Farmina
05-04-2005, 14:53
A Guide to Farmina
Country name:
Conventional long form: The Holy Empire of Farmina
Conventional short form: Farmina
Also known as: The Holy Farminan Empire
Technology Level: Modern technology (MT)
Nationality: Farminans not Farminians (as with Americans not Americians)
Official Language: English
Other Major Languages: Latin, German
Ethnicity: 99% White European, 1% Other
National Motto: Glory under God
National Religion: Grey Catholicism (100%)
National Animal: Eagle
Current Military Status:
Green Level 2
Formal Bilateral Allies:
Dumpsterdam
Merchant Guilds
Tacit Bilateral Allies/ Friendly Nations:
Roach-busters
The Parthians
The Lightning Star
Government and Politics
Governmental System: Constitutional Monarchy
Constitutional Amendment Requirements:
Amendment to pass all Elected Councils
Approval of the Emperor
Passing a popular vote
Farminan Political Institutions:
Imperial Household
The Emperor has the right to veto legislation, appoint the Chancellery from within the Elected Councils and enact ‘executive laws’ in emergencies. The Emperor is also the sole commander of the Imperial Guard also known as the “White Guard” which totals ten thousand men. The Emperor presides at the White Palace a massive structure, with a huge number of conference, ceremonial and civic venues. In fact the Emperor is even expected to wear white, as the Imperial colour is known as “Imperial White.”
Elected Councils
The Elected Councils make all legislation. Members of the councils are called councilors. The Councils are elected on the basis of proportional representation, with the exception of the Council of Provinces. As well as proportional representation, Farminan electoral systems also use single transferable vote The combination of proportional representation and the single transferable vote to prevent vote spitting as seen in first past the post democracies. These combine to create very highly multiparty councils. Each Chancellor has their own council, for example the Council of Law or the Council of Foreign Affairs. The Council of Provinces has 101 seats, with five representatives elected to it by the councils of each the twenty provinces plus the Grand Chancellor. Before legislation can be presented before the Emperor, it must pass the Grand Council which has 1,000 members and is the most multiparty council, the Council of Provinces and if the legislation belongs to a particular department, then also the appropriate council on which there are 20 councilors. Provincial legislation only need pass that province’s council. Councilors can be members of more than one council. Lesser councils are appointed by department’s councils to investigate certain matters and are usually headed by a Lesser Chancellor. The colour of the Elected Councils within Farmina is “Council Blue”.
Chancellery
The Chancellery holds most of the executive power within Farmina. The Chancellery is appointed by the Emperor. This is from either the major political block or several political blocks consisting majority coalition in the Grand Council, but is a matter of convention rather than constitutional requirement. The national Chancellery is headed by the Grand Chancellor, who has a seat in both the Grand Council and the Council of States. All national Chancellors, have a dedication to a single issue, for example, Chancellor for Health. Under each Chancellor are a series of Lesser Chancellors who help run the Chancellor’s department. Chancellors sit on the Grand Council and their own department’s council. Provincial Chancellors are the head of each provincial government, which are relatively small and generally follow the national policy. The Chancellery’s colour is also “Council Blue” but Chancellors are known to where gold sashes to mark themselves out.
Grey Catholic Church of God
A breakaway faction of the Roman Catholic Church inspired by Thomas Grey and his writings on the relationships between man and God. The Grey Catholic Church was especially worried about the ‘extreme liberalization’ of the Roman Catholic Church. The Church’s power comes from a belief that the God is the one true ruler of man, and the church acts as his representative on Earth. It used appoint an absolute ruler for Farmina, before Justinian created the monarchy. The colour of the church is “Crimson Red.”
Military
Once a powerful political institution in Farmina, at one stage having practically absolute power, the military is now preparing to lose all its political power. The remaining strands of power the military has, are the ability to query a declaration of war and the little autonomy Justinian hasn’t cracked down on. The era of the military doing as it pleased regardless of public opinion and the government is over. The military's colour is navy grey, but is rarely seen and has been removed from the national flag.
Judiciary
Judges are appointed independently, with the exception of the Council of Law, which is elected. The Council of Law is the second highest court in the nation, topped only by the Grand Court. All verdicts are made by the judge, never by jury. The Judiciary has no colour.
National Leaders [Moralist-Coalition Administration]
Head of State: Emperor Justinian (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Stroll.jpg)
Also known as: Justinian the Just, Justinian the Mad, The Great Reformer, Justinian the Butcher
Generally logical and calculation, with reasonable compassion, known to experience fits of rage. Has no known last name. Very strongly Catholic. Before leading the church he was being educated at the Catholic Institute for Gifted Children. Little else is known.
Head of Government: Grand Chancellor Tobias Grey (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Grey.jpg)
Great grandson of Thomas Grey. Vindictive and cruel, not to mention ambitious and self serving. A strong politician and logical person, but has little time for compassion. Has taken on role of acting Emperor.
Head of Military: Supreme Commander Arnold Bashar (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Bashar.jpg)
Head of Church: Pope Thomas James (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/OddLookingPope.jpg)
Chancellor for Foreign Affairs: Thomas Goth (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Goth.jpg)
Had short lived term as Grand Chancellor, one of the finest politicians in Farmina.
Chancellor of the Laws: Jonathon Water
Had short lived term as acting Grand Chancellor.
Chancellor for Trade: Andre Cirtus (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Cirtus.jpg)
Chancellor for Morality and Culture: Phillip Sullivan
Chancellor for Health: John Hewart
Chancellor for Economic Affairs: Arthur Whitinger
Chancellor for Police and Prisons: Robert Brie (Snr) (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/BrieSnr.jpg)
Chancellor for Education: Fredrick Johnson
Chancellor of the Treasury: Gregory Vanstone
Major Political Blocks
*A block is a group of smaller political parties
Conservative Block (41%)
Lead by [Chancellor] Thomas Goth (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Goth.jpg)
Socially and economically conservative
Moralist Block (25%)
Lead by Dan Rickhart (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Rickhart.jpg)
Socially conservative and economically moderate, with policy of ‘external equality’
Socialist Block (13%)
Lead by Alfred Zimia (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Socialist.jpg)
Market social economics and liberal social policy.
Labour Block (8%)
Lead by George Ravenstart (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Labour.jpg)
Moderate socialization of the economy, moderate/conservative social policies
Liberal Block (7%)
Lead by James "Jamie" Palmer (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Liberal.jpg)
Conservative economics and liberal social policy.
Military Block (2%)
Lead by [Former General] Varius Aricar
Conservative with policies of military rights and autonomy for the military
Other (4%)
Other Famous Farminans
Professor Michael James Walter (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/WalterandFamily.jpg): Brilliant academic, head of Farmina National University, celebrity and fruitcake. His tale is an inherently tragic one. His entire family was murdered in an attack meant for him. After this he vowed not to return to Farmina. He later died in a Parthian rock climbing accident.
Field Marshal Richard Jefferson (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Jefferson.jpg)
Intelligent and ambitious military tactician, often clashes with other military personnel. Recently appointed military governor of New Kingdom.
Duke Cameron Walter: Professor Walter's older twin. He reached the rank of General as well as being pronounced head of the House of Walter on his father's death. After gaining massive gambling debts he sold Walter Castle to the Farminan Conservative Block. He didn't marry and has no children.
Former Arch-Bishop Charles Thurg: Currently in exile after being accused of treason, enemy of Supreme Commander Arnold Bashar.
Former Grand Chancellor Peter Vernis: Recently had treason charges overturned.
(Former Lesser Chancellor) Sgt Robert Brie (Jnr): Son of Robert Brie (Snr), lost seat in recent election, widely perceived as incompetent and a disgrace to his father. Conscripted back to military service after election defeat.
Thomas Grey: National hero, founder of Grey Catholic Church, great grandfather of Tobias Grey
The Third High Priest: Mysterious predecessor to Justinian, known for his long life, arrogance, spite, anger and apparent lack of a name. It was believed that he was not named when he ascended to power to separate him from the commoners, much like God doesn’t have a name. Spent the last years of his life largely crippled before being brutally killed by the Crazed Marine nation.
Demography
Population: 1.053 billion persons at last census
Birth Rate: 4.58%
Death Rate: 1.21%
Net Migration Rate: 0.01%
Net Population Growth: 3.36%
Total Fertility: 6.75 children/woman
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.00%
Life Expectancy:
Total: 77 years
Male: 73 years
Female: 81 years
Median Age:
Total: 32.5 years
Male: 31.3 years
Female: 34.0 years
Adult Literacy:
Total:70%
Male: 96%
Female: 44%
Geography
Location: Farmina Island
Capital City: Verica
Largest Coastal City: Ricco
Climate: Temperate
Highest Point: Mt Garn; Northern Mountain Range
Natural Resources
Uranium
Timber
Natural Gas
Iron Ore
Bauxite
Copper
Lead
Other
The Economy
Economic Policy
Monetary Policy and Inflation
Central to Farminan economic policy is independent monetary policy to control inflation, as conducted by the independent Central Bank of Farmina. Inflation is targeted between 1-2% by targeting the cash rate. This creates a stable environment for business, without risking deflation. If deflation is looming and no further cash rate reductions are possible to stimulate the economy, the Central Bank has the power to print Harens, but only enough to avoid deflation. The inflation target is clearly stated and adhered to, in an attempt to create a self-perpetuating belief that inflation will be between 1-2%.
Monetary Policy and the Haren
The Central Bank of Farmina also uses monetary policy to launch attacks against the Haren (the Farminan currency), if and only if inflation is safely within its target. This is done to keep the Haren and hence goods purchased in Harens (Farminan goods) relatively cheap as opposed to foreign goods. This practice is kept secret.
Fiscal Policy
Farminan fiscal policy is based on running a surplus over the cycle, but using the budget as a tool to stimulate aggregate demand when needed. The effects of large surpluses are to subsidise monetary policy (hence aiding low interest rates and inflation) and improving the current account.
Micro-economic Policy
All barriers to competition, trade and efficiency must be eradicated.
Gross Domestic Product: $27,688,368,688,792.52
GDP Per Capita: $25,495.74
Unemployment Rate: 3.00%
Consumption: $14,540,779,800,000.00
Government Budget: $14,287,931,795,700.00
Government Expenditures: $13,144,897,252,044.00
Goverment Waste: $1,143,034,543,656.00
Exports: $3,645,543,880,438.52
Imports: $3,642,852,243,690.00
Trade Surplus: $2,691,636,748.52
Exchange Rate:
1 Haren ~ $0.51 (Not thirdgeek)
100 Lesser Harens= 1 Haren
Trading Partners: Anybody who so wishes
National Industries:
Uranium Mining
Arms Manufacturing
Door-to-Door Insurance Sales
Cheap Manufactured Goods
Agriculture
Natural Gas Production
Steel Production
Other
Recent Farminan History
The Sinear Years
Farmina first emerged onto the international stage when it supported Kalantar, a Sinearan dictator who had began testing weapons on his own people. Sinear was invaded by an alliance of nations, but was eventually saved by the almighty Taka. But before the invaders were completely defeated, General Wesley killed Kalantar and took over Sinear for himself. The Farminans then claimed that Kalantar was still alive, and used a series of techniques to make the death look faked and plunge Sinear into civil war. This was not aided by the fact that Farminan operatives within Sinear launched a terror campaign against the supporters of the Wesley administration. The Wesley administration was toppled, but not before Bahbian mercenaries joined in, which refused to stop fighting until Wesley regained control of Sinear. Matters were made worse by Nowhere Place, one of the nations that had invaded Sinear, realizing that Farmina had been supporting the resistance to the occupation and caused the civil war. Nowhere Place launched an invasion of Farmina, but Farmina retaliated by launching a series of terrorist strikes in Nowhere Place. Farmina then managed to halt the Nowhere Placan advance on land, after Farmina’s entire fleet was scuttled by Nowhere Place. This however was responded to by Farmina's new ally Dumpsterdam attacking and smashing the Nowhere Placan fleet. Rotovia tried to aid the Nowhere Placans in the war, but its initial deployment was smashed, so reinforcements were sent, but they didn’t arrive until after negotiations were complete. Farmina then entered negotiations, ending the invasions of both Sinear and Farmina, but agreeing to give up terrorism as a means of persuasion. The Rotovian fleet engaged the Dumpsterdamian fleet briefly before both sides agreed to peace.
Operation Brimestone
Following this Dumpsterdam faced the threat of invasion from AMF and NATO. Farmina feeling duty bound, due to Dumpsterdam’s aid in the Nowhere Placan invasion, sent a large ground force to Dumpsterdam to try and prevent the invasion. Dumpsterdam came under blockade, and its fleet was badly beaten in a series of naval battles. Dumpsterdam surrendered, and the Farminan ground forces escaped with large groups of refugees. Emperor Rift of Dumpsterdam was thrown in prison in AMF. Meanwhile, Crazed Marines, a NATO nation, launched a series of stinging assaults on Farmina from the air, while blockading it from the sea. These attacks included the destruction of the Golden Abbey, killing Farmina’s current leader, the Third High Priest, and who was replaced by the child Justinian. Justinian made a decison to revert to terror tactics, smuggling an elite team into Crazed Marines, destroying the nation’s largest port. Furthering the Farminan cause, was the Bahbian mercenaries, returning to side with Farmina. The Crazed Marines came to the negotiating table and Justinian gained all he had intended, including General Hansard Blivx to prosecute for the death of the Third High Priest. The general was later executed. It never be came public in either nation, but President Kowalski of the Crazed Marines had in fact set up the general, who was a political enemy.
Peace, Prosperity and Reform
Farmina then entered a period of peace and prosperity, with Justinian introducing a massive range of reforms. First and foremost, was the separation of Church and State, with Justinian creating to separate roles, Pope and Emperor. Justinian also liberalized the Farminan economy, partially re-legalized alcohol, cracked down on military autonomy and increased the powers of the elected councils.
Democracy equals Destruction
Justinian, or Emperor Justinian as he had become, seemed the benevolent dictator, but this perception was shattered after the council elections, when the conservatives lost their majority, and the extremist fascists and socialists gained great deals of power. A great number of the socialists were arrested for charges relating to electoral fraud. The fascists believed they had gained a mandate and started demanding more power. Riots began breaking out on the street, and clashes between the far left and right broke out. Emperor Justinian struggled to control the situation, as important conservative backers began turning up dead. There was suspected support for the fascists by the military, which was deeply disturbed by Justinian’s attempts to reduce its autonomy.
The Farmina Wars
In an act of desperation, Justinian ordered all socialists on death row, executed in a bizarre mass execution as a show of force to the dissidents. Justinian had felt that he was perceived as weak due to the abandonment of his predecessor’s repressive style, and hence felt the civil unrest was a direct result of him being a ‘gentle child’. This back fired with huge international condemnation, declarations of war from Mondoth, Hogsweat and Random Kingdom, and increasing violence in the streets. The situation worsened as Farmina edged on total collapse. In the end, Dumpsterdam deployed troops to Farmina, not only restoring Justinian’s control of the masses, but also the military, which were practically refusing to control the civil disobedience. Justinian also came up with a stable power sharing arrangement between him and the fascist block leader Tobias Grey, involving Tobias Grey becoming Grand Chancellor. Justinian used the opportunity to prepare a massive offensive against his enemies, and restore Farmina to its previous high regard. Also to Justinian’s advantage were constitutional amendments that gained deep international support and one of the nations at war with Farmina, Mondoth, launching an attack on a neutral nation. After a brief military encounter Mondoth and Farmina went to the negotiating table, partly after being shamed by Makiscan and Krioval. Meanwhile a grand Farminan armada sailed off the coast of Random Kingdom, co-ordinating a bombing campaign with Wolfish. Power facilities were quickly destroyed as bombings destroyed early on, as Random Kingdom fell into chaos and the government collapsed. Random Kingdom's ex-President Smith met with Farminan officials and agreed to let Farmina create a new government. After this Farmina, Wolfish and Celtayoshi, occupied Random Kingdom, or New Kingdom as some termed it, setting up an interim military government while preparing democratic elections. On the word of Random Kingdoms fall The Island of Rose declared war on Farmina, but retracted this when Farmina and CAD moved an armada near Rosian waters. In spite of this the Random Kingdom elections went off without a hitch, capitalists claiming the presidency and forming the new government, but failed to secure legislature control. Farmina then withdrew from Random Kingdom securing a complete end to the conflict.
Grey Revolution
The greatest threat to Farmina was a domestic one. After the untimely death of Justinian’s girlfriend, he had a seeming fit of madness and was confined to his quarters, where he became a prisoner of Tobias Grey's trickery. A debate between Chancellor Goth and Grand Chancellor Tobias Grey created a constitutional crisis with the Emperor’s inability to decide the matter. The legislature entered into a deadlock and so the Grand Court delivered Tobias Grey the powers of the Emperor to deal with the matter as he saw fit.
Quotes
Quotes Relating to Farmina:
Nowhere Place: Can we trust them?...Of course not.
Crazed Marines: You're the first really opponent we've had in years. I mean, countries with militaries bigger than you have collapsed within days from our might.
Roach-busters: (To Professor Walter) I feel your tastes in toasters are impeccable.
Makiscan: (Regarding the purge) To call these acts barbaric would be an insult to barbaric people.
Quotes by Farmina:
Chancellor Thomas Goth: You’re embargoing us because we speak our opinions, that has to be a first.
The Third High Priest: Sodomy is a very serious crime!
Emperor Justinian: (Regarding the end of compulsory church attendance) This is a rollback of progress in its most blatant form.
Chancellor Thomas Goth: To call socialists thinking beings is a bit over the top. If they could think, they wouldn't believe in socialism.
Country name:
Conventional long form: The Holy Empire of Farmina
Conventional short form: Farmina
Also known as: The Holy Farminan Empire
Technology Level: Modern technology (MT)
Nationality: Farminans not Farminians (as with Americans not Americians)
Official Language: English
Other Major Languages: Latin, German
Ethnicity: 99% White European, 1% Other
National Motto: Glory under God
National Religion: Grey Catholicism (100%)
National Animal: Eagle
Current Military Status:
Green Level 2
Formal Bilateral Allies:
Dumpsterdam
Merchant Guilds
Tacit Bilateral Allies/ Friendly Nations:
Roach-busters
The Parthians
The Lightning Star
Government and Politics
Governmental System: Constitutional Monarchy
Constitutional Amendment Requirements:
Amendment to pass all Elected Councils
Approval of the Emperor
Passing a popular vote
Farminan Political Institutions:
Imperial Household
The Emperor has the right to veto legislation, appoint the Chancellery from within the Elected Councils and enact ‘executive laws’ in emergencies. The Emperor is also the sole commander of the Imperial Guard also known as the “White Guard” which totals ten thousand men. The Emperor presides at the White Palace a massive structure, with a huge number of conference, ceremonial and civic venues. In fact the Emperor is even expected to wear white, as the Imperial colour is known as “Imperial White.”
Elected Councils
The Elected Councils make all legislation. Members of the councils are called councilors. The Councils are elected on the basis of proportional representation, with the exception of the Council of Provinces. As well as proportional representation, Farminan electoral systems also use single transferable vote The combination of proportional representation and the single transferable vote to prevent vote spitting as seen in first past the post democracies. These combine to create very highly multiparty councils. Each Chancellor has their own council, for example the Council of Law or the Council of Foreign Affairs. The Council of Provinces has 101 seats, with five representatives elected to it by the councils of each the twenty provinces plus the Grand Chancellor. Before legislation can be presented before the Emperor, it must pass the Grand Council which has 1,000 members and is the most multiparty council, the Council of Provinces and if the legislation belongs to a particular department, then also the appropriate council on which there are 20 councilors. Provincial legislation only need pass that province’s council. Councilors can be members of more than one council. Lesser councils are appointed by department’s councils to investigate certain matters and are usually headed by a Lesser Chancellor. The colour of the Elected Councils within Farmina is “Council Blue”.
Chancellery
The Chancellery holds most of the executive power within Farmina. The Chancellery is appointed by the Emperor. This is from either the major political block or several political blocks consisting majority coalition in the Grand Council, but is a matter of convention rather than constitutional requirement. The national Chancellery is headed by the Grand Chancellor, who has a seat in both the Grand Council and the Council of States. All national Chancellors, have a dedication to a single issue, for example, Chancellor for Health. Under each Chancellor are a series of Lesser Chancellors who help run the Chancellor’s department. Chancellors sit on the Grand Council and their own department’s council. Provincial Chancellors are the head of each provincial government, which are relatively small and generally follow the national policy. The Chancellery’s colour is also “Council Blue” but Chancellors are known to where gold sashes to mark themselves out.
Grey Catholic Church of God
A breakaway faction of the Roman Catholic Church inspired by Thomas Grey and his writings on the relationships between man and God. The Grey Catholic Church was especially worried about the ‘extreme liberalization’ of the Roman Catholic Church. The Church’s power comes from a belief that the God is the one true ruler of man, and the church acts as his representative on Earth. It used appoint an absolute ruler for Farmina, before Justinian created the monarchy. The colour of the church is “Crimson Red.”
Military
Once a powerful political institution in Farmina, at one stage having practically absolute power, the military is now preparing to lose all its political power. The remaining strands of power the military has, are the ability to query a declaration of war and the little autonomy Justinian hasn’t cracked down on. The era of the military doing as it pleased regardless of public opinion and the government is over. The military's colour is navy grey, but is rarely seen and has been removed from the national flag.
Judiciary
Judges are appointed independently, with the exception of the Council of Law, which is elected. The Council of Law is the second highest court in the nation, topped only by the Grand Court. All verdicts are made by the judge, never by jury. The Judiciary has no colour.
National Leaders [Moralist-Coalition Administration]
Head of State: Emperor Justinian (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Stroll.jpg)
Also known as: Justinian the Just, Justinian the Mad, The Great Reformer, Justinian the Butcher
Generally logical and calculation, with reasonable compassion, known to experience fits of rage. Has no known last name. Very strongly Catholic. Before leading the church he was being educated at the Catholic Institute for Gifted Children. Little else is known.
Head of Government: Grand Chancellor Tobias Grey (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Grey.jpg)
Great grandson of Thomas Grey. Vindictive and cruel, not to mention ambitious and self serving. A strong politician and logical person, but has little time for compassion. Has taken on role of acting Emperor.
Head of Military: Supreme Commander Arnold Bashar (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Bashar.jpg)
Head of Church: Pope Thomas James (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/OddLookingPope.jpg)
Chancellor for Foreign Affairs: Thomas Goth (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Goth.jpg)
Had short lived term as Grand Chancellor, one of the finest politicians in Farmina.
Chancellor of the Laws: Jonathon Water
Had short lived term as acting Grand Chancellor.
Chancellor for Trade: Andre Cirtus (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Cirtus.jpg)
Chancellor for Morality and Culture: Phillip Sullivan
Chancellor for Health: John Hewart
Chancellor for Economic Affairs: Arthur Whitinger
Chancellor for Police and Prisons: Robert Brie (Snr) (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/BrieSnr.jpg)
Chancellor for Education: Fredrick Johnson
Chancellor of the Treasury: Gregory Vanstone
Major Political Blocks
*A block is a group of smaller political parties
Conservative Block (41%)
Lead by [Chancellor] Thomas Goth (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Goth.jpg)
Socially and economically conservative
Moralist Block (25%)
Lead by Dan Rickhart (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Rickhart.jpg)
Socially conservative and economically moderate, with policy of ‘external equality’
Socialist Block (13%)
Lead by Alfred Zimia (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Socialist.jpg)
Market social economics and liberal social policy.
Labour Block (8%)
Lead by George Ravenstart (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Labour.jpg)
Moderate socialization of the economy, moderate/conservative social policies
Liberal Block (7%)
Lead by James "Jamie" Palmer (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Liberal.jpg)
Conservative economics and liberal social policy.
Military Block (2%)
Lead by [Former General] Varius Aricar
Conservative with policies of military rights and autonomy for the military
Other (4%)
Other Famous Farminans
Professor Michael James Walter (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/WalterandFamily.jpg): Brilliant academic, head of Farmina National University, celebrity and fruitcake. His tale is an inherently tragic one. His entire family was murdered in an attack meant for him. After this he vowed not to return to Farmina. He later died in a Parthian rock climbing accident.
Field Marshal Richard Jefferson (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Farmina/Jefferson.jpg)
Intelligent and ambitious military tactician, often clashes with other military personnel. Recently appointed military governor of New Kingdom.
Duke Cameron Walter: Professor Walter's older twin. He reached the rank of General as well as being pronounced head of the House of Walter on his father's death. After gaining massive gambling debts he sold Walter Castle to the Farminan Conservative Block. He didn't marry and has no children.
Former Arch-Bishop Charles Thurg: Currently in exile after being accused of treason, enemy of Supreme Commander Arnold Bashar.
Former Grand Chancellor Peter Vernis: Recently had treason charges overturned.
(Former Lesser Chancellor) Sgt Robert Brie (Jnr): Son of Robert Brie (Snr), lost seat in recent election, widely perceived as incompetent and a disgrace to his father. Conscripted back to military service after election defeat.
Thomas Grey: National hero, founder of Grey Catholic Church, great grandfather of Tobias Grey
The Third High Priest: Mysterious predecessor to Justinian, known for his long life, arrogance, spite, anger and apparent lack of a name. It was believed that he was not named when he ascended to power to separate him from the commoners, much like God doesn’t have a name. Spent the last years of his life largely crippled before being brutally killed by the Crazed Marine nation.
Demography
Population: 1.053 billion persons at last census
Birth Rate: 4.58%
Death Rate: 1.21%
Net Migration Rate: 0.01%
Net Population Growth: 3.36%
Total Fertility: 6.75 children/woman
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.00%
Life Expectancy:
Total: 77 years
Male: 73 years
Female: 81 years
Median Age:
Total: 32.5 years
Male: 31.3 years
Female: 34.0 years
Adult Literacy:
Total:70%
Male: 96%
Female: 44%
Geography
Location: Farmina Island
Capital City: Verica
Largest Coastal City: Ricco
Climate: Temperate
Highest Point: Mt Garn; Northern Mountain Range
Natural Resources
Uranium
Timber
Natural Gas
Iron Ore
Bauxite
Copper
Lead
Other
The Economy
Economic Policy
Monetary Policy and Inflation
Central to Farminan economic policy is independent monetary policy to control inflation, as conducted by the independent Central Bank of Farmina. Inflation is targeted between 1-2% by targeting the cash rate. This creates a stable environment for business, without risking deflation. If deflation is looming and no further cash rate reductions are possible to stimulate the economy, the Central Bank has the power to print Harens, but only enough to avoid deflation. The inflation target is clearly stated and adhered to, in an attempt to create a self-perpetuating belief that inflation will be between 1-2%.
Monetary Policy and the Haren
The Central Bank of Farmina also uses monetary policy to launch attacks against the Haren (the Farminan currency), if and only if inflation is safely within its target. This is done to keep the Haren and hence goods purchased in Harens (Farminan goods) relatively cheap as opposed to foreign goods. This practice is kept secret.
Fiscal Policy
Farminan fiscal policy is based on running a surplus over the cycle, but using the budget as a tool to stimulate aggregate demand when needed. The effects of large surpluses are to subsidise monetary policy (hence aiding low interest rates and inflation) and improving the current account.
Micro-economic Policy
All barriers to competition, trade and efficiency must be eradicated.
Gross Domestic Product: $27,688,368,688,792.52
GDP Per Capita: $25,495.74
Unemployment Rate: 3.00%
Consumption: $14,540,779,800,000.00
Government Budget: $14,287,931,795,700.00
Government Expenditures: $13,144,897,252,044.00
Goverment Waste: $1,143,034,543,656.00
Exports: $3,645,543,880,438.52
Imports: $3,642,852,243,690.00
Trade Surplus: $2,691,636,748.52
Exchange Rate:
1 Haren ~ $0.51 (Not thirdgeek)
100 Lesser Harens= 1 Haren
Trading Partners: Anybody who so wishes
National Industries:
Uranium Mining
Arms Manufacturing
Door-to-Door Insurance Sales
Cheap Manufactured Goods
Agriculture
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Recent Farminan History
The Sinear Years
Farmina first emerged onto the international stage when it supported Kalantar, a Sinearan dictator who had began testing weapons on his own people. Sinear was invaded by an alliance of nations, but was eventually saved by the almighty Taka. But before the invaders were completely defeated, General Wesley killed Kalantar and took over Sinear for himself. The Farminans then claimed that Kalantar was still alive, and used a series of techniques to make the death look faked and plunge Sinear into civil war. This was not aided by the fact that Farminan operatives within Sinear launched a terror campaign against the supporters of the Wesley administration. The Wesley administration was toppled, but not before Bahbian mercenaries joined in, which refused to stop fighting until Wesley regained control of Sinear. Matters were made worse by Nowhere Place, one of the nations that had invaded Sinear, realizing that Farmina had been supporting the resistance to the occupation and caused the civil war. Nowhere Place launched an invasion of Farmina, but Farmina retaliated by launching a series of terrorist strikes in Nowhere Place. Farmina then managed to halt the Nowhere Placan advance on land, after Farmina’s entire fleet was scuttled by Nowhere Place. This however was responded to by Farmina's new ally Dumpsterdam attacking and smashing the Nowhere Placan fleet. Rotovia tried to aid the Nowhere Placans in the war, but its initial deployment was smashed, so reinforcements were sent, but they didn’t arrive until after negotiations were complete. Farmina then entered negotiations, ending the invasions of both Sinear and Farmina, but agreeing to give up terrorism as a means of persuasion. The Rotovian fleet engaged the Dumpsterdamian fleet briefly before both sides agreed to peace.
Operation Brimestone
Following this Dumpsterdam faced the threat of invasion from AMF and NATO. Farmina feeling duty bound, due to Dumpsterdam’s aid in the Nowhere Placan invasion, sent a large ground force to Dumpsterdam to try and prevent the invasion. Dumpsterdam came under blockade, and its fleet was badly beaten in a series of naval battles. Dumpsterdam surrendered, and the Farminan ground forces escaped with large groups of refugees. Emperor Rift of Dumpsterdam was thrown in prison in AMF. Meanwhile, Crazed Marines, a NATO nation, launched a series of stinging assaults on Farmina from the air, while blockading it from the sea. These attacks included the destruction of the Golden Abbey, killing Farmina’s current leader, the Third High Priest, and who was replaced by the child Justinian. Justinian made a decison to revert to terror tactics, smuggling an elite team into Crazed Marines, destroying the nation’s largest port. Furthering the Farminan cause, was the Bahbian mercenaries, returning to side with Farmina. The Crazed Marines came to the negotiating table and Justinian gained all he had intended, including General Hansard Blivx to prosecute for the death of the Third High Priest. The general was later executed. It never be came public in either nation, but President Kowalski of the Crazed Marines had in fact set up the general, who was a political enemy.
Peace, Prosperity and Reform
Farmina then entered a period of peace and prosperity, with Justinian introducing a massive range of reforms. First and foremost, was the separation of Church and State, with Justinian creating to separate roles, Pope and Emperor. Justinian also liberalized the Farminan economy, partially re-legalized alcohol, cracked down on military autonomy and increased the powers of the elected councils.
Democracy equals Destruction
Justinian, or Emperor Justinian as he had become, seemed the benevolent dictator, but this perception was shattered after the council elections, when the conservatives lost their majority, and the extremist fascists and socialists gained great deals of power. A great number of the socialists were arrested for charges relating to electoral fraud. The fascists believed they had gained a mandate and started demanding more power. Riots began breaking out on the street, and clashes between the far left and right broke out. Emperor Justinian struggled to control the situation, as important conservative backers began turning up dead. There was suspected support for the fascists by the military, which was deeply disturbed by Justinian’s attempts to reduce its autonomy.
The Farmina Wars
In an act of desperation, Justinian ordered all socialists on death row, executed in a bizarre mass execution as a show of force to the dissidents. Justinian had felt that he was perceived as weak due to the abandonment of his predecessor’s repressive style, and hence felt the civil unrest was a direct result of him being a ‘gentle child’. This back fired with huge international condemnation, declarations of war from Mondoth, Hogsweat and Random Kingdom, and increasing violence in the streets. The situation worsened as Farmina edged on total collapse. In the end, Dumpsterdam deployed troops to Farmina, not only restoring Justinian’s control of the masses, but also the military, which were practically refusing to control the civil disobedience. Justinian also came up with a stable power sharing arrangement between him and the fascist block leader Tobias Grey, involving Tobias Grey becoming Grand Chancellor. Justinian used the opportunity to prepare a massive offensive against his enemies, and restore Farmina to its previous high regard. Also to Justinian’s advantage were constitutional amendments that gained deep international support and one of the nations at war with Farmina, Mondoth, launching an attack on a neutral nation. After a brief military encounter Mondoth and Farmina went to the negotiating table, partly after being shamed by Makiscan and Krioval. Meanwhile a grand Farminan armada sailed off the coast of Random Kingdom, co-ordinating a bombing campaign with Wolfish. Power facilities were quickly destroyed as bombings destroyed early on, as Random Kingdom fell into chaos and the government collapsed. Random Kingdom's ex-President Smith met with Farminan officials and agreed to let Farmina create a new government. After this Farmina, Wolfish and Celtayoshi, occupied Random Kingdom, or New Kingdom as some termed it, setting up an interim military government while preparing democratic elections. On the word of Random Kingdoms fall The Island of Rose declared war on Farmina, but retracted this when Farmina and CAD moved an armada near Rosian waters. In spite of this the Random Kingdom elections went off without a hitch, capitalists claiming the presidency and forming the new government, but failed to secure legislature control. Farmina then withdrew from Random Kingdom securing a complete end to the conflict.
Grey Revolution
The greatest threat to Farmina was a domestic one. After the untimely death of Justinian’s girlfriend, he had a seeming fit of madness and was confined to his quarters, where he became a prisoner of Tobias Grey's trickery. A debate between Chancellor Goth and Grand Chancellor Tobias Grey created a constitutional crisis with the Emperor’s inability to decide the matter. The legislature entered into a deadlock and so the Grand Court delivered Tobias Grey the powers of the Emperor to deal with the matter as he saw fit.
Quotes
Quotes Relating to Farmina:
Nowhere Place: Can we trust them?...Of course not.
Crazed Marines: You're the first really opponent we've had in years. I mean, countries with militaries bigger than you have collapsed within days from our might.
Roach-busters: (To Professor Walter) I feel your tastes in toasters are impeccable.
Makiscan: (Regarding the purge) To call these acts barbaric would be an insult to barbaric people.
Quotes by Farmina:
Chancellor Thomas Goth: You’re embargoing us because we speak our opinions, that has to be a first.
The Third High Priest: Sodomy is a very serious crime!
Emperor Justinian: (Regarding the end of compulsory church attendance) This is a rollback of progress in its most blatant form.
Chancellor Thomas Goth: To call socialists thinking beings is a bit over the top. If they could think, they wouldn't believe in socialism.