Falastur
24-04-2004, 21:33
Basic Info:
Background:
Falastur is a powerful and ever-expanding state, currently at its most powerful form in its history, and showing no signs of halting it’s perpetual strengthening. The Falasturian Empire consists of a collection of states of varying social levels, from subject Territories to Dependencies; from Commonwealth states to modern-day Colonies. Its economic strength is of a position with the richest countries in existence, and while Falastur is mostly peaceful and placid, its vast economy equates to a strong and every growing military. Falastur is a Member of the New Nations Alliance as its Treasurer State, and of the Legion of Defence as the Communications Minister, and it constantly follows a stance of actively aiming to join powerful Alliances for its own benefit and for the benefit of the other members. Falastur is reknowned as a country constantly pursuing freedom of expression for people of the world and condemning states who use executions and biased judiciary systems to keep their populations in line. While it doesn’t grant full rights to its own peoples, Falasturians have enough to live happy and free lives, and due to the rule of a benevolent Teenage Emperor, the populace are currently living through an age of ever increasing civil rights and freedoms. Falastur recently abolished its stance of dictatorship, hosting national elections for all Offices of importance, and moving towards a Constitutional Monarchy form of Government.
Geography:
Location:
Almost all of Falastur is in four main lands - the Falastur Island group and three large pieces of land - but there are three smaller and less important lands (bringing making 7 "regions" of Falastur) included as part of the nation of Falastur, seperated by land and water from the rest of Falastur. The Empire consists of many territories throughout the world. Most are quite small, but some are much larger. The Falastur Island Group is located in the Southern Atlantic Ocean, and the other lands (which, along with the Island Group, make up the actual nation of Falastur), are located on three continents several thousand miles to the Island Group’s West. The countries comprising the Empire of Falastur are located, often in groups of small territories, all over the world.
Area:
- Falastur:
Total: 4,644,820 sq km
Water: 63,230 sq km
Land: 4,581,590 sq km
- Empire:
Total: 23,203,048 sq km
Water: 696,293 sq km
Land: 22,506,755 sq km
Area - comparative:
Roughly half the size of the Russian Federation (Falastur). Roughly two and a half times the size of the Russian Federation (Empire).
Climate:
Warm; moderated by some strong ocean breezes. More than one-half of the days are sunny and most of the Summer, the weather is almost tropical.
Terrain:
Mostly rugged hills and low mountains; some sprawling grass plains; some minor deserts; 3 mountain ranges.
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: The Havian Depression –393 m
Highest point: Mount Erasto 3,343 m
Natural hazards:
Minor Earth tremors; Strong coastal gales; (Very infrequent) flash floods
Geography - note:
Lies near vital South Atlantic sea lanes and several other important trade routes in other parts of the world; spread out position of lands and Territories gives Falastur a commanding position in the World, being close to most every country.
People:
Population:
Falastur: 1,424,345,648 (2004 est.)
Empire: 41,890,345,000 (2004 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 20.3% (male 135,621,590; female 153,520,576) 15-64 years: 67.1% (male 446,067,529; female 509,668,401) 65 years and over: 12.6% (male 83,987,457; female 95,480,095) (2004 est.)
Median age:
Total: 36.1 years male: 35.0 years female: 37.8 years (2004)
Population growth rate:
0.42% (2004 est.)
Birth rate:
12.31 births/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Death rate:
8.73 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Net migration rate:
8.7 migrants/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Sex ratio:
At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female Under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female Total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
Total: 2.45 deaths/1,000 live births female: 1.16 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 1.29 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:
Total population: 77.16 years
Male: 73.74 years
Female: 79.7 years (2004 est.)
Total fertility rate:
2.03 children born/woman (2004 est.)
HIV prevalence:
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.053% (2004 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 754,720 (2004 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 5,460 (2004 est.)
Nationality:
Noun: Falasturian(s)
Adjective: Falasturian
Ethnic groups:
Falasturian 91.5%, Empire countries 2.6%, Aust 0.1%, and other 5.8%
Religions:
Protestant (various denominations) 57%, Roman Catholic 21%, Atheist 9%, Jewish 5%, Hindu 3%, Islam 1%, Other (mainly in one of many small religious communities) 3%
Languages:
English, Imperial Dialects (local), French, German, Minority languages (native tongues of immigrants)
Literacy:
Definition: age 15 and over has completed five or more years of schooling total population: 100% (2004 est.) male: 100% female: 100%
Government:
Country name:
Conventional long form: The Holy Imperial Superpower of Falastur, the Falasturian Empire, and the Imperial Falasturian Space Territories
Conventional short form: Falastur
Abbreviation: FL
Government type:
Constitutional monarchy
Capital:
Terila
Administrative divisions:
32 Provinces (each divided up into numerous counties for closer administration) – The Falastur Island Group, Saltirra, Lenorfal, Cerentor, Peresona, Berezova, Vadenka, Iariti, Keratov, Rastillac, Clent, Plaide, Ghenna, Lkova, Cherenni, Polityl, Renenc, Jenst, Yahren, Wertov, Quilla, Thracen, Dhara, Lloic, Verta, Sertiz, Zerlits, Jharent, Fahent, Nenna, Frenics, Paerta
Dependent areas:
The Falasturian Empire, The Imperial Falasturian Space Territories
Independence:
27th November, 1765 (Independence from Great Britain)
National holiday:
27th November (Independence Day)
Constitution:
Unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice
Legal system:
Common law tradition with early Roman and modern continental influences inherited from Britain; has judicial review of Acts of Parliament under the Human Rights Act of 1983; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
Chief of state: Emperor Matthew VI (since 6 December 2000); Heir Apparent High Prince Stephen (Eldest brother of the Emperor, born 14 February 1988)
Head of government: Imperial Regent (Elected) Anthony DeMoins (since 12th May 2002)
Cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers elected from the victorious political party by the voting public
Elections: For the position of Emperor - none - the Monarchy is hereditary; For the position of Imperial Regent - following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is the Imperial Regent; following legislative elections, the Cabinet is then elected from Officials from the Regent’s party
Legislative branch:
Multi-cameral Parliament comprised of:
Cabinet – consists of 12 elected Officials from the victorious political party (one being the Imperial Regent); it makes final decisions and reports to the Emperor,
Senate – consists of 100 Officials from the political parties according to the percentage of votes for each party; its members debate matters of utmost importance and make rulings, presided over by the Cabinet,
Chamber – consists of 20 Officials from the victorious political party, it collects reports and information from the Assemblies, makes preliminary rulings, and presents them to the Senate,
Assemblies – consists of 200 members per Assembly (10 in total) from the political parties in accordance with the percentage of votes in the national elections to each party, each Assembly is responsible for a different aspect of the Government (i.e. Finance and Commerce, Social Welfare), it has the power to make rulings on lower-level matters, and presents the more important matters along with advice to the Chamber,
Elections:
Cabinet – national elections
Senate – Senators elected by the members of their parties
Chamber – Members elected from the Regent’s party (by the members of the Regent’s party)
Assemblies – Members nominated by their parties and chosen by the Directors and Vice-Directors of the Assemblies (Directors elected from the Regent’s Party by its members
Judicial branch:
Imperial Supreme Court (crimes against state, special cases on a national scale, highest level of appeal), Imperial Provincial Courts (major crimes), Star Chambers (special cases, appeal cases), Local Court Houses (petty crime, legal action)
Political parties and leaders:
Conservative Party [Anthony DeMoins]
Democratic Progressive Party
Falasturian National Party [Michael Scott]
Labour Party [Craig Harness]
[i]Political pressure groups and leaders:
Campaign for Military Disarmament; Confederation of Falasturian Industry; National Farmers' Union; Trades Unions Congress
International organization participation:
NNA, Legion of Defence, GDI
Flag description:
The flag of the United Kingdom - blue field with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland); properly known as the Union Flag, but commonly called the Union Jack; the design and colors (especially the Blue Ensign) have been the basis for a number of other flags from the Falasturian Empire.
Economy:
Economy - overview:
Falastur, a leading trading power and financial center, is one of the strongest economic nations in the World. Over the past three decades the government has greatly reduced public ownership and encouraged the growth of social welfare programs. Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient by international standards, producing about 85% of food needs with only 2% of the labour force. Falastur has large coal, natural gas, and oil reserves; primary energy production accounts for 5% of GDP. Services, particularly banking, insurance, and business services, account by far for the largest proportion of GDP while industry continues to increase in importance. Inflation, interest rates, and unemployment remain low. Meantime, the government has been speeding up the improvement of education, transport, and health services, at a cost in higher taxes. The current war between Falastur and Allies against Lower Kroz over the freedom of Zulgin and the subsequent pushing of military forces to new high levels of training, added to the fact that reserve troops are currently being called up, all serve to make a dent, albeit a small one, in Falastur’s economy.
GDP:
Purchasing power parity - $38.528 trillion (2004 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
1.8% (2004 est.)
Population below poverty line:
11%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
1.4% (2004 est.)
Labour force:
784.7 million (2004)
Labour force - by occupation:
Agriculture 2%, industry 21%, services 77% (2004)
Unemployment rate:
2.7% (2004 est.)
Budget:
Revenues: $38.528 trillion
Expenditures: $35.203 trillion
Industries:
Machine tools, electric power equipment, automation equipment, railroad equipment, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, electronics and communications equipment, metals, chemicals, coal, petroleum, paper and paper products, food processing, textiles, clothing, and other consumer goods
Industrial production growth rate:
2.3% (2004 est.)
Electricity - production by source:
Fossil fuel: 71.8%
Hydro: 2.9%
Nuclear: 23.7%
Other: 1.6% (2004)
Exports:
$2.34 trillion f.o.b. (2004)
Exports - commodities:
Manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals; food, beverages
Imports:
$1.34 trillion f.o.b. (2004)
Imports - commodities:
Manufactured goods, machinery, fuels; foodstuffs
Debt - external:
$0
Currency:
Havanero
Currency code:
~H~
Exchange rates:
Havaneros per US dollar - 0.023 (2004)
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March
Communications:
Radio broadcast stations:
AM 2,192 stations; FM 4,317 stations; Short-wave 315 stations (2004)
Television broadcast stations:
1,395 (2004)
Internet country code:
.fl
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):
More than 4,000 (2004)
Internet users:
1.043 billion (2004)
Transportation:
Ports and harbors:
295
Airports:
2,294 (2004)
Heliports:
112 (2004)
Military:
Military branches:
Army, Navy (including Royal Marines), Air Force, Auxiliary Army, Reserve Forces, Territorial Army, Falasturian Defence Force (civil volunteer program for use on home soil)
Military manpower - fit for military service:
Males age 15-49: 424,284, 593 (2004 est.)
Military expenditures - havanero figure:
$1 trillion (2004)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:
2.2% (2004)
Transnational Issues:
Disputes - international:
Lairesse residents vote overwhelmingly in referendum against "total shared sovereignty" arrangement worked out between Falastur and Jerenna over century-long dispute over ownership of the Territory; several disputes over claims to Island groups and territories (most of which are ruled by Falastur at present)
Illicit drugs:
Gateway country for Latin American and African cocaine entering the European market; major consumer of synthetic drugs, producer of limited amounts of synthetic drugs and synthetic precursor chemicals
Background:
Falastur is a powerful and ever-expanding state, currently at its most powerful form in its history, and showing no signs of halting it’s perpetual strengthening. The Falasturian Empire consists of a collection of states of varying social levels, from subject Territories to Dependencies; from Commonwealth states to modern-day Colonies. Its economic strength is of a position with the richest countries in existence, and while Falastur is mostly peaceful and placid, its vast economy equates to a strong and every growing military. Falastur is a Member of the New Nations Alliance as its Treasurer State, and of the Legion of Defence as the Communications Minister, and it constantly follows a stance of actively aiming to join powerful Alliances for its own benefit and for the benefit of the other members. Falastur is reknowned as a country constantly pursuing freedom of expression for people of the world and condemning states who use executions and biased judiciary systems to keep their populations in line. While it doesn’t grant full rights to its own peoples, Falasturians have enough to live happy and free lives, and due to the rule of a benevolent Teenage Emperor, the populace are currently living through an age of ever increasing civil rights and freedoms. Falastur recently abolished its stance of dictatorship, hosting national elections for all Offices of importance, and moving towards a Constitutional Monarchy form of Government.
Geography:
Location:
Almost all of Falastur is in four main lands - the Falastur Island group and three large pieces of land - but there are three smaller and less important lands (bringing making 7 "regions" of Falastur) included as part of the nation of Falastur, seperated by land and water from the rest of Falastur. The Empire consists of many territories throughout the world. Most are quite small, but some are much larger. The Falastur Island Group is located in the Southern Atlantic Ocean, and the other lands (which, along with the Island Group, make up the actual nation of Falastur), are located on three continents several thousand miles to the Island Group’s West. The countries comprising the Empire of Falastur are located, often in groups of small territories, all over the world.
Area:
- Falastur:
Total: 4,644,820 sq km
Water: 63,230 sq km
Land: 4,581,590 sq km
- Empire:
Total: 23,203,048 sq km
Water: 696,293 sq km
Land: 22,506,755 sq km
Area - comparative:
Roughly half the size of the Russian Federation (Falastur). Roughly two and a half times the size of the Russian Federation (Empire).
Climate:
Warm; moderated by some strong ocean breezes. More than one-half of the days are sunny and most of the Summer, the weather is almost tropical.
Terrain:
Mostly rugged hills and low mountains; some sprawling grass plains; some minor deserts; 3 mountain ranges.
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: The Havian Depression –393 m
Highest point: Mount Erasto 3,343 m
Natural hazards:
Minor Earth tremors; Strong coastal gales; (Very infrequent) flash floods
Geography - note:
Lies near vital South Atlantic sea lanes and several other important trade routes in other parts of the world; spread out position of lands and Territories gives Falastur a commanding position in the World, being close to most every country.
People:
Population:
Falastur: 1,424,345,648 (2004 est.)
Empire: 41,890,345,000 (2004 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 20.3% (male 135,621,590; female 153,520,576) 15-64 years: 67.1% (male 446,067,529; female 509,668,401) 65 years and over: 12.6% (male 83,987,457; female 95,480,095) (2004 est.)
Median age:
Total: 36.1 years male: 35.0 years female: 37.8 years (2004)
Population growth rate:
0.42% (2004 est.)
Birth rate:
12.31 births/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Death rate:
8.73 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Net migration rate:
8.7 migrants/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Sex ratio:
At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female Under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female Total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
Total: 2.45 deaths/1,000 live births female: 1.16 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 1.29 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:
Total population: 77.16 years
Male: 73.74 years
Female: 79.7 years (2004 est.)
Total fertility rate:
2.03 children born/woman (2004 est.)
HIV prevalence:
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.053% (2004 est.)
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 754,720 (2004 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 5,460 (2004 est.)
Nationality:
Noun: Falasturian(s)
Adjective: Falasturian
Ethnic groups:
Falasturian 91.5%, Empire countries 2.6%, Aust 0.1%, and other 5.8%
Religions:
Protestant (various denominations) 57%, Roman Catholic 21%, Atheist 9%, Jewish 5%, Hindu 3%, Islam 1%, Other (mainly in one of many small religious communities) 3%
Languages:
English, Imperial Dialects (local), French, German, Minority languages (native tongues of immigrants)
Literacy:
Definition: age 15 and over has completed five or more years of schooling total population: 100% (2004 est.) male: 100% female: 100%
Government:
Country name:
Conventional long form: The Holy Imperial Superpower of Falastur, the Falasturian Empire, and the Imperial Falasturian Space Territories
Conventional short form: Falastur
Abbreviation: FL
Government type:
Constitutional monarchy
Capital:
Terila
Administrative divisions:
32 Provinces (each divided up into numerous counties for closer administration) – The Falastur Island Group, Saltirra, Lenorfal, Cerentor, Peresona, Berezova, Vadenka, Iariti, Keratov, Rastillac, Clent, Plaide, Ghenna, Lkova, Cherenni, Polityl, Renenc, Jenst, Yahren, Wertov, Quilla, Thracen, Dhara, Lloic, Verta, Sertiz, Zerlits, Jharent, Fahent, Nenna, Frenics, Paerta
Dependent areas:
The Falasturian Empire, The Imperial Falasturian Space Territories
Independence:
27th November, 1765 (Independence from Great Britain)
National holiday:
27th November (Independence Day)
Constitution:
Unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice
Legal system:
Common law tradition with early Roman and modern continental influences inherited from Britain; has judicial review of Acts of Parliament under the Human Rights Act of 1983; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
Chief of state: Emperor Matthew VI (since 6 December 2000); Heir Apparent High Prince Stephen (Eldest brother of the Emperor, born 14 February 1988)
Head of government: Imperial Regent (Elected) Anthony DeMoins (since 12th May 2002)
Cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers elected from the victorious political party by the voting public
Elections: For the position of Emperor - none - the Monarchy is hereditary; For the position of Imperial Regent - following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is the Imperial Regent; following legislative elections, the Cabinet is then elected from Officials from the Regent’s party
Legislative branch:
Multi-cameral Parliament comprised of:
Cabinet – consists of 12 elected Officials from the victorious political party (one being the Imperial Regent); it makes final decisions and reports to the Emperor,
Senate – consists of 100 Officials from the political parties according to the percentage of votes for each party; its members debate matters of utmost importance and make rulings, presided over by the Cabinet,
Chamber – consists of 20 Officials from the victorious political party, it collects reports and information from the Assemblies, makes preliminary rulings, and presents them to the Senate,
Assemblies – consists of 200 members per Assembly (10 in total) from the political parties in accordance with the percentage of votes in the national elections to each party, each Assembly is responsible for a different aspect of the Government (i.e. Finance and Commerce, Social Welfare), it has the power to make rulings on lower-level matters, and presents the more important matters along with advice to the Chamber,
Elections:
Cabinet – national elections
Senate – Senators elected by the members of their parties
Chamber – Members elected from the Regent’s party (by the members of the Regent’s party)
Assemblies – Members nominated by their parties and chosen by the Directors and Vice-Directors of the Assemblies (Directors elected from the Regent’s Party by its members
Judicial branch:
Imperial Supreme Court (crimes against state, special cases on a national scale, highest level of appeal), Imperial Provincial Courts (major crimes), Star Chambers (special cases, appeal cases), Local Court Houses (petty crime, legal action)
Political parties and leaders:
Conservative Party [Anthony DeMoins]
Democratic Progressive Party
Falasturian National Party [Michael Scott]
Labour Party [Craig Harness]
[i]Political pressure groups and leaders:
Campaign for Military Disarmament; Confederation of Falasturian Industry; National Farmers' Union; Trades Unions Congress
International organization participation:
NNA, Legion of Defence, GDI
Flag description:
The flag of the United Kingdom - blue field with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland); properly known as the Union Flag, but commonly called the Union Jack; the design and colors (especially the Blue Ensign) have been the basis for a number of other flags from the Falasturian Empire.
Economy:
Economy - overview:
Falastur, a leading trading power and financial center, is one of the strongest economic nations in the World. Over the past three decades the government has greatly reduced public ownership and encouraged the growth of social welfare programs. Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient by international standards, producing about 85% of food needs with only 2% of the labour force. Falastur has large coal, natural gas, and oil reserves; primary energy production accounts for 5% of GDP. Services, particularly banking, insurance, and business services, account by far for the largest proportion of GDP while industry continues to increase in importance. Inflation, interest rates, and unemployment remain low. Meantime, the government has been speeding up the improvement of education, transport, and health services, at a cost in higher taxes. The current war between Falastur and Allies against Lower Kroz over the freedom of Zulgin and the subsequent pushing of military forces to new high levels of training, added to the fact that reserve troops are currently being called up, all serve to make a dent, albeit a small one, in Falastur’s economy.
GDP:
Purchasing power parity - $38.528 trillion (2004 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
1.8% (2004 est.)
Population below poverty line:
11%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
1.4% (2004 est.)
Labour force:
784.7 million (2004)
Labour force - by occupation:
Agriculture 2%, industry 21%, services 77% (2004)
Unemployment rate:
2.7% (2004 est.)
Budget:
Revenues: $38.528 trillion
Expenditures: $35.203 trillion
Industries:
Machine tools, electric power equipment, automation equipment, railroad equipment, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, electronics and communications equipment, metals, chemicals, coal, petroleum, paper and paper products, food processing, textiles, clothing, and other consumer goods
Industrial production growth rate:
2.3% (2004 est.)
Electricity - production by source:
Fossil fuel: 71.8%
Hydro: 2.9%
Nuclear: 23.7%
Other: 1.6% (2004)
Exports:
$2.34 trillion f.o.b. (2004)
Exports - commodities:
Manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals; food, beverages
Imports:
$1.34 trillion f.o.b. (2004)
Imports - commodities:
Manufactured goods, machinery, fuels; foodstuffs
Debt - external:
$0
Currency:
Havanero
Currency code:
~H~
Exchange rates:
Havaneros per US dollar - 0.023 (2004)
Fiscal year:
1 April - 31 March
Communications:
Radio broadcast stations:
AM 2,192 stations; FM 4,317 stations; Short-wave 315 stations (2004)
Television broadcast stations:
1,395 (2004)
Internet country code:
.fl
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):
More than 4,000 (2004)
Internet users:
1.043 billion (2004)
Transportation:
Ports and harbors:
295
Airports:
2,294 (2004)
Heliports:
112 (2004)
Military:
Military branches:
Army, Navy (including Royal Marines), Air Force, Auxiliary Army, Reserve Forces, Territorial Army, Falasturian Defence Force (civil volunteer program for use on home soil)
Military manpower - fit for military service:
Males age 15-49: 424,284, 593 (2004 est.)
Military expenditures - havanero figure:
$1 trillion (2004)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:
2.2% (2004)
Transnational Issues:
Disputes - international:
Lairesse residents vote overwhelmingly in referendum against "total shared sovereignty" arrangement worked out between Falastur and Jerenna over century-long dispute over ownership of the Territory; several disputes over claims to Island groups and territories (most of which are ruled by Falastur at present)
Illicit drugs:
Gateway country for Latin American and African cocaine entering the European market; major consumer of synthetic drugs, producer of limited amounts of synthetic drugs and synthetic precursor chemicals