Difference between revisions of "Zwangzug"
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motto=We pawn n00bs| | motto=We pawn n00bs| | ||
anthem=Anthem| | anthem=Anthem| | ||
| − | map= | + | map= ''see below''| |
language=[[English]] ('''de facto''', includes [[Algebraic English]]) | | language=[[English]] ('''de facto''', includes [[Algebraic English]]) | | ||
capital= [[Constantinople]] (ruins of) | | capital= [[Constantinople]] (ruins of) | | ||
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==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
| + | [[Image:Zwang2.jpg|thumb|a map of Zwangzug's major cities]] | ||
===Physical=== | ===Physical=== | ||
| − | The predominant geographical | + | The predominant geographical features of Zwangzug are its mountains. Its main range runs northeast to southwest in the west of the country, and is not populated except by a few small religious groups and [[universities in Zwangzug|DU]]. A certain altitude is known as the "Waste Line" because of the rugged terrain: almost nothing is higher than that. The exception is the training grounds for the [[Zwangzug national football team|national football team]]. |
To the west of these mountains, the land is much warmer, with lush rainforests. The nation's agriculture (rice is a major crop) is grown in this area. The current inhabitants of the rainforests are believed to be the most direct descendants of the country's first humans. While these indigenous peoples have only recently interacted with the more technological citizens, many of their youth are eager to learn English and teach their own language, which shares some etymology with [[Wikipedia:Hindustani language|Hindī-Urdū]]. Contrary to early fears, the rainforest denizens have not been oppressed by later settlers. The ploy of Sameep "chief Dances-with-Zebras" Trier to make such claims in an effort to convince governmental authorities to grant him a casino has been denied by tribal leaders, and only shows that they are as cunningly intellectual as any other Zwangzugian. | To the west of these mountains, the land is much warmer, with lush rainforests. The nation's agriculture (rice is a major crop) is grown in this area. The current inhabitants of the rainforests are believed to be the most direct descendants of the country's first humans. While these indigenous peoples have only recently interacted with the more technological citizens, many of their youth are eager to learn English and teach their own language, which shares some etymology with [[Wikipedia:Hindustani language|Hindī-Urdū]]. Contrary to early fears, the rainforest denizens have not been oppressed by later settlers. The ploy of Sameep "chief Dances-with-Zebras" Trier to make such claims in an effort to convince governmental authorities to grant him a casino has been denied by tribal leaders, and only shows that they are as cunningly intellectual as any other Zwangzugian. | ||
Most of the country's landmass, however, lies to the east of the mountains. It is significantly colder here: temperatures average around 8 degrees Celsius (47 Fahrenheit) year-round. The fairly temperate climate features considerable amounts of snow, especially in the north and closer to the mountains. Wind from the Deep Blue Lake also plays havoc with the weather of the [[Artificial Intelligence University]]. | Most of the country's landmass, however, lies to the east of the mountains. It is significantly colder here: temperatures average around 8 degrees Celsius (47 Fahrenheit) year-round. The fairly temperate climate features considerable amounts of snow, especially in the north and closer to the mountains. Wind from the Deep Blue Lake also plays havoc with the weather of the [[Artificial Intelligence University]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The southern border of the nation is another set of mountains, to the south of which is [[Unkerlantum]]. | ||
===Political=== | ===Political=== | ||
| − | Just east of the mountains is [[Merano]], the most populated city of Zwangzug. Though its residents are proud of their city, they're surprisingly apathetic when it comes to national allegiance. Merano borders its twin city of [[Bangkok]], an altogether different sort of city. Though it rivals Merano in size, it's plagued by crime and a seedy reputation. | + | Just east of the (non-bordering) mountains is [[Merano]], the most populated city of Zwangzug. Though its residents are proud of their city, they're surprisingly apathetic when it comes to national allegiance. Merano borders its twin city of [[Bangkok]], an altogether different sort of city. Though it rivals Merano in size, it's plagued by crime and a seedy reputation. |
Governmental functions are carried out in the Ziggurat, a structure farther east in the ruins of [[Constantinople]]. | Governmental functions are carried out in the Ziggurat, a structure farther east in the ruins of [[Constantinople]]. | ||
Revision as of 16:19, 30 May 2007
| |
| Flag of Zwangzug | |
| Motto: We pawn n00bs | |
| National Anthem: Anthem | |
| see below | |
| Region | Starways Congress |
|---|---|
| Capital | Constantinople (ruins of) |
| Largest city | Merano |
| Official Language(s) | English (de facto, includes Algebraic English) |
| Leader | Ember Nickel |
| Population | approximately 1,200,000,000 |
| Currency | check (ZZCH)
|
| Internet TLD | .zz |
| Calling code | +64
|
| ISO Code | ZZSC
|
| NS Sunset XML | |
The Rookdom of Zwangzug is a Liberal Democratic Socialist nation. Founder of Starways Congress, it was formerly in the West Pacific.
Contents
Geography
Physical
The predominant geographical features of Zwangzug are its mountains. Its main range runs northeast to southwest in the west of the country, and is not populated except by a few small religious groups and DU. A certain altitude is known as the "Waste Line" because of the rugged terrain: almost nothing is higher than that. The exception is the training grounds for the national football team.
To the west of these mountains, the land is much warmer, with lush rainforests. The nation's agriculture (rice is a major crop) is grown in this area. The current inhabitants of the rainforests are believed to be the most direct descendants of the country's first humans. While these indigenous peoples have only recently interacted with the more technological citizens, many of their youth are eager to learn English and teach their own language, which shares some etymology with Hindī-Urdū. Contrary to early fears, the rainforest denizens have not been oppressed by later settlers. The ploy of Sameep "chief Dances-with-Zebras" Trier to make such claims in an effort to convince governmental authorities to grant him a casino has been denied by tribal leaders, and only shows that they are as cunningly intellectual as any other Zwangzugian.
Most of the country's landmass, however, lies to the east of the mountains. It is significantly colder here: temperatures average around 8 degrees Celsius (47 Fahrenheit) year-round. The fairly temperate climate features considerable amounts of snow, especially in the north and closer to the mountains. Wind from the Deep Blue Lake also plays havoc with the weather of the Artificial Intelligence University.
The southern border of the nation is another set of mountains, to the south of which is Unkerlantum.
Political
Just east of the (non-bordering) mountains is Merano, the most populated city of Zwangzug. Though its residents are proud of their city, they're surprisingly apathetic when it comes to national allegiance. Merano borders its twin city of Bangkok, an altogether different sort of city. Though it rivals Merano in size, it's plagued by crime and a seedy reputation.
Governmental functions are carried out in the Ziggurat, a structure farther east in the ruins of Constantinople.
Culture
The culture of Zwangzug is diverse: the nation prides itself on being intellectual, which includes respect for the humanities and arts. Information about the arts, language, religion, holidays, media, and sports can be found on the main article for the culture of Zwangzug.
Foreign Relations
Claiming uninterest in obeying others' decisions, Zwangzug refuses to join the United Nations. This list of ambassadors is given in the order that diplomatic relationships were established.
| Nation | Ambassador from Zwangzug | Ambassador to Zwangzug |
|---|---|---|
| Ariddia | Hannah Angstrom | Robert Hedge |
| Unkerlantum | Martin James | Votol Rimgalv |
| Mathism | Austin Rietveld | none |
| Brutland and Norden | Julia Burgmuller | Bianca LaMarche |
The country's attitude towards Plutoni is one of general amusement.
History
The most popular myth surrounding the country's history states that shortly before the founding of Zwangzug, a despot somewhere else, for whatever reason, greatly desired inordinate amounts of rice. Peasants, fleeing at his wrath, set up organizational areas for farming. The king realized the error of his ways, and that land went on living in peace. But those who had already settled in what is now Zwangzug stayed there, and it gained its sovereignty soon later. A real national identity, however, did not develop until after The War of the Wall that Wasn't.
Government
The country is divided into administrative districts: theoretically, there are sixty-four, but the surveyors seem to have been mischievous, fuddled, or lazy. Each has limited power to set its own laws, but their main responsibility is to provide an elected representative to a lawmaking body. Anyone over the age of sixteen and with "sufficient reasoning capacity" (a relatively high standard, as the country is intellectually arrogant) is allowed to vote. National elections are held for a composite minister (currently Ember Nickel), whose function is theoretically to break ties in the Parliament. Since they happen daily, it is a powerful position indeed.
The country's pretitle, "Rookdom", may seem odd out of context. While it does not directly refer to a specific person, general attitude believes that it represents the notion of government by the intellectual, while upholding democracy over monarchy. The first leader of the country, preceding organized elections by almost one and a half millennia, is believed to have represented this ideal: legend has it that he was a wise advisor to the tyrant whose refugees founded the country. (Other versions of the legend have it that he was the one responsible for the demand for rice in the first place.)
For more information, see the List of political parties in Zwangzug.
Economy
Zwangzug is predominantly socialist. However, the government believes that media especially should be kept free of governmental influence, and as such has the unenviable if not paradoxical position of providing subsidies to all outlets, including those such as the Underground Element, a radio station actively critiquing of governmental policies. Its "Anti-Government Hour" (64 minutes) features such messages as "Capitalism doesn't kill! Well, most of the time anyhow. And certainly not more than socialism.".
Transportation
A light rail network connects many major cities. Foreign travel is made possible by Isolani Airlines.
