Difference between revisions of "Biotopia"

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:The '''Sixth Republic of Biotopia''' (''Uta Epkret dir Phosee'') or simply '''Biotopia''' (''Phosee''), is one of the leading industrialised countries in the [[Anticapitalist Alliance]]. Located east of geographic Greater [[Aperin]] it is a sub-continental island surrounded by the Azure Ocean and Polar Sea in the north, the Maestos Ocean to the west and the Grentova Ocean to the east. Its closest neighbours are; [[Demo-Bobylon]], [[Free Socialism]], [[Free Soviets]], [[Watforshire]], [[Yagata and Sheoeiru]].
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:The '''Sixth Republic of Biotopia''' (''Uta Epkret dir Phosee'') or simply '''Biotopia''' (''Phosee''), is one of the leading industrialised countries in the [[Anticapitalist Alliance]]. Located east of geographic Greater [[Aperin]] it is a sub-continental island surrounded by the Azure Ocean and Polar Sea in the north, the Maestos Ocean to the west and the Grentova Ocean to the east. Its closest neighbours are; [[Demo-Bobylon]], [[Free Socialism]], [[Free Soviets]], [[Watfordshire]], [[Yagata and Sheoeiru]].
  
 
:Biotopia is a [[Wikipedia:democracy|democratic]] parliamentary [[Wikipedia:federation|federal]] republic composed of 59 [[Wikipedia:province|provinces]] called ''Undenaen'' which in certain spheres act independently of the federation. Historically modern Biotopia has a shared history of common bonds based on religion, language, trade and government. The Sixth Republic was formed in 1976.  
 
:Biotopia is a [[Wikipedia:democracy|democratic]] parliamentary [[Wikipedia:federation|federal]] republic composed of 59 [[Wikipedia:province|provinces]] called ''Undenaen'' which in certain spheres act independently of the federation. Historically modern Biotopia has a shared history of common bonds based on religion, language, trade and government. The Sixth Republic was formed in 1976.  
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Revision as of 12:29, 12 May 2006

The Sixth Republic of Biotopia
Epo Komjent rit Phosee
biotopia.jpg Biotopian2.png
Flag and National Seal of Biotopia

Biotopia.jpg

Motto Live the best within your means
Keng ven oskrapt homsk ramdeen
Official Languages Biotopian, Celdonian & Biotopian Sign Language
Petchelk, Keldelk & Petchamelk
Capital Zhaire, 450,000
Constitutional Secretary Remut Sanzu
Prime Administrator Adria Dasept
Area
 - Total
 - water

3,274,600 km²
304,400 km²
Population
 - Total (september 2005)
 - Density

45,860,000 million
15.44/km&sup
Government Type Bicameral Parliamentary Democracy Biotopia Government
Nation Type Federal Republic
National Animal Silver Llama
GDP (2005)
  - Total
  - GDP/capita

1.6 trillion
V 35,300
Currency 1 Vello (V) = 100 ech (e)
International Abbreviations
 - sport
 - government

BIO
S.R.B.
Military Organisation none
National Anthem We the Republic
Rop ven Komjent
Internet TLD .bp
Calling Code +6271
The Sixth Republic of Biotopia (Uta Epkret dir Phosee) or simply Biotopia (Phosee), is one of the leading industrialised countries in the Anticapitalist Alliance. Located east of geographic Greater Aperin it is a sub-continental island surrounded by the Azure Ocean and Polar Sea in the north, the Maestos Ocean to the west and the Grentova Ocean to the east. Its closest neighbours are; Demo-Bobylon, Free Socialism, Free Soviets, Watfordshire, Yagata and Sheoeiru.
Biotopia is a democratic parliamentary federal republic composed of 59 provinces called Undenaen which in certain spheres act independently of the federation. Historically modern Biotopia has a shared history of common bonds based on religion, language, trade and government. The Sixth Republic was formed in 1976.
The Sixth Republic of Biotopia is a member of the United Nations, International Fair Trade Agreement and the Anti-Capitalist Alliance. It was also a founding member of the Non-Human Union. Although comparatively underpopulated Biotopia is one of the most economically power and technologically advanced nations in the region. Biotopia plays a reserved role within the region as a self-designated “middle power

History

Ancient Era

Pagnaan Sapiens arrived in Pagnain Phosee approximately 40,000 years ago and migrated in several waves across the landscape. Initial occupation was in the form of nomadic hunter-gathering. Permanent settlement first occurred along coastal tributary systems and along broad floodplains. There has been controversial research suggesting that there were ancient contacts with homo sapiens although the evidence is inconclusive. The origins of the Pagnaan Sapiens is a mystery no evidence of earlier occupation on the nearest landmasses has been found. In 1972 grain pollen and textile threads were found on the polar coastline suggesting initial migration along the once temperate shoreline of the polar fringe.

Commonwealth Era

Following settlement various city-states were established along the Great Amanzee floodplain. These city-states formed a loose coalition which became the Commonwealth – a major political, economic and militarily successful union which was the seat of antiquarian culture and learning; other important civilisations of the time where the Euphree, Tasalt-Hop and the Urkansont. The Commonwealth was conquered by the Sagawachee who employed innovative tactics during warfare. The Sagawachee period marks the Commonwealth-decline/Imperial-ascendency phase. The Sagawachee annexed large areas of Biotopia and established a centralised and bureaucratic government.

Imperial Era

The Imperial Era was comparatively unstable and covered an extensive period of recovery and adjustment from the devastating attacks of the Sagawachee. The major events of the era were the Dynastic Wars, the Vell Expansion, the First Emancipation and the Great Split. Over the Imperial Era there was growing contact with the global imperial powers of the time which had varied regional experiences and consequences. Imperial intervention threatened the central power of the Imperial Court but paradoxically it was the drive to modernisation to secure Imperial power that caused its ultimate collapse. Popular discontent and Imperial intervention resulted in the Republican War (sometimes called the Imperial Civil War).

Republican Era

With the dissolution of the Empire a national republic was established amongst the ruins of a society of contrasting economic and social development. The Republican Era is broken into four phases; revolutionary, thermidor, socialist and post-socialist. The First and Second Republic correspond to the first two phases, the Third, Fourth and Fifth to the socialist phase and the Sixth to the post-socialist phase. The Sixth Republic was founded following the Kjahelkee. The outcome of the Republican Era has been a rising standard of living, national unity, universal rights, improved international relations and the establishment of an advanced and dynamic economy.

Contemporary History

The current situation in Biotopia is as much an outcome of its mixed experiences under socialist government during the Third, Fourth and Fifth Republic, the Directorship, The Crises and reaction to the Kjahelkee. Each of these has had a profound affect on the national psyche. Democracy, Humane Rights, non-capitalism and economic prosperity remain important foundations to understanding the Biotopian mind. Currently Biotopia maintains a low profile internationally but keeps a strong sense of pride and dignity in its silent success and revival.


Geography

Area Qura
total: 3,274,600 sq km
water: 304,400 sq km
land: 2,970,200 sq km
Land Boundaries Naen Remskaapt
total: none
border countries: none
Coastline Homgret
10,600 km

Climate

Biotopia is divided into six broad climatic zones; central alpine, arid zone, Mediterranean, maritime, coastal and the sub-zones.
Central Alpine – the Red and White Ranges are so extensive and elevated that they affect the climate around them. The temperature is cool all year round with snowfall in winter and mild temperatures during summer. These alpine affected areas experience short summers and intense thunderstorms in autumn and spring. The vegetation is dominated by conifers and seasonal grasses.
Arid Zone – the hottest and driest of all climatic zones stretches east of the White Ranges almost to the coastline in some areas. The temperature is hot in summer and warm throughout the year while winter is mild and brief with rain coming in the form of one or two major downpourings. Tributary systems from the White Ranges also distribute water through the year. The vegetation consists of short grasses, shrubs and seasonal flowers.
Mediterranean – covers an extensive area along the south-west, south-central and central districts. These regions experience hot summers and mild winters with low rainfall throughout the year. A Mediterranean strip exists along the southern and coastal fringe of the arid zone. The vegetation is mixed and divided into three general categories; woodlands, grasslands and wetlands.
Maritime – this zone broadly covers the northern third of Biotopia. The temperature is cool throughout the year with snow and major storms in winter and mild summers. The intensity of snowfall and decline of average yearly temperature increases in proportion to latitude. The vegetation is composed of forests, plains and lake systems.
Coastal – these regions are influenced by their proximity to the ocean with has a levelling effect on temperature and humidity throughout the year. This coastal influence can be said to operate along any coastline however it is most succinctly expressed on the numerous island territories including Vellnain. There are both cool and warm coastal zones indicating a higher or lower average temperature and the amount of precipitation. Coastal areas tend to be dominated by extensive woodland.
Sub-zones – two sub-zones are said to exist at the most northerly and southerly points of Biotopia. It is difficult to quantify their existence because of the cyclical shift in weather patterns. It can be simplified that in the south a semi-tropical climate prevails with hot humid summers, dry warm winters and heavy rain in summer. In the north a semi-tundra climate exists with low temperatures throughout the year, a short cool summer and a long cold winter with snow and rain throughout most of the year. Conifers and seasonal grasses grow in this zone and tropical woodlands in the southern sub-zone.

Terrain

The greatest geological feature is the White Range which divides Biotopia into a east-west axis. The smaller Red Range likewise divides the central region from the north creating a north-south axis. To the east of the White Range is the eastern plain which gradually declines towards the coastline before rapidly descending about 200m into the flat coastal plan which runs about 10km inland from the coastline. To the north and south small ranges border the interior extending from which are two peninsulas.
The island of Vellnain lies across from the eastern coastline of the mainland and is dissected by steep valleys and minor ravines. There are three broad valleys two of which open onto the ocean and the third is located in the northern interior. There are two major gulfs in the south of Biotopia, the Ephan Gulf on the east and The Ghand in the central west. Between which is the southern peninsula which tapers into hilly terrain and a broad coastal plain.
This broad coastal plain continues along the south rising quickly to the Red Ranges and the central plateau and more gradually towards the White Range. The southern interior is generally flat and occupied by numerous lakes and rivers which drain the off-flow from the White and Red ranges. The Great Amanzee combines the waters of the Red and White Ranges and is the largest river in Biotopia in volume. North of the Red Ranges is a broad area of hilly territory which declines to form a thin coastal plain to the west.
A broad northern plain runs east of the Red ranges and west of the intersecting White Ranges. The geologic composition of the bedrock has meant many caves and sinkholes have formed. These plains thin towards the northern peninsula as the White Ranges combines with the older Stonten Ranges. The northern tip of the peninsula is gently undulating and comparatively low lying.
Elevation Extremes Letta Nantrek
lowest point: Mouth of the World -16m bsl
highest point: Skytooth Peak 6,598m asl

Natural Resources

bauxite, beach sands, coal, copper, iron ore, limestone, lithium, magnesium, metallic chrome, natural gas, nickel, phosphate, potassium, salt, sulphur, timber, tungsten, uranium, zinc hydroelectricity
Land Use Naen Torph
arable land: 11%
permanent crops: 1%
other: 88%

Natural Hazards

Severe thunderstorms, winds and heavy snowfall affect the alpine and northern regions although heavy snowfall is the most frequent hazard of both. There is also the risk of coastal flooding and cyclonic winds along the southern peninsula although this is not considered a likely direct threat. Drought is a concern in the eastern interior as is tributary flooding caused by heavy snowmelt and unseasonable rainfall affecting the floodplains of the central regions. There is also the minor threat of seismic/volcanic activity on some of the outlying island territories although this is localised in nature.

Environmental Issues

The determined will of the government to tackle environmental issues has resulted in an impressive reduction in urban pollution, industrial contamination and a halting or reversal in the decline of natural habitats and biodiversity. There are however both new and lingering problems. Some of these include soil and groundwater contamination caused by the inappropriate disposal and treatment of industrial waste, the introduction of exotic flora and fauna, managing resource usage including fresh water and electricity, public transport and neutralising carbon emissions.

People

Species Phozub
Pagnaan Sapiens

Population

Due to the country’s federal and decentralised structure Biotopia has a number of larger cities. The most populous cities of Biotopia are Burnaka, Kroup, Overn, St. Kordaam, Sverkaa and Zhaire. The largest conurbation is the Great-Amanzee-Greystone axis including the cities of Overn, Strazhan and Jarkreen. The federal structure has kept the population orientated towards a number of large cities and has precluded any single city.
As of 2024 there where about 2.5 million foreign residents living in Biotopia. The majority are humans with the majority from Aperin. In descending order the largest sources of immigration are from Celdonia, Free Socialism, ParEcon, Galdago, Knootoss and Xikuang. At one stage immigrants from Knootoss were the second largest community but the change in relations between Biotopia and Knootoss saw a reduction in the number of people wanting to permanently reside in Biotopia.
2024 Population
45,868,000
Population Growth Rate Lellenjaa Upra Otal
0.23% (105,496)
Nationality KonstStodenk
noun: Biotoipan(s)
adjective: Biotopian

Ethnic Groups

The most obvious ethnic groups in Biotopia are the humans and non-humans although there is a small minority of ethnic Pagnaan Sapiens who have been repatriated from abroad mostly Aperin which is also the primary source for human immigration. Within Biotopia there are strong regional identities based on separate dialects, architectural form, cuisine and folk culture. Government migration policy has distributed the various ethnic communities throughout the country although most have settled in urban areas.
  • Pagnaan Sapiens 90.3% (41,418,804)
  • Humans 8.3% (3,807,044)
  • Other 1.4% (651,212)



  • Ethnic Pagnaan Sapiens 88.6%
  • Pagnaan Sapien Immigrants 1.7%
  • Humans from Aperin 5.1%
  • Humans from elsewhere 3.2%
  • Non-Humans 1.4%

Religion

Biotopia is home to several unique religions the largest of which are the Mother Church and the Universal Cathedral. Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism are associated with human ethnic communities especially in the case of Buddhism which has strong links to the Xikuangese community. There is no official state-sponsored religion and religious symbolism is banned from public spaces and institutions.

Languages

The three official languages of Biotopia are; Biotopian, Celdonia and Biotopian Sign Language also known as Petchelk, Kheldelk and Petchamelk in the Biotopian language. The Celdonian alphabet has substituted the original Biotopian one because of its simplicity and versatility. Biotopian is spoken by 44,960,000 people as a first language and another 1,980,000 people as a second language. This number has increased with the growth of economic relations with the external world and the publication and distribution of Biotopian language books for use by mostly Celdonian native speakers.
Official; Biotopian, Celdonian, Biotopian Sign Language
Unofficial; Regional dialects, Dutch, Xikuangese, Weegie
Literacy Vassan
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.8%

Culture

Biotopian classical and pop-culture has struggled to make much impact beyond Biotopia. This is in part due to the common perception that Biotopian culture is inferior to the more refined or accessible tastes of other regional or global powers such as Celdonia or Knootoss. The Biotopian literary tradition which was highly developed at its peak has been fractured by the transition from Commonwealth Biotopian, Imperial Biotopia and modern (or republican) Biotopian which saw major artificial interruptions in style, form and structure.
Biotopians continue to maintain regionalised cultural perspectives with differences in custom, lifestyle, enunciation and religious affiliation. This has in part been eroded by the advent of a unified national language, radio, television, cinema and now the internet. In contemporary areas Biotopians are slowly receiving international recognition for their architectural skill as well increasing popularity of Biotopia film, music and cuisine. There remains a strong folk culture aspect even in the urbanised areas of Biotopia which has at time been criticised fro being backwards or lacking spontaneity.

Government

Country Name

conventional long form: The Sixth Republic of Biotopia
conventional short form: The Republic of Biotopia OR Biotopia
abbreviation: S.R.B.
Government Type Renpronk Rezha
Biotopia Government
Federal Parliamentary :Republic
Capital Astal
Zhaire

National Holidays

New Years Eve 1 January
Biotopia Day 11 Feb
Harvest Festival 20 March
May Day 1 May
Winter Solstice June 21
Citizen Day 28 July
Anniversary Day 3 October
Summer Solstice December 21
Constitution Atabelt
01/11/1976 (effective from)

Parliamentary System

The National Assembly is the house of review in the Biotopian parliament which is a bicameral system. Each province is represented by three senators based on proportional representation creating 177 seats plus one seat to represent the federal territories. There are 59 provinces in Biotopia with an average population of 777,423 people. The Citizen Congress is based on demographic representation with 354 seats - double the number of seats in the National Assembly and representing 129,570 constituents. Three extra-territorial seats are also elected based on Biotopians citizens living abroad including the federal territories.
Suffrage Kamtrag
16 years universal and compulsory
Executive Branch Tuntakket Gret
Chief of Staff: Constitutional Secretary
Head of Government: Prime Administrator
Cabinet: proportionally representative of factions in the Citizen Congress

Flag Description

[Upright rectangle] A black band runs across the top with three vertical bands running below this. The two outer bands are dark blue and the centre band is white with a green pine tree inserted in the middle. These colours are repeated in the national seal. Black is associated with unity and the blue has both been suggested as representative of the ocean which surrounds Biotopia, the unique skin colour of Pagnaan Sapiens although it is officially representative of equality. White symbolises the ‘clean slate’ of the Sixth Republic and representative of solidarity. The pine has become the national symbol recollective of the symbol of the First Republic and symbolic of the new direction of the government.

National Seal Description

Black and blue are both repeated in the national seal representing unity and equality. Green has also been added symbolic of the revolution that formed the Sixth Republic and replacing the red used by the Fifth Republic. The pine and white background is also borrowed from the flag with three stars garnering the pine on each side. Each star represents a different value of the Sixth Republic and is sometimes attributed to the five major struggles of the Sixth Republic with the sixth attributed to the struggles of the future. These values are: democracy, demilitarisation, civil freedom, sustainability, prosperity and progress. The original shield in the federal parliament contains these words inscribed onto the stars.

Economy

Biotopia has one of the largest economies in the Anti-Capitalist Alliance ranking in the top 15 by comparative size and with the 12th highest GDP per capita at $36,118. Unemployment has remained consistently low between 3.25% - 2.80%. In 2024 Biotopia was ranked in the 14th percentile place for the highest tax average. High taxation is used to fund extensive public services. The government has significant control of the infrastructure sectors and the “commanding heights” of the economy. The Biotopian economy has traditionally operated along a liberal socialist model. Biotopia operates a modest trade deficit and has zero nett foreign debt.

Exports

Biotopia is a nett exporter of processed foodstuffs and energy.

Imports

Agriculture

The size and diversity of Biotopia has allowed for a broad range of agricultural activities to be conducted. The utilisation of modern agricultural practices and restructuring the market system has improved productivity. Each province is required to produce a minimum quota of its total annual nutritional requirements. This has limited potential earnings from domestic sales for many farmers making exporting the only profitable alternative. Agriculture employs around 8 of the labour force and contributes 12% of the GDP.

Modernisation

Modernising the Biotopian economy has been the key in improving the standard of living and economic productivity. The most successful of these innovations has been the information technology sector which has grown 600% since the modernisation program was introduced. Modernisation has also meant the diversification of exports, value-adding initiatives and the application of innovation at all levels of production and distribution.

Energy Policy

Sustainable energy has been applied throughout Biotopia and is used primarily to supply domestic demand with fossil fuels, geothermic and hydropower supplying industrial demand and the requirements for peak-load electricity. Fossil Fuels continue to be phased out and Biotopia has a leading sustainable energy sector. Fossil Fuels are planned to be reduced to 33% by 2020. Their use is offset by mass-plantings to ensure carbon-neutrality.
  • Fossil Fuels 46%
  • Nuclear 0%
  • Geo/Hydro 14.5%
  • Bio/Solar/Aero 39.5%

Security

A professional civilian police force branched into several specialist divisions and a criminal code centred on rehabilitation have meant comparatively low crime rates especially in areas of murder]] and juvenile crime. There have also been renewed efforts to crack down on white-collar and organised crime where sophisticated technology and tight organisation have made detection and prosecution difficult. secret intelligence also plays an important role in Biotopian security policy. This is a necessary response due to the constant threat of potential capitalist and terrorist infiltration and an anxiety to never repeat the events of the Kjahelkee. These responsibilities are headed by the Biotopian Intelligence Organisation which has an intelligence gathering purpose.


Biotopian Intelligence Organisation

The BIO (PKE) is responsible for gathering information on internal security threats, monitoring the operations of other foreign intelligence agencies internally as well as collecting and disseminating information overseas. The BIO is prohibited from interfering with the domestic politics of foreign countries and is primarily an information service rather than an extension of Biotopian foreign policy objectives. BIO also operates several intelligence facilities ranging from a training compound to electronic monitoring stations.

Citizen Security Force

Citizen Security Force Stodenk Pret Rempak
The CSF (SPR) is operated as a Wikipedia:Swiss army:’citizen army’]]. The majority of this organisation is based on voluntary membership and the organisational structure is similar to the FES. The CSF is responsible for overseeing construction and maintenance of defence infrastructure including caches of strategic arms and fuel reserves. The CSF also maintains a reserve body of several thousand personnel trained in armed combat. The CSF is divided into a Citizen Armed Force, Citizen Navy and Citizen Aeroforce.

Federal Police Force

Responsible for the investigation of prosecution of the following crimes; illicit drug trafficking, people smuggling, major fraud, e-crime, terrorism, money laundering, organised crime and sexual servitude. The Federal Police Guard is also responsible for the protection of federal buildings and institutions, international aeroports, diplomatic missions and Civilian Defence property as well as policing Special Federal Territories. The FPG (KPR) is an unarmed service although all officers are trained in gun use and several special armed divisions operate.

National Coast Guard

Maintenance of maritime law, seamarks, border control and wartime auxiliary responsibility for harbour defence, port security, naval counterintelligence and coastal patrols. It is a civilian service under the Department of Federal Police. The NCG also has a special branch called the Harbour Guard which is responsible for quarantine and port security. The NCG (KRH) operates several types of vessels and aircraft which are used for a number of tasks including; search and rescue, police pursuit, ice breaking, channel patrol and border patrol.

Federal Emergency Service

Headquartered in Saint Kordaam the FES (KUA) is responsible for co-ordinating both natural and large-scale industrial disaster relief. On both accounts it invests significant power into local authorities reserving its efforts to devising overall strategy, operating and distributing specialised assistance and prioritising resource allocation. The primary role of the FES is the protection and evacuation of civilians from disaster zones as well as co-ordinating with state and local emergency services and the CSG.

International Relations

Biotopia plays a contributing role in the Anti-Capitalist Alliance, having strong relations with Ecopoeia and formerly Hell Bovines and Knootoss. Biotopia has previously been elected as the regional delegate to the United Nations for the ACA (February-March 2006) as well as permanently chairing the position for the Non-Human Union. Biotopia has maintained a low international profile both in part because of its recent past and constitutional restrictions on the use of military power. Biotopia also maintains strong relationships with Celdonia and Xikuang based on common ideological perspectives and mutual economic relations developed during Biotopia’s membership of the Coalition of Anti-Capitalist Ecnomies and Biotopia remains an active member of the International Fair Trade Agreement. Participation in CACE was strained by relations with SeOCC and the continuing relationship between Biotopia and Knootoss. The Biotopian government continues to refuse recognition of anarchist states.

WMD

Internationally Biotopia remains committed to the elimination of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Biotopia maintains three geosynchronous satellites to monitor for nuclear activity in the region. Nuclear materials are banned from transport throughout Biotopian territories. A special branch of the Department of Foreign Affairs is maintained to observe that neighbouring states are complying with their obligations to reduce or halt weapons production.

Humane Rights

Likewise the Department of Foreign Affairs maintains a special branch overseeing and pursuing Humane Rights in the nations that Biotopia maintains permanent diplomatic relations with. Biotopia is also committed to ending people smuggling, slavery and drug trafficking with border security a high priority for the government. The Biotopian government maintains an active lobby demanding recognition of non-human rights throughout the United Nations.

Absolution of Capitalism

The third major component of Biotopian foreign policy is pursuing the absolution of capitalism. Criticism has also been directed at some socialist states for their comparatively exploitive systems and degradation of Humane Rights. This has at times left Biotopia isolated on the international stage such as the transitional phase between CACE and IFTA membership. Biotopia does not provide assistance to revolutionary or other political organisations although it does sponsor several grassroots and education organisations that operate abroad.

International Organisation Membership

Diplomatic Relations