. Bedistani athletes also won fourteen medals at the 20081 Summer Olympics in Kaza, Kaze Progressa before competition was canceled.

Bedistan has been a member of the World Cup Committee since 2015 and is also a member of the NationStates International Olympic Committee General Congress (NSIOC-GC). In addition, Bedistan has recently applied for admittance into the G-16, an economic alliance consisting of nations with some of the strongest economies in all NationStates.

People and culture

The majority of Bedistanis are Caucasian, and about 65 percent of the population is of American descent. Other ethnicities, such as British, German, and Korean, are also relatively common. Most British live in the northern and northeastern parts of the country. Germans have the greatest concentration in the northwest, but a sizable number can also be found in the islands of the far southeast. Koreans and other Asians are most numerous in east central Bedistan. Other nationalities, including French and Greek, can be found in significant numbers in certain parts of the nation.

Sports and entertainment

The national sport of Bedistan is football. Bedistan finally won World Cup 21 in 2070, its seventeenth attempt to do so, and has since also won World Cups 26 and 27. In addition to the main national team, Bedistan has reinstated its under-21 national team, which won two Under-21 World Cups before its temporary dissolution.

In addition to the national teams, Bedistan has a very strong league system. The Bedistani leagues are integrated with the International Association Football League, and a total of 86 professional clubs compete in it and the other Bedistani domestic leagues.

Language

English is Bedistan's primary language, and is spoken by about 97% of the population. Spanish is also fairly widespread, but is predominantly heard along the coast near Columbia. It is spoken by nearly 40% of the population. Classical Greek is one of the newer languages in Bedistan, ironically enough, and is mainly spoken in Kiusagad province. Noterelenda, at one time planned to replace all Bedistani languages, has gained modest popularity and is spoken fluently by about 60% of the population, a number that continues to rise. Noterelenda is most widely used in the islands of Henderson province.

Various dialects have also developed as a result of cultural intermingling near national borders. Many northwesterners speak German to some extent, and it is also somewhat understood in the Port Lusambo area. English is the only language widely understood in many parts of the northeast, and it is often spoken with a British-like accent there. There are also very small French- and Latin-speaking minorities along the east coast, stemming from the old days of Baetica. More recently, some easterners have begun speaking Pacitalian, likely a result of Bedistan's proximity to Sarzonia, where many speak the language.

Official languages by province

English and Noterelenda are official languages in all twenty-four provinces and the Federal District.

Spanish is an official language in the provinces of Neshoba, Troy, and Paruvia in southeastern Mainland Bedistan. Greek is an official language in Kiusagad province. German is one of the newest languages to receive official recognition in Bedistan, having been made an official language of the provinces of Konila and West and East Koveria in 2090. Syokaji was finally, after many decades of prodding, added as an official language of Lolestu and Sonobago in 2094.

Public holidays

There are a number of officially recognized government holidays in Bedistan:

January 1 
New Year's Day
February 17 
President's Day
March 16 
Evacuation Day, the day on which Bedistan and its people were forced to flee from the invading Tingitanan forces
March 21 
Winter's End Celebration - although winter in Bedistan is not particularly cold, most of its people tend to be very fond of warm summertime weather.
June 1 
Independence Day
November 7 
Democracy Day - also known as Election Day, self-explanatory
November 27 
Memorial Day
December 24-31 
Winter Festival - Bedistan's attempt at a religiously-neutral way of celebrating the holidays

Education

Public education in Bedistan starts at the age of five and is structured in such a way that ideally, all students are adequately prepared for their chosen profession by the time they complete school. The drawback to this is that a student must make a career decision relatively early in life.

For more information, please see Education in Bedistan.

Communication

Telephone

Bedistani telephone numbers consist of eleven digits in the following format: pp-dd-lll-nnnn.

pp is the province code, which in most cases lies within the range 01 to 25, corresponding to Bedistan's twenty-four provinces plus the Federal District. For instance, the Federal District is represented by the code 01, while Henderson province is represented by the code 25.

dd is the district code, which lies within the range 01 to 99. A district, for purposes of telephone number assignment, is a geographical division one step below a province. Not all provinces have the full 99 districts. For instance, within the province of Sonovago (province code 05), Sonovago City is represented by the district code 16, while Ukto-li is represented by the district code 59.

lll is the local area code, which lies within the range 001 to 999. Typically, these are assigned on a city-by-city basis. The smallest cities may receive only one area code, but the vast majority of cities have several (in the case of the largest cities, they may even have over a thousand, requiring them to be represented by more than one district code).

Finally, nnnn is the number assigned to an individual line within a local area code. Thus, the phone number of a major office building in Sonoma City might be 09-15-325-4504.

International calls

To reach a Bedistani phone line from outside the country, one must first dial Bedistan's country code, which is 13. Thus, to reach a government office in Columbia from a Vilitan government office, one might dial 13-01-46-346-2323.

Special province codes

Certain "province codes" are actually reserved for other purposes. Province code 80 is used for toll-free lines, but these have become so numerous that they have expanded to 81, 82, and 83. Currently, the range 80-89 is reserved for future expansion of this system. Similarly, province code 90 is used for higher-toll lines.

Emergency services

Dialing the number 0000 will automatically connect you to local emergency services. To safeguard against accidental use of this feature, no portion of a valid telephone number can consist entirely of zeroes.

Radio

FM radio is broadcast in Bedistan over the range of frequencies from 87.8 MHz to 108.0 MHz. It is divided into channels with midpoint frequencies in intervals of 200 kHz from 87.9 MHz to 107.9 MHz. Government regulations exist to make sure stations broadcast at similar frequencies in separate locations do not interfere with each other, but apart from that radio in Bedistan is more or less free.

Television

Digital cable services are available in all parts of the nation at low cost. Such packages include local channels that primarily provide news and weather reports as well as national channels such as BNN and BSTV.

Government and politics

Executive branch

Bedistan has been led by a president ever since 2004. Presidents are elected to six-year terms, and the Constitution states that no president may serve more than one term in office. The president serves as both head of state and head of government.

Legislative branch

The legislative branch is known as the Senate, and it is a unicameral body of 245 senators, ten representing each of Bedistan's twenty-four provinces and five representing the Federal District. Bedistan has preserved the American election format, with the people voting for individual candidates rather than parties as a whole. Senators are elected to two-year terms and are allowed to serve up to five terms, or ten years total.

Parties

There are six main political parties in Bedistan: the Democratic Party, the Progressive Party, the Capitalist Party, the Socialist Party, the Reform Party, and the Green Party. Ever since political parties were officially introduced in 2036, the Capitalist Party has spent nearly half the time in power. Esther Marchese won re-election to her second and third terms as president on the Capitalist ticket in 2036 and 2038, and her successor Sandra Fleischer was also a Capitalist. There was then a period of constantly shifting power. The Green Party briefly assumed control with Jamie Penaloza's election in 2046, then independent candidate Vernon Schultheis shocked the nation by garnering over ninety percent of the popular vote in 2048. The Socialist Party's Antwan Telman took over in 2050, but he was exceedingly unpopular and finished third in the 2052 election. The Capitalists gained the reins of power again through Edgardo Ronnie, but he too lasted only one term. Next came twelve years of Democratic Party control in the form of Shelba Feazelle and Gail Luffy, each of whom served three terms. The Progressive Party's only turn at the presidency began in 2066 with the election of Patrick Morgan, who served four years. Dean Willis' ascension to the presidency in 2070 due to Morgan's incapacitation put the Capitalists back in the spotlight.

Elections

Presidential elections occur in even-numbered years, and legislative elections occur in odd-numbered years. Until 2052, elections were decided wholly by the popular vote, simple plurality deciding the winner. However, due to the typically large number of candidates, many presidents were elected with less then 40 percent of the vote and sometimes less than 30 percent. In 2052, Bedistan's presidential elections switched to an electoral congress style, with a total of 215 possible votes distributed among the provinces and Federal District. Again, only a plurality was required to determine the winner, but 2052 was the only time under this system that the winner did not receive a majority (Edgardo Ronnie won 99 out of the 215 votes). Starting in 2070, the total possible number of votes was increased to 245, incorporating the redrawn provincial borders.

The system underwent another change for the 2076 elections. Election day is officially set for November 7, regardless of the day of the week. If a candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, he or she is immediately elected. If not, the top three candidates participate in a runoff on November 10. If this still does not produce a majority, the top two participate in a final runoff on November 14. In the event that the November 14 runoff results in a tie, the Senate decides the winner. The elected president is inaugurated on December 1.

A national referendum in 2101 resulted in an amendment to the Constitution that changed the president's term of office from two years to six, while at the same time limiting the president to one term instead of three.

Transportation

Land

Bedistan has had a nationwide freeway network in place for several decades, serving over sixty-five major cities. In addition, it features a direct link to the Bettian freeway system by means of a border crossing near Porthbalfa, south of Hendersonburg. The freeway network is officially called the National Expressway System, and in common parlance its routes are referred to by the letter X followed by the number.

Water

Columbia, the capital city, is one of eight major Bedistani ports, the others being Jamestown, Eagle's Rest, New Lusambo, Hendersonburg, Atarashii Yojimbo, Nova Aeon, and Ny-Fjordalen.

Air

Notable Bedistani airports include:

NW: Abattoir N: TLC NE: Pedriana
W: Xile2 western Bedistan E: Sarzonia2
SW: Krytenia, Nedalia S: Bettia SE: Crystilakere2
NW: Lontorika N: Dorian & Sonya2 NE: ocean
W: Int'l City, UCS eastern Bedistan E: Imm. Implosion
SW: UCS S: Space Union2 SE: ocean
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For more information or to see non-listed pages, please see Category:Atlantian Oceania.


Bedistan flag tiny.png The Grand Dominion of Bedistan Bedistan flag tiny.png
Main article: Bedistan
Cities: Alexandria, Columbia, Dennis, Dionte, Eastfield, Graceville, Grant City, Griffin, Hampton, Hendersonburg, IJsselmeer, Jamestown, Los Triesto, Neue Metrewalk, New Haverford, New Lusambo, Sokojiwa Dosi, Sonoma City, Washington, Woodruff
Provinces and districts: Carinia, East Koveria, Federal District, Fulton, Grant, Hampton, Henderson, Hyatt, Jackson, James, Kiusagad, Konila, Lincolnshire, Lolestu, Neshoba, Northwind, Novaria, Paruvia, Solara, Sonobago, Sonoma, Spalding, Troy, Uropia, West Koveria
More info: Education, Flags, Presidents
Sports: Bedistan national football team, Bedistan Premier League, University Athletic Association of Bedistan
Miscellaneous: Bakrani, The Bedistan Sports Digest, Scott Henderson, Esther Marchese, Noterelenda, Oliver Sloas, West Jativa

1 The 2008 Olympics did not take place during Bedistani year 2008, but rather in the mid-2050s.
2 Separated by a body of water.

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