NationStates Jolt Archive


Factbook Entry for the Commonwealth of Irixia

Irixia
14-04-2007, 02:02
Commonwealth of Irixia

Name- Commonwealth of Irixia
Location- The Arctic, World 48
Capital City- Riltar
Currency- Irixian franc
Government Type- Constitutional Monarchy


The Commonwealth of Irixia (http://nationstates2.com/g/nation/irixia) was founded after the defeat and collapse of the Irixian Empire. The Emperor was deposed, tried and sentenced to life in prison for war crimes and other crimes against humanity.

The Commonwealth reintroduced the Royal line, but with much reduced power. The Monarch is now little more than a figurehead, following the policies of her elected Government in the Senate. The National Assembly regulates the power of the Government through its review of legislation.

The capital of Irixia, Riltar, sits in the mid-eastern part of the country, in the royal province of Cemarylon. and is the most populous city in Irixia, with a population of approximately 2 325 000. The rest of the country is divided six counties, traditionally governed by Dukes or Duchesses, although each now has its own elected legislative body. The majority of the population of Irixia lives in the southern counties.

Irixia is famous for its vast grasslands and plains in the middle and southern parts of the country. The north is dominated by small mountains, ice and permafrost. Irixia is located on the northern part of the continent, resulting in low temperatures throughout the year, averaging 18 degrees in summer and 6 in winter in the south, and 12 degrees in summer and -4 in winter in the northern counties. Irixia's southern border with Turrech is marked by the Ilossa River and the Tullan Ranges. The border with Agoern is less defensible, marked only by a series of rivers.

The sheep and cloth industries dominate the Irixian economy, followed by luxury clothing items, transport items and natural resources. Most energy is imported, although the current Government is considering options through which Irixia could become self-sufficient.


Government

Hereditary Monarch

HM Queen Andrea IV

The Crown of Irixia shall pass onto the first born child, regardless of gender. If the successor is deemed unfit to rule by the Royal Medical Association, or the successor is not yet 21 years of age, the Crown shall pass to another in the Royal Family who is deemed fit to rule. When the successor reaches his or her 21st birthday, they are crowned Sovereign. The caretaker may not impede this process.

Royal Prerogatives

1) The Monarch reserves the right to retain independent control of the Commonwealth of Irixia, and to govern the Commonwealth as he or she sees fit.
2) The Monarch, if he or she desires, may create a board of Ministers, and other legislative assemblies, to aid him or her in the governance of the Commonwealth of Irixa, who shall be directly elected by the citizens of Irixia.
3) The Monarch reserves the right to declare war upon another nation without consulting Ministers.
4) The Monarch reserves the right to terminate the employment of Ministers at his or her discretion.
5) Any law passed by Ministers or any other authority within the Commonwealth of Irixa must be signed by the Monarch, stating his or her approval of the law.
6) Any decisions involving nations other than the Commonwealth of Irixia, including the joining and leaving of Alliances, sending and receiving ambassadors etcetera must be the desire of the Monarch, who, if or he or she desires, may be advised by Ministers on these matters.

Senate of Irixia

Chief Minister of State - Lady Sophia Brandinson QS
Chancellor of the Treasury - Kevin Chamberlain QS
Minister for the Defence of the Realm - Terrance Wilson QS
Minister for Foreign Affairs - Ellie Gladstone QS
Minister for Immigration, Customs and Quarantine - Stephen Vecardie QS
Minister for International Trade - Irene Bennifer QS
Minister for Home Affairs - Terry Scott QS
Minister for the People - Henry Butcher QS
Minister for Health - Margaret Salisbury QS
Minister for Legal Affairs - Sir George Mardaleson QS
Minister for Education and Workplace Preparation - Heather Talis QS
Minister for Industrial Relations and Management - Jennifer Wendleson QS
Minister for Domestic Transport - Jane Hendillon QS
Minister for Environmental Affairs and Natural Resources - Simon Geraldine QS
Minister for Technological Development - William Churchill QS

Representative of the Permanent Residents of Irixia - Marian Nomoire

(This position is only open to permanent residents, and only permanent residents may vote. The Representative is not, however, considered a Senator and is not permitted to use the honorary suffix QS)

The Queen's Senators (QS) are directly elected by the people every four years on the first Saturday of April on a preferential voting basis. Any candidate over the age of 18 who is an Irixian citizen may stand. Only Irixian citizens and Permanent Residents may vote. Voting is compulsory. Approximately 65% of the total population (eligible and ineligible) are enrolled to vote.
When an election is called, the Sovereign determines how many Senators he or she desires, and which portfolio each Senator will take. Irixian citizens may then become candidates for a particular Senate position. Existing Senators can be re-elected.

Her Majesty and the Senate regularly convene in the Senatorial Suite of Vetilar Palace in Riltar to discuss issues and govern the nation.

Council of the Provinces

The Council of the Provinces consists of 308 Councillors, 44 elected from each province, regardless of population. The Council was established to guarantee the interests of all the provinces, and to protect against regional favouritism in the Government. The Council acts to review the legislation of the Government, as bills cannot become law without the Council's assent. The Council of the Provinces may pass a Motion of No Confidence, supported by the National Assembly, or support one from the National Assembly, which calls upon the Monarch to dismiss the Government and to call new elections for all Houses, but the Monarch may ignore it if he or she wishes.

Councillors are elected periodically according to the laws of each individual province, but a Councillor's term cannot exceed four years.

Councillors often convene in the Duke's Chamber of State in the Palace of Vetilar to discuss Government legislation.

Elections/Appointments of Councillors:

Royal Province of Cemarylon: 40 Councillors elected by proportional representational vote (no divisions) every two years. 4 Councillors appointed by the Monarch, advised by the Chief Minister of State, every five years.

Esami: Councillors elected by preferential vote (11 divisions, 4 per division) every five years.

Skydure: 20 Councillors elected by the Five Cities of Skydure (4 per city) every three years using First Past the Post. 24 Councillors elected from remaining areas (no divisions) every two years using proportional representation.

Engmine: 14 Councillors appointed by the Duke every 5 years, 5 Councillors elected for Trilsi (no divisions) on proportional ballot for two years, 25 councillors elected (divisions, excluding Trilsi, 1 per division) on single preferential ballot every three years.

Yatoria: All councillors elected by proportional ballot (no divisions) every five years.

Isvera: 22 Councillors appointed by the Duke every 4 years. 22 Councillors appointed by the Mayor of Smanmount every six months.

Perlimar: 1 Councillor appointed by each mayor of a town of City status (37 Councillors) every 3 years. 7 Councillors elected by proportional representation (no divisions) by all citizens who do not live in a City every 2 years.

National Assembly of Irixia

The National Assembly consists of 785 Members who debate the Government's legislation. Each Member represents one constituency in Irixia. Members are elected every year by the preferential ballot. The Government's legislation is required to pass the National Assembly and the Council of Provinces before it becomes law. The National Assembly cannot initiate legislation, but it, like the Council of the Provinces, may initiate or support a Motion of No Confidence in the Government. A Motion of No Confidence requires the support of both the National Assembly and the Council if it is to be presented to the Queen.

Both Irixian citizens and permanent residents can stand to become a Member.

Members often convene in the Chamber of the Nation in Vetilar Palace to consider and debate the Government's legislation.


Sovereignty

The Commonwealth of Irixia consists of all land on the Isle of Taimora that is north of River Ilossa. All land south of River Calamai is not a part of Irixia.
Irixia has control of all water within 200 km of Irixian shores. Waters beyond this definition are international territory.

HM Queen Andrea IV, as the Sovereign of the Commonwealth of Irixia, exercises complete, unconditional and irrefutable sovereignty over all lands and all bodies of water within the national borders of the Commonwealth as defined above. Her Majesty also exercises the rights granted to her by international law within international ports as designated by international law as being outside the Commonwealth.


Travel and Trade

All craft intending to enter Irixian territory, whether of an aerial or ocean-going nature, must declare their presence to Irixan Defence before entering Irixian territory. Irixian Defence will either deny entry, or grant entry and give the co-ordinates of the nearest ports or airports if desired.

The international sections of ports and airports are international territory, and are governed subject to international laws. International territory is only accessible through Passport Control.

Passport Control has three types of passport channel:
Irixian Citizens & Permanent Residents (also used by those in possession of a Diplomatic Visa)
Immigrants & Refugees
International Traders

Passport Control have the right to refuse entry to any non Irixian, but they have no right to refuse exit to any person. The red line on the international side of Passport Control is considered the international border. Beyond this line, Irixia may only exercise authority granted to it by international law.

Customs reserves the right to fine and deport any non-Irixian who carries illegal goods, or goods considered to be a threat to Irixia. Such decisions cannot be appealed. Irixians who carry illegal goods will be charged and brought before the High Court of Irixia. The maximum penalty of 5 years' jail will be sought by Crown prosecutors.

Countries seeking to trade with Irixia should apply for an embassy in Irixia, which allows their citizens to apply for the International Traders' Visa.


Immigration and Citizenship

Tourists

Tourists who hold the nationality of a country that has an embassy in Irixia do not require a visa to come to Irixia for a period of up to six months. Nationals of countries that are unrepresented in Irixia must apply for an Immigration Visa before arrival.

Tourists who are nationals of represented countries that are deemed to be belligerent by either Her Majesty or the Minister for Foreign Affairs must apply for a Belligerent National Tourist Visa.

List of Belligerent Nations:
None


Visas

There are five types of visa for Irixia:

Immigration Visa:
An Immigration Visa allows the holder to live and work in Irixia for a period of up to 3 years. These visas are obtained at overseas Irixian Embassies; they are not issued inside Irixia. The visa must be attached to the applicant’s valid passport.
Holders of this visa cannot be outside Irixia for a total of more than 90 days during the period of validity of the visa if they wish to retain it.
An extension of up to 3 years on the Immigration Visa may be granted if the applicant is deemed suitable and constructive within Irixian society. Holders of an extended visa cannot remain outside Irixia for a total of more than 30 days if they wish to retain the visa.

Refugee Visa:
A Refugee Visa is issued at Passport Control to a national of a country which is deemed to be unsafe by either Her Majesty or the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and wishes to be registered as a refugee in Irixia. A passport is not required for this visa, but would save much time and effort in verifying the applicant’s nationality. Refugees are registered with the Refugee Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and must remain in constant contact with representatives of the said Department. Refugees are permitted to work.

This visa is valid until one year after the applicant’s home country is no longer considered unsafe by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Upon the visa’s expiration, the holder must leave Irixia. A holder of a Refugee Visa cannot apply for Permanent Residency, regardless of the length of their stay in Irixia. They may, however, apply for Special Consideration when applying for an Immigration Visa once they have returned to their country of origin.

List of Unsafe Nations:
None

International Traders' Visa:
The International Traders' Visa is issued to nationals of other countries represented in Irixia who, by way of working in the business of International Trade, come to Irixia for work purposes. This visa must be obtained at Irixian Embassies overseas.

The International Traders' Visa is an unlimited multiple entry visa valid for up to 5 years, at which time it may be reïssued. Holders of this visa are permitted to stay in Irixia for up to 2 months per entry, during which time they may only work in their capacity as a part of the International Trade industry.

Holders of the International Traders' Visa cannot apply for Permanent Residency

Belligerent National Tourist Visa:
This visa is issued to nationals of countries deemed to be belligerent by Her Majesty or the Minister who wish to come to Irixia solely for tourism. This visa is valid for a maximum of six months, but may be shortened in individual cases by the Department. Each application will be assessed on its individual merits, which must demonstrate to the Department that the applicant does not pose a risk of any nature to Irixia or its citizens or permanent residents. Holders of this visa are not permitted to take employment of any kind.

Diplomatic Visa:
This visa is issued to individuals who come to Irixia to represent their country in a formal capacity at an Embassy or Consulate.The terms of the visa are negotiated with each country. The visa is issued before the diplomat's arrival in Irixia.
Holders of a diplomatic visa are subject to the rights and responsibilities of diplomats as specified by international law.

All visas, if possible, are all placed in the holder's passport. Refugees without a passport are given a card denoting their immigration status.


Permanent Residency

Permanent Residency may be granted to an applicant who has held a valid Immigration Visa for a period of 5 years, and is considered to be of continuing suitability to Irixian society.Permanent Residency frees the applicant from any restriction on their stay. Permanent Residency cannot be lost unless it is revoked by the holder. Permanent Residents are also permitted to receive consular assistance overseas from an Irixian Embassy. However, a Permanent Resident is still permitted to receive consular assistance within Irixia from the country of their nationality.
Permanent Residents also use the same passport channel as citizens, and are free from any immigration requirements. However, if a Permanent Resident is a national of a Belligerent Nation, Passport Control and the Department reserve the right to refuse entry at the border to such a national if he or she is considered to be a risk to Irixia. This, however, does not affect their status as a Permanent Resident.
Permanent Residents are permitted to vote, but may only stand for the position of Representative of the Permanent Residents of Irixia in the Senate. They may become Members of the National Assembly or, if permitted by provincial law, Councillors of the Council of the Provinces.

A national of a country other than Irixia may be granted entry, regardless of their status, by virtue of the Royal Prerogative.


Citizenship

Citizenship of Irixia can only be acquired if born in Irixia, regardless of the nationality of the parents, or born overseas to at least one Irixian parent, provided that the child is registered as an Irixian citizen at an Embassy of Irixia before the child turns 18. Irixia recognises dual nationality.

Citizenship may also be bestowed upon a non-Irixian by virtue of the Royal Prerogative.

Foreign Relations

Embassies

Irixia maintains an Embassy in each nation in World 48.

Foreign Policy

The Commonwealth of Irixia is committed to a peaceful world in which all disputes can be resolved without the need for armed hostilities. The Commonwealth considers maintaining peace is most easily facilitated by strong relationships built through trade.

The Commonwealth does not believe that undemocratic, multilateral alliances serve the peaceful interests of Irixia, and therefore will remain independent in international affairs.

The Commonwealth also accepts refugees, as defined in Commonwealth legislation, from any nation. The Commonwealth believes this to be integral to protecting the lives of civilians, while negotiating for peace on behalf of the refugees.