United Elias

United Elias

Flag of United Elias
Motto: "Peace Through Strength
[1]
Region	Middle East
Capital	Baghdad
Official Language(s)	Arabic
Government
Population	124,220,000
Currency	Elias Dinar
NS Sunset XML

General:

The Federal Dictatorship of United Elias is a large nation stretched between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf; the Capital is the ancient city of Baghdad. Other large settlements include historical Cairo on the Nile, Kuwait City and Manama on the Persian Gulf, the Holy cities of Makkah and Medina in the South Western Desert and the Ports of Abdullah and Jeddah in the North West on the Red Sea.

Climate:

Mostly harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes between night and day.

Language:

While all official documents and government affairs have gradually transitioned to use English because of its international nature and the fact it favours no particular Elias ethnic group, common conversation still mostly takes place in Arabic, often mixed in with English.

System of Government:

United Elias is a Federal Dictatorship meaning that the Executive Branch of the national government is non-elected and all officials are appointed to their offices by The President. At the national level, there is a legislative organisation called the Majlis Ash Ahura (Parliamentary Congress) comprising of all of the regional governors, governors of the colonies, senior religious figures, the military command staff and special appointees nominated by The President such as business leaders or academic figures. The Parliamentary Congress meets as a whole only twice a month, and The President or Vice-President is always present, however there are many select committees whose role it is to oversee the workings of government and report their findings to the President. The Congress itself does not have a fixed number of members and there are no term limits, each member only ceases to be a member if they resign, die or are dismissed by The President. All members of the majis ash shura are given the suffix of Pasha, originally an Ottoman title. As far as legislative power, The Parliamentary Congress has the power to bring about its own bills and vote on them although these can be vetoed by The President. The congress can also vote against a government supported bill, but this vote can be overturned. Generally the role of the Congress is not to legislate itself but advisory and consultive. One of the principal roles of the Congress, and one in which The President cannot interfere officially is that of appointing judges to Federal Courts.

Provincial Government

In addition to the National level there is also a system of governorates (also known as muhafazat, singular - muhafazah). In addition to being members of the Parliamentary Congress, provincial governors are the head of local government. Depending on the province, the position of governor is either a hereditary title or is a democratically elected position. Similarly to national government, each province has an advisory council, which is in most cases elected by the populace (rights of suffrage vary regionally) and these have considerable legislative power over the province. In addition to being tasked with appointing judges to the provincial judiciary; the Advisory Councils are responsible for appointing positions such as local Police Chiefs and city mayors.

35 Muhafazat, excluding Egypt (see below) Al Anbar, Al Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah, An Najaf, Babil, Baghdad, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Karbala', Maysan, Ninawa, Salah ad Din, Wasit, Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah, Al Jawf, Al Madinah, Al Qasim, Ar Riyad, Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern Province), 'Asir, Ha'il, Jizan, Makkah, Najran, Tabuk, Qatar, Al Kuwayt, Al Bahrayn, Al 'Aqabah, ‘Amman

In addition there are two special provinces, the Vilayets of Baghdad and Barah. The Vilayet of Baghdad is ruled traditionally by the eldest son of the President, who is the heir to power, and the Vilayet of Basrah by the next heir of the President, usually a second son.

Egypt Administrative Region

Due to the fact that Egypt is the most recent territory to join the union, and the people's nationalistic beliefs, Egypt is given a slightly higher degree of autonomy of federal government. The muhafazat of Egypt are grouped under the Egypt Special Administrative Council in Cairo, which is elected by the advisory councils of each Egyptian Muhafazah and in turn elect The Vizier of Egypt. The powers of the Vizier and the Special Administrative Council includes control over infrastructure, economic matters and some areas which in any other province would come under the jurisdiction of the Ministries in Baghdad. Since the Vizier generally follows the advice and direction set forth by the Federal Government, many see it as an unnecessary beauraucratic level and that its role of not making Egyptians feeling occupied by a foreign government is no loger required.

26 Egyptian AR muhafazat: Ad Daqahliyah, Al Bahr al Ahmar, Al Buhayrah, Al Fayyum, Al Gharbiyah, Al Iskandariyah, Al Isma'iliyah, Al Jizah, Al Minufiyah, Al Minya, Al Qahirah, Al Qalyubiyah, Al Wadi al Jadid, Ash Sharqiyah, As Suways, Aswan, Asyut, Bani Suwayf, Bur Sa'id, Dumyat, Janub Sina', Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh, Qina, Shamal Sina', Suhaj

System of Justice:

The laws of United Elias are not religiously based but have their origins in Sharia, consequently criminals are treated in a very harsh manner. The penalty for murder, treason, narcotics dealing or terrorism is usually death by firing squad but the President may approve this punishment for lesser crimes in some circumstances. Alcohol is not banned but it is highly expensive and overuse is dealt with by harsh fines and prison sentences, so its use is usually limited to wealthy families. Gambling is officially banned in most of United Elias although several Egyptian provinces do allow it. Depending on the case, cases are either dealt with on the provincial or federal level, with the Federal Supreme Court being the highest judicial authority. Every criminal defendant is entitled to legal representation but only if they are able to afford it and all court cases are decided by a panel of professional judges, 3 in an average criminal case and 5 in the case of a capital or federal case. The Chief Executive of the Federal Security Bureau has the right to not give a defendant a trial, and even hold them indefinitely should they be considered a risk to National Security. Civil law in United Elias is designed to avoid a compensation culture and damages are rarely awarded except when evidence is unconditional. In the case of divorce, the system tends to favour the husband unless there are mitigating circumstances.

Religion:

United Elias is a strictly secular country, everybody is free to worship or not to and it is never used to discriminate against peopl,e however Islam is considered a source of legislation.

Travel:

Travel is easy in Elias, in spite of the long distances due to wide highways that cross the desert where there is no speed limit and special express lanes which can be used by those willing to pay. Also there is a large rail network that is mainly used for movement of freight but passenger services are available. The main way of travel to other nations in the region is by aeroplane. Every major city has a large international airport.

Immigration:

Anyone from any nation is allowed into Elias upon approval by an immigration officer and attainment of a valid visa (usually valid for no more than 30 days) from an Elias Embassy or consulate. Citizens/Subjects from Catholic Europe, Patrua and Paradise can enter United Elias without a visa for a period of up to sixty days. Anyone can be legally deported at any time upon request by an immigration or law enforcement officer. Upon entry to United Elias everyone's finger prints are taken in addition to a digital photograph.

Economy:

United Elias is one of the most economically powerful nations in the world for several key reasons: Firstly there are huge reserves of crude oil as well as other resources including natural gas. However there is also have an enormous industrial sector, particularly in hi-tech areas like computer technology, aerospace and defence as well as traditional industries such as auto manufacture, shipbuilding, metalworking and obviously petroleum refining. The economy of United Elias is dominated by large corporations or business alliances such as the influential National Agriculture Forum, and the free-market system is encouraged by very low tax rates and incentives for business to employ and expand.

Health Care:

Hospitals and Doctors in United Elias are some of the best trained and equipped in the region and there is a large pharmaceutical industry. However it is essentially a three tier system, where the top medical facilities and personnel are essentially just for members of the government and corporate leaders who can afford the huge insurance premiums. The second tier is what the majority of the populace must use and while it still retains reasonably good facilities, the levels of luxury and comfort are not as good as more expensive care. In order to qualify for this, patients must have medical insurance (normally paid by employers) or pay for individual sessions. In some circumstances state sponsorship is awarded. The third tier is much more basic where a state run system attempts to give vaccines and basic emergency care to all people for free, this does not include any form of surgical operation and the facilities are normally just small community clinics.

Education:

In United Elias education until 16 is paid for by the government and a reasonable standard is achieved with an emphasis on career related education. However nearly all upper middle class to wealthy families send their children to private schools where a much better education is given and pupils are almost certain to go to University. As far as higher education is concerned, it is up to the individual to pay for his education and for the top three Universities: Kuwait, Baghdad and Cairo this can be up to $60,000 annually. Most applicants however go to technical colleges or apprenticeships which are much cheaper and relevant to the nation's business and industry.

Federal Holidays:

• January 1st - New Year's Day
• March 22nd - Unity Day
• April 16th - Victory Day
• November 9th - President's Day
• December 11th - Inauguration Day

Numerous Religious holidays are also celebrated but are not decreed by law as state and religion are kept strictly separate. In some provinces other holidays are celebrated in accordance with local law.