Schultaria Prime
07-03-2004, 09:01
(OOC: I know that this is still rough around the edges, but with future updates both the history and vital stats will begin to look more "realistic")
The United Socialist States of Schultaria Prime
"Go forth and spread throughout the universe"
History of Schultaria Prime
Schultaria Prime has enjoyed democracy in the modern sense for well over 150 years, but has only recently enjoyed the freedoms of democratic independence. Belonging to one of the most populous regions known in the world, Schultaria was regarded as little more than a small city state for the first 75 years of its existence, constantly exchanged between larger nations during its tumultuous beginnings. Seen as little more than a bargaining chip of men and natural resources, modern day Schultaria Prime was a part of no less than 5 larger nations; however, its relative isolation to its “parent” states had a positive effect on national development, but those positive impacts came at a terrible price to political freedom and the welfare of the average citizen.
Though the “parent” countries of modern day Schultaria never took a very active interest in the social politics of the nation, the consumer potential of both the vast natural and commercial resources were exploited to the fullest extent. Like the English East India Company of lore, Schultaria became, in the truest and most literal sense became the property of several megalithic multi-national corporations. 75 years after they were granted of Democracy by their first “parent” nation, Schultaria was subsequently reduced to little more than profit margins and headcounts. This could be called the “Dark Ages” in Schultarian history, but the population was not entirely reduced to cogs in the corporate machinery; rather, due to open and protected harbors and coastlines, Schultaria became a commercial shipping (and later a highly successful bureaucratic) center of operations. For 50 years, these highly successful multi-national corporations kept a dominating grip on the economy, but the maintenance of policy within Schultarian borders was strictly consigned to the newly established Central Governing Council, establishing a bond of trust between the monetarily wealthy and general middle classes.
However, this trust was shaken on Schultaria Prime’s 125th democratic anniversary; while celebrations and parades were going on in the cities and towns, the Central Governing Council was deciding on the all-important issue of re-drafting the concept of voting and enfranchisement rights. A revolutionary piece of legislation, the “Stock Vote Enfranchisement Act of Myrle” was the centerpiece of debate; within the text of the document stood the all important clause: “Therefore, enfranchisement shall be distributed as a commodity. Votes for national elections shall have a price to be set annually by the Central Governing Council.” Many within the government saw this as a chance for the government to collect external revenues without having to follow the burdensome paperwork of creating more tax codes. They couldn’t have been more incorrect in their judgment.
The first national election following the passage of that act has become the greatest fiasco in Schultaria Prime’s history. Corporate executives, purchasing votes by the thousands, packed the ballots with pro-company representatives and electors, creating the largest victory margins ever seen in any modern-day Schultarian election. Largely ignoring the cries of the people, the new corporation government oligarchies began the process of privatizing the nation: all national services in transportation and healthcare were replaced by more expensive alternatives, the national legislatures were disbanded and replaced by CEO-style directorate boards, and they slowly began to chisel away at the rights of franchise.
After 15 years of corporate oligarchy and dwindling personal freedoms, Pro-democracy parties and left-wing revolutionary groups went public chanting, “We aren’t the bottom line!” in every populated area throughout the nation in a organized attempt to revolt led by a then unknown bureaucratic manager by the name of Merle Schultz. Armed rebellion soon overtook the nation, but it was a largely bloodless affair due to the fact the rebellion was considered to be supported by every citizen making less than 10,000 standard Schultarian Dollars a year (which was over 85% of the population at the time). Fearing retribution, the corporate government leaders, their private security forces, and their respective business partners fled and the new Schultaria Prime government was hastily installed to fill the power vacuum.
Now, five years later, the new nation-state of Schultaria Prime has come to reinvent itself. Remembering the humiliations of state puppetry, a constitution supporting the ideals of an independent and well developed Social Democracy were ratified to the popular acclaim of the nation. Following the ideals of Merle Schultz, the country has been officially dedicated in his honor, his first name lends strength to the country’s currency, and his last name lends support and a rallying cry to the recently empowered citizens.
*****
Current Economic / Political Status of Schultaria Prime
-As of now, Schultaria Prime could be considered as complete in its final stages of rebuilding. Right now the majority of the national services have now been well established, and the national infrastructure is now expanding in order to accommodate the growing populous.
-The economy of Schultaria Prime has experienced a great rebound in both personal wealth and national prosperity. While private businesses are tightly controlled, government run monopolies have given the majority of working-age population a steady job and a reasonably higher per capita income than when the nation initially completed its rebuilding stages.
*Current Statistics of Schultaria Prime*
-Physical Terrain
-Climate: Equatorial
-Natural Resources: Bauxite, Coal, Timber, Silver
-Land Usage: Arable land: 40%, Forest: 36%, Mountainous/ Wasteland: 18%, Permanent Crops: 6%
-Major Cities / Urban Areas
-Schultaria Prime, Tarannu, Edgen, Myrle
-Population: 10 million
-“Conscription Ready” (Men Age 16 – 45) (Approximately 40%)
-Total Age Distribution:
0-16: 20%
17-24: 32%
25-65: 36%
65 and older: 12%
-Life Expectancy (at birth):
-Males: 74
-Females: 79
-Total Population: 76.5
-National Languages: Schultarian, English
-Literacy Rate: 97% (Both Male and Female)
-Government
-Conventional Name: The United Socialist States of Schultaria Prime
-Conventional Short Name: Schultaria / Schultaria Prime
-Abbreviation: USSSP
-Government Type: Democratic Socialism
-Capital: Schultaria Prime
-Administrative Divisions: 4 Districts: 1. State of Prime. 2. State of Tarann. 3. The Coastal State Protectorate. 4. Protectorate of Schultaria
-Executive Branch:
-Chief of State: Central Director Elliot Schultz
-Vice Executives: Director Harland Damien; Director Joan Covey
-Elections: All Three Executives are elected by popular vote; the person who earns the most votes is elected Central Director, the next two candidates are elected as Vice Executive Directors.
-Terms: 5 years per term, no set term limit.
-Legislative Branch:
- Schultarian National Assembly: (primary legislative body composed of 400 delegates, 100 from each state. 100 Seats up for election every 3 years; total term length 12 years.)
-The Schultarian People: (Direct Democracy in all cases regarding
commitment of military assets to defensive operations and major constitutional amendments; must have 60% of the total electorate vote for legislation, and passed by a simple majority of the People to become valid.)
-Judicial Branch: 3 Levels (National / State / Municipal), and a Constitutional Court to interpret cases beyond the national level (12 Justices; 6 Appointed by the Executive and 6 by National Assembly for Life Terms)
-Political Parties: (National Independence League, People’s Choice Party, Democracy in Action League, Communist Party)
-Economy
-Currency: Schultarian merlon
-Currency Code and Exchange Rate: Sm; (4 Sm per Dollar ($))
-Per Capita Income: 5,200 Dollars ($)
-Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
-Average Rate of Taxable income (Adjusted for wealth distribution): 37%
-Gross Domestic Product: 49,660,000,000 $
-Total Annual Budget (present): 18,374,200,000 $
-Current Economic Distribution
-“Social Welfare” (Criminal Rehabilitation, Government Work Projects, Financial Security Insurance, National Infrastructure Construction / Maintenance, etc.): 60% (11,024,520,000 $)
-“Education” (Public Primary and Secondary Education, University Subsides and loans, instructor salaries and physical scholastic improvements [national testing, structural improvements] and government publicly funded research): 15% (2,756,130,000 $)
-“Healthcare” (National Health Insurance, covers all citizens in Schultaria Prime for every preventive and major surgery. [Certain Procedures “Vanity Enhancements” must be purchased out of pocket]): 10% (1,837,420,000 $)
-“Military / Defense” (Procurement and Maintenance of military machinery and personnel, establishment of military defensive infrastructure beyond “Social Welfare”): 8% (1,469,936,000 $)
-“Savings / Debt Reduction” (Established in the Schultarian Constitution to repay for damages and loans when the need arises or to provide emergency government financial assistance when deemed a “crisis” by the Schultarian National Assembly): 6% (1,102,452,000 $)
-“Special ‘International Relief’ Fund” (Established as a way to aid friends / allies with extra monetary assistance, establish embassies, pay international organization due fees, etc.): 1% (183,742,000 $)
-Major Exports / Imports
-Exports: Raw Aluminum, Industrial Ethanol, Commercial Seafood, Small Vehicles
-Imports: Refined Petroleum, Tin, Copper, Meats (Predominantly Beef)
-Internal Alliances / Treaties
-Alliances
-Nation of Catania-Marinov (The Treaty of Protective Union)
-Nation of November-January (economic aid agreement)
-Military Agreements
-Nation of Catania-Marinov (The Treaty of Protective Union)
-Nation of Holy panooly (Active Chemical Weapons Agreement)
-Nation of Nimzonia (Active Small Arms Trade Agreement)
-Current Military Material Status
-Army
-100,000 professional soldiers:
-45,000 Standard Infantry
-29,500 Support Personnel / Logistical Support
-22,000 Armor Support / Fortified Civil Defense
-3,500 Special Operations
-Current Stockpile (Catania-Marinov refits and Nimzonia small arms)
-50,000 NSAAR1 Assault Rifles
-20,000 PK Machine Guns (75 – 95% combat ready)
-4,000 T-80 Battle Tanks (Refurbished 75 – 95% Combat Ready)
-Air Force (Personnel currently supplied by Catania-Marinov)
-Current Air Force Stockpile (Catania-Marinov refits)
-10 F-15 Strike Eagles (Refurbished 80 – 100% Combat Ready)
-Navy (Only exists as the Merchant Marine, no budget currently installed as of yet)
-Special Weapons Operation Command (All non-conventional ordinance in the Schultarian military)
-Naval Stockpile
-5,000 Liquid Phosphorous Bombs (Retrofitted for Magnetic / Contact Mines; Designed for coastal defense. Transferred from stockpiles in Holy panooly.)
*The Treaty of Protective Union (Full Document)
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2845190&highlight=#2845190
The United Socialist States of Schultaria Prime
"Go forth and spread throughout the universe"
History of Schultaria Prime
Schultaria Prime has enjoyed democracy in the modern sense for well over 150 years, but has only recently enjoyed the freedoms of democratic independence. Belonging to one of the most populous regions known in the world, Schultaria was regarded as little more than a small city state for the first 75 years of its existence, constantly exchanged between larger nations during its tumultuous beginnings. Seen as little more than a bargaining chip of men and natural resources, modern day Schultaria Prime was a part of no less than 5 larger nations; however, its relative isolation to its “parent” states had a positive effect on national development, but those positive impacts came at a terrible price to political freedom and the welfare of the average citizen.
Though the “parent” countries of modern day Schultaria never took a very active interest in the social politics of the nation, the consumer potential of both the vast natural and commercial resources were exploited to the fullest extent. Like the English East India Company of lore, Schultaria became, in the truest and most literal sense became the property of several megalithic multi-national corporations. 75 years after they were granted of Democracy by their first “parent” nation, Schultaria was subsequently reduced to little more than profit margins and headcounts. This could be called the “Dark Ages” in Schultarian history, but the population was not entirely reduced to cogs in the corporate machinery; rather, due to open and protected harbors and coastlines, Schultaria became a commercial shipping (and later a highly successful bureaucratic) center of operations. For 50 years, these highly successful multi-national corporations kept a dominating grip on the economy, but the maintenance of policy within Schultarian borders was strictly consigned to the newly established Central Governing Council, establishing a bond of trust between the monetarily wealthy and general middle classes.
However, this trust was shaken on Schultaria Prime’s 125th democratic anniversary; while celebrations and parades were going on in the cities and towns, the Central Governing Council was deciding on the all-important issue of re-drafting the concept of voting and enfranchisement rights. A revolutionary piece of legislation, the “Stock Vote Enfranchisement Act of Myrle” was the centerpiece of debate; within the text of the document stood the all important clause: “Therefore, enfranchisement shall be distributed as a commodity. Votes for national elections shall have a price to be set annually by the Central Governing Council.” Many within the government saw this as a chance for the government to collect external revenues without having to follow the burdensome paperwork of creating more tax codes. They couldn’t have been more incorrect in their judgment.
The first national election following the passage of that act has become the greatest fiasco in Schultaria Prime’s history. Corporate executives, purchasing votes by the thousands, packed the ballots with pro-company representatives and electors, creating the largest victory margins ever seen in any modern-day Schultarian election. Largely ignoring the cries of the people, the new corporation government oligarchies began the process of privatizing the nation: all national services in transportation and healthcare were replaced by more expensive alternatives, the national legislatures were disbanded and replaced by CEO-style directorate boards, and they slowly began to chisel away at the rights of franchise.
After 15 years of corporate oligarchy and dwindling personal freedoms, Pro-democracy parties and left-wing revolutionary groups went public chanting, “We aren’t the bottom line!” in every populated area throughout the nation in a organized attempt to revolt led by a then unknown bureaucratic manager by the name of Merle Schultz. Armed rebellion soon overtook the nation, but it was a largely bloodless affair due to the fact the rebellion was considered to be supported by every citizen making less than 10,000 standard Schultarian Dollars a year (which was over 85% of the population at the time). Fearing retribution, the corporate government leaders, their private security forces, and their respective business partners fled and the new Schultaria Prime government was hastily installed to fill the power vacuum.
Now, five years later, the new nation-state of Schultaria Prime has come to reinvent itself. Remembering the humiliations of state puppetry, a constitution supporting the ideals of an independent and well developed Social Democracy were ratified to the popular acclaim of the nation. Following the ideals of Merle Schultz, the country has been officially dedicated in his honor, his first name lends strength to the country’s currency, and his last name lends support and a rallying cry to the recently empowered citizens.
*****
Current Economic / Political Status of Schultaria Prime
-As of now, Schultaria Prime could be considered as complete in its final stages of rebuilding. Right now the majority of the national services have now been well established, and the national infrastructure is now expanding in order to accommodate the growing populous.
-The economy of Schultaria Prime has experienced a great rebound in both personal wealth and national prosperity. While private businesses are tightly controlled, government run monopolies have given the majority of working-age population a steady job and a reasonably higher per capita income than when the nation initially completed its rebuilding stages.
*Current Statistics of Schultaria Prime*
-Physical Terrain
-Climate: Equatorial
-Natural Resources: Bauxite, Coal, Timber, Silver
-Land Usage: Arable land: 40%, Forest: 36%, Mountainous/ Wasteland: 18%, Permanent Crops: 6%
-Major Cities / Urban Areas
-Schultaria Prime, Tarannu, Edgen, Myrle
-Population: 10 million
-“Conscription Ready” (Men Age 16 – 45) (Approximately 40%)
-Total Age Distribution:
0-16: 20%
17-24: 32%
25-65: 36%
65 and older: 12%
-Life Expectancy (at birth):
-Males: 74
-Females: 79
-Total Population: 76.5
-National Languages: Schultarian, English
-Literacy Rate: 97% (Both Male and Female)
-Government
-Conventional Name: The United Socialist States of Schultaria Prime
-Conventional Short Name: Schultaria / Schultaria Prime
-Abbreviation: USSSP
-Government Type: Democratic Socialism
-Capital: Schultaria Prime
-Administrative Divisions: 4 Districts: 1. State of Prime. 2. State of Tarann. 3. The Coastal State Protectorate. 4. Protectorate of Schultaria
-Executive Branch:
-Chief of State: Central Director Elliot Schultz
-Vice Executives: Director Harland Damien; Director Joan Covey
-Elections: All Three Executives are elected by popular vote; the person who earns the most votes is elected Central Director, the next two candidates are elected as Vice Executive Directors.
-Terms: 5 years per term, no set term limit.
-Legislative Branch:
- Schultarian National Assembly: (primary legislative body composed of 400 delegates, 100 from each state. 100 Seats up for election every 3 years; total term length 12 years.)
-The Schultarian People: (Direct Democracy in all cases regarding
commitment of military assets to defensive operations and major constitutional amendments; must have 60% of the total electorate vote for legislation, and passed by a simple majority of the People to become valid.)
-Judicial Branch: 3 Levels (National / State / Municipal), and a Constitutional Court to interpret cases beyond the national level (12 Justices; 6 Appointed by the Executive and 6 by National Assembly for Life Terms)
-Political Parties: (National Independence League, People’s Choice Party, Democracy in Action League, Communist Party)
-Economy
-Currency: Schultarian merlon
-Currency Code and Exchange Rate: Sm; (4 Sm per Dollar ($))
-Per Capita Income: 5,200 Dollars ($)
-Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
-Average Rate of Taxable income (Adjusted for wealth distribution): 37%
-Gross Domestic Product: 49,660,000,000 $
-Total Annual Budget (present): 18,374,200,000 $
-Current Economic Distribution
-“Social Welfare” (Criminal Rehabilitation, Government Work Projects, Financial Security Insurance, National Infrastructure Construction / Maintenance, etc.): 60% (11,024,520,000 $)
-“Education” (Public Primary and Secondary Education, University Subsides and loans, instructor salaries and physical scholastic improvements [national testing, structural improvements] and government publicly funded research): 15% (2,756,130,000 $)
-“Healthcare” (National Health Insurance, covers all citizens in Schultaria Prime for every preventive and major surgery. [Certain Procedures “Vanity Enhancements” must be purchased out of pocket]): 10% (1,837,420,000 $)
-“Military / Defense” (Procurement and Maintenance of military machinery and personnel, establishment of military defensive infrastructure beyond “Social Welfare”): 8% (1,469,936,000 $)
-“Savings / Debt Reduction” (Established in the Schultarian Constitution to repay for damages and loans when the need arises or to provide emergency government financial assistance when deemed a “crisis” by the Schultarian National Assembly): 6% (1,102,452,000 $)
-“Special ‘International Relief’ Fund” (Established as a way to aid friends / allies with extra monetary assistance, establish embassies, pay international organization due fees, etc.): 1% (183,742,000 $)
-Major Exports / Imports
-Exports: Raw Aluminum, Industrial Ethanol, Commercial Seafood, Small Vehicles
-Imports: Refined Petroleum, Tin, Copper, Meats (Predominantly Beef)
-Internal Alliances / Treaties
-Alliances
-Nation of Catania-Marinov (The Treaty of Protective Union)
-Nation of November-January (economic aid agreement)
-Military Agreements
-Nation of Catania-Marinov (The Treaty of Protective Union)
-Nation of Holy panooly (Active Chemical Weapons Agreement)
-Nation of Nimzonia (Active Small Arms Trade Agreement)
-Current Military Material Status
-Army
-100,000 professional soldiers:
-45,000 Standard Infantry
-29,500 Support Personnel / Logistical Support
-22,000 Armor Support / Fortified Civil Defense
-3,500 Special Operations
-Current Stockpile (Catania-Marinov refits and Nimzonia small arms)
-50,000 NSAAR1 Assault Rifles
-20,000 PK Machine Guns (75 – 95% combat ready)
-4,000 T-80 Battle Tanks (Refurbished 75 – 95% Combat Ready)
-Air Force (Personnel currently supplied by Catania-Marinov)
-Current Air Force Stockpile (Catania-Marinov refits)
-10 F-15 Strike Eagles (Refurbished 80 – 100% Combat Ready)
-Navy (Only exists as the Merchant Marine, no budget currently installed as of yet)
-Special Weapons Operation Command (All non-conventional ordinance in the Schultarian military)
-Naval Stockpile
-5,000 Liquid Phosphorous Bombs (Retrofitted for Magnetic / Contact Mines; Designed for coastal defense. Transferred from stockpiles in Holy panooly.)
*The Treaty of Protective Union (Full Document)
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2845190&highlight=#2845190