Difference between revisions of "Niploma"

Revision as of 10:45, 29 March 2006

Niploma

Flag of Niploma
Motto: Community
Region	The Anumist Alliance
Capital	Failegn
Official Language(s)	English, Gaelic and Pali
Leader	Niplomian Prime Minister - Adráin Robert (Socialist Internationalist Party)
Population	659 million
Currency	SDRN Credit
NS Sunset XML

The Social Democratic Republic of Niploma (pronounced Kn-ip-low-mar) is a large Liberal/Socialist Democracy situated in The Anumist Alliance region. It's population is currently hovering at the 659 million mark and the country is also a UN Delegate for over 125 days. Inhabitants are Niplomians.

History

Introduction

Social problems erupted in Niploma in 1926 when 250,000 armed peasents and workers marched on Failegn protesting over working conditions. The Kings' army was sent to intercept them and a street battle ensued for almost three months. An estimated 125,000 peasents and workers were murdered, many of whom were unarmed, a mere 1200 soldiers were killed, many of whom beaten to death brutally. The day is remembered as the 'Battle of Failegn' due to the locale. However, it was the beginning of the revolution.

Civil War

The 125,000 workers and peasents fleed home and many were seen as heroes to the working classes. The Battle of Failegn inspired the Niplomian Communist Army (NCA), an army that soon numbered 750,000. The NCA had two points, to overthrow the Oligarchy by any means possible and install a Communist republic. By 1932 a civil war was in full flow with the Government forces being attacked throughly by the NCA. However, the NCA fought crudly with little tactics or leadership. Many were slaughtered. A more lenient faction within the NCA disbanded and created the Socialist Resistance (SR) who wanted to overthrow the Oligarchy but end the civil war straight away.

The Civil War continued regardless of the SR and the unprecidented loses on the NCA side. Failegn was being attacked every night by the NCA and the Kings lifes were constantly in danger. NCA troops were coming infamous for their terror tactics used. By the 3rd June 1934 both Kings were killed by an SR sniper. This threw Government forces and the Government itself into dissaray. To the outside world it looked certain the once-winning Government was falling by the knees. The Government ordered a retreat of all Government forces to Failegn. Failegn was fully protected and became the HQ and Base of all Government troops. The Government was in a powerful posistion, everything that the NCA and SR wished to destroy was in Failegn. Government troops numbered 550,000 and NCA troops numbered a mere 350,000. A siege began.

Second Battle of Failegn

On the 6th September 1934 the Siege of Failegn began, it soon became known as the Second Battle of Failegn. NCA troops began night excersions into the city and became highly skilled at killing Government forces leaders. Several commanders had been assinated by the end of 1934.

However, by the end of the 1934 the once small SR group had begun sweep missions around the country, freeing NCA controlled towns of tryranny and fighting skirmishes with the government forces. SR fighters only numbered 150,000 but many were highly skilled. SR had high support from locals in the Northern half of the country who suppiled the group with food and supplies. However, in the South and in Failegn itself SR troops were barelly seen, with the exception of their assasins.

Failegn was being held by Government troops but at a significant loss. By February 1935 Government troops numbered 360,000 and the now adapted NCA troops numbered 200,000. A final push by NCA troops began on 3rd March 1935 and was named Operation Swallow. It aimed to place as many NCA troops in the city as possible and hold out until more peasents joined the cause. Unfrotunately for the NCA Commanders, none knew of the lack of support the NCA now had, and the thriving support the SR kept. Barely any peasents supported the NCA during Operation Swallow.

In early 1935 SR began marching into the Southern half of Niploma and also began peace talks with small groups of Government troops still left in some areas. Nearly all of these troops either joined the SR or simply dropped arms and ran.

Operation Swallow began well as international photographers took photos of NCA troops entering central buildings, most famously of all, entering one of the ex-King's palaces. NCA troops suffered signifcant losses but Government troops were taken back by the suprise attack and now Government troops numbered at 150,000 troops (many of whom exhausted and left without a cause). NCA troops were in high spirit but were spread throughout the city and without many supplies or support. They numbered 80,000.

Operation Swallow continued until 25th August 1935 when NCA troops entered peaceful negotiations with the Government. Exhausted and finally demoralised the now small NCA (numbering 12,500) dropped arms on 12th October 1935 and all leaders were assinated. Many troops fleed Failegn and left to the South were they began to control the area. Finally, the Government troops had won the Second Battle. They numbered a weak 56,000 troops. Around them a war-torn Failegn stood and just thirty five miles from the city the SR's new HQ stood. SR troops numbered 250,000 and several million supported them. The smart SR had nearly all Niploma under its control, was peaceful to its people and hugely outnumbered Government troops.

Final Stand and the 1936 Peace Agreement

Destroyed Governmental forces began a Final Stand agains the now popular SR and the final battle for Failegn began on 23rd December 1935. SR troops numbered 250,000 and Government troops numbered an unfortunate 56,000. On 16th January 1936 SR troops held the new Niplomian 'Tricolour' (Green for Niploma, White for Peace and Orange for Socialism/Liberalism) and stormed the Governmental House. By the morning of the 17th January a telegram was wired to SR HQ declaring Peace talks could begin.

Throughout January Peace talks began. The two parties discussed about the future of the country, the war, Failegn and what to do with the small, but still troublesome, NCA. Finally on 18th March 1936 the 'Peace Agreement' was signed. It was agreed that Governmental Forces all had to surrender, its leaders be deported or shot and a new Republic be installed. NCA troops were to be left but any further insurgence was to be dealt with. The war had ended, and a new Niploma had begun.

Aftermath

Naturally the war left a huge stain across the country. Failegn had to be rebuilt and billions were given in aid in the rebuilding of the country. However by 1945 most of the country had been rebuilt and citizens were generally pleased with the new Niploma. In 1958 the Socialist Resistance government called for the first Democratic Election. SR stood under the name of Socialist Internationalist Party, a name that stands today. However, the Socialist Internationalist Party is wholly peaceful. The first Parliament and Government voted on a new name, the Social Democratic Republic of Niploma. Interestingly no NCA action has been reported since the 1950's and the group declared a diisbandment of weapons in 1967. Once peaceful, the ex-members of the NCA created the Official Communist Workers Party.

Economy

Background

Niplomian citizens are currently sitting in a transition period from heavy Socialism/Communism to a lighter form of Liberal Socialism. Although private business is allowed, it is pitifully small. Sadly for enviromentalists Book Publishing appears to be the largest industry in Niploma.

Statistics

For most Niplomians citizens they lead a reasnobly comfortable life. With a well funded public-service program they are well catered for by the state. From their own pursuits of money they do reasnobly well considering the high tax rate. GDP per Capita hovers at the $15,000 mark. The Anumist Alliance's average is normally around the $6000-$8000 area. A relatively high unemployment rate of about 5% in Niploma causes embaressement for the Government as The Anumist Alliances average unemployment rate is said to be considerably lower.

The Government's main concersn appear to be Healthcare, Education, Social Welfare and Administration. Recently, several political parties have demanded that at least some money should be spent on Law & Order and Defence. The Government is considering this.

Justice and Law

Tradionally Niploma has held up liberal social thoughts. To help aid the reader in understanding Niploma's law below is a list of crimes and their minimum/ maximum sentance:

• Treason: min. life imprisonment, max. public hangining
• Murder: min. 10 years, max. 25 years
• Manslaughter: min. 5 years, max. 10 years
• Rape: min. 5 years, max. 10 years
• Break and Enter: Non-prison sentance
• Petty Theft: Non-prison sentance/ No sentance

Culture and Religion

Culture

Niploma's culture is well known in the region due to it's diversity. It has long been a tradionally Celtic country, but due to the large Buddhist population in Niploma the country has an incredibly diverse culture. Niplomians voted Failegn as the Culture Capital of the World. Critics argue this is due to the incredibly liberal laws within the country.

Interestingly, vegetarianism is highly respected in Niploma. Buddhists, Quakers and Animal Rights activists lobbied the Government for years to push for vegetarianism for religious and health regions. Finally, the government at the time began a huge advertising campaign asking Niploma to, 'No Meat for Good Health'. After years of the population following Government advice meat-eating is at a incredible low. The Government has always claimed it began the 'No Meat for Good Health' campaign not for religious reasons but for health reasons. If so the Government has upheld it's non-sectarian values.

Religion

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Niploma's largest Buddhist Monastery several kilometres south-west of Failegn.

Due to the diversity of Niploma no religion is considered largest with the exception of Athiesm, a philiospohy most Niplomians have uptaken, but of course is not a religion in itself. The religious numbers are so forth:

• Athiest/Agnostic 28%
• Buddhist 21%
• Christian 19%
• Muslim 15%
• Hindu 9%
• Jewish 6%
• Other, mostly Pagan 2%

Launguage

English is Niploma's main official laungage. It is spoken fluently by almost 100% of citizens. Gaelic is considered Niplomas second laungage, it is taught to a high level in the vast majority of schools. About 60% of Niplomians speak good to fluent Gaelic. Other laungages include Pali, imported through the Buddhist religion, about 12% of the country can speak it to a good level. Arabic is spoken fluently by about 5% of the population. Due to all this, much of the country is not just bilingual, but trilingual.

Holidays

Niploma celebrates several holidays. The most recougnised are:

• New Years Day - 1st January
• Niploma Day - 18th March
• May Day - 1st May
• Buddha Day - 16th May
• Samhain - 31st October
• Christmas Day - 25th December
• New Years Eve - 31st December

Politics and government

Niplomians hold their political system as a supreme example for all other nations to follow. It was formed when the Social Democratic Republic of Niploma was formed and thus is highly regarded. It consists of several tiers, a ruling Lower House (the Democratic House), a scrutinising chamber (the Niplomian Peoples Senate) and the local Councils at the lowest level. Of course, there is a head of state, a Prime Minister, who heads the Republic and the Democratic House.

There are Democratic House 'General Elections' every four years which determines who sits in the Democratic House (those who do are called Deputies). The winning party of the General Election forms a Government and this Government elects a Prime Minister. Anyone who has been out of jail - if indeed they ever have been - for six months and is over sixteen can vote in a General Election. The voting system used is Proportional Represenation. The Democratic House main job is to represent the people on national matters. For example the Democratic House is the only instituition that can raise or lower taxes, send Niploma to war or to disband any public services etc, etc. There are 750 Deputies.

There are Niplomian Peoples Senate elections every eight years which will determine who sits in the Senate. Those who do are called Senators. The Niplomian Peoples Senate has only one job, to scrutinise Bills passed by the Democratic House. If the Senate believes a certain bill is incorrect or 'wrong' it is sent back to the Democratic House for a second vote/ to be re-written. The Senate can only return a Bill once. Unlike the Democratic House it can not write Bills. Therefore it has seriously limited power. Senators are elected through proportional represenation. There are 200 Senators.

At the bottom are local councils, part of the current Governments 'Autonomy Bill'. Every borough within every county has its own council which administrates local matters such as transport, housing, supplies and electricity etc, etc. Councilors are elected once every four years, at the same time as the Democratic House elections. Most candidates stand as Independents.

Finally at the top is the Head of State, the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is both Head of State and Head of the largest political party in the Democratic House. The Prime Minister must be twenty-one years of age, at least a second generation immigrant but there are no restriction on sex or creed. The current Prime Minister is Adráin Robert from the Socialist International Party. He has been in office for twelve years (a Prime Minister can stand for re-election several times over).

Political Parties

Socialist Internationalist Party (SIP)

SIP is the largest political party in Niploma. Since the Democratic House was first erected SIP has consistently been in power. Prior to it's democratic days SIP was the SR, the main instrument in creating Niploma. SIP is, as the name suggests, a Soclialist party although it is fiercly against both Communism and Capitalism. It supports a taxation rate of around 60%, a rate it has been promising for years, but the fact of the matter is that tax remains much higher. Several newspapers have claimed SIP has been part of mass-corruption and serious amounts of Niploma's money has been filed into the pockets of SIP. Nether the less SIP steams on. Socially speaking SIP is moderately liberal and agrees with pro-choice campaigners over abortion and also supports an omni-present police force. SIP is fiercly pro-UN and The Anumist Alliance.

Libertarian Reform Party (LRP)

The LRP is a modernist/reformist Conservative/Centrist party in Niploma. It was formed in 1985 when the 'famous five' left the Grand Conservative Party. LRP then claimed to be a economically right wing party but socially left wing party. Today it still upholds these views and the views are obviously popular with a considerable amount of the electorate as LRP has been in opposition for almost twenty years. LRP explained in its last manifesto it will eliminate corruption in Government, begin a new Police program to get several thousand more police officers employed to combat Niplomas every-growing crime issues and will expand to the small private sector to a large economic machine. Finally, LRP will slash tax rates significantly. It is looking for a 30-40% tax rate - a worldwide average. It claims it will accomplish this by privitising nearly all government run businesses and opening up private enterprise en-masse.

Ecological Foundation Party (EFP)

The only 'Green' party in Niplomian politics that is famous due to its rapidly inreasing number of votes, mostly from the 'radical' young. The EFP party started as a coalition from dissatified members of the Communist Workers Party, SIP and LRP. The Deputies joined together to found the Ecological Foundation. After five years of agreement (and disagreement with their own parties) they became a political party and sat together, away from their old peers. In the EFP political statement they claim that they are more than a one vision party. They are incredibly liberal in their outlook as shown by being fully supportive of the gay communty in Niploma. They are throughly against military action of any sort and have the belief the Anumist Alliance will help Niploma in days of need. Economically they support a move to capitalism. However, they demand that more and more businesses be regulated. The EFP is consistently ridiculed by the Communist Workers Party and the LRP

Grand Conservative Party (GCP)

The Grand Conservative Party was one of few parties to sit in the first Democratic House sitting after the creation of the Republic. Ever since they have stood for those sitting on the right hand side of politics. Their manifesto claims that the GCP is the, Only Capitalist Choice. This has long been a chant of the GCP. They have long held a feud with the LRP for somewhat obvious reasons. The GCP is actually more conservative than the LRP due to holding somewhat strong social views, such as disallowing same sex marriages and introducing a curfew on the young. Economically it goes further by stating a flat rate 22% tax rate in Niploma is an 'achievable target suitable for a modern and fair Niploma'. Yet, it has always had a small but devoted support base over several decades but a lot of support has been stolen from by the LRP. Critics claim the GCP is a failing party.

Official Communist Workers Party (OCWP)

The most left wing of all recougnised parties, the OCWP calls for a Communist Republic of Niploma. The party is, along with SIP and the GCP one of the oldest parties in Niploma. The OCWP speaks in the Democratic House pushing thier views of leaving the UN, taking away 'any essence of Capitalism' and more support for the working man. They had a phase of violence within the party although the agressive culprits were found and expelled to form the RWU - a party described later. Since this the OCWP has remained a respectable, peaceful party.

Industrial Nationalist Foundation (INF)

The INF is perhaps infamous for its extreme right-wing views. The INF is alone in asking for all 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation immigrants exiled from the country. INF also demands that industries be allowed to 'go private' as it makes sense for economic reasons. Socially, INF declares it will abolish gay marriage laws and pro-abortion laws too. Several months ago an INF Deputy declared the Democratic House, 'immoral' for allowing abortion to go ahead. INF demands National Service for everyone aged 18-42 for atleast six years so to protect Niploma and install values from a young age. INF is a recougnised Evangelical-supporting party. Newspapers revealed the party was being given funds by several large Evangelical churches in the country, if this is true the INF will be forced to disband as funds from associations is an illegal act in Niploma. It suprises many critics how the INF has so many seats in the Democratic House considering that Niploma is a 'comfortable' Socialist country.

Revolutionary Workers Union (RWU)

The only party to not sit in either the Democratic House or Niplomian Peoples Senate. The party was originally part of the Official Communist Workers Party until it was dismissed from the party register for paramilitary actions. The party demanded all workers unite to bring a true Communist regime by any means possible. It goes on to say that a Communism should forcibly spread to the whole of The Anumist Alliance. For the above reasons the Democratic House banned the RWU from taking up its seat, a Bill that soon backfired as all Deputies are seen as living political martyrs to their supporters. Several of it's Deputies have been jailed for paramilitary action.

Democratic House Deputies

At the 12th General Election the electorate voted so forth for the 750 seat Democratic House:

1. Socialist Internationalist Party 291 seats (38.73% of vote)
2. Libertarian Reform Party 196 seats (26.12% of vote)
3. Ecological Foundation Party 91 seats (12.17% of vote)
4. Grand Conservative Party 60 seats (7.93% of vote)
5. Official Communist Workers Party 46 seats (6.13% of vote)
6. Industrial Nationalist Foundation 43 seats (5.80% of vote)
7. Revolutionary Workers Union 23 seats - of which none are seated - (3.12% of vote)

Niplomian Peoples Senate Senators

At the 6th Senate election the electorate voted so forth for the 200 seat Niplomian Peoples Senate:

1. Socialist Internationalist Party 104 seats
2. Libertarian Reform Party 42 seats
3. Grand Conservative Party 24 seats
4. Official Communist Workers Party 13 seats
5. Industrial Nationalist Foundation 12 seats
6. Revolutionary Workers Union 5 seats - of which none are seated.

Councilor Percentage Numbers

Across the country the Councillor numbers are so forth:

1. Independent 39%
2. Socialist Internationalist Party 16%
3. Libertarian Reform Party 13%
4. Ecological Foundation Party 11%
5. Official Communist Workers Party 8%
6. Grand Conservative Party 6%
7. Revolutionary Workers Union 5%
8. Industrial Nationalist Foundation 2%

Political Issues

As with any parliamentary democracy Niploma has many issues to deal with. Some of the main issues debated in the Democratic House include:

Immigrant Numbers

A point pushed by the GCP and INF. Both parties claim that Niploma is 'swarmed' by immigrants and that the traditional Gaelic and English peoples are being overrun. SIP defends its 'open border' system by saying that if Niploma ever wants to make any money immigrants will be needed for work. Recetly, LRP has swayed from supporting the open border system for economic reason to opposing it for so called 'patriotic' reasons. A recent poll suggested that 34% of the country were 'not satisfied' with the 'open border' system.

Capitalism or Socialism?

An ongoing topic for the last twenty years of Niplomian politics. Nearly all parties are un-supportive of the current level fo taxation and Soclialistic economic policies. A signinificant number of SIP deputies oppose the current level of taxation and there is a talk of a huge number of deputies leaving SIP to join LRP, a party that supports allowing more private business.

SIP claims that Niploma is in a transition period and time and care must be given in the situation. Critics of SIP explain that SIP is merely saying this as they are neo-socialists who have no intention of changing the current system. However there is fact behind SIPs point. Private business was given the green light several years ago and roads are now being tolled by private companies.

For now it appears Niploma is indeed a Socialist state that is moving slowly towards Capitalism.

The Enviroment

Twelve years ago the SIP government was re-elected with the enviroment as a key issue in the manifesto. However the government has failed to deliver by constantly cutting enviorment budgets. Over a period of twelve years dissapointed Deputies formed the Ecological Foundation, a group who wanted to save the fragile Earth. However just before the twelth Democratic House election the significant number of Deputies in the Ecological Foundation left their respective political parties and turned the Foundation into the Ecological Foundation Party. In their first election they won a staggering 12% of the vote.

However, both SIP and LRP continue to disregard the enviroment. The media and experts explain sooner or later the government will have to do something for the enviroment as it is possible up to 20% of the population is highly dissatified with the Government's work.

Revolutionary Workers Union

The extreme Communist group mainly prominent in the South of Niploma has continued to fight. The recent Bill over autonomy allowed people in the South to rule themselves more with local councils and the like. Councils in the South were given more authority to help queel the rising violence. It appears the autonomy Bill worked with violence at an all time low. However several parties argue that to rule a fragile country a strong National Government is required. SIP claims this is as dangerous a claim as, 'so called traitors' in the South. SIP promises to keep it's Bill regarding autonomy for a long while. LRP appear to be supporting the government and aslong as they do removal of the Bill will be near impossible.

Crime

Many Niplomians have complained over rising violence. For many years prisons have barely been heard of and some Niplomians in Failegn claim not to have seen a policeman for over twenty-five years. SIP are promising - but not delivering - that they will revolutionise the whole Law & Order system. Some insiders have even mentioned that Niploma's first peace-time army be created. this is likely to cause a political problem within the Government, Democratic House and the electorate. Both the LRP and GCP are in full support of an army, and their support is likely to sway public decisions.

Tri Election Year

Three elections are to be hled this year in Niploma, an occurance that happens only every eight years.

First Poll

All parties have begun campaigning. The first major poll from the, 'Niploma News' newspaper suggest the overall voting pattern of the electorate (exluding Council votes) to be:

1. Libertarian Reform Party 32%
2. Socialist Internationalist Party 30%
3. Ecological Foundation Party 16%
4. Grand Conservative Party 9%
5. Official Communist Workers Party 7%
6. Revolutionary Workers Union 4%
7. Industrial Nationalist Foundation 3%

Recent polls are extraordinary because if SIP is toppled, it will be the first time in Niploma's democratic history. EFP is suprised at the only small rise in votes. Analysts explain the Enviroment means little when a change of Government is on the cards.

However, rules of the Democratic House declare that unless there is 2% between the leading party and the opposition a new election must be held or a coalition formed to break the 2% gap.

However, as usual in political polls the first tend to be the most extreme. Experts predict that actually SIP will win but LRP may well be so close a Coalition will have be formed.

Communication

Telecom

Currently, there is one Telecom company, 'TalkNiploma' a state run telephone company. LRP, GCP, INF and some SIP political party members are calling for telecoms business to be opened to private business. This is unlikely to go ahead.

General Media

Radio

There are several Radio stations in Niploma. The Government has a 'locked' awareness station named, 'Niploma 1'. It is a News Channel and is rarely used for special announcements. All other stations are privately owned. 'Abhachd', a Gaelic sport channel is well known aswell as, 'NMusic', a popular choice among the younger population of Niploma.

Television

In a recent poll it suggested that 85% of Niplomians own a television. Due to the high amount of viewers there is a high demand for good results on television. The publics tax money does not go to waste on television as there are four government owned channels. The Government owns a Television business called 'Niploma Television' which is normally called NT for short. NT1 is, like Niploma 1, a news channel. It claims to not be biast to any party, but critics claim it is SIP-leaning. NT2 and NT3 are general entertainment channels whilst NT4 is reserved for sport. Television is open to private business and there are several other privately owned channels (including a specialist Gaelic only channel) and some Niplomians watch international Television.

Written Media

Most adult males in Niploma read daily newspapers and ever rising numbers of women read newspapers. Unlike other branches of media, no newspaper or magazine is owned by the state. Recent surveys suggest there are four large daily newspapers in Niploma. By far the largest read is the broadsheet, 'Niploma News'. Niploma News is heavily associated with Niploma and has a centirst view in politics. However, critics claim it supports SIP. Secondly there is a well known tabloid, 'Niploma Today'. Niploma Today has become infamous for its catchy yet crude headlines that have never failed to amuse. It is barely political and mostly concentrates on sport and celebrity news. 'The Worker' is a Socialist paper that was used to be supported by the Official Communist Workers Party. Finally there is a Gaelic only newspaper, 'Fathunn', which simply translates as, 'News'. It concentrates on all Gaelic news from Gaelic communities and also has an informative section on what's on in Gaelic communtities. It's Editor is a well known Pagan. Around 68% of Niplomians read a newspaper every day, an exceptionally high number.