Mephras
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| Flag of Mephras | |
| Motto: Omnia Omnibus Ubique | |
| [Map URL], or No Map Available | |
| Region | Nova |
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| Capital | Euphova |
| Official Language(s) | Mephrasian |
| Leader | Prince Sebastion V |
| Population | Approximately 1.63 billion |
| Currency | phran |
| NS Sunset XML | |
Contents
Introduction
The Pacifist Principality of Mephras is a nation based on a continent approximately the size of Russia. It strives to serve its citizens and its environment. The economy is fairly strong, however the citizens are always placed before economic gain. Mephras has had a long history with much conflict, however recently the various groups have come together to form a peace loving and laid back nation.
History
The history of Mephras begins around the year 1413AD, when the first human inventors began to set sail for long distances. The first man to reach the continent, was Cidrus I, who happened upon the continent while experimenting with new ship technology. He soon brought news back to his countrymen of this floating paradise. While most mocked him,a small group of 200 settlers agreed to follow him to the continent. He and his group founded the first settlement, Euphova, which is now the capital. The people elected him as the Prince of this new land, which they christened Mephras.
Cidrus I ruled with strength and intelligence, and by his death in 1457, the nation had a stable food supply and a population of 2000 people. As his air, he chose his middle son, Seymour, who became Seymour I. Seymour focused on development and also explored the entirety of the continent, finding various natural wonders. He also found scattered tribes of humans and other sentients who had found their way to the continent. With great foresight, he peacefully traded with these peoples and developed ties. He also supported immigration of certain people from around earth. He reigned for 40 years, dying in 1497. Upon death, the country had over 1000000 people.
Unfortunately, his son Seymour II went down in history as an ineffective and decadent ruler. He gained the throne at 16, and spent highly on court luxuries, ignoring the principality. He was known for his various concubines, both male and female and excessive parties. Many in the country demanded change, and eventually deposed the prince, placing his cousin Sebastion on the throne in the year 1508.
Under Sebastion I, Mephras entered what could be considered its first Golden Age. Sebastion set a path of technological and economic development throughout the realm. He encouraged immigration and also supported input from his subjects. Every week he would spend an entire day listening to the problems throughout the realm. Although his greatest accomplishment was the Act of Union with the Kenoi tribes. While relations had always been peaceful, the two groups decided to unite as one with the marriage of Sebastion I and a Kenoi princess. They ruled for 30 more years, until the prince died, soon followed by the princess. The population of the country neared 12million at their death, and the people had advanced to a stage never before seen.
His son, Sebastion II took the throne in 1558. While he ruled justly, his reign was unremarkable compared to his father. The next three rulers Sebastion III (1587-1613), Seran I (1613-1648), and Hermes I (1648-1667).
However, Hermes I died heirless, and his family line died out. This left the nobles to elect a new prince. However, in a shocking move, the court chose a 15 year half Kenoi girl, Persephone I. The nobles hoped they could manipulate the young girl, and many feared the complete collapse of the monarchy, however, Persephone proved them wrong and became a strong and competent ruler. She expanded the territories and improved farm technology, and also united her nation with the Kujin peoples, when she chose one as her consort. A great period of peace and prosperity continued until her death at the old age of 75 (1727). Daughter, Karoline I oversaw another development in the nation of Mephras, the CFI or the Congress of the Floating Island, this brought together the other nations on the continent into open dialogue and peace. By this time, Mephras was the dominant nation on the continent, having approximately 45% of the area and 55% of the population.
Geography and Climate
Mephras has a largely continental climate with a Mediterranean climate on the northern end and a slightly colder climate near the south. Most places experience all three seasons, although summers are usually mild. Much of the nation is verdant fields and forests, with occasional hills. A mountain ranges crosses the nation from the north to south, reaching over 10000 feet on some peaks. A large portion of the country is held within a nature preserve. This has given rise to Mephras being known as one of the most environmentally beautiful nations.
Economy
Much effort has been made to improve the economy in recent years. As a more pro development stance has been taken by the government. The Prince has promoted capitalistic reforms, however they have been slow in coming. The most recent economic data placed the per capita GDP at 19000 NSD. One of the largest problems of economic growth is the extremely high tax rate. It currently stands at over 80% down from 100%. Its largest exports are, due to its liberal stance on many issues, pornography, erotic literature, sex toys, and drugs that are illegal in many other countries. These couple with more traditional agricultural and industrial exports. Tourism is also a large part of the economy, as many want to visit the beautiful landscape and the endless freak show of people in the cities.
Culture
Mephras is a nation which prides itself on eccentricity. It is not uncommon to see people in wild outfits and doing things outlandish in many other countries. People enjoy the pursuits of art, music, and invention. Public Art is a mainstay as people erect sculptures in public space and avidly attend art shows and concerts. Most people are socially left leaning, leading to an anything goes attitude throughout the country. Paired with this is a view of respect for all forms of life. Notable is the compulsory vegetarianism which has existed in the nation since near the beginning. Gay marriage, polygamy, pornography are all common. The age of consent is 19.
Another passion of the Mephrasian populace is fashion, people love making their own clothing and designing clothing for their friends. Impromptu fashion shows occur daily, and people enjoy sharing creative ideas.
The people are proud of their nation, but not afraid to criticize the government. Despite this, most are fiercely devoted to the Royal Family, and in turn, the royals provide much to the people. Visitors to the Principality generally find the people wild and sometimes snobby, but underneath that lies a sense of kindness and compassion for all living things.
Religion The most prevalent form of religion in the nation is the national religion, Mephrasian Humanism. Mephrasian Humanism is nontheistic, but stresses service to the community, humility, and respect for all forms of life. About 60% of people follow this, including the royal family. Another 25% are atheist or agnostic, and the remaining 15% practice forms of religion not native to the continent such as Christianity, Islam,Hinduism, and Buddhism.
Demographics
69% thoroughly mixed Mephrasian
6% Caucasian Mephrasian
6% East Asian Mephrasian
9% Native Mephrasian
5% African Mephrasian
5% South and West Asian Mephrasian
Education
Education is compulsory for all children from ages of 4-19. Free universities also exist and approximately 60% of people have at least a bachelors degree. The system is highly funded, and students generally perform well in the humanities and arts, however lag somewhat in science and math. The University of Euphova is the most important university and research center in the principality, where the greatest minds do research and interact.
Government
Mephras is a constitutional monarchy, which still vests a large amount of power in the monarch, the Crown Prince or Princess. He has the final say in all laws that are passed, however, he can be overridden by a vote of 3/4 of the assembly. He can propose laws and also call for new elections, however he lacks the power to dissolve the Senate. While sometimes strong and independent, he can also be manipulated by those within the royal household.
The Princely Senate is the second branch of government. Consisting of elected representatives, one for every 500,000 people, they propose and vote on laws.
There is also a supreme court, which rules on all important cases within the country. Of the 11 justices 6 are elected directly by the people and 5 are chosen by the prince.
Also present in Mephrasian politcal life are the noble families. The nobles number about 100000 and hold vast wealth and influence within the principality, many advising the prince and others serving in the assembly.
The current government system would be described as a heavily socialistic state striving in transition from communism to a greater free market.
Political Parties
Mephras has several major political parties that hold sway in the senate. First is the National Party, which consists of the more socially and fiscally conservative groups. Their main support comes from the nobles and rural peoples. Due to the wealth of the nobles, they hold about 24% of seats in the legislature. Another popular party is the Mephrasian Unitary Party. It is a left-centrist party which espouses socialist ideals. It holds about 39% of seats in the Senate, and has a primarily urban constituency. Another primary party is the Mephras Machine Faction, a technocratic group which supports science as the guiding rule of the country. It holds about 6% of seats. The Green Mephras environmental party holds about 26%. The other 3% of seats are held by unaffiliated independents who vary in their views. Other small parties are the fringe monarchist party and communist party which hold about 2% of seats together.
Military
One notable fact about modern Mephras is the lack of a military. Due to the isolated nature of the country, after unification, there was little need for an army. As the society developed without warfare, people trained for warfare became few and far between. When Mephras attempted to create a modern military, it was a spectacular failure of rabble and inefficient machines.
Current Events
Recently, Mephras has entered the international political scene, joining both the United Civil Rights Alliance, and the Free World Alliance. It has also recently attempted to establish more embassies.
Current Embassies Pinguinium Si Se Puede Damirez STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
