Difference between revisions of "The Freethinkers"

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|+<big><big>'''The Sensible Commonwealth of the Freethinkers'''</big></big>
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| align="center" colspan="2"|
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{| border=0 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 style="background:#f9f9f9; text-align:center;"
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| [http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/The_Freethinkers/flag.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/The_Freethinkers/flag.png]
 
|-
 
|-
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| align=center colspan=2 | Flag of the Freethinker Commonwealth
 +
|}
 
|-
 
|-
! style="background:#00CED1" | <big>[http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=The_Freethinkers| The Freethinker Commonwealth]</big>
+
| align=center colspan=2 | <small>'''Our Strength is our courage, our honour, our unity'''
 
|-
 
|-
! style="background:#efefef" border="1" colspan="2" |
+
| align=center colspan=2 style="background:#f9f9f9;" | '''Map'''<br>
http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/the_freethinkers.jpg
+
<small>[http://tn3-1.deviantart.com/fs21/300W/f/2007/306/8/6/Freethinker_Commonwealth_by_Freethinker1984.png Click here to view]
 
|-
 
|-
|
+
|'''Spoken Languages'''<br>&nbsp;- Official<br>&nbsp;- Unofficial || <br>[[English]]<br> [[Freestian_Vampires|Draconis]]
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" width="100%"
+
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Traditional Long Form:
+
|'''[[Wikipedia:Capital|Capital]]''' || [[Navarre]]
| The Sensible Commonwealth Of The Freethinkers
+
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Traditional Short Form:
+
| align=center colspan=2 | '''Five largest metropolitan agglomerations'''<br>
| The Freethinkers OR The Freethinker Commonwealth
+
Navarre (1,728,360,000)<br>
 +
Benarbor (459,000,000)<br>
 +
Portanova (367,000,000)<br>
 +
Port Blanche (196,000,000)<br>
 +
Delta City (180,000,000)<br>
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Adjective Form:
+
|'''Monarch''' || [[King Percival II]]
| [[Freethinker]] OR Freestian
+
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Region:
+
|'''Head of Government''' || [[Sir Theodore Barham]], RMP
| [[Gholgoth]]
+
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Motto:
+
|'''Area'''
| ''Our Strength is Our Courage, Our Honour, Our Unity"
+
|102,000,000 Sq Miles
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Language:
+
|'''[[Population]]'''
| [[English]]
+
|7.1 billion
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Capital:
+
|'''Establishment'''
| [[Navarre]]
+
|7th April 1885
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Population:
+
|'''Government type'''
| > 4.60 Billion
+
|Unicameral-parliamentary
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Currency:
+
|'''Nation type'''
| [[Mintel]]
+
|Constitutional Monarchy
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Currency Symbol:
+
|'''National animal'''
| MT or FMT
+
|[[Freestian Sand Dragon]]
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | National Animal:
+
|'''[[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]]''' (2007) <br/>&nbsp; - Total (USD) <br/>&nbsp; - GDP/capita (USD)
| [[Freethinker Wildlife|Freestian Sand Dragon]]
+
| <br>Mt156,252,350,000,000 <br>Mt22,133
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Leader:
+
|'''[[Currency]]''' || 1 '''[[Mintel]]''' (Mt) = 100 Coppers (c)
| H.M. [[King Percival IV]]
+
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Head of Legislature:
+
|'''National Charter of Rights''' || [[Freethinker Constitution]]
| [[Sir Theodore Barham]], RMP
+
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Internet [[TLD]]:
+
| '''[[Wikipedia:Time_Zone|Time Zone]]'''
| .tfc, .fts
+
| GMT -0300
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | International Phone Code:
+
| '''International Abbreviations''' <br>&nbsp;- government
| +1400
+
| <br>TFC
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | UN Category:
+
| '''[[Wikipedia:National_anthem|National Anthem]]''' || ''[[Sons of Olympia]]''
| Civil Rights Lovefest
+
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Government System:
+
| '''[[CHDI]] (2006)'''
| Constitutional Monarchy with Elected Legislature
+
| 0.935 (<font color="green">high</font>)
 
|-
 
|-
! align="right" | Civil Rights::
+
| '''Internet [[TLD]]''' || .ftc, .tfc
| Superb
+
|-
+
! align="right" | Economy:
+
| Frightening
+
|-
+
! align="right" | Political Freedoms:
+
| Superb
+
|-
+
 
+
 
+
|}
+
|-
+
! style="background:#efefef" border="1" colspan="2" |
+
|-
+
! style="background:#00CED1" border="1" colspan="2" |
+
<small>[http://nseconomy.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?nation=The_Freethinkers NSEconomy] [http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/nationdata.cgi/nation=The_Freethinkers XML]</small>
+
 
|-
 
|-
 +
| '''[[Wikipedia:List_of_country_calling_codes|Calling Code]]''' || +1400
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 
== Overview ==
 
== Overview ==
  
The '''Sensible Commonwealth of The Freethinkers''', or '''The Freethinker Commonwealth''', is a [[Tech Level|Post-Modern]] liberal-democratic nationstate, comprised principally of the territories of the continental '[[Freethinker Mainland|Mainland]]' located in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, and two autonomous provinces, made up of the '[[Freethinker Martian Territories]]', in the northern oceans of [[Mars]], and the [[Fargon Archipelago]] in the far North Atlantic. The main inhabitants are [[humans]], but there is sizable minority of [[Freestian Vampires|Vampires]] and the half-breed [[Freestian Ghouls|Ghouls]]. The government is a democratic constitutional monarchy headed by the Sovereign member of the Royal Family, ruling over an elected unicameral legislature. The two provinces each has their own assemblies to rule on domestic matters, and the Vampire population is autonomous within the Commonwealth and is ruled by the [[Council of Navarrok]], presided over and lead by the reigning [[Lord of Navarrok]].
+
The '''Sensible Commonwealth of The Freethinkers''', or more commonly '''The Freethinker Commonwealth''', is a [[Tech Level|multitech]], liberal-democratic nationstate, comprised principally of the territories of the continental '[[Freethinker Mainland|Mainland]]' located in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, and two autonomous provinces, made up of [[Olympia]] in [[Haven]], and the [[Fargon Archipelago]] in the far North Atlantic. The main inhabitants are [[humans]], but there is also a notable minority of [[Freestian Vampires|Vampires]] and the half-breed [[Freestian Ghouls|Ghouls]]. The government is formally a centralised democratic constitutional monarchy headed by the sovereign member of the [[Freethinker Royal Family]], ruling over an elected unicameral legislature. The two provinces each has their own assemblies to rule on domestic matters, and the vampire population is also notably autonomous within the Commonwealth.
  
The Freethinker Commonwealth is a relatively powerful, historically democratic nation with a strong tradition of inclusion and tolerance for almost all species and races within and beyond its borders.  The nation is headed by a economically liberal, progressive government and protected by a military that, though relatively small, is one of the best equipped of its era. A strong maritime tradition, both civilian and Naval, runs through the nation and its past and culture, especially in the capital, [[Navarre]], historically linked with the mass immigration of old and the multicutural make-up of [[Freethinker]] society today. In the international arena, The Freethinker Commonwealth is a member of the [[New Alliance Treaty Organization]] and, more recently, the [[Concordat]]. It has forfeited [[UN]] membership over disagreements over economic soveriegnty, but nonetheless supports the ideals of the organisation and The Freethinker Commonwealth is an active supporter of improving political and civil rights on the international stage.
+
The Commonwealth is a relatively powerful, historically democratic state with a strong tradition of inclusion and tolerance within and beyond its borders.  The nation is headed by a economically and politically liberal, progressive government and protected by a military that, though relatively small, is one of the best equipped of its era. A strong maritime tradition, both civilian and naval, runs through the nation and its past and culture, especially in the capital, [[Navarre]], historically linked with the mass immigration of old and the multicutural make-up of [[Freethinker]] society today.  
 +
 
 +
In the international arena, the Freethinker Commonwealth is a member of the [[New Alliance Treaty Organization]] and more recently the [[Concordat]], as a well as a member of many international trade bodies. It has forfeited [[UN]] membership over disagreements over economic soveriegnty, but nonetheless supports the ideals of the organisation and the Freethinker Commonwealth is an active supporter of improving political and civil rights on the international stage.
  
 
== Geography ==
 
== Geography ==
 +
'''Location:''' Equatorial Atlantic Ocean (Mainland), Arctic Ocean (Fargon Archipelago), Southern Haven (Olympia)
 +
 +
'''Area:'''
 +
*'''Land:''' ~102,000,000 sq miles (Including Fargon & Olympia)<br>
 +
*'''Water:''' ~12,030,000 sq miles (Including Fargon & Olympia)<br>
 +
*'''Total:''' ~114,030,000 sq miles <br>
 +
 +
'''Population Density:''' ~62.2 people/sq mile
 +
 +
'''Border Countries:''' [[Midlonia]] (Olympia), [[The Federated Klatchian Coast|The Klatch]] (Combined Colony) (Olympia), [[Pieronic]] (Olympia)
 +
 +
'''Coastline:''' ~320,000 miles (Including Fargon & Olympia)
 +
 +
'''Maritime Claims:'''
 +
*'''Contiguous zone:''' 120 NM <br>
 +
*'''Territorial sea:''' 36 NM <br>
 +
*'''Exclusive economic zone:''' 240 NM, <br>
 +
*'''Continental shelf:''' 240 NM or to the edge of the continental margin, whichever is greater <br>
 +
 +
'''Elevation extremes:'''
 +
*'''Lowest Point:''' [[Green Valley Reclamation Project]] (Mainland), -12 Metres
 +
*'''Highest Point:''' [[Mount Solace]] (Mainland), 7831 Metres
  
 
===[[Freethinker Mainland|Mainland]]===
 
===[[Freethinker Mainland|Mainland]]===
  
The Mainland is dominated by its vast, untamed deserts and towering mountain ranges.  
+
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="right" width="220" style="margin-left:0.7em;"
 +
|[http://www.deviantart.com/view/32801428/ http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/The_Freethinkers/Freethinkermapsmall.jpg]
 +
|-
 +
|<small> Geographic Map of the Freethinker Mainland
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
'''Climate & Terrain:''' The Mainland is dominated by its vast, untamed deserts and towering mountain ranges. Comprised of a single, supermassive landmass surrounded by many smaller islands, this continent-sized equatorial state has a dry, arid climate except in small isolated spots near the coasts and between the larger mountain ranges. Desert and semi-arid terrain account for about 80% of the total land, with the rest dominated by shrubland, mountains and thick tropical jungles.
 +
 
 +
'''Enviromental Hazards:''' Frequent sandstorms in desert regions, Hurricanes on Western and Northern shores from late spring to autumn, native wildlife.
 +
 
 +
'''Enviromental Issues:''' Increasing desertification, pollution concerns in major rivers and waterways
  
 
===[[Fargon Archipelago]]===
 
===[[Fargon Archipelago]]===
  
The Fargon Archipelago is located in the far north Atlantic, with much of the principle territory located near or above the Arctic circle.
+
'''Climate & Terrain:''' The Fargon Archipelago is located in the far north Atlantic, with much of the principle territory located near or above the Arctic circle. The northern edge of the islands are locked in permanent ice, and the majority of the province is either Arctic ice or tundra.  
  
===[[Freethinker Martian Territories]]===
+
'''Enviromental Hazards:''' Snow storms and blizzards, large ice flows.
  
The Freethinker Martian Territories are located in the Northern ocean of Mars, with almost all of the territory situated in deep ocean waters, with only a few icy atolls avaliable for significant settlement.
+
'''Enviromental Issues:''' Shrinking of ice flows from regional warming, increasing pollution levels from rapid economic growth.
 +
 
 +
===[[Olympia]]===
 +
 
 +
'''Climate & Terrain:''' Olympia enjoys a subtropical southern Haven climate, with generally warm, mild weather all year round. The land is generally rolling plains with several large woodlands and mountain ranges towards the interior. Decent soil, excellent irrigation and excellent river and ocean access are exploitable for large scale agricultural schemes.
 +
 
 +
'''Enviromental Hazards:''' Tropical storms, avalanches in mountain areas.
 +
 
 +
'''Enviromental Issues:''' Minor concern for pollution from neighbouring territories and new colonisation growth.
  
 
== People ==
 
== People ==
 +
The people of the Commonwealth are an interesting breed, a mix of literally dozens of different ethnic backgrounds, ideologies, outlooks and beliefs that produces an incredibly diverse populace and a true multicultural society. The integretion of several domestic sentient species along with the repeated tides of immigrants from across the world have created a unique national identity that is both diverse in its composition and yet strongly united around a core of notable ideals.
 +
 +
===Culture===
 +
 +
====Media & The Arts====
 +
 +
====Architecture====
  
The people of the Commonwealth are an interesting breed, a mix of literally dozens of different ethnic backgrounds, ideologies, outlooks and beliefs that produces an incredibly diverse populace and a true multicultural society. The integretion of several domestic sentient species along with the repeated tides of immigrants from across the world
+
====Etiquette====
  
=== Culture ===
 
  
 
=== Ethnicity and Species ===
 
=== Ethnicity and Species ===
 +
The fact that the [[Freethinker Mainland|Mainland]] has sat at the crossroads of trans-Atlantic trade for several centuries has led to a huge conglomeration of different ethnic backgrounds from across the globe, as well boasting several domestic and foreign non-human races. The addition of pan-galatic trade and travel has seen an even bigger rise in the diversity of the current inhabitants. Lax (relatively) immigration standards and a historically diverse population generally see a good level of assimilation of new arrivals, though there have been a few observable exceptions.
  
The fact that the [[Freethinker Mainland|Mainland]] has sat at the crossroads of trans-Atlantic trade for several centuries has led to a huge conglomeration of different ethnic backgrounds from across the globe, as well boasting many domestic and foreign non-human races.
+
The largest species is human, as expected, with the core of the population descended from [[Midlonia]]n and [[Knootian]] colonists. Non-human Midlonian races are also sometimes seen, though are now fairly rare. Other human ethnic groups complete the human dominance of the population, mostly descendents of later immigrants and merchants. The non-human population is dominated by ghouls, (human/vampire crossbreeds) along with a number of fully fledged Freestian Vampires with their own autonomous government.  
  
 
;Breakdown of Backgrounds:
 
;Breakdown of Backgrounds:
 +
 
*'''Human:'''
 
*'''Human:'''
 +
**''Caucasian:'' 50.23%
 +
**''African:'' 13.44%
 +
**''Southern Asian:'' 11.62%
 +
**''East Asian:'' 6.21%
 +
**''Arabian:'' 4.06%
 +
**''Other:'' 1.60%
 +
'''Human total:''' 87.06%
 +
 
*'''Non-Human:'''
 
*'''Non-Human:'''
 
+
**''Freestian Vampire:'' 0.24%
 +
**''Freestian Ghoul:'' 12.61%
 +
**''Other:'' 0.09%
 +
'''Non-Human total:''' 12.94%
 +
 
 
=== Religon ===
 
=== Religon ===
  
As can be determined by the name and history of The Freethinker Commonwealth, the major religion is distinctly a lack of one. Whereas relatively few people would declare themselves as outright atheists, most citizens do harbour a humanistic or agnostic outlook and organised religion is still considered a minority activity. Nonetheless, recent immigration and improving trade links has started a trend towards a new revival in religious beliefs, especially in growing first and second-generation immigrant communities. The freedom to worship in good faith is a central tenet of the Commonwealth's [[Freethinker Constitution|constitution]], and although many do not profess a religious conviction there is a large amount of respect and support given to Religious Institutions as part of the nation's tolerant and mutually-supporting population.
+
Religion within the Commonwealth is generally a matter of personal faith and worship, and there is an extremely strict seperation of religion and state. Freedom to practise and worship free of government control is a core tenet of the [[Freethinker constitution]], and many different faiths are practised by varying numbers of people throughout the Commonwealth, and, although often small in number in terms of congregation, the Commonwealth has a vast array of represented faiths from almost all walks of humanity.
  
An important note here is the importance of the vampire faith, known as the [[Reverence]].
+
The actual numbers of confirmed theists is relatively low, and even the second largest faith (the vampiric ''Reverence'') is actually an agnostic belief set rather than a fully fledged religion. Most secular residents tend to class themselves as agnostic rather than outright [[atheist]], though both these groups take a strong humanist bent regardless. Christianity still dominates those who have a confirmed religion, with the largest single community being the Anglican church, a position it has maintained from the early colonisation by Midlonia.
  
;Breakdown of Religion:
+
The Commonwealth does not maintain records of personal religious belief.
*'''Secular:'''
+
*'''Reverence:'''
+
*'''Christianity:'''
+
*'''Other Religions:'''
+
  
 
== Government ==
 
== Government ==
  
The Government system of The Freethinkers is a liberal, secular, democratic constitutional monarchy, headed by a Soveriegn Monarch as the ceremonial Head of State, with many of the executive powers entrusted to the current Prime Minister. The legislature is comprised of a unicameral, fully elected assembly collectively known as Parliament, with the party or coalition holding the most seats forming the actual government within the assembly. The smaller [[Freestian Vampire]] community has its own governing body ruling on matters of internal affairs, whilst the two autonomous provinces can boast their own assemblies (and heads of Government) which deal with all matters excluding foreign relations and defence seperately from the Mainland Parliament.
+
The Government system of the Freethinker Commonwealth is a liberal, secular, democratic constitutional monarchy, headed by a Soveriegn Monarch as the ceremonial Head of State, with many of the executive powers entrusted to the current Prime Minister. The legislature is comprised of a unicameral, fully elected assembly collectively known as Parliament, with the party or coalition holding the most seats forming the actual government within the assembly. The smaller [[Freestian Vampire]] community has its own governing body ruling on matters of internal affairs, whilst the two autonomous provinces can boast their own assemblies (and heads of Government) which deal with all matters excluding foreign relations and defence seperately from the Mainland Parliament.  
  
 
See Main Article: [[Freethinker Government]]
 
See Main Article: [[Freethinker Government]]
Line 134: Line 182:
 
===Suffrage===
 
===Suffrage===
  
The ability to vote is granted to all those who have taken the [[Oath of Representation]] and completed their obligations to acquire full citizenship. The Oath may be taken from the age of sixteen onwards. The vote is denied, even with citizenship to incarcerated criminals and the clinically insane, as well as being removed for citizens who fail to complete their national service and other civic duties.
+
The ability to vote is granted to all those who have taken the [[Freethinker|Oath of Representation]] and completed their obligations to acquire full Citizenship. The Oath may be taken from the age of sixteen onwards. The vote is denied, even with citizenship, to incarcerated criminals and the clinically insane, as well as being removed for citizens who fail to complete their national service and other civic duties.
  
 
===Head of State===
 
===Head of State===
  
The official Head of State in The Freethinker Commonwealth is His Majesty [[King Percival IV]] of the House of Hapsburg. Though constitutionally the Monarch has significant powers at his or her discretion, including the right to seize land in the name of the state in an emergency, the right to propose or veto a proposed or existing Edict or Act, and the right to over-rule the judgement of the High Court, these powers are very, very seldom used and such an act would be generally unthinkable unless being used a last ditch measure for the defence of the realm or to keep in check an unbalanced Parliament. The Monarch and his heirs are expected to remain strictly apolitical and must remain silent in their political views, although individual charitable work is encouraged (and expected) to a significant extent.
+
The official Head of State in the Freethinker Commonwealth is His Majesty [[King Percival IV]] of the House of Hapsburg, the current [[Freethinker Royal Family]]. Though constitutionally the Monarch has significant powers at his or her discretion, including the right to seize land in the name of the state in an emergency, the right to propose or veto a proposed or existing Edict or Act, and the right to over-rule the judgement of the High Court, these powers are very, very seldom used and such an act would be generally unthinkable unless being used a last ditch measure for the defence of the realm or to keep in check an unbalanced Parliament. The Monarch and his heirs are expected to remain strictly apolitical and must remain silent in their political views, although individual charitable work is encouraged (and certainly expected) to a significant extent.
  
 
===Parliament===
 
===Parliament===
  
Meeting in the [[Navarre House of Government]] (commonly referred to as Government House), a large, Gothic-style palace similar along the line of Westminister Palace in London, the legislature of the [[Freethinker Mainland]] consists of a unicameral (single) house, known as His Majesty's Parliament, of 800 elected members. Half of these are voted in on constituency, first-past-the-post ballots and the other half voted in through porportionate representation from the nationwide results. The idea behind this system is to ensure that all parties with a meaningful vote can be represented (a party only has to acquire 0.25% of the national ballot to earn a seat) whilst also ensuring that the main parties have sufficient strength to not get bogged down indecisively by coalition building and, unofficially, to ensure 'extreme' parties do not gain decisive decision-making power. All elections for the legislature are conducted every five years and held across the Mainland by Secret Ballot.
+
Meeting in the [[Navarre House of Government]] (commonly referred to as Government House), a large, Gothic-style palace reminiscent of Midlonian practise, the legislature of the [[Freethinker Mainland]] consists of a unicameral (single) house, refered to as His Majesty's Parliament, of 800 elected members. Half of these are voted in on constituency, first-past-the-post ballots and the other half voted in through porportionate representation from the nationwide results. The idea behind this system is to ensure that all parties with a meaningful vote can be represented (a party only has to acquire 0.25% of the national ballot to earn a representative seat) whilst also ensuring that the main parties have sufficient strength to not get bogged down indecisively by coalition building and, unofficially, to ensure 'extreme' parties do not gain decisive decision-making power.  
 +
 
 +
All elections for the legislature are conducted every four years (on April 1st), and held across the Commonwealth by secret ballot.
  
 
The actual [[Prime Ministers Of The Freethinkers|Prime Minister]] (the head of the legislature) him/herself is ceremoniously selected by the Monarch from the party with the greatest number of seats within Parliament. Unlike in many countries, the ruling party can take power even if its total number of seats is outbeaten by an opposing coalition of opposition parties, so long as it retains more seats than any other party alone. However, this is rarely seen, as a qualified majority is required in Parliament to pass most legislation and so even political parties with significant power and even a numerical seat advantage will still often form coalitions in power to ensure the passage of legislation.
 
The actual [[Prime Ministers Of The Freethinkers|Prime Minister]] (the head of the legislature) him/herself is ceremoniously selected by the Monarch from the party with the greatest number of seats within Parliament. Unlike in many countries, the ruling party can take power even if its total number of seats is outbeaten by an opposing coalition of opposition parties, so long as it retains more seats than any other party alone. However, this is rarely seen, as a qualified majority is required in Parliament to pass most legislation and so even political parties with significant power and even a numerical seat advantage will still often form coalitions in power to ensure the passage of legislation.
  
The Prime Minister is infact the most powerful figure politically in The Freethinker Commonwealth, having similar abilities and responsibilities of the British or Australian PMs in [[RL]]. He selects the cabinet, represents the legislature as a whole in public, writes and approves (some) party legislation and can use the 'Party Whips' to ensure the loyalty of his fellow party members when a ballot is held. The current Prime Minister is [[Sir Theodore Barham]]. The Prime Minister's ruling cabinet includes all five major Ministry and fifteen minor Department heads, along with a selected number of Junior Ministers and Ministers-without-Portfolio, with each member of the cabinet is drawn from the ruling coalition.   
+
The Prime Minister is infact the most powerful figure politically in the Freethinker Commonwealth, having similar abilities and responsibilities of the British or Australian PMs in [[RL]]. He selects the cabinet, represents the legislature as a whole in public, writes and approves (some) party legislation and can use the 'Party Whips' to ensure the loyalty of his fellow party members when a ballot is held. The current Prime Minister is [[Sir Theodore Barham]]. The Prime Minister's ruling cabinet includes all five major Ministry and fifteen minor Department heads, along with a selected number of Junior Ministers and Ministers-without-Portfolio, with each member of the cabinet drawn from the ruling coalition.   
  
 
See also: [[Freethinker Political Parties]]
 
See also: [[Freethinker Political Parties]]
Line 152: Line 202:
 
====Provincial Assemblies====
 
====Provincial Assemblies====
  
The two dependent territories ([[Fargon Archipelago|Fargon]] and the [[Freethinker Martian Territories]]) each have their own elected Assembly which oversee all internal matters but do send advisors to the respective Foreign and Defence Ministries to ensure their views are accounted for. These advisors do not, however, have voting power within the Maindland legislature itself, something which still causes some controversy in certain circles.
+
The two dependent territories ([[Fargon Archipelago|Fargon]] and [[Olympia]]) each have their own elected Assembly which oversee all internal matters but do send advisors to the respective Foreign and Defence Ministries to ensure their views are accounted for. These advisors do not, however, have voting power within the Maindland legislature itself, something which still causes some controversy, in particular with nationalist movements.
  
 
===Plebiscite===
 
===Plebiscite===
  
The Plebiscite is a interesting and important part of the Freethinker democratic process.
+
The '''Plebiscite''' is a fundamental part of the Freethinker democratic process, a nationwide referendum with universal suffrage for citizens, based upon a privately submitted petition. A plebiscite can be started by any Citizen of the Commonwealth by collecting a sufficient number of signatures (usually around 100,000 depending on the issue) on a petition to introduce or repeal certain legislation. The result of this referendum has perogative over Parliamentary legislation, and once enacted can only be vetoed by the reigning Monarch. All satisfactory petitions are put to public vote on Indepedence Day (7th April), and can be voted on at designated polling stations, by secure mail and more recently on the internet.
 +
 
 +
A plebiscite can also be called by the Government when an act to change the constitution is proposed. There are limits imposed to prevent repeat petitions every session, and a outright majority of voters have to provide a returned ballot in order for the plebiscite to become legally binding.
  
 
===The Judiciary===
 
===The Judiciary===
 +
The Royal Judiciary controls the court and prison systems, and is independent entirely of the legislative branches of the Freethinker government, save that the prisons and courts are funded through federal government taxation. Because of the centralised nature of the court system except at its lowest levels, all prisons are operated solely at the national rather than the local level.
  
The Royal Judiciary controls the court and prison systems, and is independent entirely of the legislative branches of the Freethinker government, save that the prisons and courts are funded through government taxation. Theoretically the reigning Monarch heads the Court System, though the actual powers this position provides are limited by historical precedent and royal discretion. The de facto head of the Judiciary is the Lord High Justice, currently [[Sir Micheal Campbelton]].  
+
Theoretically the reigning Monarch heads the Court System, though the actual powers this position provides are limited by historical precedent and royal discretion. The ''de facto'' head of the Judiciary is the Lord High Justice, currently [[Sir Micheal Campbelton]], who presides over the seven-strong High Court, the highest official court in the Commonwealth. Further down the court heriarchy comes the High Court of Appeal, County & Province High Courts, District Courts, and Magistrates Courts, each with decreasing powers and with a lower grade of criminal sentencing limits.
  
====Legalities====
+
Although capital punishment has been abolished, punishments of life without parole and incorporating heavy labour remain popular with judges, providing what many consider an even worse punishment for them to impose. Both rehabilitation and punishment are regarded as aims of the justice system, and prison life as such tends to be more isolated and work-orientated than most Western countries. The Freestian vampire justice system is seperate from the human/ghoul one.
 
+
*'''Capital Punishment''' has been abolished in the Commonwealth since it's official independence in 1885.
+
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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== Economy ==
 
== Economy ==
  
The Freethinker economy is run mostly by the private sector with the Government regulating and in certain circumstances supplying certain Public goods (such as Health and Education services) where it feels the free market alone fails to provide social optimality and universal coverage in the relevant area. Capitalistic free-market systems are the dominant and prefered economic form, and free enterprise and entrepreneurship are encouraged to a large extent, but in turn private and public companies and corporations are expected to act with '''Social Responsibility''' as a guiding principle with regards to their employees, resource consumption and the products they retail.
+
See Main Article: [[Economy of the Freethinker Commonwealth]]
 +
 
 +
The economy of the [[Freethinker Commonwealth]] is dominated by private sector, free market consumption and spending characteristic of an Anglo-Saxon economy, with the Government regulating and in certain circumstances supplying certain public goods (such as health and education services) where it feels the private sector alone fails to provide the necessary coverage in the relevant policy area. Low regulation, a skilled workforce, large amounts of cheap land and capital and an incredibly extensive trade-based infrastructure make the Commonwealth a popular location for foreign businesses.
 +
 
 +
Capitalistic free-market systems are the dominant and prefered economic form, and free enterprise and entrepreneurship are encouraged to a significant extent in both public and private institutions and forums, but in turn private and public companies and corporations are also expected to act with ''social responsibility'' (respect for personal property rights and the provision of accurate information to clients) as a guiding principle with regards to their employees, resource consumption and production.
  
 
====Basic Statistics====
 
====Basic Statistics====
  
'''GDP:''' purchasing power parity - US$212,877,111,879,432.00 (Mt107,513,692,868,400.00)
+
'''GDP:''' purchasing power parity - US$312,877,001,500,000.00 (Mt156,252,350,000,000)
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''GDP - per capita:''' purchasing power parity - US$44,005.00 (Mt22,133)
  
'''GDP - per capita:''' purchasing power parity - US$45,005.00 USD (Mt22,730)
+
'''GDP by Sector Composition:''' Agriculture: 1.3%, Industry: 21.3%, Services: 77.4%
  
 
'''Population Below (Relative) Poverty Line:''' 8.2%
 
'''Population Below (Relative) Poverty Line:''' 8.2%
  
'''Unemployment Rate (ILO Measure):''' 4.3%
+
'''Unemployment Rate (Complete Measure):''' 4.7%
  
'''Unemployment Rate (Benefits Measure):''' 2.9%
+
'''Unemployment Rate (Benefits Measure):''' 3.9%
  
 
'''Inflation Rate (Consumer Price Index):''' 2.5%
 
'''Inflation Rate (Consumer Price Index):''' 2.5%
  
'''Labour Force:''' 4,100,000,000 (includes unemployed)
+
'''Labour Force:''' 5,200,000,000 (includes unemployed)
 +
 
 +
'''Labour Force by Occupation:''' Agriculture: 2.0%, Industry: 22.4%, Services: 75.6%
  
 
'''Currency:''' [[Mintel]]
 
'''Currency:''' [[Mintel]]
Line 200: Line 260:
 
See Main Article: [[Mintel]]
 
See Main Article: [[Mintel]]
  
The official currency of The Freethinkers is the Mintel (FMT or MT), created to replace the pound when The Freethinker Commonwealth became independent of the British Empire in 1887. The subunit of currency is the 'Copper' and there are 100 Coppers (Cp) to the Mintel. The currency is represented in both metal coinage and paper banknotes. The Freethinker Commonwealth maintains a floating exchange rate with other currencies and currently maintains a foreign exchange price of around US$2 with most other economies.
+
The official currency of The Freethinkers is the '''Mintel''' (FMT), created to replace the Midlonian Pound when the Freethinker Commonwealth became independent of the [[Midlonia]]n Empire in 1885. The subunit of this currency is the 'Copper' and there are 100 Coppers (Cp) to the Mintel. The currency is represented in both metal coinage and paper banknotes. The [[Freethinker Central Reserve]] maintains a floating exchange rate with other currencies and currently maintains a foreign exchange price of around US$2 with most other economies.
  
=== Central Bank, Monetary Policy and Macroeconomic Variables ===
+
== Health & Education==
  
The [[Freethinker Government]] utilises an independent central bank, known as the [[Freethinker Central Reserve]], or '''FCR''' , to ensure economic stability and sustainable growth. The FCR was established in the late 1960's as a government answer to several periods of crippling inflation caused by election-time increases in Government spending (to provide short term boosts for economic and political gain). Designed to provide long term stability without the problems of election time economy boosts (and subsequent inflation), the continued successful operation of the FCR and the subsequent steady growth of the economy since its introduction has long been a strongpoint to the [[Freethinker Political Parties|Freethinker Liberal Democrats]] economic credentials.
+
===National Healthcare===
 +
"Universal coverage with private sector efficiency, the best of both worlds" - Health Secretary [[Brian Depimer]].
  
Instead of Government fiscal policy, the main control of the Freethinker economy is invested in the monetary policy of the FCR. Its capacity to set the interest rate and control the supply of money within the economy allows for more effective and stable control of the economy than government fiscal measures could hope to achieve. The Freethinker National Treasury does, however, set the inflation rate target (currently at 2.5%) for the FCR to follow as a guide , and the FCR adjusts the interest rates and money supply (technically the same thing) to direct the economy towards this level (A low rate of positive inflation is generally seen as an indicator of steady economic growth).
+
As per the [[Freethinker Constitution]], access to free, high quality healthcare is a basic right for all Freethinker citizens. The actual application of this right through Government policy is managed through a comprehensive (and compulsary) National Insurance scheme, which provides funds for both public and private medical institutions. Put simply, the system operates by granting hospitals and healthcare facilities a certain sum of money for a particular operation, procedure or prescription that covers all basic costs. Public hospitals charge no more and as such are "free" at point of access. Private institutions can do likewise or provide an improved service for a nominal fee.
  
The Government's fiscal policy (Taxation and Spending) is, as under the economic guidelines of the current ruling Freethinker Liberal Democrats limited to providing a break-even zero net revenue loss over the course of a business cycle. This means that limited government spending deficits can only be allowed if directly funded by previous or future surplus from taxation revenue. The excellent economic performance of recent years has, however, ensured that current levels of surplus have far exceeded past expectations and provided the government with sufficient levels of revenue for new increases in the defence and foreign aid budgets without an increase in taxation. Because of this policy and the desire to maintain current economic growth, Income Tax levels have remained reasonably constant over the last few decades at around 20-25%, based progressively on earnings.  
+
The system itself is designed to ensure both free and affordable healthcare with the added incentive of market competition. Most people invest in 'supplementary' insurance schemes which can cover the small additional fees of most private institutions, and such schemes are also offered as part of many bonus packages by different employers. By most standards, the public healthcare system is both resource- and cost-efficient, creating a reasonably effective mix of public and private sector cooperation. However, the scheme has provoked outrage in certain left wing circles because it does in effect create a multi-tier public health service which it is claimed does not effectively provide the best treatment for all participants, and on the opposite side of the political spectrum as a significant government intervention into what should be an entirely or mostly privatised sector.
  
Unemployment is generally seen as acceptable at levels of 5% or less, and the current trend tends towards a rate of 3-3.5% on a national average. Extremely high unemployment is seen as one of the few allowable circumstances that Government intervention is considered beneficial, and localised retraining and subsidy based investment has been practised to prevent economic recession in areas which are suffering in terms of significant job losses and other economic malaise.
+
The average life expectancy within the Commonwealth varies considerably, especially when one takes into account the dispersal of vampire genes within the population which produces a significant increase in the life expectancy of these individuals in both human and ghoul populations. The current estimated life expectancies are:
  
===Economic Overview By Sector===
+
*'''Human''' - Male: 85.6 Years, Female: 94.2 Years
 +
*'''Ghoul''' - Male: 232.1 Years, Female: 256.3 Years
 +
*'''Vampire''' - Male: ~1,600 Years, Female: ~1,800 Years
  
====Primary Tier Economy====
+
'''Note:''' It should be important to state that it is nearly impossible to accurately guage the average lifespan of a Freestian vampire, given that before human settlement there was only a very rough awareness of chronological timekeeping beyond the changing of the seasons. Another factor that heavily influenced these statistics is that up until the nominal present age very few vampires died of natural causes compared to those lost in combat or hunting activities.
  
Agriculture in the [[Freethinker Mainland]] is limited to some minor irrigated regions and ,with some modest success, commercial level ranching of domestic species in the more temperate areas. Efforts to increase production through large scale desert irrigation projects have been undertaken with sometimes spectacular results, but nonetheless food output is still significantly below levels of national demand, resulting in a large net import of most foodstuffs. Fishing is in a better condition, with large scale operations for harvesting both fresh- and salt-water stocks, but these activities are also threatened by both declining fish populations and falling public demand, although recent trends have raised optimism of a future recovery.
+
===Education System===
  
Forestry is a minor industry at best, with only a limited supply of timber in areas where development of the trade would be profitable. Although there are some large forests in the Southwest and Northeast of the [[Freethinker Mainland|Mainland]], the relative inaccessibility of the forests and the dangerous native wildlife deter large-scale investment. Some commercial harvesting is beginning to take off in the Fargon Archipelago, but it remains to be seen how successful this could be given the limited stocks avaliable.  
+
Eduction is free and compulsary from the ages of 5 to 18. There are three main levels of education, Primary (5-11), Secondary (11-16) and Specialisation (16-18). Universities can be found as both public and private institutions, with most private and some highly esteemed public universities charging for tuition at varying rates. Study for a Bachelor and a Masters degree takes roughly 3 and 5 years full time study respectively.  
  
Mineral extraction across the Commonwealth is more common and profitable, and there are significant quantities of Iron ore, Ilmenite and Malachite deposits which are exploited for a variety of metals for both domestic use and foreign export. These operations are sufficiently developed to meet local demand though other ores and materials have to be imported from abroad, notably precious metals and heavy elements. There are significant new deposits being discovered in the [[Fargon Archipelago]] and the [[Freethinker Martian Territories]], but these have so far been under-developed due to geographic factors and the lack of necessary infastructure in place. In terms of precious gems, by far and away the major industry concerns are centred around the production and distribution of [[Moonstone]], a rare and extremely precious stone that is practically indigenous to the Commonwealth. There are also some significant gold and silver extraction operations, but this is mainly done to sate industrial demand for electronics and machinery parts rather than for commercial luxury use.
+
Private institutions at all levels of educations are present, and due to the spread of Freethinker geography there is a relatively large number of boarding schools, both public and private, generally Outback children will be homeschooled at a primary level and attend a boarding facility for higher levels of education, though there notable exceptions.
  
Oil extraction is a newly developing industry with the recently discovered oil finds in the [[Middle Sea]]. A total of 60-70 billion barrels of oil are thought to be commercially viable for extraction, and notably there is a strong domestic demand for fuel oils and plastics (although this is currently heavily sated by cheap imports). The rise of oil extraction and associated industries is heavily relied upon by the government to replace jobs lost to inexpensive imports in the consumer luxuries market.  
+
Interestingly enough, because of the vast distances involved with travelling in the outback, the Commonwealth has one of the most well-funded and developed home-schooling programs in the world.  
  
====Secondary Tier Economy==== 
+
In addition to standard school classes and even for homeschooled children, all able-bodied students from 11-16 are required to become members of the Freethinker Scouting and Cadet Movement, arranged through their local Armed Forces Reserve Board, which provides a service roughly equivelant to Cadet Force membership in other countries and is specifically geared to Outback survival skills and training as well as preparation for National Service.
  
The manufacturing sector of the Freethinker economy is coming out of a major transformation from the old quantative-based to a new qualitive based sector as a result of new and improving trading links.
+
*'''National Literacy Rate''': 99%+ (Male: 99%+, Female 99%+)
  
By far and away the most successful industries within the Commonwealth are Shipbuilding and Arms Manufacturing, both sectors which have been on the forefront of the transformation. The rise of [[FDI Group]], for one, represents the maturation of the Freethinker economy within the new global and interstellar economy. 
+
See also: [[Freethinker Universities]]
  
====Tertiary Tier Economy====
+
== Infrastructure ==
  
For the last thirty years the economy of The Freethinkers (although more in the Mainland than Fargon and the Martian territories) have been dominated by the service industry, in particular there has been a substantial rise in the international banking and commodities trading sector, based on the huge network of tradelinks established by the Commonwealth.  
+
The harsh nature of Freethinker geography has lead to daunting challenges for the civil engineers of the Commonwealth, but this adversity has been meet by determination and ingenuity on a breathtaking scale.  
  
See also: [[Freethinker Corporations]]
+
=== Roads & Railways ===
 +
The road system tends to be well developed and maintained in both rural and urban settings. Urban networks tend to be well developed and designed for excellent handling of commuter traffic and public transport. Rural roads tend to be heavily protected to prevent attacks by the various native inhabitants of the untamed wilderness.
  
===Economic Issues===
+
The efficient and comprehensive railway system is a legacy of Midlonian rule, and although passenger traffic has moved towards aircraft travel, the railways are still by far the largest carriers of freight within the interior of the country. Massive multi-mile freight trains are not uncommon sights within the interior, competing alongside passenger sleeper expresses.
  
As with most developed economies, the high standard of living has resulted in higher wage costs to firms, resulting in increasing costs and reduced efficiency margins for Freethinker companies. This is not considered too much of a major issue at present as most manufacturing positions are based in qualitative rather than qualitive products which are less vulnerable to increasing wage rates. Nonethless the Government and many private firms are implementing large scale capital and training investment to ensure that real competitiveness remains.  
+
Internal tram and underground systems provide public transport within most cities as well. Although space is rarely an issue, the need for close knit protection against both the elements and native wildlife tends to somewhat restrict major urban sprawl, allowing surprisingly well-formed and well-connected public transport systems to be developed.  
  
The current strength of the [[Mintel]] is also causing discontent among manufacturers in particular, due to decreasing competitiveness abroad and the growth in competition at home, and there is particular domestic anger at the current [[Freethinker Political Parties|Freethinker Liberal Democrats]] position of not introducing protective tariffs to reduce the entry of extremely cheap consumer goods from some of the Commonwealth's new trading partners. This has lead to some citing of betrayal by many who have lost work in the respective industries and has sparked riots and protests in several cities. The policy also has had a limited political fallout on the Government itself, though not to a significant degree.
+
'''Basic Stats:'''
  
Long-term concerns also include the economic stagnation of several cities (notably [[Ademsea]] and [[Delta City]]) and industrial districts in the Mainland itself, with the new service-based economy leaving many old industrial towns without principal employers, leaving only mid-scale service sector jobs as the main source of income. Whereas there has been significant investment into creating new job oppurtunities, no major new industries have been established in many places, and most of the new employment options are limited to basic low-skilled service sector positions. In turn this has lead to more negative political consequences, including for the first time in half-a-century the genuine threat of widescale popularity for far-right and far-left groups in certain portions of the population.
+
=== Ports, Harbours and Waterways ===
  
== Health & Education==
+
'''Basic Stats:'''
 +
*'''Major Harbours:''' [[Navarre]], [[Ademsea]], [[Benarbor]], [[Delta City]], [[Portanova]], [[Pebble Landing]]
  
===National Healthcare===
+
*'''Waterways:''' 324,500 km (~210,000 km in commercial use)
  
"Universal coverage with private sector efficiency, the best of both worlds" - Health Secretary [[Brian Depimer]].
+
*'''Merchant Marine (Maritime):'''
 +
**''Total:'' 33,552 ships (1000 GRT or over) ~1,600,000,000GRT
 +
**''By type:'' Bulk carrier 3,120, Cargo 8,664, Chemical tanker 1,645, Container 7,643, Passenger 1,739, Passenger/Cargo 2,070, Petroleum tanker 2,671, Refrigerated cargo 710, Roll on/Roll off 4,310, Vehicle Carrier 1,980
  
As per the [[Freethinker Constitution]], access to free, high quality healthcare is a basic right for all Freethinker citizens. The actual application of this right through Government policy is managed through a comprehensive (and compulsary) National Insurance scheme, which provides funds for both public and private medical institutions.
+
=== Airports and Aerospace ===
 
+
===Education System===
+
 
+
Eduction is free and compulsary from the ages of 5 to 16, although almost all students will stay on in some form of higher education until at least 18.
+
 
+
See also: [[Freethinker Universities]]
+
 
+
== Infrastructure ==
+
 
+
The harsh nature of Freethinker geography has lead to daunting challenges for the civil engineers of the Commonwealth, but this adversity has been meet by determination and ingenuity on a breathtaking scale.
+
 
+
=== Roads & Railways ===
+
  
 
'''Basic Stats:'''
 
'''Basic Stats:'''
 +
*'''Aerospace Ports:''' 134
 +
**''Runway Over 3,000 Metres:'' 8
 +
**''Runway 2,000 - 3,000 Metres:'' 113
 +
**''Runway 1,000 - 2,000 Metres:'' 10
 +
**''Runway Less than 1,000 Metres:'' 3
  
=== Waterways ===
+
*'''Airports (Paved Runway & Facilities):''' 9,821
 +
**''Runway Over 3,000 Metres:'' 2,323
 +
**''Runway 2,000 - 3,000 Metres:'' 2,180
 +
**''Runway 1,000 - 2,000 Metres:'' 3,962
 +
**''Runway Less than 1,000 Metres:'' 1,356
  
'''Basic Stats:'''
+
*'''Merchant Marine (Aerospace):'''  
 +
**''Total:'' 352 ships (1000 GRT or over) ~820,000GRT
 +
**''By type:'' Bulk carrier 23, Cargo 64, Passenger 39, Passenger/Cargo 190, Exploration/Colonisation 36
  
 
=== Communications ===
 
=== Communications ===
Line 277: Line 343:
  
 
'''Basic Stats:'''
 
'''Basic Stats:'''
 +
*'''Electricity - Production:''' 2.5456 Quadrillion kWh
 +
 +
*'''Electricity - Consumption:''' 2.5204 Quadrillion kWh
 +
 +
*'''Electricity - Production by Source:'''
 +
**Fusion: 50%
 +
**Fission: 45%
 +
**Hydroelectric: 3%
 +
**Geothermal: 1%
 +
**Other: Negligible
  
 
See also: [[Freethinker Super-Engineering]]
 
See also: [[Freethinker Super-Engineering]]
Line 283: Line 359:
  
 
=== Immigration ===
 
=== Immigration ===
Immigration into The Freethinker Commonwealth is actively encouraged, especially of foreign academics and entrepreneurs (and special bodies have been set up to encourage this), although all who are willing to work are generally welcomed and accepted. There are no set limits to the number of immigrants allowed to enter the country, however, certain health and security checks have been recently introduced to ensure that this liberal policy does not allow a freeflow of contagious disease or permit major security threats into the nation.  
+
Immigration into The Freethinker Commonwealth is actively encouraged, especially of foreign academics and entrepreneurs (and special bodies have been set up to encourage this specifically), although all who are willing to work are generally welcomed and accepted. There are no set limits to the number of immigrants allowed to enter the country, however, certain health and security checks have been recently introduced to ensure that this liberal policy does not allow a freeflow of contagious disease or permit major security threats into the nation.  
  
Typically, economic migrants are granted a one year probationary visa, which when expired a migrant can apply for a residency permit should the terms of the visa be met. Once residency has been established, a migrant is free to work and move within the Commonwealth and undertake private employment, although government positions, military posts and political voting rights are not granted. [[Freethinker Citizenship]] can be applied for after six years of residency, barring illegal action or unentitled welfare claims (which can result in deportation). Once citizenship has been achieved, new citizens will face commitments such as '''National Service''' in terms of their new nationality.
+
Typically, economic migrants are granted a one year probationary visa, which when expired a migrant can apply for a residency permit should the terms of the visa be met. Once residency has been established, a migrant is free to work and move within the Commonwealth and undertake private employment, although government positions, military posts and political voting rights are not granted. [[Freethinker Citizenship]] can be applied for after six years of residency, barring illegal action or unentitled welfare claims (which can result in deportation). Once citizenship has been achieved, new citizens will face commitments such as '''National Service''' under the terms of their new nationality.
  
 
The actual demographics of immigrants are typical for a liberal western state, including civilians fleeing foreign wars and persecution, however, economic migrants and imported skilled labour make up the majority of newcomers.  
 
The actual demographics of immigrants are typical for a liberal western state, including civilians fleeing foreign wars and persecution, however, economic migrants and imported skilled labour make up the majority of newcomers.  
Line 294: Line 370:
  
 
Organised smuggling operations are a serious problem within the Freethinker Commonwealth. The position of the Commonwealth in the centre of many trade networks has lead to a substantial black market operating within the country, including the transhipment of drugs, weapons and increasingly slaves of various races. Efforts to crack down on this behaviour have been limited in their impact, given the sophisticated nature and deep local roots of such groups and the indifferent attitude of the local population. Suspicion of support from local intelligence services is rife but the government has denied such allegations. Money laundering is also an issue due to the highly developed financial networks built up to support international trade, although recent efforts to combat this through new regulations and government oversight have had some success.  
 
Organised smuggling operations are a serious problem within the Freethinker Commonwealth. The position of the Commonwealth in the centre of many trade networks has lead to a substantial black market operating within the country, including the transhipment of drugs, weapons and increasingly slaves of various races. Efforts to crack down on this behaviour have been limited in their impact, given the sophisticated nature and deep local roots of such groups and the indifferent attitude of the local population. Suspicion of support from local intelligence services is rife but the government has denied such allegations. Money laundering is also an issue due to the highly developed financial networks built up to support international trade, although recent efforts to combat this through new regulations and government oversight have had some success.  
 
Organised crime is however significantly limited in scope aside from international transhipment activities. Given most narcotics are legally avaliable and prostitution is fully legalised there is little in the way of profitable activities outside of extortion and blackmail, which have been made increasingly difficult by encroaching police initiatives. The Commonwealth has taken an extremely hard line against such organisations and as such they are considered by most commentators to be non-existent actors outside of the above aforementioned areas.
 
  
 
Piracy remains a significant threat away from the established sealanes around the coast. Whereas most routes are well guarded and constantly patrolled, the vast unmonitered coastline and the relative ease of acquiring weaponry on the grey and black markets has meant a number of small time pirate groups have emerged. A recent investment in patrol boats and aircraft have reduced the number of attacks but most merchantmen which run outside of protected corridors still carry heavy armed protection.  
 
Piracy remains a significant threat away from the established sealanes around the coast. Whereas most routes are well guarded and constantly patrolled, the vast unmonitered coastline and the relative ease of acquiring weaponry on the grey and black markets has meant a number of small time pirate groups have emerged. A recent investment in patrol boats and aircraft have reduced the number of attacks but most merchantmen which run outside of protected corridors still carry heavy armed protection.  
  
The Freethinker Commonwealth has no territorial disputes with other sovereign states at present. All previous disputes with [[Midlonia]] and [[Knootoss]] have been settled by treaty.
+
The Freethinker Commonwealth has no land territorial disputes with other sovereign states at present. All previous disputes with [[Midlonia]] and [[Knootoss]] have been settled by treaty. Large maritime claims are disapproved of but not contested by several nations and international organisations.
  
 
===International Organisation Membership===
 
===International Organisation Membership===
Line 305: Line 379:
 
====Military====
 
====Military====
 
*[[New Alliance Treaty Organization]]
 
*[[New Alliance Treaty Organization]]
*The [[Concordat]]
+
*[[Organisation of Maritime Powers]]
  
 
====Economic====
 
====Economic====
Line 311: Line 385:
 
*[[Knootian International Stabilisation Treaty]]
 
*[[Knootian International Stabilisation Treaty]]
 
*[[Galactic Postal Union]]
 
*[[Galactic Postal Union]]
 +
*[[Organisation for International Economic Development]]
  
 
== Military ==
 
== Military ==
Line 316: Line 391:
 
See Main Article: [[Freethinker Royal Armed Forces]]
 
See Main Article: [[Freethinker Royal Armed Forces]]
  
The military of the Freethinker Commonwealth is the '''Freethinker Royal Armed Forces''', established in 1885.
+
The military of the Freethinker Commonwealth is the '''Freethinker Royal Armed Forces''', established in 1885 at the outset of Freethinker independence. Because the country is considered multitech, it's armed forces have to undertake a wider variety of roles than most other nations, and as such tend to rely on smaller numbers of elite units rather than larger, more general-purpose formations.
 +
 
 +
The Freethinker Royal Armed Forces are generally considered to be mainly a volunteer force, although many minor non-combat roles in some of the services are taken up by citizens completing their National Service. High fitness requirements mean almost all of the frontline infantry and marine units are [[Freestian Ghouls|ghouls]] rather than humans.
  
 
===Basic Statistics===
 
===Basic Statistics===
'''Military Budget:''' US$18,150,240,000,000 (Mt9,166,790,000,000)
+
'''Military Budget:''' US$60,150,240,000,000 (M30,575,120,000,000)
  
'''Military Branches:''' ''Army'' ([[Freethinker Royal Army]], [[Freethinker Ground Defence Force]], [[Royal Militia Corp]], [[Crown Free Legions]]), ''Navy'' ([[Freethinker Royal Navy]], [[Freethinker Royal Marines]], [[Freethinker Coastguard]]), ''Air Force'' ([[Freethinker Royal Air Force]], [[Freethinker Air Defence Militia]]), ''Space Command'' ([[Freethinker Royal Spaceborne Navy]], [[Freethinker Royal Space Marines]], [[Freethinker Orbital Defence System]]), ''Intelligence Agencies'' ([[Commonwealth National Intelligence Organisation]])  
+
'''Military Branches:'''  
 +
*''Army'' ([[Freethinker Royal Army]], [[Freethinker Ground Defence Force]], [[Royal Militia Corp]], [[Crown Free Legions]])  
 +
*''Navy'' ([[Freethinker Royal Navy]], [[Freethinker Royal Marines]], [[Freethinker Coastguard]])
 +
*''Air Force'' ([[Freethinker Royal Air Force]], [[Freethinker Air Defence Militia]])
 +
*''Space Command'' ([[Freethinker Royal Spaceborne Navy]], [[Freethinker Royal Space Marines]], [[Freethinker Orbital Defence System]])  
 +
*''Intelligence Agencies'' ([[Commonwealth National Intelligence Organisation]])  
  
 
'''Military Manpower:'''
 
'''Military Manpower:'''
  
*'''Age for Service:''' Humans: 16 years of age, Ghouls: 16 years of age
+
*'''Age for Service:''' Humans: 16 years+, Ghouls: 16 Years+
*'''Active Military Personnel:''' ~30,000,000 (male and female, human/ghoul)
+
*'''Active Military Personnel:''' ~40,000,000 (male and female, human/ghoul)
*'''Available Military Personnel:''' ~4,200,000,000 (male and female, human/ghoul, able-bodied and of military age)
+
*'''Available Military Personnel:''' ~5,200,000,000 (male and female, human/ghoul; able-bodied and of military age)
*'''Military Trained Manpower:''' ~3,800,000,000(male and female, human/ghoul; compulsory National Service in military setting)
+
*'''Military Trained Manpower:''' ~4,800,000,000(male and female, human/ghoul; compulsory National Service in military setting)
 +
 
 +
==OOC Notes==
 +
'''On Geography:''' The large size of The Freethinkers is a necessity to support both a large population and the supposed wilderness that occupies much of the country.
  
 
[[Category:The Freethinkers]]
 
[[Category:The Freethinkers]]
 
[[Category:Nations]]
 
[[Category:Nations]]

Latest revision as of 16:00, 6 November 2007

The Sensible Commonwealth of the Freethinkers
flag.png
Flag of the Freethinker Commonwealth
Our Strength is our courage, our honour, our unity
Map

Click here to view

Spoken Languages
 - Official
 - Unofficial

English
Draconis
Capital Navarre
Five largest metropolitan agglomerations

Navarre (1,728,360,000)
Benarbor (459,000,000)
Portanova (367,000,000)
Port Blanche (196,000,000)
Delta City (180,000,000)

Monarch King Percival II
Head of Government Sir Theodore Barham, RMP
Area 102,000,000 Sq Miles
Population 7.1 billion
Establishment 7th April 1885
Government type Unicameral-parliamentary
Nation type Constitutional Monarchy
National animal Freestian Sand Dragon
GDP (2007)
  - Total (USD)
  - GDP/capita (USD)

Mt156,252,350,000,000
Mt22,133
Currency 1 Mintel (Mt) = 100 Coppers (c)
National Charter of Rights Freethinker Constitution
Time Zone GMT -0300
International Abbreviations
 - government

TFC
National Anthem Sons of Olympia
CHDI (2006) 0.935 (high)
Internet TLD .ftc, .tfc
Calling Code +1400

Overview

The Sensible Commonwealth of The Freethinkers, or more commonly The Freethinker Commonwealth, is a multitech, liberal-democratic nationstate, comprised principally of the territories of the continental 'Mainland' located in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, and two autonomous provinces, made up of Olympia in Haven, and the Fargon Archipelago in the far North Atlantic. The main inhabitants are humans, but there is also a notable minority of Vampires and the half-breed Ghouls. The government is formally a centralised democratic constitutional monarchy headed by the sovereign member of the Freethinker Royal Family, ruling over an elected unicameral legislature. The two provinces each has their own assemblies to rule on domestic matters, and the vampire population is also notably autonomous within the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth is a relatively powerful, historically democratic state with a strong tradition of inclusion and tolerance within and beyond its borders. The nation is headed by a economically and politically liberal, progressive government and protected by a military that, though relatively small, is one of the best equipped of its era. A strong maritime tradition, both civilian and naval, runs through the nation and its past and culture, especially in the capital, Navarre, historically linked with the mass immigration of old and the multicutural make-up of Freethinker society today.

In the international arena, the Freethinker Commonwealth is a member of the New Alliance Treaty Organization and more recently the Concordat, as a well as a member of many international trade bodies. It has forfeited UN membership over disagreements over economic soveriegnty, but nonetheless supports the ideals of the organisation and the Freethinker Commonwealth is an active supporter of improving political and civil rights on the international stage.

Geography

Location: Equatorial Atlantic Ocean (Mainland), Arctic Ocean (Fargon Archipelago), Southern Haven (Olympia)

Area:

  • Land: ~102,000,000 sq miles (Including Fargon & Olympia)
  • Water: ~12,030,000 sq miles (Including Fargon & Olympia)
  • Total: ~114,030,000 sq miles

Population Density: ~62.2 people/sq mile

Border Countries: Midlonia (Olympia), The Klatch (Combined Colony) (Olympia), Pieronic (Olympia)

Coastline: ~320,000 miles (Including Fargon & Olympia)

Maritime Claims:

  • Contiguous zone: 120 NM
  • Territorial sea: 36 NM
  • Exclusive economic zone: 240 NM,
  • Continental shelf: 240 NM or to the edge of the continental margin, whichever is greater

Elevation extremes:

Mainland

Freethinkermapsmall.jpg
Geographic Map of the Freethinker Mainland

Climate & Terrain: The Mainland is dominated by its vast, untamed deserts and towering mountain ranges. Comprised of a single, supermassive landmass surrounded by many smaller islands, this continent-sized equatorial state has a dry, arid climate except in small isolated spots near the coasts and between the larger mountain ranges. Desert and semi-arid terrain account for about 80% of the total land, with the rest dominated by shrubland, mountains and thick tropical jungles.

Enviromental Hazards: Frequent sandstorms in desert regions, Hurricanes on Western and Northern shores from late spring to autumn, native wildlife.

Enviromental Issues: Increasing desertification, pollution concerns in major rivers and waterways

Fargon Archipelago

Climate & Terrain: The Fargon Archipelago is located in the far north Atlantic, with much of the principle territory located near or above the Arctic circle. The northern edge of the islands are locked in permanent ice, and the majority of the province is either Arctic ice or tundra.

Enviromental Hazards: Snow storms and blizzards, large ice flows.

Enviromental Issues: Shrinking of ice flows from regional warming, increasing pollution levels from rapid economic growth.

Olympia

Climate & Terrain: Olympia enjoys a subtropical southern Haven climate, with generally warm, mild weather all year round. The land is generally rolling plains with several large woodlands and mountain ranges towards the interior. Decent soil, excellent irrigation and excellent river and ocean access are exploitable for large scale agricultural schemes.

Enviromental Hazards: Tropical storms, avalanches in mountain areas.

Enviromental Issues: Minor concern for pollution from neighbouring territories and new colonisation growth.

People

The people of the Commonwealth are an interesting breed, a mix of literally dozens of different ethnic backgrounds, ideologies, outlooks and beliefs that produces an incredibly diverse populace and a true multicultural society. The integretion of several domestic sentient species along with the repeated tides of immigrants from across the world have created a unique national identity that is both diverse in its composition and yet strongly united around a core of notable ideals.

Culture

Media & The Arts

Architecture

Etiquette

Ethnicity and Species

The fact that the Mainland has sat at the crossroads of trans-Atlantic trade for several centuries has led to a huge conglomeration of different ethnic backgrounds from across the globe, as well boasting several domestic and foreign non-human races. The addition of pan-galatic trade and travel has seen an even bigger rise in the diversity of the current inhabitants. Lax (relatively) immigration standards and a historically diverse population generally see a good level of assimilation of new arrivals, though there have been a few observable exceptions.

The largest species is human, as expected, with the core of the population descended from Midlonian and Knootian colonists. Non-human Midlonian races are also sometimes seen, though are now fairly rare. Other human ethnic groups complete the human dominance of the population, mostly descendents of later immigrants and merchants. The non-human population is dominated by ghouls, (human/vampire crossbreeds) along with a number of fully fledged Freestian Vampires with their own autonomous government.

Breakdown of Backgrounds
  • Human:
    • Caucasian: 50.23%
    • African: 13.44%
    • Southern Asian: 11.62%
    • East Asian: 6.21%
    • Arabian: 4.06%
    • Other: 1.60%

Human total: 87.06%

  • Non-Human:
    • Freestian Vampire: 0.24%
    • Freestian Ghoul: 12.61%
    • Other: 0.09%

Non-Human total: 12.94%

Religon

Religion within the Commonwealth is generally a matter of personal faith and worship, and there is an extremely strict seperation of religion and state. Freedom to practise and worship free of government control is a core tenet of the Freethinker constitution, and many different faiths are practised by varying numbers of people throughout the Commonwealth, and, although often small in number in terms of congregation, the Commonwealth has a vast array of represented faiths from almost all walks of humanity.

The actual numbers of confirmed theists is relatively low, and even the second largest faith (the vampiric Reverence) is actually an agnostic belief set rather than a fully fledged religion. Most secular residents tend to class themselves as agnostic rather than outright atheist, though both these groups take a strong humanist bent regardless. Christianity still dominates those who have a confirmed religion, with the largest single community being the Anglican church, a position it has maintained from the early colonisation by Midlonia.

The Commonwealth does not maintain records of personal religious belief.

Government

The Government system of the Freethinker Commonwealth is a liberal, secular, democratic constitutional monarchy, headed by a Soveriegn Monarch as the ceremonial Head of State, with many of the executive powers entrusted to the current Prime Minister. The legislature is comprised of a unicameral, fully elected assembly collectively known as Parliament, with the party or coalition holding the most seats forming the actual government within the assembly. The smaller Freestian Vampire community has its own governing body ruling on matters of internal affairs, whilst the two autonomous provinces can boast their own assemblies (and heads of Government) which deal with all matters excluding foreign relations and defence seperately from the Mainland Parliament.

See Main Article: Freethinker Government

Suffrage

The ability to vote is granted to all those who have taken the Oath of Representation and completed their obligations to acquire full Citizenship. The Oath may be taken from the age of sixteen onwards. The vote is denied, even with citizenship, to incarcerated criminals and the clinically insane, as well as being removed for citizens who fail to complete their national service and other civic duties.

Head of State

The official Head of State in the Freethinker Commonwealth is His Majesty King Percival IV of the House of Hapsburg, the current Freethinker Royal Family. Though constitutionally the Monarch has significant powers at his or her discretion, including the right to seize land in the name of the state in an emergency, the right to propose or veto a proposed or existing Edict or Act, and the right to over-rule the judgement of the High Court, these powers are very, very seldom used and such an act would be generally unthinkable unless being used a last ditch measure for the defence of the realm or to keep in check an unbalanced Parliament. The Monarch and his heirs are expected to remain strictly apolitical and must remain silent in their political views, although individual charitable work is encouraged (and certainly expected) to a significant extent.

Parliament

Meeting in the Navarre House of Government (commonly referred to as Government House), a large, Gothic-style palace reminiscent of Midlonian practise, the legislature of the Freethinker Mainland consists of a unicameral (single) house, refered to as His Majesty's Parliament, of 800 elected members. Half of these are voted in on constituency, first-past-the-post ballots and the other half voted in through porportionate representation from the nationwide results. The idea behind this system is to ensure that all parties with a meaningful vote can be represented (a party only has to acquire 0.25% of the national ballot to earn a representative seat) whilst also ensuring that the main parties have sufficient strength to not get bogged down indecisively by coalition building and, unofficially, to ensure 'extreme' parties do not gain decisive decision-making power.

All elections for the legislature are conducted every four years (on April 1st), and held across the Commonwealth by secret ballot.

The actual Prime Minister (the head of the legislature) him/herself is ceremoniously selected by the Monarch from the party with the greatest number of seats within Parliament. Unlike in many countries, the ruling party can take power even if its total number of seats is outbeaten by an opposing coalition of opposition parties, so long as it retains more seats than any other party alone. However, this is rarely seen, as a qualified majority is required in Parliament to pass most legislation and so even political parties with significant power and even a numerical seat advantage will still often form coalitions in power to ensure the passage of legislation.

The Prime Minister is infact the most powerful figure politically in the Freethinker Commonwealth, having similar abilities and responsibilities of the British or Australian PMs in RL. He selects the cabinet, represents the legislature as a whole in public, writes and approves (some) party legislation and can use the 'Party Whips' to ensure the loyalty of his fellow party members when a ballot is held. The current Prime Minister is Sir Theodore Barham. The Prime Minister's ruling cabinet includes all five major Ministry and fifteen minor Department heads, along with a selected number of Junior Ministers and Ministers-without-Portfolio, with each member of the cabinet drawn from the ruling coalition.

See also: Freethinker Political Parties

Provincial Assemblies

The two dependent territories (Fargon and Olympia) each have their own elected Assembly which oversee all internal matters but do send advisors to the respective Foreign and Defence Ministries to ensure their views are accounted for. These advisors do not, however, have voting power within the Maindland legislature itself, something which still causes some controversy, in particular with nationalist movements.

Plebiscite

The Plebiscite is a fundamental part of the Freethinker democratic process, a nationwide referendum with universal suffrage for citizens, based upon a privately submitted petition. A plebiscite can be started by any Citizen of the Commonwealth by collecting a sufficient number of signatures (usually around 100,000 depending on the issue) on a petition to introduce or repeal certain legislation. The result of this referendum has perogative over Parliamentary legislation, and once enacted can only be vetoed by the reigning Monarch. All satisfactory petitions are put to public vote on Indepedence Day (7th April), and can be voted on at designated polling stations, by secure mail and more recently on the internet.

A plebiscite can also be called by the Government when an act to change the constitution is proposed. There are limits imposed to prevent repeat petitions every session, and a outright majority of voters have to provide a returned ballot in order for the plebiscite to become legally binding.

The Judiciary

The Royal Judiciary controls the court and prison systems, and is independent entirely of the legislative branches of the Freethinker government, save that the prisons and courts are funded through federal government taxation. Because of the centralised nature of the court system except at its lowest levels, all prisons are operated solely at the national rather than the local level.

Theoretically the reigning Monarch heads the Court System, though the actual powers this position provides are limited by historical precedent and royal discretion. The de facto head of the Judiciary is the Lord High Justice, currently Sir Micheal Campbelton, who presides over the seven-strong High Court, the highest official court in the Commonwealth. Further down the court heriarchy comes the High Court of Appeal, County & Province High Courts, District Courts, and Magistrates Courts, each with decreasing powers and with a lower grade of criminal sentencing limits.

Although capital punishment has been abolished, punishments of life without parole and incorporating heavy labour remain popular with judges, providing what many consider an even worse punishment for them to impose. Both rehabilitation and punishment are regarded as aims of the justice system, and prison life as such tends to be more isolated and work-orientated than most Western countries. The Freestian vampire justice system is seperate from the human/ghoul one.

History

See Main Article: History of The Freethinkers

Economy

See Main Article: Economy of the Freethinker Commonwealth

The economy of the Freethinker Commonwealth is dominated by private sector, free market consumption and spending characteristic of an Anglo-Saxon economy, with the Government regulating and in certain circumstances supplying certain public goods (such as health and education services) where it feels the private sector alone fails to provide the necessary coverage in the relevant policy area. Low regulation, a skilled workforce, large amounts of cheap land and capital and an incredibly extensive trade-based infrastructure make the Commonwealth a popular location for foreign businesses.

Capitalistic free-market systems are the dominant and prefered economic form, and free enterprise and entrepreneurship are encouraged to a significant extent in both public and private institutions and forums, but in turn private and public companies and corporations are also expected to act with social responsibility (respect for personal property rights and the provision of accurate information to clients) as a guiding principle with regards to their employees, resource consumption and production.

Basic Statistics

GDP: purchasing power parity - US$312,877,001,500,000.00 (Mt156,252,350,000,000)


GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - US$44,005.00 (Mt22,133)

GDP by Sector Composition: Agriculture: 1.3%, Industry: 21.3%, Services: 77.4%

Population Below (Relative) Poverty Line: 8.2%

Unemployment Rate (Complete Measure): 4.7%

Unemployment Rate (Benefits Measure): 3.9%

Inflation Rate (Consumer Price Index): 2.5%

Labour Force: 5,200,000,000 (includes unemployed)

Labour Force by Occupation: Agriculture: 2.0%, Industry: 22.4%, Services: 75.6%

Currency: Mintel

Currency Code: FMT

Fiscal Year: 7th April - 6th April

Currency

See Main Article: Mintel

The official currency of The Freethinkers is the Mintel (FMT), created to replace the Midlonian Pound when the Freethinker Commonwealth became independent of the Midlonian Empire in 1885. The subunit of this currency is the 'Copper' and there are 100 Coppers (Cp) to the Mintel. The currency is represented in both metal coinage and paper banknotes. The Freethinker Central Reserve maintains a floating exchange rate with other currencies and currently maintains a foreign exchange price of around US$2 with most other economies.

Health & Education

National Healthcare

"Universal coverage with private sector efficiency, the best of both worlds" - Health Secretary Brian Depimer.

As per the Freethinker Constitution, access to free, high quality healthcare is a basic right for all Freethinker citizens. The actual application of this right through Government policy is managed through a comprehensive (and compulsary) National Insurance scheme, which provides funds for both public and private medical institutions. Put simply, the system operates by granting hospitals and healthcare facilities a certain sum of money for a particular operation, procedure or prescription that covers all basic costs. Public hospitals charge no more and as such are "free" at point of access. Private institutions can do likewise or provide an improved service for a nominal fee.

The system itself is designed to ensure both free and affordable healthcare with the added incentive of market competition. Most people invest in 'supplementary' insurance schemes which can cover the small additional fees of most private institutions, and such schemes are also offered as part of many bonus packages by different employers. By most standards, the public healthcare system is both resource- and cost-efficient, creating a reasonably effective mix of public and private sector cooperation. However, the scheme has provoked outrage in certain left wing circles because it does in effect create a multi-tier public health service which it is claimed does not effectively provide the best treatment for all participants, and on the opposite side of the political spectrum as a significant government intervention into what should be an entirely or mostly privatised sector.

The average life expectancy within the Commonwealth varies considerably, especially when one takes into account the dispersal of vampire genes within the population which produces a significant increase in the life expectancy of these individuals in both human and ghoul populations. The current estimated life expectancies are:

  • Human - Male: 85.6 Years, Female: 94.2 Years
  • Ghoul - Male: 232.1 Years, Female: 256.3 Years
  • Vampire - Male: ~1,600 Years, Female: ~1,800 Years

Note: It should be important to state that it is nearly impossible to accurately guage the average lifespan of a Freestian vampire, given that before human settlement there was only a very rough awareness of chronological timekeeping beyond the changing of the seasons. Another factor that heavily influenced these statistics is that up until the nominal present age very few vampires died of natural causes compared to those lost in combat or hunting activities.

Education System

Eduction is free and compulsary from the ages of 5 to 18. There are three main levels of education, Primary (5-11), Secondary (11-16) and Specialisation (16-18). Universities can be found as both public and private institutions, with most private and some highly esteemed public universities charging for tuition at varying rates. Study for a Bachelor and a Masters degree takes roughly 3 and 5 years full time study respectively.

Private institutions at all levels of educations are present, and due to the spread of Freethinker geography there is a relatively large number of boarding schools, both public and private, generally Outback children will be homeschooled at a primary level and attend a boarding facility for higher levels of education, though there notable exceptions.

Interestingly enough, because of the vast distances involved with travelling in the outback, the Commonwealth has one of the most well-funded and developed home-schooling programs in the world.

In addition to standard school classes and even for homeschooled children, all able-bodied students from 11-16 are required to become members of the Freethinker Scouting and Cadet Movement, arranged through their local Armed Forces Reserve Board, which provides a service roughly equivelant to Cadet Force membership in other countries and is specifically geared to Outback survival skills and training as well as preparation for National Service.

  • National Literacy Rate: 99%+ (Male: 99%+, Female 99%+)

See also: Freethinker Universities

Infrastructure

The harsh nature of Freethinker geography has lead to daunting challenges for the civil engineers of the Commonwealth, but this adversity has been meet by determination and ingenuity on a breathtaking scale.

Roads & Railways

The road system tends to be well developed and maintained in both rural and urban settings. Urban networks tend to be well developed and designed for excellent handling of commuter traffic and public transport. Rural roads tend to be heavily protected to prevent attacks by the various native inhabitants of the untamed wilderness.

The efficient and comprehensive railway system is a legacy of Midlonian rule, and although passenger traffic has moved towards aircraft travel, the railways are still by far the largest carriers of freight within the interior of the country. Massive multi-mile freight trains are not uncommon sights within the interior, competing alongside passenger sleeper expresses.

Internal tram and underground systems provide public transport within most cities as well. Although space is rarely an issue, the need for close knit protection against both the elements and native wildlife tends to somewhat restrict major urban sprawl, allowing surprisingly well-formed and well-connected public transport systems to be developed.

Basic Stats:

Ports, Harbours and Waterways

Basic Stats:

  • Waterways: 324,500 km (~210,000 km in commercial use)
  • Merchant Marine (Maritime):
    • Total: 33,552 ships (1000 GRT or over) ~1,600,000,000GRT
    • By type: Bulk carrier 3,120, Cargo 8,664, Chemical tanker 1,645, Container 7,643, Passenger 1,739, Passenger/Cargo 2,070, Petroleum tanker 2,671, Refrigerated cargo 710, Roll on/Roll off 4,310, Vehicle Carrier 1,980

Airports and Aerospace

Basic Stats:

  • Aerospace Ports: 134
    • Runway Over 3,000 Metres: 8
    • Runway 2,000 - 3,000 Metres: 113
    • Runway 1,000 - 2,000 Metres: 10
    • Runway Less than 1,000 Metres: 3
  • Airports (Paved Runway & Facilities): 9,821
    • Runway Over 3,000 Metres: 2,323
    • Runway 2,000 - 3,000 Metres: 2,180
    • Runway 1,000 - 2,000 Metres: 3,962
    • Runway Less than 1,000 Metres: 1,356
  • Merchant Marine (Aerospace):
    • Total: 352 ships (1000 GRT or over) ~820,000GRT
    • By type: Bulk carrier 23, Cargo 64, Passenger 39, Passenger/Cargo 190, Exploration/Colonisation 36

Communications

Basic Stats:

Power Generation and Distribution

Basic Stats:

  • Electricity - Production: 2.5456 Quadrillion kWh
  • Electricity - Consumption: 2.5204 Quadrillion kWh
  • Electricity - Production by Source:
    • Fusion: 50%
    • Fission: 45%
    • Hydroelectric: 3%
    • Geothermal: 1%
    • Other: Negligible

See also: Freethinker Super-Engineering

International Relations

Immigration

Immigration into The Freethinker Commonwealth is actively encouraged, especially of foreign academics and entrepreneurs (and special bodies have been set up to encourage this specifically), although all who are willing to work are generally welcomed and accepted. There are no set limits to the number of immigrants allowed to enter the country, however, certain health and security checks have been recently introduced to ensure that this liberal policy does not allow a freeflow of contagious disease or permit major security threats into the nation.

Typically, economic migrants are granted a one year probationary visa, which when expired a migrant can apply for a residency permit should the terms of the visa be met. Once residency has been established, a migrant is free to work and move within the Commonwealth and undertake private employment, although government positions, military posts and political voting rights are not granted. Freethinker Citizenship can be applied for after six years of residency, barring illegal action or unentitled welfare claims (which can result in deportation). Once citizenship has been achieved, new citizens will face commitments such as National Service under the terms of their new nationality.

The actual demographics of immigrants are typical for a liberal western state, including civilians fleeing foreign wars and persecution, however, economic migrants and imported skilled labour make up the majority of newcomers.

See also: Freethinker Citizenship

Foreign Disputes and Illegal Activities

Organised smuggling operations are a serious problem within the Freethinker Commonwealth. The position of the Commonwealth in the centre of many trade networks has lead to a substantial black market operating within the country, including the transhipment of drugs, weapons and increasingly slaves of various races. Efforts to crack down on this behaviour have been limited in their impact, given the sophisticated nature and deep local roots of such groups and the indifferent attitude of the local population. Suspicion of support from local intelligence services is rife but the government has denied such allegations. Money laundering is also an issue due to the highly developed financial networks built up to support international trade, although recent efforts to combat this through new regulations and government oversight have had some success.

Piracy remains a significant threat away from the established sealanes around the coast. Whereas most routes are well guarded and constantly patrolled, the vast unmonitered coastline and the relative ease of acquiring weaponry on the grey and black markets has meant a number of small time pirate groups have emerged. A recent investment in patrol boats and aircraft have reduced the number of attacks but most merchantmen which run outside of protected corridors still carry heavy armed protection.

The Freethinker Commonwealth has no land territorial disputes with other sovereign states at present. All previous disputes with Midlonia and Knootoss have been settled by treaty. Large maritime claims are disapproved of but not contested by several nations and international organisations.

International Organisation Membership

Military

Economic

Military

See Main Article: Freethinker Royal Armed Forces

The military of the Freethinker Commonwealth is the Freethinker Royal Armed Forces, established in 1885 at the outset of Freethinker independence. Because the country is considered multitech, it's armed forces have to undertake a wider variety of roles than most other nations, and as such tend to rely on smaller numbers of elite units rather than larger, more general-purpose formations.

The Freethinker Royal Armed Forces are generally considered to be mainly a volunteer force, although many minor non-combat roles in some of the services are taken up by citizens completing their National Service. High fitness requirements mean almost all of the frontline infantry and marine units are ghouls rather than humans.

Basic Statistics

Military Budget: US$60,150,240,000,000 (M30,575,120,000,000)

Military Branches:

Military Manpower:

  • Age for Service: Humans: 16 years+, Ghouls: 16 Years+
  • Active Military Personnel: ~40,000,000 (male and female, human/ghoul)
  • Available Military Personnel: ~5,200,000,000 (male and female, human/ghoul; able-bodied and of military age)
  • Military Trained Manpower: ~4,800,000,000(male and female, human/ghoul; compulsory National Service in military setting)

OOC Notes

On Geography: The large size of The Freethinkers is a necessity to support both a large population and the supposed wilderness that occupies much of the country.