Spirius
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| Flag of Spirius | |
| Motto: Green is Life | |
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| Region | Great Lake Nations |
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| Capital | Minsar |
| Official Language(s) | Spiria (de facto) |
| Leader | Premier Jadria Riven
(Elected 25 May 2005) |
| Population | 10 Million |
| Currency | Durcia |
| NS Sunset XML | |
The Commonwealth of Spirius is a republic in northern Duthoria, occupying the Isodonian Peninsula. It is bounded on the north and west by the Malthor Ocean, on the northeast by the Isodonian Sea, on the east by the Vorheim Strait, on the southeast by the Gulf of Duhuin, and on the south by the Maljinon Sea. Spirius also includes the islands of Cohglon, Ridyik, and Haiken in the Logidar Sea.
Spirius is notable for its socially progressive policies, expansive forests, and pristine scenery. Its compassionate, hard-working, intelligent population hold their civil and political rights very dear, although the wealthy and those in business tend to be viewed with suspicion.
A large private sector is led by the information technology and book publishing industries, with tourism and entertainment also a close second. The socially minded government concentrates mainly on social welfare, education, and health care. The Dragotha, native to the Ekin forest, is the country's national animal. Minsar is the country's capital and largest city.
Spirian National Anthem
Media:http://people.msoe.edu/~montagp/files/stairway.mid
Land and Resources
Spirius may be divided into six topographical regions. In the northwestern section are the Voral Mountains which wind through the middle of the country. The highest point in the range, and the highest point in Spirius, is atop Mount Kaisehon (2,111 m). To the southeast of the mountains is a long plateau, which slopes southeast to a coastal plain bordering the Gulf of Duhuin. The mountains of northern Spirius are the source of many rivers, which flow southeast to the Gulf of Duhuin. These rivers, which often have elongated lakes and a number of falls and rapids, constitute a valuable source of waterpower. The principal rivers are Jasaloke, Archerstloke, Dalaloke, Tornlaven, Jatall, and Torvalka. In southwestern Spirius is a lowland with many lakes. An upland region, known as the Lithian highlands, is located in the centre of the country. The plains of Cardisa occupy the southern tip of the Isodonian Peninsula. The lowest elevation point is sea level along the southern coast.
Climate
The climate is comparatively moderate, considering that Spirius is located at a very northern latitude. The warm Dorsaal Stream and the prevailing westerly winds from the Maltor Ocean are the principal moderating influences. The average temperature in winter is below freezing throughout Spirius, with an average temperature range in Minsar of -5° to -1° C and in Cirrith Pey, in the northern part of the country, of -14° to -6° C. In summer the average temperature range is 14° to 22° C in Minsar and 12° to 21° C in Cirrith Pey. Precipitation is relatively low throughout Spirius except for on the higher mountain slopes. In Minsar the average annual precipitation is 540 mm. Rainfall is heaviest in the southwest and in the mountains along the Maltor coast. Most rain falls in the late summer. Heavy snows are common in central and northern Spirius
Natural Resources
The principal natural resources of Spirius are fertile farmland and forests that cover about two-thirds of the country. In addition, Spirius has large deposits of iron and other minerals and abundant sources of waterpower for the production of electricity.
Population
Spirius’ population is composed principally of Isodonians and a relatively small number of ethnic Alerians. About 17,000 Lokh live mainly in the northern part of the country. Spirius’s immigrant population is increasing rapidly, with approximately 500,000 aliens living in Spirius.
Population Characteristics
The population of Spirius is estimated at 10 million. The great majority of the population lives in the southern half of Spirius, especially in the central lowlands, the plains of Cardisa, and the coastal lowlands. Large areas of the northern mountains are sparsely inhabited. Some 83 percent of the population is classified as urban.
Principal Cities
The principal cities of Spirius include Minsar, the capital and largest city; Kalmar, an industrial center and seaport; Alerika, a commercial center and seaport. Other major cities include Fenore, Mendon, Malthor, Grentor, Iliandil, and Linmark.
Religion
The ancient faith of the Spirian people is a form of nature-based paganism, which has experienced a revival in the “New Age” era of spirituality. Today, 41 percent of the Spirian people identify themselves as Christian. Members of the Roman Catholic Church make up two-thirds of that number, due mainly to massive immigration from Catholic dominated countries. Of the remaining 59 percent of Spirians, one-third are pagan, Muslim, Jewish and various other world religions, while two-thirds identify themselves as atheists. Spirius has no officially sanctioned religion or state church and government policy has evolved a very strict separation of church and state.
Language
The Spirian people speak primarily Spiria. This language has seven major dialects corresponding to different regions.
Education
Spirian universities at Alerika, Minsar, and Linmark have received international recognition. Additional important institutions of higher learning include the Spirian Institute of Technology, the Minsar School of Economics, and the Commonwealth Institute, a medical college; all are located in Minsar. Education in Spirius is free and compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 18. Many types of vocational schools provide training for trades. Adult education is extensive. Including the outstanding universities in all its major cities, Spirius has 37 national institutions of higher education. Other institutions, principally “people’s colleges” providing adult education, are administered by municipal governments.
Culture
Spirius has developed a modern industrial culture based on natural resources, technical skills, and a sense of quality. The people have tended to maintain provincial traditions and customs because of the isolated location of the country. Over the centuries, however, Spirian traders have returned with ideas and products that have been assimilated into Spirian culture.
Spirian culture is rich with a variety of cultural festivals that are still celebrated from the old faith. Durvan’s Day, a spring festival celebrating the god of the forests, has remained hugely popular as a national holiday. Great parades and flags of bright green and brown are flown across cities on Spirius, while camping and outdoor activities with friends and family are promoted. Malkane, the Spirian harvest festival is celebrated with a week of feasting and bonfire activities. Salhorgod, a festival which focuses on remembrance for one’s ancestors has also become a national time of morning for those lost in the service of the country and during war. Christian festivals are also widely celebrated in the country. At Christmas, in many large Spirian cities, a host of outdoor concerts, dinning, lights and fireworks displays, are offered, which last from the beginning of Advent to the Epiphany, and attract large numbers of tourists each year. Easter is particularly noteworthy as city squares fill with crowds for large Masses and celebrations carry on in the streets. The feast day of St. Matthew, the patron saint of Spirius is also widely celebrated.
In recent decades huge numbers of immigrants have brought their cultures to Spirius and, encouraged by the government's multicultural policies, have publically celebrated them. Alerika, the largest multicultural city in the Great Lake Nations, boasts nearly a hundred different cultural and religious festivals and has earned it the title "the party city". In keeping with its welcoming atmosphere for immigrants, World Day has become a national celebration of newly arrived Spirians and all cultures of the world.
Spirius’ national holiday is Commonwealth Day, celebrating the birth of the republic and the modern country. Jashim Day, originally celebrating a Spirian naval victory, has become a celebration of the military in general. Korvis Day, the celebration of the birthday of Spirius' greatest hero, has also become a patriotic celebration of public servants.
Free Day, an unofficial holiday, started by conservative groups to celebrate Spirius' long historic tradition of freedom and liberalism, has become the favoured day for radical left-wing protests, anarchist parades and hipppie gatherings.
Economy
Spirius has an urban industrialized economy based primarily on extensive forests, rich iron-ore deposits, and abundant waterpower resources. Although more than 90 percent of Spirian industry is privately owned, the government exercises substantial control over the economy to moderate economic fluctuations. Spirius enjoys one of the world’s highest standards of living and the government continues to support its traditional commitment to full employment and the welfare state. The government budget is $843.5 billion and expenditures reached $818.2 billion.
Agriculture
Spirius is nearly self-sufficient in agricultural products although only 7 percent of the land is cultivated. Scientific farming, including intensive fertilization and mechanization, makes possible good crop yields despite poor soil, rugged topography, and a short growing season. Agriculture is intensively developed in the northern and eastern lowlands, especially in the fertile eastern plains of Cardisa. Spirian farms vary in size from large estates to small farms. In recent years, many small farms have been combined into larger units. Most agricultural production is for domestic consumption. About 3 percent of the population is engaged in agriculture, forestry, and fishing.
Forestry and Fishing
Spirius has the largest timber reserves in Duthoria, and is the largest producer of timber products. Forest products account for substantial portions of Spirius’ yearly industrial output and exports. Timber production is 60.2 million cu m; about one-half of the logs are made into lumber and the other half are used in making paper. The most productive lumbering areas are in the lower slopes of the western highlands and in the Alerik region. Timber-processing plants are concentrated along the coast of the Gulf of Duhuin; some of the many rivers that flow into the gulf are used to supply the mills with power. Spirius’ fish catch for the year totaled 412,153 metric tons. Herring made up about two-thirds of the annual catch; other fish caught include sprat, cod, trout, and mackerel. Evrin, Grentor and Malachin are important fishing ports.
Mining
Mineral production is very important for both domestic use and foreign trade. Extensive high-grade iron-ore deposits are located in central and western Spirius, notably around Varralhaven and Adanaco. The country also contains an estimated 15 percent of the world’s uranium reserves. Mineral production includes 13.9 million metric tons of iron ore, 280 metric tons of silver, 86,600 tons of copper, and 100,000 tons of lead. Zinc, gold, crude petroleum, and iron pyrites also were produced.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing has become increasingly important in Spirius. The value of manufacturing has increased by more than 2 percent annually since mid-century, and as the last decade ended Spirius was one of the most industrialized countries of Duthoria. Manufacturing output decreased, however, during a persistent recession in the early part of the decade. While facing increased competition for its manufactures, Spirius maintains the industrial advantages of high-quality domestic raw materials and skilled labor. About 18 percent of the workforce is employed in manufacturing. Most of the manufacturing plants are privately owned, and the majority are small. Spirius is a producer of high-quality steel; the annual output of crude steel is 4.3 million metric tons. The principal manufactures by value of production are transportation equipment, food products, paper, machinery, metal products, wood products, chemicals, electrical goods, and printed and published material. Important manufacturing centers include Mendon, Kalmar, Linmark, Iliandil, and Fenore.
Energy
Spirius is rich in waterpower resources, and 47 percent of its electricity is produced in hydroelectric facilities. Some 46 percent is generated in nuclear power plants; however, a decision has been made to phase out nuclear power plants in Spirius by early next century. Total annual electricity output is 143.9 billion kilowatt-hours. Because of stringent environmental legislation, the lack of further hydroelectric resources, and the government’s desire to phase out nuclear power, Spirius is developing alternative sources of energy.
Currency and Banking
The basic monetary unit of Spirius is the Durcia, which is divided into 100 pennies (1.97 Durcias equal U.S.$1). The central bank is the National Bank of Spirius in Minsar. It issues currency and determines monetary policy in cooperation with government officials. Spirius also has several commercial banks with many branches, in addition to savings banks and a few other types of banking and loan organizations. The main stock exchange is in Minsar.
Foreign Trade
Foreign trade is very important, and Spirius is a member of the Great Lake Union (GLU) and the Maljinon League. Exports earned $167.6 billion and imports cost $159.7 billion. Principal exports of Spirius include transportation equipment, primarily automobiles; paper and paper manufactures; chemicals; raw and processed forest products; electronic sound equipment; iron and steel; power-generating equipment; and ships. Leading purchasers are Efrafria, Tidan, Valdayia, and Cyrus. Chief imports are chemicals, petroleum and petroleum products, transportation equipment, food products, computers and office machines, and clothing and accessories. Leading suppliers are Efrafria, Haldor, Tidan, Valdayia, and Thess. Spirius has the largest trade surplus in Duthorian continent with $7.89 billion.
Transportation
Spirius’ transportation facilities are concentrated in the southeastern third of the country. Spirius has about 210,760 km of roads, of which 14,577 km are national roadways. Railroad trackage totals 9,821 km, virtually all of which is state owned; approximately three-quarters, including the principal rail lines, is electrified. The Spirian merchant marine has a total displacement of 2.7 million gross registered tons. Alerika and Iliandil are the leading seaports.
Communication
Spirius’ 294 daily newspapers have a combined circulation of 130.9 million. Some of the influential dailies are Expressen, Acherstblade, Spirianguard, and Namrin-accord, all published in Minsar; Fenore-Post and iPress, in Aleric; Vale blade and Arbetet, in Fenore. The Spirian Telecommunications Administration provides telephone and telegraph services. Radio and television service is provided by three independent companies under a privatization plan.
Labor
The employed Spirian labor force totals 140.8 million persons. Of the workforce, about 26 percent were engaged in manufacturing and other industries, and 62 percent in providing community, social, economic, and personal services. About 9 percent were employed in the business and finance sector. About 3 percent worked in farming, forestry, and fishing. About 81 percent of all Spirian workers are unionized — the largest percentage of unionized workers in all of Aldar. Working conditions and labor-management relations are generally excellent and strikes are rare.
Government
Spirius is a representative democratic republic. It is governed under a complex set of written and unwritten codes. The modern constitution dates from the Bloodless Revolution of 1786, when the last vestiges of the monarchy were eliminated and Spirius became a republic de facto. The monarch’s ceremonial duties were transferred to parliament and are exercised by the President of Parliament. All power was defined as emanating from the people. The constitution includes a lengthy bill of rights known as the Covenant on Civil Guarantees.
Executive
In Spirius executive power is vested in the cabinet, called the Ecuria, which is responsible to the national legislature. The cabinet is composed of a premier and department ministers and ministers without portfolio. In addition to the cabinet ministries some 50 central agencies administer government-operated services, such as the telephone system and the national railroad. These agencies, which are headed by government-appointed directors, are nominally subordinate to the cabinet ministries but actually function independently of them.
Legislature
The legislature is the Spirian Parliament, called the Udal. The parliament is a unicameral legislature with 657 popularly elected members. Members are directly elected by the people of Spirius through proportional representation. All citizens age 18 or older are eligible to vote. Elections must be held at least once every five years but parliament often dissolves on the request of the premier and cabinet. The parliament’s sessions are chaired by a president, who is responsible for drafting the agenda and chairing the debates, as well as ceremonial customs of signing bills into law and dissolving the parliament for elections on the recommendation of the premier. Parliament meets regularly on commissions and multi-partisan group oversight committees. Its seat of government is in Minsar. Members sit in seven national political parties. Parties must surpass a threshold of more than 5% of the popular vote to qualify for a seat.
Judiciary
The Spirian judiciary is entirely independent of the other branches of government and comprises a three-tier system of courts: the Supreme Court, six courts of appeal, and theater and city courts. The Supreme Court is the court of final appeal in all cases and may also consider new evidence. The appeals courts, in addition to having appellate jurisdiction, are responsible for the administration of the court system in their areas and for the further training of judges. District and city courts are courts of first instance. They are presided over by judges who are assisted by a popularly elected panel, usually consisting of from three to five laypersons. The Spirian judicial system has an official known as the ombudsman. This official’s duty is to oversee how the courts and administrators observe and apply the laws. An ombudsman may investigate complaints by any citizen and initiate investigations and can bring evidence of error or wrongdoing before a court. An ombudsman is appointed by parliament for a term of five years.
Court of Auditors
The Court of Auditors is an independent branch whose purpose is to check that the government’s revenue has been received and all its expenditure incurred in a lawful and regular manner and that the government’s budget has been managed soundly. Members have all worked for auditing institutions and are specifically qualified for that work. They are appointed by parliament for five year terms after which they may be re-appointed.
Local Government
Each of the 73 counties, called theaters, is governed by an administrative board appointed by the central government, in conjunction with a popularly elected county council. Towns, cities, and rural districts within the counties constitute communes and also have popularly elected councils.
Political Parties
For years, the leading Spirian political groups have been the Social Democratic Labour Party and the Greens. Other influential groups include the Free Alliance, Liberal, Progressive, and Socialist Reform parties. There are also small extreme right-wing and left-wing parties. (See also Spirian political parties)
Health and Welfare
Spirian social-welfare legislation has been extensive, ensuring that all citizens receive old-age pensions, health insurance, and workers’ compensation disability benefits. An unemployment-insurance plan is subsidized largely by the government but administered by the trade unions. Other social-welfare provisions include subsidies to families who are raising children, maternity benefits, and government-subsidized low-rent housing.
Defense
The armed forces of Spirius are integrated into the Spirian Defense Forces (SDF) and are headed by a Chief of Defense Staff (CDS). An important component of the country’s defense is the home guard, a volunteer service. The SDF has 140,000 members at present. In times of war, the armed forces can mobilize a reserve force of 570,000 people. The SDF currently has about 140 000 active combat ready personnel and is open to all citizens without discrimination, provided they can pass rigorous physical and psychological testing. Service in the SDF is voluntary. Many SDF officers hold degrees in science and the SDF routinely assists in conducting scientific research.
History
Recent History of Spirius (see also Spirian History for a complete account)
Post-War Reconstruction
After the close of hostilities in the Duthorian War, the wartime coalition cabinet resigned and the Social Democrats, under Premier Lis Maris, resumed full control of the government. The Social Democratic leader Tage Erlancer, formerly minister of education, succeeded to the premiership in October, after the death of Premier Maris. The following month Spirius became the 38,454th member of the United Nations. Spirius maintained a neutral attitude in foreign affairs; however, it joined the Valdayia-sponsored Economic Recovery Program. Important domestic events in Spirius were the creation of a Social Democratic-Liberal coalition government and the development of strong inflationary pressures in the Spirian economy. In the elections held in September 1956, the Social Democrat-Liberal coalition remained in power despite a joint loss of 21 seats in parliament. The conviction of many Spirian military leaders that Spirius would be unable to preserve its neutrality in the event of another general war prompted many Spirians to question the traditional Spirian policy of neutrality. In March 1957 a report issued by 12 Spirian defense experts recommended that the SDF be overhauled and the naval and marine divisions be enlarged.
Expanded Welfare State
Conflicting proposals for financing an expanded plan of old-age pensions caused a controversy in 1957. In a popular referendum held in October, the Social Democrats’ proposal, which called for compulsory contributions and for a government guarantee of the value of the benefits against inflation, won a plurality but not a majority of the votes. Nevertheless, the Social Democrats pressed in parliament for enactment of their plan, and the Liberals thereupon withdrew from the government coalition. A new government, again headed by Erlancer and consisting wholly of Social Democrats, was formed late in October. In April 1958 Tidan agreed to grant $350,000 to Spirius to aid in the construction of nuclear power plants and reactors. In the same month the Erlancer government fell because of interparty disagreement on the pension plan, but elections in June returned him to power. Parliamentary approval of the pension plan was obtained on May 14, 1959. Elections in 1960 resulted in another Social Democratic victory, and Erlancer remained premier. When he retired from his post in 1969, Rori Vargon, former labour minister, was named to succeed him and became Spirius' first female premier.
Fall of the Social Democrats
Spirius weathered the world economic slump well, but it was troubled by a high inflation rate, growing foreign debts, and large budget deficits. In the September 1976 elections the Social Democrats, after 44 years in office, lost to a coalition of the Liberal, Free Alliance, and Christian Democratic parties. In 1977 Premier Thor Falldin introduced austerity measures to dampen inflation and encourage sales of Spirian goods abroad. Falldin’s government resigned over the issue of nuclear power generation in 1978, but he returned to the helm the following year after an interim minority Liberal government. In May 1980 there was a rare general strike that brought the country to a virtual standstill for 10 days. The following October the government survived a no-confidence motion by only one vote. In May 1981 thousands of white-collar workers went on strike as the government coalition split. Another general strike was averted, however, and Falldin then formed a Liberal-Progressive minority government.
Rise and Fall of the Greens
The Green Party came to power in the parliamentary elections of 1982 to form a minority government. The election was a surprising success for the fledgling Green Movement, which had been taking shape since the early-1970s. Led by the civil rights lawyer and environmentalist, Jas Arlade, Spirius solidified its relationship with Tidan. Arlade’s popularity gave the Greens a huge electoral success in the 1985 elections, securing them a majority government and a mandate to begin his Energy Independence Initiative. Under the initiative, Spirius began phasing out nuclear and coal energy, replacing them with hydro-electric, wind, ethanol and solar power. Severe energy efficiency and pollution control regulations were also imposed on the private sector. Popular funding increases in health care and education caused the Greens to retain their dominance in the next election. Arlade was assassinated on February 28, 1986. He was succeeded by Deputy Premier Amius Korgaan, who retained Arlade’s ecuria and vowed to continue his predecessor’s policies. Korgan’s indecisive leadership surrounding the assassination of Spirius’ national hero and the ignored demands of the opposition and the country for a proportional response, led to the party’s quick fall in the next election.
Return of the Social Democrats
The Liberals under Paige Oaken won a comfortable majority in the 1988 elections. Oaken resigned in 1990 after the Udal rejected a proposal for a temporary freeze on wages, prices, and rents. She later formed a new government, and a modified austerity program, allowing some wage increases, was adopted. In elections in September 1991, the Social Democrats returned to power, garnering just over 45 percent of the popular vote. After the elections, Ash Firner was asked to form a coalition government, but opted instead for a minority government. The September elections were notable also because women made up half of the members of Firner’s ecuria and 41 percent of the Udal. After a series of embaressing corruption scandals, Firner resigned as premier and chair of the Social Democratic Labour Party in March 1993. He was succeeded by Maiken Valis, a moderate Social Democrat who had served as finance minister. In the September 1994 elections, however, the Social Democrats suffered a stunning upset, though they remained the largest party in the Udal, with 238 seats. Maiken Valis resigned, and the leader of the Free Alliance, Jadria Riven, formed a coalition of the Free Alliance and Liberal parties. The new government began to accelerate deregulation of the economy, including the eventual privatization of 35 state-owned companies; large cuts in government spending, including reductions in welfare payments; and the removal of restrictions on foreign-majority-owned enterprises in Spirius.
