Satimon

The Austere Republic of
Satimon

Flag of Satimon Coat of Arms
National motto: The Basis of All We Hold Dear is Liberty
National anthem: Satimonian National Anthem of the Republic
Region	The Mediterranean
Capital	Solomon City
Largest City	Solomon City
Population (6/21/06)	5.938 billion
Suffrage	All persons 18 years and older
Official Language(s)	English
Government Chief Minister	Federal Republic Robert Newman
Formation of Republic	October 30, 1987
ISO Nation Code	SAT
Currency	Satimonian Dollar (SATD)
Internet TLD	.sat
GDP (6/21/06)	$248,885,202,266,383.38
GDP Per Capita (6/21/06)	$41,913.98
Exchange Rate (6/21/06)	1 Satimonian Dollar = $1.9056
National Symbols  • Sport  • Animal  • Tree  • Flower	Chess Hawk Ebony Lotus
UN Status	New York Times Democracy
Info: NationStates NSEconomy XML

Satimon, officially the Austere Republic of Satimon, is a Eurasian country located in the region of The Mediterranean. Satimon, the former de facto Cartographer of the region, has been an active and contributing member of the Med since its beginning. Satimon has a rich and developing history, and has one of the strongest economies in the Med region.

History

The country of Satimon was formed from ancient tribes that united together after the fall of both the Kingdom of Lysimachus and the Seleucid Empire. The tribes, known as the Albinites, Somnintes, and Kryptenites, had feuded with each other for hundreds of years. Their boundaries at the time of unification are still seen today, as the three provinces of the country: Alben, Somnen, and Krypten.

Unification and History of Name

The story of how Satimon was formed is steeped in mystery, and the only explanation is a tragic national myth. The myth has many variations depending on where one lives, but the story remains the same throughout. The story tells the tale about a man from the Somnite tribe and a woman from the Albinite tribe who fall in love with each other but are forced to not see eachother. The Albinite girl was killed in a skirmish between the two tribes, and the Somnite man snuck away to her funeral. It was a custom for a woman in the Somnite tribe to through herself on the funeral pyre of her husband if she had no will to live after his death. This tradition was known as sati. The man, in his grief, threw himself on the woman's funeral pyre, thereby ending his life. He was a sati-do-mon or "Man of Sati". This act of grief and devotion seemed to strike a heartstring in both of the Tribes Chieftains', and afterwards they ended their feud and united under the name Satimon, so they would never forget the man's sacrifice for his loved one. Later, the two tribes would come to defeat the Kryptenites, and thus fully forming the country of Satimon.

Excavations and discoveries point to such an event actually happening, but historians doubt that this is the reason that prompted the Somnites, the strongest of the tribes, to seek an alliance with the weaker (but more skilled in iron smithing) Albinites. The formation of the country was most likely a common interest in the tribes to destroy the Kryptenites, who had plans to unite themselves with neighboring forces. Others point out also that both the Chieftains lacked suitable families to continue on their bloodlines, and that inter-marring the two Chieftain families would mean both the families would live to see another day.

Growth and Change

The country united, and the Albinite and Somnite families united, Satimon became a monarchy under the newly formed super-family "Everts". The name was a mixture of the Albinite name Evergard and the Somnite name Tsolumon. Through the next millennia, the nation grew and advanced. The monarchs through the 1300 and 1700's sought to change the country drastically by adopting successful reforms from other Med nations. Through these centuries, Satimon adopted foreign inventions and ideas to bring Satimon into technological and agricultural modernity. Seeing English as a superior language then his own (a mixture of Latin and Greek), King Rabulon II forced the country to learn and speak the language. His successors followed suit, and after 200 years, the country was united under one foreign language.

Education and literacy became more important to the people, and growth of Universities and Colleges grew. This gave Satimon more of a chance to compete in the Industrial Revolution, and the country grew fast to industrialize it's economy. Trains, roads, and new inventions in telecommunications and transport united the country more and more, and allowed the economy to grow more and more as factories and and under industries expanded.

Modern Satimon

Satimon continued to grow and prosper through the 20th century, until the mid 1900's. Invading communist forces blockaded the country and demanded that it surrender. The King at the time, Lucifer III, brokered a deal with the communists which demanded of them tons of gold in exchange for total collaboration with them. Lucifer III surrendered to Communist forces in 1948 which created much distain for the Monarchy through the next 39 years, popularly called the Reign of Malice. From 1948 to 1987, the Monarchy helped Communist Forces control the nation. The Royal family is estimated to have received 260 thousand tons of gold from the Communists for their peaceful collaboration. Lucifer Everts III, who was the 18 year-old King when Communist Forces invaded, is portrayed as a "Benedict Arnold" of Satimon for "selling" the country for bribes in gold.

In 1980, fed up with the monarchy, a popular upheaval began in the streets of the capital and quickly spread across the country. The citizenry formed a rag-tag army which battled communist forces stationed in the country as well as Royalists. A revolutionary parliament was formed during the havoc and violence, their biggest role was to form a government after said revolution. Money was taken from noble families to fund the effort. An estimated 23 million people died in the war, thousands of whom were of the nobility. On October 30, 1987, the day communist forces left and Lucifer captured, the Revolutionary parliament signed into law a temporary transitional revolutionary government, which is considered the birth of the Satimonian Republic.

Politics

Satimon has a unicamerial legislature which seeks to write and make up laws. The Executive branch is seperate from the Parliament, and is known as the Ministry. There are 6 major parties within the country which vie for power to control both the Ministry (by being elected as Chief Minister) and Parliament (by getting the most seats).

Political Parties

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Tradtionalist Party of Satimon

The ideology of the Traditionalist Party, or TP, tends toward conservativism, capitalistism, and libertarianism. It's leader is Robert Newman (Chief Ministers are considered the "leader" of their party, even though they are not part of Parliament). Norman Schwattsburg is the Majority leader in Parliament. The party has 298 seats in Parliament out of 621, giving it control of the Parliament and 13 seats less than almost near control. It is one of the newest parties of Satimon and is made up of old Tories, Conservatives, Progressive Nationalists, and Libertarians. It is without words the most powerful force in Satimonian politics.

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Socialist Party of Satimon

The ideology of the Socialist Party, or SP, tends toward liberalism, socialism, and the creation of a welfare-state. It's leader is Vladimir Norstrum, a former high school teacher and socialist philosopher from a wealthy family in northeastern Krypten. Nortstrum is the Minority Leader in Parliament. The party has 128 seats in Parliament out of 621, leaving it 183 seats from control of the Parliament and 71 seats less than a majority against the Traditionalists. It is the oldest party in Satimon. It used to be called the Communist Party of Satimon, but changed it's name after the Satimonian Revolution. It is considered a crumbling force within Satimonian politics.

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Christian Reform Party of Satimon

The ideology of the Christian Reform Party, or CRP, tends toward christian values, social conservatism, and a so-called "preparation for the rapture." It's leader is Robert "Bobby" Nites, Secretary of Parliament and former televangelist. He is known to profess the word of the Bible, "without a creepy bible-thumping sort of way." Nites was voted in as Secretary of Parliament in a coalition attempt by the Traditionalist Party. The CRP has had a stagnant base, and support comes from mostly by the christian elderly. It used to be the only opposition party allowed during the years of King Lucifer. It never won control of Parliament. It is considerd a sort of tie-breaking bloc within Satimonian politics.

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Satimon First! Party

The ideology of the Satimon First! Party, or SFP, tends toward isolationism, huge tariffs, and certian steps that many would probably consider xenophobic. It's leader is Hugh Slughorn, a promenent businessman and financial advisor and contributor. Slughorn has made known his contempt toward the nation's rising trade deficit and involvement in international affairs. The SFP has 12 seats in Parliament and remains unpopular in Alben and Somnen. All of it's support comes from a few regions in Krypten where a loss of jobs has made some Satimonians not even want to vote socialist. This party is probably the most ignored party in Parliament. They have very vague goals beside isolationism, and don't do or say much. However, it is considerd a growing force within Satimonian politics.

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Green-Marxist-Leninist Party

The ideology of the Green-Marxist-Leninist Party, or GML, tends toward environmentalism, Communism, and the advocation of violent and bloody "World-Wide Socialist Revolution." It's leader is Lauren Swistock, a communist immigrant who is probably the most hated figure in Satimonian politics. She is also an ardent environmentalist and has been arrested by authorities for assulting people on the grounds of "driving a gas guzzler" and "wearing dead animals." The GML only have 6 seats in Parliament, mostly because it is a conglomerate of many unpopular parties that have banded together (namely between the widely unpopular Greens and the even more unpopular hardcore Communists who are dissatisfied with the Socialist Party). The GML's basic role is just to be loud and annoying. It is considerd a joke and a "freak accident" within Satimonian politics.

Regions

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There are three provinces of Satimon:

• Alben (Provincial Capital of Albus City)
• Somnen (Provincial Capital within the National Capital, Solomon City)
• Krypten (Provincial Capital of Kretolos)

Each of the provinces have local regions. In all, there are 621 regions between all three, giving each region 207 seats in Parliament. The provinces, as being part of a federal republic, excersize a certain amount of autonomy, but as the nation grows more connected and united, many Satimonians see less and less themselves as part of their provinces, and more and more as part of the country as a whole. This, along with more and more laws enacted by Parliament that take away certian responsibilities of the provinces, is what will most likely contribute to what many predict as the centralization of Satimon.

The provinces are governed by elected Regional Parliaments and Governors. Cities as well have local councils and mayors to help administrate local matters. It is considered not much of an achivement to win elected office in local and regional elections as the powers of their respective offices are quite limited and are widely regaurded as figurehead positions. Be that as it may, each region and locality have special and unique qualities that help make Satimon itself a unique and diverse society.

Government

In the Republic government of Satimon, the people delegate their powers to elected officials in Parliament. In turn these elected officials represent the will of the people and ensure that the government is accountable to its citizens. In Satimon, people exercise power through elections, which allows citizens the chance to influence government. With their vote, they can remove officials who ignore their intentions or who betray their trust. Political leaders are accountable as agents of the people; this accountability is an important feature of the Satimonian government.

The three branches of government—the Parliament, the Ministry, and the Supreme Magistrate—restrain and stabilize one another through their separated functions. The Parliamentary branch, must pass bills before they can become law. The Ministry—namely, the Chief Minister—can veto bills passed by the Parliament, preventing them from becoming law. In turn, by a two-thirds vote, Parliament can override the Chief Minister's veto. The Supreme Magistrate may invalidate acts of Parliament or the Ministry by declaring them contrary to the Constitution of Satimon, but Parliament can change the Constitution through amendments.

Ministry

The Chief Minister and Vice Minister are the only officials elected by all citizens of Satimon; both serve five-year terms. Although the Chief Minister shares power with Parliament and the Supreme Magistrate, he or she is the most powerful and important officeholder in the country. The Chief Minister has no vote in Parliament but proposes much of the legislation that becomes law.

The Chief Minister has many responsibilities. He or she appoints personnel—including ambassadors, staff, and members of various boards and commissions—to more than 3,000 positions; oversees the many components of the Ministrial branch of government; and proposes legislation to Parliament—including the yearly budget. The Chief Minister also directs foreign policy, commands the armed forces, negotiates and signs treaties, and serves as a symbol of the nation and a head of state with ceremonial duties.

There are 16 Ministries the Ministrial branch. The heads of these Ministries, called Ministers, make up the Advisory Board, a body that advises the Chief Minister on matters of policy and government administration.

In addition to authority as head of the many Ministries and agencies, the Chief Minister also has primary responsibility for making foreign policy. The Chief Minister has the power to recognize new governments, to attend summit meetings with the heads of other nations, and to make agreements or treaties with foreign governments. Most Satimonians consider it in their best interests to allow the Chief Minister some freedom of action in foreign affairs, recognizing that he or she may be required to respond quickly to international challenges.

Members of the Ministry, in order of succession:

• Chief Minister -- Robert Newman, Order of Solomon, First Class
• Vice Minister -- Reginald Stockworth, Order of Solomon, Third Class
• Foreign Policy Minister -- Deena Issacson
• Defense Minister -- Olliver Thunder, Order of Solomon, First Class
• Treasury Minister -- Shlomo Goldstien
• Justice Minister -- Joanna Hinston, esq.
• Interior Minister -- Chad Histerland
• Agriculture Minister -- Eustace Masterson, esq.
• Commerce Minister -- Zoe Silverburg
• Labor Minister -- Joseph Miller, esq.
• Health Minister -- Dr. Jenna Proctor, esq.
• Housing Minister -- Madeline Norstone
• Transportation -- Minister Agatha Zeston
• Energy Minister -- Spence Anderletti, esq.
• Education Minister -- Dr. Miroku Hiroto, esq.
• Security Minister -- Mendel Lieberman, Order of Solomon, Second Class
• Intelligence Minister -- Ivan Ritzerton
• Environment Minister -- Moonbeam Stardust

Parliament

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Members of the Parliament are elected regionally by the people they represent. Every year, Satimonians hold elections to keep or replace 308 regional delegates. Every region has a fixed number of 207 delegates, and there are three regions of Satimon (Alben, Somnen, and Krypten). There are a total of 621 delegates in Parliament. The leader of Parliament is called the Secretary of Parliament and is elected by the delegates themselves.

Parliament has many powers and responsibilities. The most important of these is lawmaking. Also, the Parliament has the authority to initiate bills to fund federal programs, to set tariffs and taxes, and to declare war. Parliament can also impeach and remove ministrial officials, including the Chief Minister, from office.

Parliament is also responsible for National investigations. Parliament has the authority to investigate and oversee the Ministry and its commissions, such as the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Justice.

Members of Parliament

• Secretary of Parliament -- Robert "Bobby" Nites
• 620 other regional delegates

The Supreme Magistrate

The Supreme Magistrate is the highest court in Satimon. People dissatisfied with a lower court decision may be able to appeal to the Supreme Magistrate, although very few cases ever reach it. A ruling of the Supreme Magistrate cannot be appealed. Also, the Supreme Magistrate has a responsibility to watch over the Parliament and Ministry and repeal or eliminate anything considered to be Unconstitutional.

Members of the Supreme Magistrate are voted upon, but once voted in, they cannot be taken out unless impeached by Parliament or taken away by referendum. A member of the Supreme Magistrate can hold office until he or she dies, or wishes to retire. The leader of this branch is called the Supreme High Chancellor, and he or she decides which appeals the Magistrate will hear.

Members of the Supreme Magistrate

• Supreme High Chancellor -- Steven Westinghouse
• 10 Associate Chancellors:
  • Scott Wenslow
  • Charles Townsend
  • Pete Carpenter
  • Lisa Hetzdall
  • Linda Merck
  • Sam Eastman
  • Sandra Letzburg
  • Josiah Horowitz
  • Chris Timmons
  • Lois Vestmann

Demographics

Satimon has a large population that the UN estimated was around 5.938 billion (6/21/06). Satimon is largely homogeneous in language (having no recognized minority languages) and race. However, Satimon is diverse religiously, culturally, economically, and politically.

Religion

The Satimonian Constitution provides all religious faiths equal freedom before the law. Satimon has one of the most diverse religious populaytions in the Med and has a history of religious toleration. The religious makeup of the nation are as follows:

• Christianity (mostly Catholicism) 65%
• Judiaism 25%
• None 8%
• Other 2%

Christianity

Roman Catholicism is by far the most popular religion in the country. However, there are other forms of Christianity that exist in Satimon. Around 35% of Christians in Satimon are not Roman Catholic. Of the 35% of non-Catholic Christians, 64% are of Eastern Orthodox, while the other 36% are of various Protestant chruches, numbering in 136. Christianity was a drivining force within Satimonian politics, as evidenced by the Christian Reform Party. However, Christian policos has had less and less support during the years, and has currently remained stagnant as a force in politics.

Judiaism

Satimon boasts one of the largest Jewish populations in The Mediterranean. Satimon was famous for it's toleration of Jews since the Middle Ages, and it's Jewish population has grown ever since. Satimonian Jews see themsleves more of a part of Satimon then anything else. Despite Satimon's toleration in the past, Jews were targeted more so for the adoption of English and unification than other religions. Hebrew and Yiddish speaking Jews are almost non-existant, and Satimon has refused to recognize these languages even as minority languages. 93% of the Jewish population is located in Alben, most notably in Albus City, which is famous for its many Temples.

Atheism

Satimon's atheist population comprises of 8% of the Satimonian population, and are scattered among the 3 provinces. It is suspected that this number is less, as the surveys conducted did not mention any other religions, which could lead followers of less popular religions to choose "none" on the survey list. There is no one single entity to represent the atheist population.

Other Religions

Other Religions in Satimon mostly consist of Eastern religions such as Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism and other Asian-related religions. Immigrants from Asia are a growing force within Satimon. Many individuals are even coverting to these new religions, most of them young people.