Eurondia
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| National motto: "In varietate concordia - Unity in diversity." | |||||
| No map available | |||||
| Region | International Democratic Union | ||||
| Capital | Anphelion | ||||
| Largest City | Valaport City | ||||
| Population | 174,215,164 (2007 est.) | ||||
| Suffrage | 17 years of age; universal | ||||
| Official Language(s) | English, Eurondish | ||||
| Government - President - Foreign Minister |
Unicameral federal presidential republic, direct democracy Rebecca Desirou Marcus Romberg | ||||
| Establishment - First city-states - Sigmarite Kingdom - Gloritian Republic - Gloritian Empire - Eurondian Realms - Eurondian Empire - The Three Kingdoms - Federation |
20th-8th century B.C 550's B.C 146 B.C 26 B.C 543 A.D 843 A.D 1571 A.D 6th December 1782 A.D | ||||
| ISO Nation Code | EUR | ||||
| Currency | Sercen (SER)1 SER = 100 Darcen (drc.) | ||||
| Internet TLD | .eu | ||||
| Calling Code | +352
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| UN Status | Member | ||||
| Info: NationStates NSEconomy NS Tracker XML | |||||
The United Federation of Eurondia is a liberal democratic federation which is based on a mix of modern Finland, Switzerland, and the U.S, with a long history. Formed in AD 1782, Eurondia has a strong history of freedom and liberal democratic traditions. The Federation walks a fine line of neutrality in international affairs, and the Eurondians see them selves as the “virile liberalists and defenders of the free world”.
The core belief of the Federation is that of individuality, individual freedom and the individual's responsibility, and the Eurondians are willing to fight against any forms of tyranny that might wish to undermine their rights. But in practice this has created a paradox as the individual freedom to do what you want constantly clashes with the individual freedom from being oppressed by other individuals. Any governmental interference to keep things in check through legislation and policing is naturally perceived as oppression of the rights and freedom of individuals, constantly creating tension. But the Federation and its populace have learned to direct and control this tension, making it in many ways a positive thing. The result is an exceedingly vibrant society, constantly scrutinizing itself and its principles, spurring creativity and ethical notions.
Eurondians enjoy extensive individual and political freedoms, and suffrage is universal at 17; Eurondia was one of the first countries to give full eligibility to women and landless people, in 1806. The country's population is ethnically diverse with an inceasing immigrant population. According to various international studies, Eurondia has one of the lowest levels of corruption in the world.
Eurondia’s liberal and intelligent population enjoy extremely high living standards, superb civil and political rights and great social equality. Many of the wealthiest people in the world are Eurondians, creating a constant demand for luxury goods. But while the liberal market-driven economy and individual freedom may allow everybody the chance to advance to the top, they make it just as easy to plummet to the very bottom of the social ladder. For this reason, Eurondia has a well funded welfare system and the very highest standards of education and health care - all provided for free, thus making the nation's Health, Education and Welfare Systems among the best in the world.
The Federation invests heavily in education, training and research, investment which pays dividends by delivering one of the best educated and trained workforces in the world. This has been a key factor in the development of a modern, competitive economy in which a cutting-edge telecommunications sector has been added to the traditional timber and metals industries.
The Eurondians remain strong believers in free will, human rights and international law, despite few setbacks in their long history. They are the kings of entertainment, mass-producing everything from cheap commercials to elaborate stage-shows for an ever-hungry public. They boast the most elaborate luxury yachts, and the most glittering hotel reservoirs. Anything your mind or body could ever crave, the Eurondians have plenty of it.
Eurondians are very secural, keeping their personal beliefs quiet and not trying to spread religious messages. The words of Ambassador Jacques Allirou sum the Eurondian view on religion pretty much:
“Religion is a terminal illnes whose symptoms include the loss of common sense, humility, rational thinking, and moral decency. Religions have been used as the excuse for hatred and intolerance for too long.”
Nevertheless, 69% of Eurondians are evangelic lutherans.
(Note: Religion and Faith are not the same thing.)
The United Federation of Eurondia is an environmentally stunning, economically powerful nation, remarkable for its devotion to tolerance and multiculturalism. For many, it is the Promised Land, where any dream can become a reality.
Contents
Government and Politics of Eurondia
Main article: Federal Government of Eurondia
Politics of the Federation of Eurondia takes place in a framework of a presidential republic with a multi-party legislative and electoral system. The President of the Federation is both head of state and head of government. The national government shares sovereignty with the provincial governments, with the Supreme Court balancing the rights of each.
The federal government has three branches:
- Executive Branch: The President the Federation, simply known as the President, is the Head of State and Government as well as chief diplomat of Eurondia. The President appoints, with Senate approval, the Cabinet and other officers, administers and enforces federal law, can veto bills, and is the civilian Commander-in-Chief of the military.
- Legislative: The Federal Senate, which is unicameral and is made up of Senators who are elected for a five-year term by direct popular vote under a system of proportional representation. The Senate makes federal law, declares war, approves treaties and has powers of impeachment.
- Judicial: The Supreme Court and lower federal courts, whose judges are appointed by the President with Senate approval. The function of the judiciary is to interpret the Constitution as well as the federal laws and regulations. This includes resolving disputes between the executive and legislative branches.
Through a system of separation of powers (or "checks and balances"), each of these branches has some authority to act on its own, some authority to regulate the other two branches, and has some of its own authority, in turn, regulated by the other branches.
The federal government of Eurondia was established by the 1782 Constitution. Eurondian politics has been dominated by three major parties, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the Republican Party (ERP)and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), though there have also always existed other minor parties of significant political significance, such as the Green Party (EGP)and the Center Party (ECP).
For any change in the constitution, a referendum is mandatory; for any change in a law, a referendum can be requested. Through referenda, citizens may challenge any law voted by federal senate and through initiatives introduce amendments to the federal constitution, making Eurondia a direct democracy.
Suffrage
Equal and common suffrage was introduced in 1806 under wich all citizens above 17 years of age (from 1782-1902 twenty five years of age) have the right to vote and stand for elections.
History
Main article: History of Eurondia
Eurondia has a long history, dating from the first Eurondian city-states in 20th – 5th century B.C; to the glories of the Singmarite Kingdom, Gloritian Republic and the Callidian Empire; to the dark days of the Age og Strife in the 300’s – 690’s A.D; to the Unification of the Eurondians under the rule of the Eurondian Empire in 843 A.D; to the division of that same empire in to the Three Kingdoms after the War of the Three Emperor’s in 1571 A.D ; and to the unification of those three kingdoms in to the Fedaration in 1782 A.D, which starts the modern history of the nation.
Administrative divisions
The Federation consists of 36 provinces and one federal district, the Capital District. The provinces are divided into smaller administrative divisions, called regions. Regions can include a number of municipalities.Regions have varying degrees of political and legal significance, but they are always administrative divisions of the province. Regions are further subdivided into democratically independent municipalities. A municipality is the same as a "city" level of government, except that rural municipalities are not called "cities". In some provinces, there is a metropolitan municipality which by definition is a mixed municipality and region.
Provincial and municipal governments
The provincial governments have the greatest influence over most citizen's daily lives. Each province has its own written charter, government, and code of laws. There are no great differences in law and procedure between individual provinces, concerning issues such as property, crime, health, and education, because of federal laws. The highest elected official of each province is the Governor, who is directly elected by the people (of that province). Each province also has its own elected legislature (unicameral in every one), whose members represent the voters of the province. Each province maintains its own provincial court system. In the provinces supreme and lower court justices are elected by the people; but in the federal system they are appointed by the president.
The Constitution allocates power between the two levels of government in general terms. The idea is that by ratifying the Constitution, each province:
(a) transfers certain sovereign powers to the federal government;
(b) agrees to share other powers; and
(c) exclusively retains the remainder for itself.
The tasks of transportation, and other infrastructure are generally the responsibility of the provinces. Education and health are the responsibility of the federal government. All provinces transferred, shared, and kept the same powers.
Over time, the Constitution has been amended, and the interpretation and application of its provisions have changed. The general tendency has been toward centralization, with the federal government playing a much larger role than it once did. There is a continuing debate over "provinces' rights," which concerns the extent and nature of the powers that the provinces have given to the federal government.
A Municipality is governed by the Municipal Council (a.k.a City Council). The council generally functions as a parliamentary style legislative body, proposing bills, holding votes, and making laws that affect their particular area. These laws concern issues such as traffic, the sale of alcohol, and keeping animals. The Municipal Councils are elected by proportional representation once every four years. The head of a municipal council, the Mayor, is elected once every year.
In in most provinces, regions operate in a direct democratic fashion, and in some states, regions have little or no power, existing only as geographic distinctions. In other areas, region governments have more power, such as to collect taxes and maintain law enforcement agencies.
Geography and Climate
Main article: Geography and Climate of Eurondia
Eurondia is a very mountanous country with a warm temperate climate, particulary in the south, and a cold subarctic climate in the north.
Education
Literacy is at 100 %, and the government is spending massive amounts of Sercens to ensure that the education system remains one of the best in the world. Universities are free for all students and are praised as some of the world‘s best, and are well funded, given the government's devotion to education. International Students are eagerly welcomed, and finansical support for those living with expenses, both Eurondian citizens and students from abroad, is provided extensively, by the government and private scholarship funds.
The educational system in Eurondia is based on a nine year comprehensive school (or “basic school”), with mandatory attendance. It begins at the age of 6-7 and ends at the age of 15-16. After graduation from comprehensive school there is a choice between upper secondary school and vocational school, either public or private. The second level education is not compulsory, but an overwhelming majority attends. Both primary and secondary education is funded by the federal government, and a free lunch is served. Besides public schools, parents may also choose to educate their own children at home or to send their children to parochial or private schools.
There are two sectors in the tertiary education: universities and polytechnics. The focus for universities is research, and they give a more theoretical education. The polytechics are not academia; they focus on more practice-oriented teaching, and development instead of research. Attendance is compulsory in the primary and in vocational schools and polytechnics, but voluntary in universities. No tuition fees are collected from Eurondian citizens in Eurondian universities or polytecnics. Eurondian students are entitled to a student benefit, but it may be revoked if there is a persistent lack of progress in the studies. The benefit is generous, and thus sufficient for living, so students don’t have to work to fund their life during studies. State-guaranteed student loans are also available.
Health
Eurondia has a completely free public healthcare system. Eurondia far outspends (combined private and public expenditures) many other nations in healthcare, measured in terms of both per capita spending and percentage of GDP. Obesity used to be a public health problem, and was estimated to cost tens of billions of Sercens annually. Improvements in the diet and exercise during the past two decades have paid off. Eurondia is now one of the fittest and healthiest countries in the world. The federal government encourages people to eat heathy food, and live heathy lives. Value added tax is lower for heathy food and vegetables, and the government eagerly funds sports. There is 71 population for one doctor, and the average salary of a doctor in Eurondia is one of the highest in the world.
Eurondia spends a substantial amount of Sercens on medical research. As of 2006, non-profit private organizations funded 26% (such as the Chromeaux Medical Institute), private industry funded 17%, and the tax-funded National Institutes of Health funded 57% of medical research in Eurondia.
The life expectancy is 88 years for both men and women.
Language
The native Eurondish language has always been spoken in the lands of the modern day Federation. The Eurondish (Eothron) language derives from the Svandinavic dialects and Finnic descent intergrated with elements of Latin vocabulary.
Latin was a official language during the Callidian Empire, and thus it is tougth in schools today also.
(Note:Eurondish = Finnish)
Culture
Main article: Culture of Eurondia
As Eurondia is a geographically large and ethnically diverse country. About 32% of the Eurondian population claim to have foreign background. So there are cultural variations and distinctions from province to province and region to region. The modern Eurondian culture is mostly multicultural.
Eurondian culture values education, the performing and fine arts, and peaceful resolutions to conflicts. They place high value in their participation in international organizations. The Eurondians constantly sought a harmonious existence with their surroundings, evident in their integration of their society into the natural terrain of the country. Eurondians are known for love of philosophy.
An average Eurondian is very educated and cultured. Poets and artists thrive in Eurondia. Beauty moves the pens of poets, while the vast grasslands, thousands of lakes and epic mountains serve as a canvas for paintings. Some of Eurondia's major exports include wine, art, and luxury goods.
Energy policy
The Ministry of Energy is responsible for the Government's energy policy. Energy policy is of exceptional importance, for Eurondia needs a lot of energy because of its cold climate and the structure of its industry. It has thus done pioneering work on developing more efficient ways of using energy.
Eurondia started planning the introduction of nuclear power in the '50s. The energy generated in the country now comprises around 40% nuclear power, 25% from hydroelectricity, and 25% from solar and wind power.
Foreign relations
Eurondia's foreign policy is based on military non-alliance and neutrality. Public opinion is against joining any military alliances. Foreign trade is highly important.
Eurondia has good relations with all its neighbors, and is not involved in international conflicts or border disputes.
Eurondian Defence Forces
Main article: Eurondian Defence Forces
The military of Eurondia, officially known as the Eurondian Defence Forces, or EUDF, is structured into six branches consisting of the:
• Eurondian Army (1,474,560 soldiers)
• Eurondian Navy (132,625 soldiers)
• Eurondian Marine Corps (108,204 soldiers)
• Eurondian Air Force (132,523 soldiers)
• Eurondian Frontier Guard (54,050 soldiers)
• Special Operations Brigade ( 3,062 soldiers)
Total strength of the Eurondian Defence Forces is: 1,905,024 soldiers(Ooc: 1.09% of the total population)
All the branches are under civilian control with the President of the Federation serving as Commander-in-Chief. All branches except the Frontier Guard are part of the Ministry of Defense, which is under the authority of the Minister of Defense, who is also a civilian. The Frontier Guard falls under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior. During wartime, the Frontier Guard may be incorporated into the Defence Forces when required by defence readiness. To coordinate military action with diplomatic action, the President is advised by the Security Council Advisory Panel headed by a Security Advisor.
Under the President is the Minister of Defense, a Cabinet Minister responsible for the Ministry of Defense.The President and the Ministry of Defence form the Federation High Command together with the Security Council Advisory Panel and the Chiefs of Staff of the Defence Forces. The Naval, Army and Air Force Commands are below it.
Economy
The Federation of Eurondia is a nation historically built on trade, and this tradition has shaped the nation into a major economic power.
The highly industrialized, stable modern free-market economy of Eurondia, which is based on abundant forest resources, capital investments, and technology, can be described as a capitalist mixed economy, in which corporations, other private firms, and individuals make most microeconomic decisions, and governments prefer to take a smaller role in the domestic economy, although the combined role of all levels of government is relatively large, at 36% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Most businesses in Eurondia are not incorporated and do not have a payroll but are simple sole proprietorships. Eurondia has a extensive social safety net, and regulation of businesses is slightly less than the average of developed countries. The largest sector in Eurondia’s economy is Information Technology, which employs roughly three quarters of the work force.
The economy is fueled by an abundance in natural resources such as timber, petroleum, and precious metals. Eurondia has a large tourist industry, and is also a major exporter in goods such as airplanes, steel, weapons, and electronics.
The forest industry and metalworking are Eurondia's traditional industries, but other industries produce manufactured goods ranging from electronics to motor vehicles. Eurondian-designed consumer products such as textiles, porcelain, and glassware are world-famous. The wood processing technology is one most developed in the world.
Economic activity varies greatly across the country. For example, New Aerius City is the center of the Eurondian financial, publishing, broadcasting, fashion, and advertising industries, while Caille is the most important center for film and television production. The Carson Bay Area is a major center for technology. The Middleland is known for its reliance on manufacturing and heavy industry, with Phaeton serving as the historic center of the Eurondian automotive industry, and Cadia serving as the business and financial capital of the region. The Soutwest is a major area for agriculture and tourism.
Eurondia welcomes foreign investment. Areas of particular interest for investors are specialized high-tech companies and investmen. The Country has almost no corruption. The per capita income of Eurondia is among the highest in the world.
Eurondia has an independent central bank, where experts and not politicians set out monetary policies.
Law enforcement
Eurondia has a single national police force, working under the general supervision of a government agency, the Federal Police Agency (FPA). They are checked by the judicial department and monitored by a free and active press. The police are generally well respected and can rely on considerable public cooperation in their work.
FPA is organized into local and national police units. The 1430 police departments of the local police are responsible for the usual uniformed police functions and minor criminal investigations. Local state districts are also police districts, and are under the jurisdiction of their provinces. The national police units include the:
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which is responsible for major federal criminal investigations and is primary investigative arm of the FPA.
• Federal Traffic Police, a highway patrol organization responsible for traffic safety, doubling as a national police reserve.
• Judicial Police Department (JUPO), which is composed of policemen with additional training and serves as the security and intelligence branch of the FPA. JUPO activities are directly checed by the ministry of justice. The Judicial Police is an extremely self-sufficient organization. It employes agents of many skills, including computer experts, technicians, commandos, covert operatives and snipers. The department is extremely efficient, and few criminals are able to operate for extended periods of time on areas under their jurisdiction before a JUPO agent will infiltrate the organization. It specializes in preventing security threats and participates in protecting Eurondia’s democracy. JUPO’s central duties include counter-terrorism, counter intelligence, national security, pre-emptive security work, participating in cracking down international crime, and provideing expert services for industrial counterintelligence and personal background checks.
The Federal Police Agency special force unit is named Special Affairs for Regulations & Order, or SARO (it corresponds to the "Karhuryhmä" of Finland, or "SWAT" of the U.S). The SARO is one of the toughest police units around and are mostly used in hostage situations, for the assault of heavily armed criminal havens, and similar tasks by all the national police units.
In addition, the Police operate a technical support center, an IT center, a Police School, and a Police College.
The characteristic colors are silver on deep blue; only these colors are used in the uniform. Police cars are blue and white, and have only blue flashing lights. The insignia features a sword with a falcon's head as its handle. Judicial Police officers have one additional color in their uniforms, yellow.
There are three organizations having limited law enforcement powers, in additions to the Police. The Eurondian Frontier Guard and the Customs have wide enforcement powers in matters pertaining to their jurisdictions. The conductors on trains and ticket inspectors also have limited police powers. In addition, the Eurondian Defence Forces (EUDF) investigate most military-related crimes of military personnel. The unit commanders have some police powers in their respective units, and the military police guards the bases and military installations. In addition, the General Staff of the EUDF includes an investigative section responsible for crime investigation, intelligence and counter-intelligence.
Intelligence
The Eurondian Intelligence Community (EUNCOM) is a cooperative organization of seven Eurondian government agencies and organizations that work separately and together to conduct intelligence activities considered necessary for the conduct of foreign relations and the protection of the national security of the Federation. The Intelligence Community is led by the Director of National Intelligence. Among their varied responsibilities, the members of the Community collect and produce foreign and domestic intelligence, contribute to military planning, and perform espionage. The Intelligence Community was established in 1981.
The Senate Bureau of Intelligence, or SBI, is a intelligence agency, responsible for obtaining and analyzing information about foreign governments, corporations, organizations and individuals, and reporting such information to the President and/or the Senate Intelligence & National Security Oversight Committee (SINSOC). It was given expanded powers by SINSOC in 2001 after the terrorist attacks in the neighboring countries. The Tactical Response Team is the elite tactical unit of SBI. SBI is also responsible for Eurondia's espionage activities abroad, and involved in defensive activities such as counter-espionage and counter-terrorism.
The SBI acts as the primary Eurondian provider of central intelligence estimates. It makes use of the surveillance satellites of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the signal interception capabilities of the Central Security Agency (CSA), including the DRADIS system, the surveillance aircraft of the various branches of the Eurondian defence forces and the analysts of the Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Energy. The SBI also operates its own fleet of U-2 and SR-71 surveillance aircraft. The bureau also operates alongside regular military forces, and also employs a group of clandestine officers with paramilitary skills in its Special Activities Division. The SBI also has strong links with other foreign intelligence agencies.
The Central Security Agency (CSA) is the Federation's cryptologic organization. Officially established in 1952, it is believed to be on of the world's largest intelligence-gathering agencies. Responsible for the collection and analysis of foreign communications, it coordinates, directs, and performs highly specialized activities to produce foreign signals intelligence information, which involves a significant amount of cryptanalysis. It is also responsible for protecting the Federation’s government communications from similar agencies elsewhere, which involves a significant amount of cryptography.
A component of the Ministry of Defense, the CSA has always been directed by a three-star flag or general officer. CSA is a key component of the ENCOM headed by the Director of National Intelligence.
