Maanenland
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| Flag of Maanenland | |
| Motto: Endeavour Through Defiance | |
| [[1]] | |
| Region | Europe |
|---|---|
| Capital | New Westminster |
| Official Language(s) | English (Official), Dutch (Official) , Russian , French |
| Leader | Lord Lieutenant , Alexander Jameson |
| Population | (See Entry below) |
| Currency | Maanenic Pound |
| NS Sunset XML | |
The Ducal Lieutenancy of Maanenland is a large modern democracy located in the region of Europe. It's citizens are commonly refered to as "Mannenians" or being "Maanenian" (commonly pronounced as mar-nen-ian although the older "Maanic" is still used in some circles. It will be formed officially on January 2nd 2007 when the Lieutenancy of Maanenland will sign a formal union with the former Grand Duchy of Maanenland.
Maanenland is taking a more active approach to international politics by joining the United Nations and increasing involvement in regional issues.
Contents
History of Maanenland
For full details please see main article
Maanenland was first settled around 3200BC following the immigration of a coalition of tribes from which the nation's three primary settler populations, being the Angle , Saxon and Dutch populations would descend. They have left their unique identity across the nation.
The current territories of Maanenland evolved apart for hundereds of years with only limited communication and trading between themselves with many areas having their own distinctive language and cultural identity.
Following invasion from their European neighbours the majority of current Maanenic nations united under Elizabeth I in 1012.
After years of tranquil unity in the alliance of the United Kingdom of the Maanenlands a revolt against the rulership of the King of Maanenland by southern territories , notably the Duchies of Cliffton, Kingsborough , Dycan and Chatham who overran the northern royalists. This resulted in an overhaul of the alliance being moved into a unitary state by order of the southern Nationalists.
During the renaissance period Maanenland became a centre of communication , trade and culture following the exploration of the world by explorers , most notably Dominic Cambourne and saw the rise of Maanenland as a major world power.
Maanenland quickly introduced industrialisation and embraced market capitalism which helped it produce one of the strongest navies in Europe which ensured the building of several trading colonies internationally.
Defeat in the Caberland Colonial War had a profound effect on the nation and saw it move towards a greater isolationist approach.
Along with it's OCKIS neighbours Maanenland joined the single Kirkby alliance and trading patterns which it has been accused of dominating due to it's much greater population and economy.
On January 2nd 2007 the largest constituional shakeup in the nations history which included a new flag , a new name for the nation and an entirely new administrative system to replace the creaking Grand Duchy of Maanenland following a vote on September 24th 2006 iniated by the Stretford Accession Crisis.
Government and Politics
The Ducal Lieutenancy of Maanenland is a constitutional monarchy with executive power residing directly in the Council of Ministers and headed by the elected Lord Lieutenant drawn from the leading party in the lower chamber of the bicameral parliament , the House of the Boroughs. The political system is noted for it's lack of a constitution or of any statutes regarding how the country is governed. The Lord Lieutenant appoints other ministers from the Houses of the Boroughs , who together form the National Executive Committee (Cabinet). The Lord Lieutenant is the head of the government. Soverignty is fully vested in the monarch who is head of state but under the constitutional monarchy aranagement the entire government is answerable to the Lord Lieutenant who has greater powers than those of a Prime Minister.
In Maanenland the monarchy has very extensive theoretical power which he , during times of political upheavel , uses to great effect . The monarch is an integral part of both houses of the Parliament as he or she has the power to refuse to sign any legislation and can dissolve a parliament which is threatening the national interest. The Lord Lieutenant orders when the next election is (the term of the Lieutenancy though is automatically revoked after 10 years) but during the election period executive power is automatically devolved to the The Commission for the Lieutenancy of Maanenland | Commissioners of the Lieutenancy]] , a non-governmental agency that is comprised of over 100000 officers who swear direct allegiance to the duchy rather than the duke. These officers (often nick-named stormtroopers) deliver the resuts of elections to the Chief Commissioner who then declares who the next Lord Lieutenant is. An important power of the Lord Lieutenant however is the ability to Rule by Decree , however any use of this power is highly controversial.
Foreign policy and criminal proceedings are carried out in the name of the Duchy rather than the Duke personally who does not get involved in such matters but is in theoretical control of both. Calls for abolition of the Grand Duke has little support amongst the population , a recent poll suggested that less than 25% of the electorate would support such a move.
The new legislative system for the territory is for a unicameral legislature formed of representives
By constitutional convention, Ministers are chosen exclusivly from among members of the H.O.B. Ministers of the Lieutenancy exercise both legislative powers and prerogative (deriving from Duchy prerogative) powers. The Lord Lieutenant is chosen from the majority party in the House of Boroughs and forms the next government and is then formally appointed by the monarch. The current Lord Lieutenant is Alexander Jameson of the Mannenland First party , who have been in office since 1982.
The two largest political parties in the House of Boroughs are the Mannenland First party and the more left-wing Democratic Socialist Alliance. Mannenland has not traditionally had a strong two-party system, but many of the smaller parties with common interests have merged into the main two. The electoral system used for general elections is first-past-the post. The nature of this system means that Manneland First were elected in the 2001 election with only 49.2% of the national vote, but still won a majority of seats in Parliament. The House of Regional Commanders is comprised entirely of independants.
People voting in elections for their local authority tend to vote more on their national policies than regional issues which has led to some calls for reformation of the system. Generally however there is contenment with the current system with no large scale independance movements.
Primary Political Parties
| Party | Leader(s) | Description | Primary Vote Percentage | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maanenland First | Lord Lieutenant Alexander Jameson | The Maanenland First party is the most powerful of the right-wing parties. Members of the Maanenland Industrial Confederation make up 49% of the party's membership. It promotes greater economic liberalisation and a more laissez-faire attitude to foreign and social policy. | 58% | 59,478 |
| Democratic Socialist Alliance | Lieutenant Michael Fletcher | The Democratic Socialist Alliance was formed in the merger between the Socialist and Democratic Labour parties following catastrophic election results. The DSA is the left wing socialist party dominated by the Trades Congress and the former party of governance. As HRH Offical Opposition they continue to resist slashes in budget spending and the JAMESON governments economic reform program. | 24% | 26,824 |
| Liberal Democratic Party of Maanenland | Lieutenant Petrus van Meegeren | The Liberal Democratic Party is the main centre-left party in Maanenland and the traditional 3rd party which in times of a hung parliament usually forms a coalition with the Democratic Socialist Alliance. Under the leadership of OD van Meegeren the party has moved closer and closer to the centre to the dismay of some of the hardliners in the party who want to see a return to stronger liberal attitudes. | 10% | 8764 |
| Maanenland Minority Movement | Lieutenant Andrei Curie | The MMM was set up to represent the interests of the minorities in Maanenland such as the French community and the russian immigrant community. In recent years they have also begun to gain support and target their campaign towards most sectional interests from a broad range in society which has given them greater electoral support and allowed them to move into the position of 4th party for the first time. | 8% | 5142 |
Political Subdivisions
Since 2006 Maanenland has been split into 71 of administrative regions of roughly the same economic and social interests or of similiar tradition and culture. Provincial council act primarily in co-ordinating the actions of their subordinate counties and as the middleman between those two layers of government. Since 2006 provinces now have greater representative power in the Maanenic parliament and now many territories have much greater autonomy at a cost in higher taxation.
The next division down from region is the Hundered which is comprised of the area of one hundered counties, these divisons are purely for mapping and postal services only. The local authority below the hundered is in most regions the County although regional variations include duchies and unitary authorities. These are responsible for most day-to-day services including police and schooling.
The regions are not equal in status and title:
Autonomous Kingdom
Are soverign states engaged in political union with the Grand Duchy by Act of Union , headed by a monarch with an independant local legislature , judiciary and executive. New Westminster law however takes precedence but kingdoms can withdraw from union.
= Autonomous Republic
Similiar conditions to Autonomous Kingdom but with an elected head-of-state , in these territories a President is elected instead of monarch. However these territories cannot withdraw from union and are devolved institutions.
County Authority
By far the most common form of subdivision in Maanenland. For territories where small population/geographic size render the area incapable of sustaining effective or legal county level administration. A dominant city is a requirement to achieve county status with an administration which runs most county-wide services with some , limited , decisions taken at district level.
- Aldershire
- Carmsbury County
- Daershire
- Eeorld County
- Fairburyshire
- Fergenshire
- Flowley County
- Hamtonshire
- Harstonshire
- Hulme County
- Illham County
- Lowbershire
- Lowshire
- Market Regent County
- Marpleshire
- Meadenshire
- Orrelshire
- Recheshire
Duchy
Traditonally a major part of Maanenic politics , since reorganisation have been reduced to small ceremonial territories. The Dukes & Duchesses of Maanenland however still retain their lands and influence but no longer have any official role in politics with the exception of the following states which are still ran by direct rule albeit with a Ducal council.
District Federal Authority
Created for special territories where there are lots of medium sized settlements that are interlinked but not in a conurbation. Designed based on the former Greater Stretford region these territories have limited power at provincial level and decisions tend to be taken within the constrains of a federal system.
Metropolitan Authorities
Designed for large conurbations which have considerable influence outside the urban area and which would over-dominate their surroundings and result in conflict at a local level. Have considerable power and influence over districts , the strongest of the provincial governments with powers rivalling that of New Westminster's in areas of administration.
- Canley Districts
- Coltishall Districts
- Greater Hollysborough
- Greater Stretford
- Mounthatten
- Ternpool Metropolitan Districts
Provinces
These are the standard administrative unit and is comprised of land where there is no particular dominant city or area but have some limited things in common with each other and common interests. Usually small government which tends not to interfere with districts and run with little interference from central government.
- Alderhampstead
- Capeland
- Channel Province
- Chennick Hemsby
- Dunley
- Eastcole
- Eyresdale
- Hartpolland
- Hungershot
- Kenton North
- Meresan
- Middleway
- Oakvaleland
- Orchard Valley
- Queensharvest
- Regentsport
- South Boxfields
- Westportland
- Wellenland
- Westacreland
- Westpeakland
Territory
Delegated for areas which have been deemed not appropriate to give local administration to for whatever reason and are run by a governor who generally acts on the instructions of central government which uses the territory as the middle man between it and the districts. No real power.
Unitary Authorities
Areas where there is no county administration and no district administration. There is one district which forms the territory and is traditionally composed of one settlement which runs itself from it's city hall. A virtual city-state.
- [[Chesterside]
- City of Caister
- City of Newport
- Dutchgreen Hundred
- Harper Hill
- Innley
- Mayfield
- Sechester
- Thornton Hundred
Special Administrative Zones
Territories under the juristication of Maaneland but not a province and have special conditions applied to them are known as Special Administrative Zones which replaced the former title of Maanenland External Territory.
As of 2006 there are two special administrative zones:
- New Westminster , the capital of Maanenland is regarded as seperate territory and access to non-citizens is very strictly limited and is subject to different laws and authority
- Winwick is a Wikipedia:Protectorate of Maanenland
Law
The legal system of the Grand Duchy is based on Maanen Law which is based on common law but with some civil law influences particularly on legislative areas surrounding corporations.
The highest court in the land is the Maanenic High Court which is composed of the seven Law Lords of Maanenland , the Lord Lieutenant (unless the government is taken to the court in which case the Leader of the House of Regional Commanders takes his place), and the Lord Provost of Maanenland who presides over the court.
Below the high court are several courts which are usually the highest any appeal can or will go to. For criminal cases cases are taken to the Royal Court of Supreme Justice , civil cases can be brought before the National Judicial Authoritariate and the Crown Appeals Court.
Geography
Geographically the nation can be divided into several key distinct zones. North West of the capital there are small rugged mountains surrounded on it's sealand borders with large areas of marshland. The land border to the north is the start of "the great valley" which runs between the mountain ranges of the north west and north east. The eastern land border is dominated by a large mountain range. The south of the nation is typically very flat plainlands with some heavy forestation in the centre.
The main rivers in Maanenland are the River Calder , River Longeaton , River Ducan , River Hollin , River Chesterford and the River Caeford. There is also a large inland lake (Lake Ternill) with two small islands.
The major cities of the duchy are Cliffton , Stretford , Ternpool , Newport , Coltishall , Mounthatten Ridge , Chatham and Jennington. The capital city of New Westminster is the smallest population region in the nation with a permenant population of 120 and temporary population of 260,000 when the compound is filled for government.
The industrial economic heatlands of Maanenland can be seen in a line from the manufacturing centre of Portland , through the steel and mining centre of Ternpool and into the financial centre of Greater Stretford , from there the Industrial Line stretches down through the Jennington corridor of Dycan Valley and into the technology heartland of the Cliffton Duchy.
The agricultural heartland of Maanenland travels in the Corn Line starting with the primarilly polutry producing region of Oakshire , the line then goes down through the corn fields of the Plains County and into the pastral farming regions of the fertile Hollings Valley and then into the predominantly vegetable district of Chatham. Kingsborough although highly rural has yet to become a major agricultural region due to poor infrastructure to the neighbouring bustling market of the Cliffton Duchy , this is a problem being addressed by the government. The Chesterford Valley is a major woodland and timber growing area. The rugged hill region of Western Peak Districts, mountains of Mountain Districts and the great mountains of the Kingdom of Calder have little economic activity and so achieve high subsidies for employment.
Economy
Mannenland has in recent years been beset by depressions , recessions and periods of unparalled growth . GDP Growth under the Jameson government has been extraordinary jumping from €9,000 to €40,000 in a very short time. The economy of the nation is now highly diverse with major production of every product and commodities.
The "new econonmy" of Maanenland is dominated by the rapid rise of electronics and information technology which are employing more and more of the workforce. Automobile Manufacture was at one time the strong point of the Maanenland economy , although now overshadowed by the retail sector it still makes up the majority of all exports from the nation thanks to help from central government and investment in machinery and infrastrucutre. Agriculture makes up a proportion of the economy that is unusual for an industrial economy .Maanenland's retail sector is a major force both domestically and internationally.
Agriculture is intensly mechanised and is very efficient managing to keep the nation self-sufficient in food whilst employing less than 3% of the population. The Maanenland fishing supplies fish all around the world and thus there is a huge fleet that produces much more fish than there is demand domestically.
The main concern for a the majority of the 20th and early 21st centuries was the ever increasing trade deficit. Drives for self-sufficiency manufacuring plants and factories could not keep up with the demand of a rapidly expanding economy. Following a series of economic reforms and punitive tariffs Maanenic manufacturing has exploded also thanks to a strong growth in the production of industrial materials.
Manufacturing has decline significantly in recent years and it's share of the national economy has declined now accounting for less than %20 of the economy of the nation. Despite this Maanenland retains a large amount of mass production industries particularly steel manufacturer and chemical production. High-tech industries have replaced the once mighty cotton manufacturing plants of the nation. Defence systems and aerospace manufacturer are a small local affair but still is at the cutting edge of technology thanks to heavy investment in research and development by the government in corporations such as MDI Firestorm.
Following several crippling strikes in recent years the Jameson government has passed legislation to decrease drastically the power of the trades unions to hold the economy to hostage which has traditionally also caused high levels of inflation.
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The Maanenian Pound has traditionally been a very weak currency with local business preffering to use international currencies , at the moment however it is riding on a wave of new strength and has begun to become to main currency of business within the duchy. Most banks still print their own money which has led to some wild fluctuations in the value of the currency recently.
Military
The Armed Forces of the Grand Duchy are known as the Maanenic Armed Forces or by their official title Armed Forces of His Majesty the Duke of Cliffton . The Commander-in-Chief is usually the Duke of Cliffton but has recently changed to Commander Jameson who directs the military personally through the Ministry for the Protection of the Duchy.
The armed forces of Maanenland are charged principally with the responsibility of defending the duchy and it's wider security interests , so far peacekeeping has remained limited.
Present numbers of troops are unavailable but it is relativly small compared with the population , under Lord Lieutenant Jameson the aim has to be to provide the duchy with the most technologically advanced armed forces at a greater expense of manpower. On January 6th 2006 Maanenland announced that it had finished development of it's nuclear weapon force after years of speculation and accusations.
The Navy of Maanenland (the Royal Maanenic Maritime Defence Force) is the backbone of the military due to a policy of promoting a strong navy above the other services.
International Relations
The Grand Duchy of Maanenland has recently taken a very isolationst approach to foreign policy and has stayed away from involvement in regional and international politics. The Jameson government however has started a process of integration within the United Nations and the regional government to try and raise the profile of the nation.
Maanenland currently has no major transnational issues , however governments around the world object to ships being stopped in international waters by Maanenian patrol vessels to be searched.
Elements in Wilnwick politics object to the great influence that Maanenland has over it's politics with it's title of Maanenland Administrative Zone . Despite being a soverign territory Maanenland contiues to affect legislation in it's role as a protectorate.
Relations with Europe have recently come under greater strain as the scandal over the European delegacy and general region have brought the duchy in conflict with several other nations due it's outspoken attacks on regional issues.
Illicit Drugs
As Maanenland has legalised all narocotics , the nation is a major producer of all forms and classifications of drugs. However it is a major criminal offence to attempt to export drugs bound for a nation that has outlawed them. The usual sentance is over 30 years.
Communications
Telecommunications
Maanenland has a highly advanced domestic telecoms system in most areas thanks to continual investment from the government. However more remote areas have long suffered from poor telecoms links to the rest of the nation despite several iniatives to increase accessibility.
Transport
Like telecoms , transport infrastructure has traditionally been given generous funding by central government.
The expressway/interstate highway system has been the main benificary of investment so road communications between all major settlements are well above the international average though some critics have pointed out that areas of the network recieve very little traffic and are seen as a waste of money.
The ports of Maanenland are also extremely well funded and are used for up to 78% of all national trade. The main ports in order of traffic are Middle Capeford , Newport , Ternpool , Oakham , Jennington and Westport. There are also several hundered miles of ship canals and other artificial waterways.
Rail transport is the backbone of the nation and have much greater usage than cities of similiar economic and population size. Every settlement in the central nation is connected to the system. The network between Stretford and Cliffton is one of the busiest lines in the world and is usually full to capacity despite services running every 5 minuites between the two areas. Over 92% of commuters choose to take the bus from there home to the rail station and then onto their next destination. Unlike other transport networks the system is entirely privitased. The majority of all freight moving within Maanenland is made using the freight railway systems to the ports. See main article Rail Transport in Maanenland.
Air travel traditionally has been underfunded by central government and as such there are relativly few major international airports outside the twin conurbations. Most of these are ex-military airfields.
Society
Religion
The primary religion in Mannenland is Christianity with nearly 15% of the population identifying themselves as Christians as varying denominations. Generally religion is frowned upon by both the government and society alike especially when it appears to interfere in areas such as media and government.
In the last census 81% of the nation's population described themselves as having no religous beliefs.
Media
Maanenland has an independant , impartial public service broadcasting group called the Royal Maanenland Broadcasting Corporation usually shortened to RMBC which provides radio , TV and Internet news (a link is available below) which is funded for by a mandatory TV licence. There are also several other large media organisations available on Satillite and Cable or Digital Terrestrial all of which are free to report on what they like.
The population has shown little interest in sensationalist tabloid journalism although broadsheets are quite popular , especially in the more affluent urban areas.
Demographics
The primary and official language spoken is English. Local indgineous dialects have all been stamped out after years of decline and refusal for them to be accepted as languages by the growing central government. Native Maanenland Dutch is the second primary language especially in rural areas , most signs and government broadcasts are bi-lingual. Figures vary greatly as to how many of the population speak fluent Dutch but it appears to be around 91% thanks to government iniatives to increase the level of fluency .Immigrants from Russian and French nations have contributed to make them secondary languages spoken fluently by around 27% of the population.
A high birth rate and increasing longevity is increasing the population at an alarming rate placing a greater strain on public services.
Culture
There is yet to emerge a coherent national identity for Maanenland as most of the provinces have their own seemingly unique cultural styles.
Cliffton and Stretford metropolitan areas are locked in an ancient rivarilly for economic position and grandour of the cities. When Stretford built the Western Bank tower it was the largest building in the nation until two months later when work was finished on the Cliffton Bank tower a mere 10m taller. Competition between the two cities has resulted in them being some of the most stunning cities in the world.
The rural county of Kingsborough retains a traditonal way of life realtivly free from crime and disorder and steeped in history.
National Anthem
The Maanenic National Anthem was written in 1812 to replace the previous anthem Cliffton Above All as it was seen as being antiquated and irrelavent. Although there is an official Dutch translation it's seen as being a somewhat poor translation and when sung is sung to a different track.
The Maanenic Imperial anthem is used in official marches and events where the national anthem would be sung at other nations , the Maanenic National Anthem is typically sung at official ceremonies wheras the Imperial Anthem is sung as a celebratary track. In sportig events the national anthem is used.
National Anthem English
Maanenland our land united by the sword
Maanenland our home where tyranny is abhorred
Our Duke who protects us
Our Duke who connects us
United under the flag
From the mountains to the valleys
From the forests to the sea
To the rivers and pastures
All are eternally free
For Maanenland will be forever strong
The rule of the Duke will be eternally long
As long as our people stand defiant
Our endevouring spirit will be reliant
Ruler of the highest wave
Land of the forever brave
Commander of the skies
Never to be conquered
Our spirit never dies
Maanenland our home
Maanenland where the mighty wolf roams
To Maanenland I pledge my loyalty
To this nation protected by royalty
May our home be forever Maanenland
Simple Dutch National Anthem
Maanenland ons land verenigde door het zwaard
Maanenland ons huis waar tirannie
Onze Hertog verafschuwd is die ons
Onze Hertog beschermt die ons verbindt
Verenigden onder de vlag
Van de bergen tot de valleien
van de bossen tot de zee Naar de rivieren en weiden die Iedereen eeuwig vrij is
Voor Maanenland zal voorgoed sterk
De regel van de Hertog zal zijn eeuwig snakken zijn
Als snak als onze mensen staan uitdagend
Onze endevouring geest zal vertrouwend zijn
De heerser van het hoogste golf
Land van de voorgoed dappere
Commandant van de hemelen
Nooit Onze geest nooit dobbelstenen veroverd te worden
Maanenland ons huis
Maanenland waar de machtige wolf doorzwerft
Naar Maanenland ik beloof mijn trouw
Naar deze natie die door vorstendom mei ons huis beschermd wordt
Is voorgoed Maanenland
Maanenland Imperial Anthem
I give you a toast, ladies and gentlemen. I give you a toast, ladies and gentlemen. May this fair dear land we love so well In dignity and freedom dwell. Though worlds may change and go awry While there is still one voice to cry
There'll always be an Maanenland
While there's a country lane,
Wherever there's a cottage small
Beside a field of grain.
There'll always be an Maanenland
While there's a busy street,
Wherever there's a turning wheel,
A million marching feet.
Red, white and blue; what does it mean to you?
Surely you're proud, shout it aloud,
"Maanenians, awake!"
Kerkby too, we can depend on you.
Freedom remains. These are the chains
Nothing can break.
There'll always be an Maanenland,
And Maanen shall be free
If Maanen means as much to you
As Maanen means to me.
![[1]](http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g91/Maanenland/maanenofficial-small.gif){kind=link}
