Saint Elmo Isle
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| Flag of Saint Elmo Isle | |
| Motto: Care for Nature and Nature will care for you. | |
| Coming Soon | |
| Region | Confederation of Gamers |
|---|---|
| Capital | Saint Elmo City |
| Official Language(s) | Esperanto |
| Leader | Kaiser Harold X |
| Population | 10,000,000 |
| Currency | Sel Appa copper pound |
| NS Sunset XML | |
Introduction
The Republic of Sel Appa is an island of around 10 million inhabitants. It is located off the coast of Sel Appa. Its long naval traditions have rendered its economy and its navy powerful.
History
Early settlers
Elmoese histroy spans five millenia when settlers first found the island. Most experts say the first humans arrived sometime around 3000 BCE. However, some records indicate that the people have lived on the island far longer.
A Trading Nation
Elmoese traders have travelled to many nations near and far. The biggest trading partner is nearby Sel Appa, but trading is carried all over the world. Saint Elmo Isle was originally called Elm. When St. Elmo was declared the patron saint of sailors, Elm citizens voted to rename the island Saint Elmo Isle. This is interesting because there were very few Christians at the time on the island. As time went on, the trading power of Saint Elmo Isle became apparent to many other large nations. Fearing the worst, a navy was created and citizens readily joined up. The navy was made up of 25 triremes which patrolled the coast. Although small, the navy was very well trained and the oarsmen could row at full speed of 25km/h for nearly an hour. The oarsmen were pushed to the limit and trained by racing around the island and lifting weights.
Modern Day
The Elmoese merchant fleet is over 950,000 and travels all over the world. Some ships rarely see home. The navy is now made up of hundreds of powerful ships with advanced technologies that improve all the time. Most of them are docked at nearby Sel Appa due to space constraints. Saint Elmo Isle is notable for half its population being on land and half on sea. It is estimated that 2 to 3 million Elmoese were born at sea and still live there.
Government
Saint Elmo Isle is ruled by a constitutional monarch with the title Kaiser. The position is elected and the term lasts until death or resignation. The Kaiser's powers are limited by a constitution that grants the citizens rights and protects them from corruption. The island is divided into three departments that are ruled by deputies, who are elected for five years per term. There is no term limit.
Economy
Overall
The economy of Sel Appa is considered socio-capitalist, meaning that it is part-socialist and part-capitalist. Aspects of socialism include welfare, high taxes on the rich, and government-owned transportation. The government owns all public transportation and 50% of the only airline: Air Sel Appa. Only the railroads are privately or cooperatively owned. Also, the government oversees many industries, such as arms and automobile manufacturing. Most other industry is not owned by the government. Retail and service is completely open to private ownership. Everything except emergency health care is covered by the government.
Progress
Sel Appa's economy is stable. There has been little downfall in history. No major depressions have hit ever, however a few times inflation went crazy and prices were very high. The last time this happened was in 1909, after a war. It is expected that Sel Appa will continue its current prosperous course and one day become more of a world economic power. Currently, it is only a regional power, followed by De Jewish Mafia. Few doubt the value and credibility of Sel Appan money.
Currency
The unit of currency is the copper pound, or usually the pound. It buys approximately two United States Dollars. In July 2005, Parliament fixed the exchange rate at $1=£2. Later, in November, Parliament set the pound to equal one troy ounce of copper. (<a href=http://marketwatch.nytimes.com/custom/nyt-com/html-currencies.asp>Current Copper Price</a>{scroll down}) This rate hasn't been used since 1960, when Grand Archduke Kirby I made the pound a fiat currency.
Several people have tried to change the currency name. The House of Earls changed it to the dollar in 2004, however no new money was printed or minted. The same was used, just with a different name. In 2005, General John Alexander renamed it the credit. eventually, it became the pound again.
Culture
Sports
In 1973, all sports were banned except for a few, which weren't considered sports. The law says that sports can only be done privately, no leagues allowed. However, the following are encouraged by the government and even have national leagues. Archery, badminton, equestrian, tennis, and track and field.
Food
The Sel Appan diet is high in complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables. Thr government sponsors production of grain, fruit, and vegetables. Examples are barley, maize, rice, apples, oranges, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and carrots. Meat and fish is frowned upon in massive quantities, however beef, chicken, and turkey are widely available and eaten.
<p>The most popular foods are pancakes and soup, which come in dozens of varities. Often, they are combined in a meal. Pancakes are made from virtually every grain available, including acorn which is popular amongst wildernessmen and campers. The national soup is called Supen (soo-pen). It is made up of barley, rice, maize, onions, potatoes, carrots, and many spices.
Religion
Religion is highly frowned upon, however it does exist. Publicly, everyone is atheist. However, privately only 65% of the population does not believe in a god of one sort or another. Jews make up 20% and Muslims make up 15%. The remaining 5% includes Taoism, Buddhism, Shintoism, and a small group of Christians.
Travel
Visitors
Sel Appa graciously welcomes all visitors from any nation. All that is needed is a valid, current passport and a form of photo ID. Citizens of De Jewish Mafia, Comunisticturkeys, and MassPwnage may enter with only photo ID. you will be given a Temporary ID Card(TID) for use in Sel Appa.
Restrictions
Limit of Stay
Generally, you are only allowed to remain in Sel Appa for 180 days at a time and per year. Afterwards, you will be asked to leave or apply for immigrant status. Failure to comply often results in a speedy deportation.
Banned Items
Drugs
Positively NO drugs are allowed in Sel Appa. Bags are often searched at the border with trained dogs. All drugs will be seized and you may be deported immediately.
Alcohol
Up to 500ml of wine can be brought into the country. Up to 2 liters of beer may be brought into the country. Both wine and beer must be registered properly at the border. Technically, alcohol is only allowed for religious purposes. However, it isn't enforced much if you drink at home and don't talk about it. Restaurants so not serve, nor allow alcohol.
Antiques and Artifacts
Antiques and artifacts must be registered at the border and shown upon departure. They may not be sold to anyone for any reason. They can be generally bought and brough out, but must be valued at £1000 or less in total. There is a 25% tax on all items classified as antiques and artifacts.
Homosexuals
Gays are strongly unwelcome in Sel Appa and it is even banned. It is possible for gay travellers to visit for a short time. The legal limit is two weeks and then you are asked to leave. You must declare that you are homosexual at the border and it will be on your TID. IF you deny it, you will be immediately deported or sent to Homoville. Homoville is where gays are left to die out on their own. It is similar to a native reservation.
Sel Appans are not at all tolerant of gays and the police will rarely side with them. If oyu decide to not say you are gay and are coming alone, you might get away with it if you appear "normal".
Photography
It is perfectly acceptable to photograph anything and anyone. It is best to ask people first if they are ok with it. If you are taking a photograph of a crowd, you need not ask permission. For government, military, transportation, and economic structures, it is best to call in advance to alert security that you are not a threat. However, it is usually unnecessary.
Transportation
Mass-Transit
Mass Transportation is a highly recommended favorite of Sel Appa. It is very cheap and easy to use. Travellers to Sel Appa are always recommended to use it instead of a car.
Bus
Bus lines run through all cities and connect rural areas to nearby cities. Suburbs usually connect a few residential areas to the commercial and industrial areas. A bus ticket costs about £10 and lasts for the whole day. Other packages are available.
Train
High-speed trains zip Sel Appans between provincial capitals. Normal trains travel at about 250 kph(155 mph). Express trains, which travel directly from one capital to anotgher on the opposite side of Sel Appa travel at 300 kph(186 mph). A regular train ticket costs about £75, while and express ticket costs around £400.
Monorail
Monorails quietly pass from city to suburb and back. Sel Appas large monorail networks connects the inside of provinces together. They go between cities and towns at 100kph(62mph), effectively making highways useless. A monthly pass costs about £150 and works anywhere within the province.
