Sarzonia
12-06-2005, 04:46
Incorporated States of Sarzonia
Geography
Area
926,375 square km
Location
Atlantian Oceania region, 1400 km east of Cuba
Area (comparative) (roughly 16,000 sq. km larger than RL Nigeria)
Border countries
Crystilakere 367 km, Chacor 196 km, Ryloss 282 km
Coastline
883 kilometres
Maritime Claims
Territorial sea: 20 nm
Continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin
Contiguous zone: 20 NM
Exclusive economic zone: 200 NM
Climate
Variable. Warm summers, cold winters to the north; hot summers, cool winters to the south.
Terrain
Variable. Mountains in the centre of the country, sandy beaches to the south.
Elevation
Lowest: Portsmouth Harbour – sea level
Highest: Mount Caroline (Lorber Mountains) – 18,420 km above sea level
Natural Resources
Titanium, iron, live oak, gold, dilithium, uranium, silver, platinum, vanadium
Shortages
Sarzonia only produces approximately 14% of its necessary oil and 17% of coffee. The country maintains a three week supply of oil for emergencies and the country is a mass consumer of coffee.
Land use
Arable land: 32.6%
Permanent crops: 12.4%
Other: 55% (2005 est.)
Irrigated land
96,709 sq km
Natural hazards
Frequent thunderstorms, occasional earthquakes in Bausch, though most are brief and cause minimal damage.
Environmental - current issues
Frequent flooding as a result of irrigation projects approximately 100 km north of Woodstock. Sporadic problems with nuclear waste contamination of waters.
People
Population
3.975 billion as of 31 January 2006
Age structure
0-14 years: 20.1%
15-64 years: 63.9%
65 years and over: 16%
Median age
Total: 32.4 years
Male: 33.9 years
Female: 31.1 years
Population growth rate
1.8%
Net migration rate
9.6 migrants/1,000 population
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 80.6 years
male: 78.8 years
female: 82.4 years
Nationality
Noun: Sarzonian
Adjective: Sarzonian
Ethnic Groups
Sarzonian 74%, Pacitalian 13%, Praetonian 8%, Skinnian 3%, Isselmerian-Nielander 0.9%, other 0.1%.
Religions
Christian – Catholic 68%, Christian – Protestant 14%, Jewish – 11%, Other 7%
Languages
English (official) 99.2%, Spanish 44%, Pacitalian 37%, French 16%, Latin 7%
National Fertility Rate
1.96 births per 1,000 population (2005 est.)
Literacy
definition: Age 12 or over can read and write
total population: 100%
Government Structure and Politics
Country Name
Conventional long form: Incorporated States of Sarzonia
Conventional short form: Sarzonia
Frequently referred to as: Sarzonia, ISS, Incorporated States
Pronounciation
Sar-zo-nee-uh
Government Type
Representative democracy with bicameral legislature
Capital
Woodstock
Administrative divisions
23 states – Bausch, Benatar, Caroline, Chesapeake, Cooke, Cumberland, Endymion, Evermore, Fleetwood, Frederick, Henley, Lorber, Montgomery, New Cuba, New Granzi, New Isslemere, New Praetonia, Newcastle, Orleans, Salisbury, Somerset, Syosset, Truxtun
Major cities
Nicksia, Portland, Portsmouth, Lexington, Woodstock, Avalon, Saugerties (state capital)
Independence
Sarzonia’s independence day is recognised as 22 March as the United States granted Sarzonia its independence on that date in 2004.
National Holiday
Founder’s Day (22 March)
Constitution and Legal System
30 May 2004. U.S. Constitution still has influence on Sarzonian law and judicial proceedings rely on American legal precedents and rulings. Does not accept UN jurisdiction as it is not a member.
Suffrage
18 years of age, universal. Convicted felons forfeit their right to vote.
Executive branch
Head of state: President Mike SARZO (since 22 March 2004)
Head of government: President Mike SARZO (since 22 March 2004). As the nation’s founder, Sarzo’s term is for life. Upon his death, resignation, or removal from office, the Presidency shall be subject to an election cycle as follows: The Primary elections determine candidates from the various political parties. The Secondary elections decide the top two votegetters, who run in the General election. Each successive President shall serve no more than two terms, consecutively or otherwise and are elected on the basis of the popular vote.
Cabinet
Lieutenant President: Nicole Lewis
Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer: Mark Lorber
Vice President for Defence: John Newman
Vice President for Budget and Finance: Carol Weinberg
Vice President for Health and Athletics: Jimmy Marshall (Note it's Jimmy, not James)
Vice President for Science and Technology: Tracy Obenga
Vice President for Transportation: June May
Vice President for Employment Services: Arthur Trautwig
Vice President for Business and Commerce: Janis Hedge
Vice President for Naval Operations: Kathy Bunhall
Vice President for Education: Henrietta Goudine
Vice President for the Home Guard: Bill Lighton
Attorney General: Jonathan Cochrane
Federal Commerce and Trade Committee Chairman: Lyle Cheneyworth
Communications Oversight Committee Chairman: Frank Browers
Army Chief: Antonius Santius
Air Force Chief: Greg Rodgers
Space Force Chief: Tad McGuire
Intelligence Chief: Jamie Stone
Press Secretary: Heather Lloyd
Judicial branch
Supreme Judicial Court, seven Justices, four Alternate Justices; Appellate Court, Superior Court, Circuit Court
Legislative branch
Bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Delegates (500 seats) and the Senate (52 seats). Each colony gets two Senators and a proportional number of Delegates. The House of Delegates is the direct voice of the people elected by the people, while the Senate is appointed by state or colonial legislatures or the Woodstock City Council after nomination by the Governor or Woodstock city mayor. Each Delegate serves a two year term, while each Senator serves four years.
The House of Delegates has authority to ratify treaties, confirm or reject candidates for federal positions, embassies, etc., convict a sitting President following a trial on Articles of Impeachment in the Senate, and in short has many of the powers reserved by the U.S. Senate.
Political parties
Progressive (25%), Independent (24%), Liberal (22%), Conservative (19%), Moderate (6%), Nationalist (3%), other (1%)
International organisation participation
Founding nation, Woodstock Pact (WP); member, Council of Air Power (CAP); member, Organisation of Maritime Powers (OMP); Treaty of Praeton (TOP) signatory nation.
Economy
Despite regulation that would stifle some national economies, Sarzonia’s economy is among the more robust in the world, based largely on arms manufacturing. The strongest company in Sarzonia by far is the Portland Iron Works, an arms manufacturing conglomerate that accounts for 24.7% of Sarzonia’s Gross Domestic Product. Other prominent companies in Sarzonia include Houghton and Mifflin book publishers, Random House, Eckie Cola, Imperium Cola, and Estrella Motor Cars.
While the government regulates most companies in Sarzonia to within an inch of their bottom lines, the Portland Iron Works is allowed to operate without government interference. In exchange for that largesse, the company pays taxes on its profits to the government. While PIW is subject to the same laws regulating international commerce that other Sarzonian companies are, it often preempts governmental decisions to prohibit commerce with a country by placing it on its black list.
GDP
$163.9 trillion US (as of 31 January 2006)
GDP per capita
$41,239.01
GDP – composition by sector
Industry: 66% (2005 est.)
Agriculture: 21%
Services and misc. sectors: 13%
Unemployment rate
2.61%
Population below poverty line
0.5%
Income tax rate
Flate rate of 27%
Household income or consumption by % share
Highest 10%: 21%
Lowest 10%: 3.7%
Inflation rate
1.9%
Labour force
2.36 billion
Industries
Arms manufacturing, book publishing, arms manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, soda sales, tourism, information technology
Exports – commodities
Warships, aircraft and parts, titanium, tea, iron, gold, natural gas, nickel, plutonium
Exports – partners
Isselmere-Nieland: 29%; Praetonia: 23%; Hamptonshire: 10%; Pacitalia: 10%; Skinny87: 8%; Samtonia: 8%; Izistan: 8%; other 6%
Imports - commodities
Oil, coffee, platinum, silver, staple foods, luxury foods
Imports – partners
Isselmere-Nieland: 27%; Praetonia: 26%; Hamptonshire: 21%; Pacitalia: 10%; Skinny87: 8%; The Evil Overlord: 4%; other 3%
Debt
$218 million
Economic aid – donor
$127 billion USD
Currency
Dollar ($), cent (¢)
Currency code
SZ, SZ$
Exchange rates
$1 Sarzonian = 1.03 Praefli (Praetonia)
$1 Sarzonian = 0.91 Krone (Hamptonshire)
$1 Sarzonian =1.06 Lethse (Isselmere-Nieland)
$1 Sarzonian = 1.08 Douro (Pacitalia)
Fiscal year
1 July – 30 June
Communications
International Dialing Country Code
17
Telephones – main line phones
2,846,390,240
Telephones – mobile phones
2,792,290,420
Telephone system
Generally excellent service provided by modern technology and satellite communications systems. Connected to 26 international submarine coaxial cables.
Radio broadcast stations
AM 5,530
FM 9,720
Satellite 590
Major radio broadcasting networks
4 (SRN – Sarzonian Radio Network; ISR – Incorporated Sarzonian Radio; SBC – Sarzonian Broadcasting Company; RNS – Radio Nacional de Sarzonia)
Minor radio broadcasting networks
36
Radio broadcasting systems
713
Radios
2.64 billion
Television broadcasting networks
6 (major ones include Sarzonian News Network and TeleSarzonia)
Televisions
2.48 billion
Internet hosts
142,700,230
Internet Service Providers
894
Internet users
2.896 billion
Web TLD / Domain Extension
.srz
Transportation
Railways
Total: 18,749 km
Standard gauge: 10,423km 1.435m-gauge (electrified)
Sarzonia has an extremely advanced rail system using the MAGLEV train.
Highways
Total: 721,855 km
Paved: 613,204 km (including 127,700km of expressways)
Unpaved: 108,651 km
Waterways
3,102 km
Pipelines
Crude oil/petroleum: 643 km
Natural gas: 9,765 km
Ports and harbours
North Portland, South Portland, East Nicksia, West Nicksia, Portsmouth, Townshend, Lexington
Merchant marine
Total: 5,256 ships
Airports
446
Heliports
116
Military
Military Branches
Incorporated Sarzonian Army (ISA); Incorporated Sarzonian Navy (ISN); Incorporated Sarzonian Air Force (ISAF); Naval Infantry – Marines; Blue Cobras – special ops; Defence Cutter Force (DCF)
Military manpower – military age
18 years of age
Military manpower – availability
Males and females age 18-55: 2.52 billion
Military manpower – current size
Total: 57.558 million
ISA: 15 million
ISN: 14.6 million
ISAF: 2,590,000
Naval Infantry: 2.75 million
Blue Cobras: 50,000
Ready reserves: 22.2 million
Civilian workforce: 368,000
Military manpower – as percentage of total population
1.4%
Military manpower – fit for military service
828,703,619 (note: Sarzonian law forbids conscription or drafts unless the country is under immediate invasion)
Military manpower – reaching military age annually
8,417,552
Military expenditures – monetary values
$12.3 trillion
Military expenditures – as percentage of GDP
7.5%
Primary military allies
Praetonia, Isselmere-Nieland, Hamptonshire, Artitsa, Samtonia, Romandeos, Skinny87, Manhattan Prime
Primary enemy
Doomingsland
Countries considered hostile
Automagfreek, Generic Empire, Seversky, Borman Empire, El Caudillo
Countries considered unfriendly
Yallak, Aequatio, Azazia
Countries with relations severed
(temporary): Tyrandis, MassPwnage, Confederate Inkana
(permanent): Euroslavia
Transnational Issues, Customs and Immigration
Disputes – international
None currently
Disputes – boundaries
None currently.
Disputes – wars, conflicts and international issues
Recently fought Pantera in Sarz-Panteran War (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=440102) (Sarzonian name) with most of the action taking place in Branwyn, a former Sarzonian colony now independent.
Recently fought in Inkanan Civil War with Isselmere-Nieland and Inkana’s Royalists against Inkana’s Republicans, Doomingsland, and Generic Empire.
Previously, Sarzonia fought against Holy Panooly, defeating a vastly larger foe; fought alongside Praetonia against CorpSac when the latter country attempted to coerce Praetonia into turning over military equipment from United Korean Nations that entered Praetonian territory. Quick thinking by Admiral Marcus Patinkin led the allies to victory over a larger foe; fought and defeated Cam III with a very large coalition.
Customs and immigration policy
Open to friendly countries; citizens of other countries only permitted in cases of asylum.
Nations not requiring visas or special documents to enter
Praetonia, Isselmere-Nieland, Izistan, Granzi, Samtonia, Yafor 2, Romandeos, Skinny87, Scandavian States
Nations not requiring passports to enter (driver's license or national ID cards considered acceptable identification)
Praetonia, Isselmere-Nieland, Izistan, Granzi, Skinny87
Education, Arts & Culture
Full-time international university students, 2005-06 academic year
59,539,526
Post-secondary enrollment, total, 2004-05 academic year
952,153,843
Primary international sources of student enrollment, 2005-06 academic year (ordered by total number, largest first)
Isselmere-Nieland, Praetonia, Hamptonshire, Artitsa, Pacitalia
Major universities
Joe Gibbs University (Nicksia), University of Syosset (Portland campus), Woodstock University (Woodstock), University of Saugerties (Saugerties); Cumberland University (Lake McVie), University of Chesapeake (Randolph)
Major venues of theatre arts
Max Yasgur Centre for the Performing Arts (Woodstock); Graham Nash Amphitheatre (Woodstock); Reginald Leopold I Centre (under construction – Portland); Sarius Publius Centre for the Arts (under construction – Portsmouth).
Major venues of scripted and visual arts
Naval Museum (Nicksia), Hall of Leaders (Woodstock); National Museum of Sarzonian History (Portland); National Museum of Art (Woodstock); Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Nicksia)
Flag and Anthem of Sarzonia
Current flag
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/msarzo/sarzonia.jpg
Thanks Vilita!
Two colours, navy blue and white; 22 small white stars surround one large star in the centre of the flag.
Current national anthem
Freedom (http://www.nicksfix.com/freedom.htm) (written by Stevie Nicks and Mike Campbell, performed by Fleetwood Mac)
Great seal of Sarzonia
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/msarzo/GreatSeal.jpg
Thanks Pacitalia!
Famous Sarzonians
The Arts – Musicians, composers, writers, poets playwrights…
Stevie Nicks, recording artist (1948-)
Don Henley, recording artist (1947-)
Edgar Allen Poe, writer (1809-1849)
Joshua Humphreys, shipbuilder (1751-1838)
Noah Brown, shipbuilder (1770-?)
History
The Beginning
While the Incorporated States of Sarzonia was only founded in 2004, the country’s traditions reach back hundreds of years. The country was founded by former American citizen Mike Sarzo, who led a group of settlers who were disenchanted with a United States led by George W. Bush in 2001 and found a large island and built the first settlement in what would eventually become Nicksia.
The country eventually gained its independence in 2004 when a stream of people came to the country. While the country was originally founded by Americans and its system of government is heavily influenced by the United States of America, a growing influx of immigrants from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and an early group from the United Kingdom of Isslemere-Nieland led to Sarzonia eventually adopting British spellings and expressions. An influx of Praetonians further cemented this sea change in language.
Among the government’s early initiatives: Establishing the metric system as the official system of measurement in use by the Incorporated States, naming English the official language of the country, and ending the civil benefits of marriage, conferring those on civil unions. When Sarzo was elected President, he chose to name two Senior Vice Presidents, one a Senior Vice President for Internal Affairs, who would help lead the day-to-day affairs of the country, and a Senior Vice President for External Affairs, who would serve as the country’s foreign minister. Cabinet positions, run by Secretaries in the United States of America or Ministers in Great Britain, would be run by Vice Presidents.
Military history
The Incorporated Sarzonian Navy got off to a flying start when it engaged Feazanthia in a military exercise. Despite having a much smaller force, including only two fleet carriers and five light carriers, Sarzonia more than held its own against a more experienced naval force.
The country has adopted a pragmatic foreign policy based on a limited non-intervention policy; however, in a case of ethnic cleansing, Sarzonia become the first of three countries that opposed Holy Panooly’s efforts at ethnic cleansing and declared war when that country refused to cease its practice. Despite a poorly-coordinated allied effort with Austaur Union and Axis Nova, and despite the country’s much smaller and less experienced military, Sarzonia defeated Holy Panooly and forced their government into exile.
The government would face a threat shortly thereafter when the country engaged in a brief, but brutal civil war when the state of Bausch attempted to secede from Sarzonia. An allied force including Isselmere-Nieland and Morathania helped Sarzonia defeat Bausch and force the state to return to the Union. That would eventually lead Sarzonia to its next major threat as Sarzonia dealt with the aftermath of the death of Nellis, the dictator of Nellisland. The Sarzonian Navy aided the forces led by Michael Nellis to defeat warring factions and Michael Nellis eventually become Prime Minister of Nellisland.
However, that was when hostilities with the now-defunct nation of Cam III started. Unbeknownst to Sarzonia, Cam III declared war on Nellisland and launched a missile attack with Sarzonia repelled. Cam III then attacked Sarzonia and dueling coalitions assembled and arranged a cease fire between the countries. During this cease fire, the now-defunct nation of CorpSac threatened Praetonia when it seized a military vehicle from United Korean Nations when it entered Praetonian waters. Sarzonia ignored its alliance obligations with CorpSac and declared war when CorpSac declared war on Praetonia. The ISN acquitted itself admirably again, capturing enemy submarines and sinking them after the surface fleet was wiped out. Eventually, Sarzonia joined Praetonia at peace talks with CorpSac, which nearly led to a resumption of hostilities. However, quick thinking by Admiral Marcus Patinkin led the country to win the terms it and Praetonia wanted.
Cam III reared their heads again, launching a ICBM attack on Sarzonia that an enormous coalition of countries shot down, then a coalition that eventually reached 15 countries launched attacks against Cam III. Cam III agreed to surrender terms, but a civil war dragged Sarzonia in and led to the nuclear destruction of Bausch’s wartorn state capital, Townshend. Furious with the Camian attacks, Sarzonia, Praetonia, and Morathania launched a massive nuclear attack that wiped the country off the face of the earth.
Today
Sarzo had been single for most of his term until a Sarzonian Secret Service agent caught his eye. That agent, Jay Tyler, eventually became known as the First Partner. The announcement was greeted with mostly support, from allies and countries that Sarzonia had limited relations with. The country eventually engaged forces from Doomingsland in the Inkanan Civil War, which many analysts expect will lead to years of intense warfare with that country.
Geography
Area
926,375 square km
Location
Atlantian Oceania region, 1400 km east of Cuba
Area (comparative) (roughly 16,000 sq. km larger than RL Nigeria)
Border countries
Crystilakere 367 km, Chacor 196 km, Ryloss 282 km
Coastline
883 kilometres
Maritime Claims
Territorial sea: 20 nm
Continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin
Contiguous zone: 20 NM
Exclusive economic zone: 200 NM
Climate
Variable. Warm summers, cold winters to the north; hot summers, cool winters to the south.
Terrain
Variable. Mountains in the centre of the country, sandy beaches to the south.
Elevation
Lowest: Portsmouth Harbour – sea level
Highest: Mount Caroline (Lorber Mountains) – 18,420 km above sea level
Natural Resources
Titanium, iron, live oak, gold, dilithium, uranium, silver, platinum, vanadium
Shortages
Sarzonia only produces approximately 14% of its necessary oil and 17% of coffee. The country maintains a three week supply of oil for emergencies and the country is a mass consumer of coffee.
Land use
Arable land: 32.6%
Permanent crops: 12.4%
Other: 55% (2005 est.)
Irrigated land
96,709 sq km
Natural hazards
Frequent thunderstorms, occasional earthquakes in Bausch, though most are brief and cause minimal damage.
Environmental - current issues
Frequent flooding as a result of irrigation projects approximately 100 km north of Woodstock. Sporadic problems with nuclear waste contamination of waters.
People
Population
3.975 billion as of 31 January 2006
Age structure
0-14 years: 20.1%
15-64 years: 63.9%
65 years and over: 16%
Median age
Total: 32.4 years
Male: 33.9 years
Female: 31.1 years
Population growth rate
1.8%
Net migration rate
9.6 migrants/1,000 population
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 80.6 years
male: 78.8 years
female: 82.4 years
Nationality
Noun: Sarzonian
Adjective: Sarzonian
Ethnic Groups
Sarzonian 74%, Pacitalian 13%, Praetonian 8%, Skinnian 3%, Isselmerian-Nielander 0.9%, other 0.1%.
Religions
Christian – Catholic 68%, Christian – Protestant 14%, Jewish – 11%, Other 7%
Languages
English (official) 99.2%, Spanish 44%, Pacitalian 37%, French 16%, Latin 7%
National Fertility Rate
1.96 births per 1,000 population (2005 est.)
Literacy
definition: Age 12 or over can read and write
total population: 100%
Government Structure and Politics
Country Name
Conventional long form: Incorporated States of Sarzonia
Conventional short form: Sarzonia
Frequently referred to as: Sarzonia, ISS, Incorporated States
Pronounciation
Sar-zo-nee-uh
Government Type
Representative democracy with bicameral legislature
Capital
Woodstock
Administrative divisions
23 states – Bausch, Benatar, Caroline, Chesapeake, Cooke, Cumberland, Endymion, Evermore, Fleetwood, Frederick, Henley, Lorber, Montgomery, New Cuba, New Granzi, New Isslemere, New Praetonia, Newcastle, Orleans, Salisbury, Somerset, Syosset, Truxtun
Major cities
Nicksia, Portland, Portsmouth, Lexington, Woodstock, Avalon, Saugerties (state capital)
Independence
Sarzonia’s independence day is recognised as 22 March as the United States granted Sarzonia its independence on that date in 2004.
National Holiday
Founder’s Day (22 March)
Constitution and Legal System
30 May 2004. U.S. Constitution still has influence on Sarzonian law and judicial proceedings rely on American legal precedents and rulings. Does not accept UN jurisdiction as it is not a member.
Suffrage
18 years of age, universal. Convicted felons forfeit their right to vote.
Executive branch
Head of state: President Mike SARZO (since 22 March 2004)
Head of government: President Mike SARZO (since 22 March 2004). As the nation’s founder, Sarzo’s term is for life. Upon his death, resignation, or removal from office, the Presidency shall be subject to an election cycle as follows: The Primary elections determine candidates from the various political parties. The Secondary elections decide the top two votegetters, who run in the General election. Each successive President shall serve no more than two terms, consecutively or otherwise and are elected on the basis of the popular vote.
Cabinet
Lieutenant President: Nicole Lewis
Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer: Mark Lorber
Vice President for Defence: John Newman
Vice President for Budget and Finance: Carol Weinberg
Vice President for Health and Athletics: Jimmy Marshall (Note it's Jimmy, not James)
Vice President for Science and Technology: Tracy Obenga
Vice President for Transportation: June May
Vice President for Employment Services: Arthur Trautwig
Vice President for Business and Commerce: Janis Hedge
Vice President for Naval Operations: Kathy Bunhall
Vice President for Education: Henrietta Goudine
Vice President for the Home Guard: Bill Lighton
Attorney General: Jonathan Cochrane
Federal Commerce and Trade Committee Chairman: Lyle Cheneyworth
Communications Oversight Committee Chairman: Frank Browers
Army Chief: Antonius Santius
Air Force Chief: Greg Rodgers
Space Force Chief: Tad McGuire
Intelligence Chief: Jamie Stone
Press Secretary: Heather Lloyd
Judicial branch
Supreme Judicial Court, seven Justices, four Alternate Justices; Appellate Court, Superior Court, Circuit Court
Legislative branch
Bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Delegates (500 seats) and the Senate (52 seats). Each colony gets two Senators and a proportional number of Delegates. The House of Delegates is the direct voice of the people elected by the people, while the Senate is appointed by state or colonial legislatures or the Woodstock City Council after nomination by the Governor or Woodstock city mayor. Each Delegate serves a two year term, while each Senator serves four years.
The House of Delegates has authority to ratify treaties, confirm or reject candidates for federal positions, embassies, etc., convict a sitting President following a trial on Articles of Impeachment in the Senate, and in short has many of the powers reserved by the U.S. Senate.
Political parties
Progressive (25%), Independent (24%), Liberal (22%), Conservative (19%), Moderate (6%), Nationalist (3%), other (1%)
International organisation participation
Founding nation, Woodstock Pact (WP); member, Council of Air Power (CAP); member, Organisation of Maritime Powers (OMP); Treaty of Praeton (TOP) signatory nation.
Economy
Despite regulation that would stifle some national economies, Sarzonia’s economy is among the more robust in the world, based largely on arms manufacturing. The strongest company in Sarzonia by far is the Portland Iron Works, an arms manufacturing conglomerate that accounts for 24.7% of Sarzonia’s Gross Domestic Product. Other prominent companies in Sarzonia include Houghton and Mifflin book publishers, Random House, Eckie Cola, Imperium Cola, and Estrella Motor Cars.
While the government regulates most companies in Sarzonia to within an inch of their bottom lines, the Portland Iron Works is allowed to operate without government interference. In exchange for that largesse, the company pays taxes on its profits to the government. While PIW is subject to the same laws regulating international commerce that other Sarzonian companies are, it often preempts governmental decisions to prohibit commerce with a country by placing it on its black list.
GDP
$163.9 trillion US (as of 31 January 2006)
GDP per capita
$41,239.01
GDP – composition by sector
Industry: 66% (2005 est.)
Agriculture: 21%
Services and misc. sectors: 13%
Unemployment rate
2.61%
Population below poverty line
0.5%
Income tax rate
Flate rate of 27%
Household income or consumption by % share
Highest 10%: 21%
Lowest 10%: 3.7%
Inflation rate
1.9%
Labour force
2.36 billion
Industries
Arms manufacturing, book publishing, arms manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, soda sales, tourism, information technology
Exports – commodities
Warships, aircraft and parts, titanium, tea, iron, gold, natural gas, nickel, plutonium
Exports – partners
Isselmere-Nieland: 29%; Praetonia: 23%; Hamptonshire: 10%; Pacitalia: 10%; Skinny87: 8%; Samtonia: 8%; Izistan: 8%; other 6%
Imports - commodities
Oil, coffee, platinum, silver, staple foods, luxury foods
Imports – partners
Isselmere-Nieland: 27%; Praetonia: 26%; Hamptonshire: 21%; Pacitalia: 10%; Skinny87: 8%; The Evil Overlord: 4%; other 3%
Debt
$218 million
Economic aid – donor
$127 billion USD
Currency
Dollar ($), cent (¢)
Currency code
SZ, SZ$
Exchange rates
$1 Sarzonian = 1.03 Praefli (Praetonia)
$1 Sarzonian = 0.91 Krone (Hamptonshire)
$1 Sarzonian =1.06 Lethse (Isselmere-Nieland)
$1 Sarzonian = 1.08 Douro (Pacitalia)
Fiscal year
1 July – 30 June
Communications
International Dialing Country Code
17
Telephones – main line phones
2,846,390,240
Telephones – mobile phones
2,792,290,420
Telephone system
Generally excellent service provided by modern technology and satellite communications systems. Connected to 26 international submarine coaxial cables.
Radio broadcast stations
AM 5,530
FM 9,720
Satellite 590
Major radio broadcasting networks
4 (SRN – Sarzonian Radio Network; ISR – Incorporated Sarzonian Radio; SBC – Sarzonian Broadcasting Company; RNS – Radio Nacional de Sarzonia)
Minor radio broadcasting networks
36
Radio broadcasting systems
713
Radios
2.64 billion
Television broadcasting networks
6 (major ones include Sarzonian News Network and TeleSarzonia)
Televisions
2.48 billion
Internet hosts
142,700,230
Internet Service Providers
894
Internet users
2.896 billion
Web TLD / Domain Extension
.srz
Transportation
Railways
Total: 18,749 km
Standard gauge: 10,423km 1.435m-gauge (electrified)
Sarzonia has an extremely advanced rail system using the MAGLEV train.
Highways
Total: 721,855 km
Paved: 613,204 km (including 127,700km of expressways)
Unpaved: 108,651 km
Waterways
3,102 km
Pipelines
Crude oil/petroleum: 643 km
Natural gas: 9,765 km
Ports and harbours
North Portland, South Portland, East Nicksia, West Nicksia, Portsmouth, Townshend, Lexington
Merchant marine
Total: 5,256 ships
Airports
446
Heliports
116
Military
Military Branches
Incorporated Sarzonian Army (ISA); Incorporated Sarzonian Navy (ISN); Incorporated Sarzonian Air Force (ISAF); Naval Infantry – Marines; Blue Cobras – special ops; Defence Cutter Force (DCF)
Military manpower – military age
18 years of age
Military manpower – availability
Males and females age 18-55: 2.52 billion
Military manpower – current size
Total: 57.558 million
ISA: 15 million
ISN: 14.6 million
ISAF: 2,590,000
Naval Infantry: 2.75 million
Blue Cobras: 50,000
Ready reserves: 22.2 million
Civilian workforce: 368,000
Military manpower – as percentage of total population
1.4%
Military manpower – fit for military service
828,703,619 (note: Sarzonian law forbids conscription or drafts unless the country is under immediate invasion)
Military manpower – reaching military age annually
8,417,552
Military expenditures – monetary values
$12.3 trillion
Military expenditures – as percentage of GDP
7.5%
Primary military allies
Praetonia, Isselmere-Nieland, Hamptonshire, Artitsa, Samtonia, Romandeos, Skinny87, Manhattan Prime
Primary enemy
Doomingsland
Countries considered hostile
Automagfreek, Generic Empire, Seversky, Borman Empire, El Caudillo
Countries considered unfriendly
Yallak, Aequatio, Azazia
Countries with relations severed
(temporary): Tyrandis, MassPwnage, Confederate Inkana
(permanent): Euroslavia
Transnational Issues, Customs and Immigration
Disputes – international
None currently
Disputes – boundaries
None currently.
Disputes – wars, conflicts and international issues
Recently fought Pantera in Sarz-Panteran War (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=440102) (Sarzonian name) with most of the action taking place in Branwyn, a former Sarzonian colony now independent.
Recently fought in Inkanan Civil War with Isselmere-Nieland and Inkana’s Royalists against Inkana’s Republicans, Doomingsland, and Generic Empire.
Previously, Sarzonia fought against Holy Panooly, defeating a vastly larger foe; fought alongside Praetonia against CorpSac when the latter country attempted to coerce Praetonia into turning over military equipment from United Korean Nations that entered Praetonian territory. Quick thinking by Admiral Marcus Patinkin led the allies to victory over a larger foe; fought and defeated Cam III with a very large coalition.
Customs and immigration policy
Open to friendly countries; citizens of other countries only permitted in cases of asylum.
Nations not requiring visas or special documents to enter
Praetonia, Isselmere-Nieland, Izistan, Granzi, Samtonia, Yafor 2, Romandeos, Skinny87, Scandavian States
Nations not requiring passports to enter (driver's license or national ID cards considered acceptable identification)
Praetonia, Isselmere-Nieland, Izistan, Granzi, Skinny87
Education, Arts & Culture
Full-time international university students, 2005-06 academic year
59,539,526
Post-secondary enrollment, total, 2004-05 academic year
952,153,843
Primary international sources of student enrollment, 2005-06 academic year (ordered by total number, largest first)
Isselmere-Nieland, Praetonia, Hamptonshire, Artitsa, Pacitalia
Major universities
Joe Gibbs University (Nicksia), University of Syosset (Portland campus), Woodstock University (Woodstock), University of Saugerties (Saugerties); Cumberland University (Lake McVie), University of Chesapeake (Randolph)
Major venues of theatre arts
Max Yasgur Centre for the Performing Arts (Woodstock); Graham Nash Amphitheatre (Woodstock); Reginald Leopold I Centre (under construction – Portland); Sarius Publius Centre for the Arts (under construction – Portsmouth).
Major venues of scripted and visual arts
Naval Museum (Nicksia), Hall of Leaders (Woodstock); National Museum of Sarzonian History (Portland); National Museum of Art (Woodstock); Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Nicksia)
Flag and Anthem of Sarzonia
Current flag
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/msarzo/sarzonia.jpg
Thanks Vilita!
Two colours, navy blue and white; 22 small white stars surround one large star in the centre of the flag.
Current national anthem
Freedom (http://www.nicksfix.com/freedom.htm) (written by Stevie Nicks and Mike Campbell, performed by Fleetwood Mac)
Great seal of Sarzonia
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/msarzo/GreatSeal.jpg
Thanks Pacitalia!
Famous Sarzonians
The Arts – Musicians, composers, writers, poets playwrights…
Stevie Nicks, recording artist (1948-)
Don Henley, recording artist (1947-)
Edgar Allen Poe, writer (1809-1849)
Joshua Humphreys, shipbuilder (1751-1838)
Noah Brown, shipbuilder (1770-?)
History
The Beginning
While the Incorporated States of Sarzonia was only founded in 2004, the country’s traditions reach back hundreds of years. The country was founded by former American citizen Mike Sarzo, who led a group of settlers who were disenchanted with a United States led by George W. Bush in 2001 and found a large island and built the first settlement in what would eventually become Nicksia.
The country eventually gained its independence in 2004 when a stream of people came to the country. While the country was originally founded by Americans and its system of government is heavily influenced by the United States of America, a growing influx of immigrants from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and an early group from the United Kingdom of Isslemere-Nieland led to Sarzonia eventually adopting British spellings and expressions. An influx of Praetonians further cemented this sea change in language.
Among the government’s early initiatives: Establishing the metric system as the official system of measurement in use by the Incorporated States, naming English the official language of the country, and ending the civil benefits of marriage, conferring those on civil unions. When Sarzo was elected President, he chose to name two Senior Vice Presidents, one a Senior Vice President for Internal Affairs, who would help lead the day-to-day affairs of the country, and a Senior Vice President for External Affairs, who would serve as the country’s foreign minister. Cabinet positions, run by Secretaries in the United States of America or Ministers in Great Britain, would be run by Vice Presidents.
Military history
The Incorporated Sarzonian Navy got off to a flying start when it engaged Feazanthia in a military exercise. Despite having a much smaller force, including only two fleet carriers and five light carriers, Sarzonia more than held its own against a more experienced naval force.
The country has adopted a pragmatic foreign policy based on a limited non-intervention policy; however, in a case of ethnic cleansing, Sarzonia become the first of three countries that opposed Holy Panooly’s efforts at ethnic cleansing and declared war when that country refused to cease its practice. Despite a poorly-coordinated allied effort with Austaur Union and Axis Nova, and despite the country’s much smaller and less experienced military, Sarzonia defeated Holy Panooly and forced their government into exile.
The government would face a threat shortly thereafter when the country engaged in a brief, but brutal civil war when the state of Bausch attempted to secede from Sarzonia. An allied force including Isselmere-Nieland and Morathania helped Sarzonia defeat Bausch and force the state to return to the Union. That would eventually lead Sarzonia to its next major threat as Sarzonia dealt with the aftermath of the death of Nellis, the dictator of Nellisland. The Sarzonian Navy aided the forces led by Michael Nellis to defeat warring factions and Michael Nellis eventually become Prime Minister of Nellisland.
However, that was when hostilities with the now-defunct nation of Cam III started. Unbeknownst to Sarzonia, Cam III declared war on Nellisland and launched a missile attack with Sarzonia repelled. Cam III then attacked Sarzonia and dueling coalitions assembled and arranged a cease fire between the countries. During this cease fire, the now-defunct nation of CorpSac threatened Praetonia when it seized a military vehicle from United Korean Nations when it entered Praetonian waters. Sarzonia ignored its alliance obligations with CorpSac and declared war when CorpSac declared war on Praetonia. The ISN acquitted itself admirably again, capturing enemy submarines and sinking them after the surface fleet was wiped out. Eventually, Sarzonia joined Praetonia at peace talks with CorpSac, which nearly led to a resumption of hostilities. However, quick thinking by Admiral Marcus Patinkin led the country to win the terms it and Praetonia wanted.
Cam III reared their heads again, launching a ICBM attack on Sarzonia that an enormous coalition of countries shot down, then a coalition that eventually reached 15 countries launched attacks against Cam III. Cam III agreed to surrender terms, but a civil war dragged Sarzonia in and led to the nuclear destruction of Bausch’s wartorn state capital, Townshend. Furious with the Camian attacks, Sarzonia, Praetonia, and Morathania launched a massive nuclear attack that wiped the country off the face of the earth.
Today
Sarzo had been single for most of his term until a Sarzonian Secret Service agent caught his eye. That agent, Jay Tyler, eventually became known as the First Partner. The announcement was greeted with mostly support, from allies and countries that Sarzonia had limited relations with. The country eventually engaged forces from Doomingsland in the Inkanan Civil War, which many analysts expect will lead to years of intense warfare with that country.