Nouveau Bretagne
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| Flag of Nouveau Bretagne | |
| Motto: Ça Plane Pour Moi! | |
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| Region | The East Pacific |
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| Capital | Côte Midi |
| Official Language(s) | English, French, German, Mandarin |
| Leader | President Stephen Goss |
| Population | 299 million |
| Currency | Shell |
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Nouveau Bretagne is one of the emerging nations in the East Pacific region. Following many years of isolation, the current Unity-Green/Social Democrats coalition government decided in 2004 to join the East Pacific community. While still a "newbie" nation, NB has gained some respect and has good relations with most of EP Oldbies.
History
Nouveau Bretagne was originally founded by French settlers in 1603 after an eccentric priest in Rennes told his followers that the Garden of Eden would be found "somewhere in the East". These first settlers didn't find the garden, which led to the famous agonistic outlook that most Nouveau Bretagians have today, but they found whales. Which led to a whaler settlement where the capital Côte Midi is situated today, much to the amusement of the local Chinese.
The whaling industry caught the attention of the English, who formed their own settlement at Southport. Which led to James Thompson discovering gold at Dai Gum San (New Gold Mountain), which caused an influx of more French, English and Scottish settlers, as well as Cornish, Irish, German and Italian settlers. The local Chinese were bolstered by a wave of settlers from the southern regions.
After the chaos of the first few years of the Gold Rush, where French and English authorities tried to force, Nicholas Paterson formed a rebellion on the Strathdale goldfields which soon spread throughout NB. After many famous incidents, including the famed Red Ribbon Rebellion, Nicholas led the miners to liberation. Both the French and English authorities fleeded as Nicholas and his New Army marched on Côte Midi.
Nicholas was popularly decided to become the King of this new nation, King Nicholas I, and a Democratic Monarchy was formed. Recoginizing the original French whalers, Côte Midi was to become the capital of the New Kingdom. Nicholas honoured the native Chinese by making them equal citizens despite protests from his miner comrades and formed the Royal Guard, his chief protectors, using only Chinese soldiers.
The Monarchy was replaced with a Republic in 1992 following the scandals of King Colin II. The country remained Democratic and the King was replaced by a President, the first being Peter Xjiang. In 2004, a new debate has erupted with some factions calling for a restoration of the Monarchy under the previous Crown Prince Phillip, pointing out that Xijang and current President Stephen Goss have almost as been as bad as Colin II.
Economy
Nouveau Bretagne is a relativity affluent socialist nation, currently experiencing a boom after joining the East Pacific Community. Industries range from natural resources to high-tech manufactoring, with strict government laws in effect when it comes to workers' rights and the enviroment.
Trade
Nouveau Bretagne opened trade links after signing the International Fair Trade Agreement in October 2004. The major exports include cars, beers, wines, spring waters and jams. Nouveau Bretagne's primary trading partner is its southern neighbour Kelssek.
Geography
A mostly coastal nation with rolling hills, Nouveau Bretagne experiences moderates temperatures. Winters are usually quite cool while Summers are mild-to-warm. Klemzig and Nordique Provinces are the "market gardens" of the nation with very fertile farming land away from the coast.
People and Culture
Nouveau Bretagne is a highly socially progressive nation, coming from the early days of the gold rush and the first King Nicholas. The melting pot of cultures has led to a rich diversity which the locals value highly.
The nation has led the way in social reforms back to the early days of giving women the vote to today. Recent legistration has given gays and lesbians the right to marry and adopt children.
French and English are the major languages, but the latter is used the most amongst the diverse population. The other two offical languages are German, which is mostly spoken in Klemzig Province, and the native Mandarian.
Nouveau Bretagne loves its sport with the most popular being Rugby, followed closely by Football (Soccer) and Cricket. Ice Hockey is currently the fastest-growing sport as Nouveau Bretagne gears up to hold the second East Pacific Hockey Championship.
The arts are also very popular and easily accessible, with the locals just as likely to enjoy going to the Theatre, the Opera or the Ballet just as they are the Rugby. The most famous stage is the National Theatre in Côte Midi, with its dramatic architecture situated on the equally dramatic location of The Bluff on Encounter Bay. Every performer in NB dreams and aspires to perform on its famous stage.
Music is one of the nation's favourite past times, with healthy rock, alternative/indie and dance scenes. In fact, the most popular television programme is the NBBC One Thursday night music programme, Reverberation.
Government
Nouveau Bretagne is a federation of five provinces under a system of parliamentary democracy. The head of state is the President and the head of the government is the Prime Minister.
The President is not voted by the people, but by both houses of the national government. The President is little more than a figurehead but is allowed to make political comments, and has the power to dissolve a government and call for new elections.
Nouveau Bretagne's National Parliament is biamercal, formed by the National Assembly (Lower House) and Legislative Council (Upper House). The former is where the Prime Minister sits and creates laws while the latter passes them. Both houses combined vote to select the President every six years.
The current Government after the 2003 elections is a coalition of the Unity-Greens and Social Democrats with Pierre Hinault as Prime Minister. The major opposition parties are the Nationals and the Republicans.
The head of state is President Stephen Goss, formerly a professional cricketer and career diplomat.
