Votsinaname
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| Flag of Votsinaname | |
| Motto: "Tomorrow never comes and Yesterday never goes, the here is now" | |
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| Region | PEEL |
|---|---|
| Capital | Benarca |
| Official Language(s) | Wimish, PEEL Standard (in business circles) |
| Leader | Lord Protectorate Leo Alyssium |
| Population | approx 320 million |
| Currency | Dralamia |
| NS Sunset XML | |
History
The descendants of migrant sailors, known as the Darian people, first settled on Votsinaname at least 5’000 years ago. As there are limited written records do not exist, the origins of the Darian are virtually unknown, and the only known fact is that they were leaving a nation (name unknown at present, although research is alleged to be on going) that was in serious trouble. There is a long held view that the island’s name came about because the leader at the time could not think of a suitable name for it.
The coast of Votsinaname was fully mapped by Johan De Veyes, 20 years after the first settlement was founded by Sian Middlemiss at Benarca ,the original capital. Other towns, including Shannendoh, soon followed.
At the bequest of Jan Alyssium III that a new modern city be built to replace the aging Benarca. Shortly after his death in 2053, his and new Lord Protectorate Leo Alyssium and the visiting Nasty Pasty of Pastocia officially opened the new city and capital, Bona Alyssium.
Geography
Most of the coastal edges of the island are currently unoccupied, although the current Government is taking steps to expand into these areas. The central section is dedicated to a National Park.
Country Name
Long Form: The Republic of Votsinaname
Short Form: Votsinaname
Location
Eastern Outlying Territories (E04) in the PEEL region
Sea Boundaries
Ocean separates Votsinaname from everywhere in PEEL.
Climate
Votsinaname has a varied climate.
The coastal areas, which include Benarca, the climate is particularly uncomfortable between December and April, when the hot, damp weather produces high humidity. There are typically long rainfalls between March and May and the short rains in November and December. The months of June to September are more comfortable, with relatively low humidity.
The climate inland is much healthier, with lower humidity than the coastal area. The highland regions have a semi-temperate climate so it is sometimes cold at night, with frosts at high altitudes. Inland there is intermittent rain from November to April, although the timing and amount of rains have varied considerably of the last few years.
Terrain
The island which is fairly mountainous with the highest point, Mount Policaran (a semi-active volcano), 3'275m (10'745 ft) above sea level.
The land area is undergoing expansion through the levelling of hills and the transfer of soil to coastal areas in most need of preservation. The centre of the island is a plateau set aside as a water-catchment area and contains several reservoirs.
Other Features
Acranian National Park covers the majority of the central area of the island nation, this is also the best place to see it's National Animal, the Verubia, which is half Guinea Pig, half Vampire Bat.
People
Demography
The proportion of the population below the age of 20 is over 45%. Life expectancy at birth is 78.7 years for males and 77.2 years for females.
For the last few decades there has been a steady drift from the Benarca to the hinterland, leading to the creation of new towns in areas thought to be inhospitable.
Distribution
Benarca is the Capital City and principal port; it is also the chief centre of trade, industry, commerce and future technology companies.
Bona Alyssium is a new city and will eventually replace Benarca as the capital of the country. It's main features are the RcotG Cathedral, Votsinaname Autodrome, Government Building, based on a neo-classical design, the Alyssium Memorial Gardens and the Alyssium Palace.
Shannendoh is the second largest city and is free port with container handling services. There are extensive shipbuilding yards, engineering and steel works, iron ore and oil refineries. The recent opening of the Lavisle Museum and the Gostiana Theme Park (which features a roller coaster capable of exacting 7.2g's) has injected a new lease of life into the city and is aiming to become a major tourist attraction, the Mark LeDenis Airport is in the latter stages of completion.
Berigium is the largest city in the Arlania Region, which is commonly called Votsinaname's Food Basket. This clean, modern city stands on an uneven plateau, which is subject to erosion into deep ravines after heavy rainfalls. The city has rapidly grown as the centre for a coffee, tea, dairy products and staple crop-growing region, other activities include brewing and fertiliser factories.
Ibaque is an inland city, situated on the main thoroughfare between Benarca and Berigium; it is a centre of growing industrial importance, with automobile, (home to Votsinaname's biggest and only vehicle maker, Theta Catana) engineering factories, sugar, flour and textile mills.
Kanglis is an unremarkable town with little to offer any tourists who decide to visit. Its one distinguishing feature is the Ben Arcan Waterspout, which erupts ever 30 minutes.
Language
Wimish is the official language; many common words and expressions have acquired different meanings, and will need some interpretation for visitors. Most public buildings have translations in PEEL Standard to help any visitors.
Religion
Votsies have complete freedom to worship whatever they like.
Social Customs and Modes of Address
Social Customs
Personal loyalty and friendship are very important, but visitors must take care not to dent their hosts pride, especially in business meetings. Knowledge of local customs is extremely important for visitors, at least in business. Votsies can also be gregarious and talkative with a great sense of humour.
Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, bars, cafes and restaurants.
Modes of Address
Votsies tend towards informality and first names (more often than not shortened) are used from the start of any acquaintance.
Nation Information
Government
Votsinaname’s supreme legislative power is currently the Lord Protectorate Leo Alyssium. Executive and administrative authority rests with the seven Council Ministers appointed by the Lord Protectorate (see Appendix A for graphical representation). 520 deputies, who are elected every 3 years by direct vote, control the municipal, regional and provincial assemblies. The minimum voting age is 17.
It is rumoured that 6 the previous 7 Council Ministers were executed, the only being saved was Leo Alyssium, for allowing around 700 people to leave the island without permission. It is the Lord Protectorate’s policy that no Votsinaname resident is allowed to leave the island without the permission of the Cultural Minister.
The Economy
Due to tight controls, there is scarce official data. Anyone caught enquiring into the Economy from outside the Parliamentary Legislative is cautioned for a first offence, and further offences exact a greater punishment, but no further details are available.
The Lord Protectorate has generously allowed some information be printed within this information leaflet, in the interest of starting diplomatic relations with other nations.
Agriculture
Agriculture (including fishing) employs 12.6% of the labour force. Votsinaname is self-sufficient in meat, dairy produce, fish, vegetables and grain.
Industry
Industry (including mining, construction and utilities) employs 34.7% of the labour force. The principal minerals mined and exploited are petroleum, natural gas, coal and oil. Also mined are gold, silver, iron, platinum, lead, zinc, copper, various gem stones (including emeralds and diamonds) and phosphates.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing employs 27.4% of the labour force. Important branches of manufacturing include food products, beverages, electrical engineers, future technologies, motor vehicles and clothing.
Energy
Hydroelectric power schemes provide approximately 70% of Votsinaname’s energy needs; the remainder is made up gas-fired power stations and wind farms.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Dralamia (VoD) divided into 50 krolams. The following denominations are in circulation:
Notes: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500 (VoD) – 1, 2, 3, 4 (krolams)
Coins: 0.1 and 0.5 krolams
The banks of Votsinaname are under strict instructions to allow the maximum withdrawal of 500 Dralamias per person per day.
Security
Internal
Political Risks
Lord Protectorate Jan Alyssium III is determined to retain power without making ideological or political concessions. The issue of his ailing health continues to fuel debate amongst the people about the continuation of his regime. His successor designate is his brother Leo Alyssium, whose intentions for the political system and the country as whole are unknown, but he is renowned not be as “hard nosed”.
Crime
The crime rate is low but has started to rise. The principle risks that foreigners face is theft from residential property, particularly at night. Street crimes are almost unknown in the major cities of Benarca and Shannendoh.
Military Strength
The Lord Protectorate has refused any information of this subject to be released.
External
Political Risks
At the time of writing, Votsinaname has started communication with The People's Socialist Republic of Pastocia in an attempt to start Diplomatic Relations, the same offer has been informally made to The People's Socialist Union of Zedoljev as well.
