NationStates Jolt Archive

The Lang Report: Visara Corporation’s Independent Evaluation of Various National Economies of Earth II

An experiment was conducted by a multinational group of economical scientists sponsored by Visara Corporation and headed by Dr. Fritz Lang from January 1st, 2006 to May 1st 2006. During the four months of research the scientists observed 14 nations exclusively, quantifying many aspects of each nation’s economy, documenting domestic policy...

Etc. etc.

Rankings: (as described by Visara α-employees to reduce mind-numbing dullness of a scientific report/keep readable)

1) Bjornoya: (288.33) The isolationist quasi-technocratic federation of Earth II ranked highest amongst the surveyed nations. The nation is rich in a diverse range of resources throughout Africa and the Bjornoyan mainland, and has access to millions of laborers both relatively cheap and high-skilled. The Bjornoyan economy, controlled by the paradoxical Visara Corporation thrives through a unique combination of pragmatic morality and public awareness. Although compared to small businesses it is a vastly inefficient bureaucracy, the Corporation influences nearly every aspect of Bjornoyan citizens’ lives. Wages, job occupation, training, education, consumables, housing, and lifestyle are jointly predicted and determined via a combination of free-market economics and scientifically studied methods to maximize utility for the masses while maintaining a semi-aristocratic hierarchy that maintains control over the definition of utility. Although in doctrine Visara Corporation remains entirely independent of the Federal Government, both recognize each others importance and co-operate to maintain the economical strength of the nation.

2) Ottoman Khaif: (263.37) The devote nation of Ottoman Khaif ranked second in this survey. The economy of Ottoman Khaif is a limited free market economy. The state controls some key assets such as important natural resources and uses the profit from those resources to fund public programs. At the same time many of the larger industries are privatized joint stock companies which are mildly influenced by the state. The taxation, as a result of responsible government expenditures is rather low.

3) Hawdawg: (234.86) The economically inclined nation of Hawdawg ranked third in this survey. In sharp contrast to other systems, the economy of Hawdawg is far more laize-faire allowing for many products to be released to the public, sometimes resulting in healthcare repercussion. Corruption is common, however due to their luxurious lifestyles many citizens have opted to simply not make it an issue in order to pursue the life of consumerism or make millions off of foreign stock-markets. Aside from internal policy, Hawdawg has the best foreign economic relations of any nation signing many free-trade agreements. Along with lax regulation, the nation of Hawdawg has avoided overly exerting its economy on the military, making it the most economically powerful nation within the October Alliance.

4) USB: (170.54) The United States of Brink ranked 4th on this survey. This economically and politically lax nation has access to countless natural resources in Southern Africa. The nation has sensible regulation laws, and checks are made on major corporations by the free-press which at times may be overly critical of corporate developments but at the same time keeps consumer confidence up. Aside from mediocre internal economic policies the economy of the United States of Brink is advancing rapidly more due to intelligent foreign policy including the enactment of many free-trade agreements. The rapid globalization and open-mindedness of the country makes the USB one of the most cosmopolitan in the world.

5) Squornshelous: (170.46) The nation of Squornshelous ranked 5th on our survey. This nation is generally very welcoming to corporations from around the world, and many businessmen who are frustrated either by over-regulation or lack of institutions to protect small businesses have found Squornshelous to be a welcoming home. The cold desolated landscape lacks any potential for tourism, but it is very rich in exploitable resources.
Although the citizens are somewhat discontent with what some view as unfair employment laws, most are satiated by the extravagant lifestyle they live. Corruption is a problem although any dissent is generally ignored or stifled by the strong police force. Although the gap between rich and poor is very large, the largest within Eurasia estimates show that should the Government of Squornshelous continue on the path to a free-market economy the gap will lessen in time.

6) Layarteb: (160.65) The nation of Layarteb ranked 6th on our survey. The orderly, authoritarian nation has access to vast amounts of natural resources in the New World. Its focus on order and security however has hindered some economic opportunities. Those lost opportunities are more than made up for by the Empire’s advanced arms manufacturing industries which thrive not only from the Empire’s military advancements but the world’s military expenditures as well, selling equipment to many nations around the world. The Empire is also noted for having the lowest income taxes of all nations surveyed. Should the Government of Layarteb decide to focus its attention less on military affairs which have shaken the world’s economy in the past and focus more on economic development it would be able to meet if not surpass other national economies in the future.

7) The United Eastasian Republic (Marimaia): (157.98) The UER ranked 7th on our survey. Although the government holds Marxist tendencies it tends not to adhere dogmatically to the Marxists principles, allowing it not only to survive economically but thrive. The majority of the nations’ economical strength does not come from its internal policies, but instead from the geography and demographics of the nation itself. The UER has many natural resources, and is home to billions of Eastern Asian peoples. Culturally the nation is more united than most, and through this along with the nation’s prior success where others had failed with maintaining a vast bureaucracy the UER has stumped many economic scientists and maintained a decent economic status.

8) Kreynoria: (152.23) The nation of Kreynoria ranked 8th on our survey. The island nation is generally reliant on foreign resources with the exception of those it can exploit from Kenya. However its bizarre geography has also led to the creation of one of the world’s largest transportation industries, largely as a result of the vast oceans that separate the islands of Kreynoria. Kreynoria also has a near monopoly on the Pacific tourism industry. The major problems facing the Kreynorian economy will be how to address the growing gap between rich and poor, especially with what some believe is racial discrimination and how to increase public awareness or make restrictions on certain dangerous consumables. If left unaddressed the already large employment problem along with drop in consumer confidence will cause more serious issues.

9) Hirgizstan: (149.44) The nation of Hirgizstan ranked 9th on our survey. The nation of Hirgizstan’s focus on safety has led to some economic disadvantages including some policies that foreigners view as over-regulatory. The corporativist nature of the economy has led to a very responsible but somewhat hindered economic progress. The government is somewhat more active than average in both military and policing matters. Much capital is spent on developing and testing nuclear weapons as well, which has not been a great help to the economy. When given the alternative of less rules, regulations, and military in exchange for economic growth, most Hirgizstani citizens are happy with the level of security their government provides, so change in the near future may not occur or even be wanted.

10) Rome: (129.01) The ancient nation of Rome ranked 10th on our survey. The socially minded nation has one of the highest unemployment rates of those surveyed, currently at 12%. Most economic scientists blame this on the large and sometimes improper distribution of the government welfare which stands at 10% of the government’s total expenditures. Although rich in natural resources, the Roman Empire is very fragmented. This long with high tariffs on some neighboring countries results in much more costly transportation of raw materials.

11) Cotland: (127.47) The nation of Cotland ranked 11th on our survey. The once powerful Cottish Empire is facing some economic problems at the moment. The loss of some of its major territories has left much of the nation reliant on imports of various resources. This along with several major military conflicts not only abroad but a Marxist revolt that rocked the country recently has left the citizens uncertain about their future. Consumer confidence along with the value of the Krone has dropped. In order to reverse the economic slump the nation of Cotland must acquire more resources and restore its citizen’s faith in the future of their nation.

12) Neuvo Rica: (89.20) The nation of Neuvo Rica ranked 12th on our survey. Neuvo Rica faces many of the same problems Rome does economically; high unemployment, a fragmented nation, and large amounts of government waste. These compounded with minor corruption, high graduated tax rates, and a lack of friendly trade agreements with many foreign nations leaves much to be desired about Neuvo Rica’s economical status.

13) Genetican: (83.45) Genetican ranked 13th on this survey. This small Baltic nation may lack many of the natural resources other more economically powerful nations have, but it still maintains a relatively decent economy by intelligent domestic economic policies. Although Genetican does not have as large of corporations as the rest of Earth II, it has a large potential for economic growth.

14) Huahin: (77.60) The nation of Huahin ranked 14th. Fate did not look kindly upon the nation of Huahin when it placed it in the snowy barrens of North America. Poor weather resulting in more expensive transportation, harsh climate, and very limited resources are the primary causes for Huahin’s poor economy. Although the nation has business friendly domestic policies and a fair amount of free-trade agreements it simply wasn’t enough. Noted about the country is its technological advancements which sadly have not found a market as of yet.

Answer Key Legend:

(+) = Flat increase: Filling it in gave you a number increase that anyone who answered similarly would have received the exact same increase
(++) = Larger Flat increase
[+] = Bracketed increase: points added depend on intial number input rather than simply yes or no answer
[++] = Larger Bracketed increase

Substitute – for + for a decrease

Name: (+)
Date: (+)
Nation Age: [+]

Economic Survey:

Use this: http://nstracker.retrogade.com/

What is your nation’s GDP? (approximately 20 points)

[+]

What is your GDP per Capita? (approximately 20 points)

[+]

What is your nation’s current economic rating? (NS standards) (approximately 10 points)

[+]

What is your nation’s tax rate? Is it flat or bracketed (do different people pay different percents)? (approximately 50 points)

[-] (-)

What percent of the collected taxes is spent on commerce? (approximately 20 points)

[++]

What is your nation’s unemployment rate? If it is above 5%, what percentage of your government expenditures is spent on welfare? (approximately 20 points)

[-] [-]

How many revolts/rebellions has your nation endured? How many times has your government been replaced? Were any of these revolts/rebellions/governments Marxist in nature? (approximately 40 points)

[-] [--] (-)


Does your government have fascist tendencies? If so, what elements? (approximately 10 points)

(+) (+) (+)
Nationalist tendencies
Healthy connections between business and government
Strong punishment for lawless, especially in economic realm
Propoganda/advertising

(-) (-) (-)
Racist tendencies (less customers, more disapproval)
Heavy governmental influence on business
Militaristic tendencies


How many corporations does your nation have? Does it have a handful of centralized corporations, or are there more small business ventures? (approximately 5 points)

(-) For handful of large w/little small businesses (more bureaucratic, less efficient)
(+) For more small business ventures

What percent of your GDP (not taxes! Find $ spent on Law and order, then divide by GDP) is spent on law enforcement? Does your government monitor public places? Private places? (approximately 20 points)

[++] to mean w/0 going to extreme expenditures

Does your nation have public internet access? If so, is your nation’s internet regulated? Does your government regulate internet usage, or do corporations? (approximately 25 points)

(++)
(++) for regulation (imagine if you could sell imaginary items on e-bay and get away with it, e-commerce would be unreliable)
(+) for either government or corporate regulation, more with corporate

Is outsourcing commonly used in your nation? Is offshoring (transferring work to another country) common in your nation? (approximately 5 points)

Depending on unemployment (+) or (-)


What is your nation’s general climate (E2)? How close to the equator is the heart of your nation? Does your nation have many desirable beaches? (approximately 20 points)

[++] for closer to equator w/water access
[++] for beaches

What is your governments’ stance on: (approximately -40 to 0 points)

the use of phosphoroxyamines in agriculture?

Phosphoroxyamines do not exist, this was to test how your government would approach a substance it knew nothing about, like a new breakthrough. Points were deducted if it was banned/regulated, and less points were deducted if it was allowed wo/testing. 0 points were deducted for a ‘We don’t know/no stance.’

genetical engineering of fruits and vegetables?

(+) if allowed with minimal testing

the use of polyvinyl chloride in textiles?

(-) if banned/regualted

the use of diethylstilbestrol in pharmaceuticals?

DES was used as a synthetic estrogen that was believed to stop miscarriages and premature deliveries. It was however later proven to do nothing but a teratogen.

(--) if allowed/regulated usage
(-) if banned

the use of azides in landscaping?

Azides are highly unstable explosives (in E2 Bjornoya is the only nation to have produced a stabilizer for these substances)

(--) If allowed w/no regulation
(-) if banned or allowed w/regulation

monitoring/enforcing lending laws?

Studies have shown that regulation of credit or other lending resources to the ends of eliminating consumer debt may actually increase consumption and bolster the economy. If some institutions exist to regulate corrupt lending procedures and the citizens aren’t drowning in debt, good things happen to economy.

(++) For regulation
(-) For no regulation

preserving Leuciscus turskyi habitats?

Leuciscus turskyi is a recently extinct fish… that lived in S.Africa region.

(-) For preserving habitat of extinct creature

regulating transportation of prion infected livestock?

(-) if regulated
(--) if not regulated

handicap access ramps?

(-) For regulation (yes you got punished for not being an asshole)
0 otherwise

equal opportunity?

0

Has your nation’s government ever inadvertently (or intentionally) participated in faulty or corrupt business dealings? If so, how well does the public know the incident(s)?

[-] For corruption
[--] For the public being aware
[+] For public seeing justice

Have any of your nation’s major corporations ever inadvertently (or intentionally) participated in faulty or corrupt business dealings? If so, how well does the public know the incident(s)?

[-] For corruption
[--] For the public being aware
[+] For public seeing justice


Is your nation home to a large international stock exchange with gambling services? If so, how many protests has this institution encountered, and how was the situation handled?

(+) For S.E.
(+) For gambling
(+) For maintaining order

Is over 90% of your nation continuous? If not, how is it split? If another nation splits major portions of your nation do you currently have a free-trade agreement with this nation, and how strict are border transportation laws? (approximately 10 points)

(++) For continuous
(+) For F.T. agreement w/neighbor if splitting major portion of nation
(-) If no F.T.


How many major conflicts has your nation participated in(both D12 and against active members)? How many of these were victories? In how many of these were you the aggressor? (approximately 20 points)

For each war over 4 [-]
For defeat [--]
For aggressor [-]

Has your nation ever been nuked? If so, how and where? (approximately 30 points)

(---)

How many nuclear weapons tests has your nation performed? (approximately 25 points)

For each over 5 [-] w/-20 pt limit

Does your nation have laws regulating or restricting child labor? In your nation how old must one be minimally to have a job at a corporation or small business? (approximately 10 points)

(+) For generally accepted child labor laws (industrialized nations have these, allowing youth to concentrate on higher end jobs)
[-] for anything below 12

Does your nation have equal opportunity employment for all legal citizens? Does a decent or large portion of your population want equal opportunity employment laws? (approximately 5 points)

N,N: 0
N,Y: (-)
Y, Y (+)
Y,N: 0

Is education mostly public or private? If public, how ‘liberal’(modern sense) in spirit are the educational facilities? If private, is there a lot of emphasis is placed on religion? If yes, which religion(s)? (if custom, please describe) (approximately 15 points)

Public w/liberal tendencies (--)
Public wo/liberal tendencies (-)
Private w/religious emphasis (depends on religion) (+) or (++)
Private wo/ religious emphasis (+)

Is your nation ethnocentric? Does your nation have a clear racial majority? How many languages are commonly spoken in your nation? (approximately -5 to 15 points)

(+) for ethnocentricity
(++) for one language (easier business/advertising communications)
(-) for more than one

How many nations do you currently have free trade agreements with?

8 x # of countries


Use: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/fields/2111.html

Does your nation have a reliable, lasting, and accessible source of:

(+103 points possible)

Petroleum?
Natural gas?
Hydropower potential?
Wind (harvestable)?
Sunlight (profitable)?
Fresh water?
Iron?
Lead?
Uranium?
Copper?
Silicon?
Zinc?
Manganese?
Antimony?
Timber?
Fish?
Coffee?
Wheat?
Rice?
Maize?
Millet?
Pulses?
Tropical Fruits?
Vegetables?
Phosphates?
Gold?
Silver?
Platinum?
Chromium?
Coal?
Diamonds?
Pearls?
Precious stones?


Sources of Error:

Relative importance of certain aspects is off.
Militaristic nations were heavily penalized (beyond what they should have been) Caps were required to stop nations from going to negative.
Outcome of war was not generally emplaced, all militaristic action beyond a certain point was viewed as negative. A war may be beneficial to one country and not another (duh)
Aspects that needed more attention or were entirely ignored:
Minimum wage, waste disposal, corporate abidance of regulations, advertising/communications etc. etc.
Also people’s attitude while filling out the survey might have poor results, people who were pissed off generally did not answer to their best capabilities (might have been a bad day?)
Also many people claimed they had free-trade agreements, while the nations they listed as having them with did not make the same listings. These should be clarified, and I just assumed the non-acknowledgement of one scrapped a potential free-trade agreement. This made a relatively large difference, so if you had a bad score blame it on your allies not acknowledging your free-trade agreement.
Bjornoya cheated, but unavoidably. Since he created the survey he knew the ‘trick’ questions, but he did answer honestly and took point deductions for his wars, corporate inefficiency, and lack of police forces. So he didn’t cheat enough to have lost to O.K.


Results:

Regardless of errors the test proved to be a good general indicator of a nation’s economic strength, going beyond NS statistics. Nations run by people with good knowledge of economics (Otto, Hawdawg) received higher results than others. Similarly larger nations rich in exploitable resources generally received higher points.
This survey also has leveled the playing field so in a way younger nations have a better chance. Small nations, such as RL Luxembourg would received a higher rank than say larger RL nation of the PRC due to the prior’s efficiency.
Unfortunately those most active (at least militarily) were penalized the most, which may not be fair but this is ‘scientific research’ so there’s not much I could do wo/risking credibility.
It should also be noted that economic strength is not always a ‘good’ thing. Under-regulation may lead to higher economic development but might also lead to very amoral business practices. Using NS talk legalizing prostitution might allow for more economic ‘opportunities’ but most would agree it is unsafe and morally wrong. Thus, safer nations scored lower on this survey, which is why I want to create another to try and determine where the overall best place to live might be.
And if it makes you feel better you can always say you beat nations who did not take the survey.
Lastly; DO NOT GET MAD AT ME! This took me hours to do literally, and I did it for free so show some friggin’ respect.

*does a dance* I pwn you all as 2nd place..woot!

Okay then. What can I do to focus more on economic development?

Okay then. What can I do to focus more on economic development?

Well, you could be very active in the Stock Exchange, focus less on military affairs, loosen some regulations in your country...

in other words not be Layarteb (which would suck). Maybe economic dominance might not be a primary goal?

Personally I think you have a good posiitons as is, with a healthy balance between economic strength and domestic/military security. About the only thing you might do to bolster econ that would not compromise national security is more free-trade agreements, but again the way this survey worked in many degrees was to dock points to people for doing the right thing (i.e. nations who were in less wars, thus less active got more points for not straining their economy on military expenditures)

Me = 4th.

Those damn trick questions killed me. Poor fish, i tried to save him to late.

Im happy though, and i was right, Bjorn was first! I mean his government is control by Visara.

Well, you could be very active in the Stock Exchange, focus less on military affairs, loosen some regulations in your country...

in other words not be Layarteb (which would suck). Maybe economic dominance might not be a primary goal?

Personally I think you have a good posiitons as is, with a healthy balance between economic strength and domestic/military security. About the only thing you might do to bolster econ that would not compromise national security is more free-trade agreements, but again the way this survey worked in many degrees was to dock points to people for doing the right thing (i.e. nations who were in less wars, thus less active got more points for not straining their economy on military expenditures)

How can I be more active in the stock market lol you only let 2 companies up there and I've bought a lot of stuff thus far. By the way you need to update me and tell me how much money I've gotten since the last time. Oh man that'll be a lot! Free-trade agreements I can do, definitely. I'm definitely not letting law/order become secondary though and I do keep the high tariffs to keep labor inside the country. Outsourcing isn't good for national pride.

Oh man that'll be a lot!

Your welcome. Windhoek paying off i see.

How can I be more active in the stock market lol you only let 2 companies up there and I've bought a lot of stuff thus far. By the way you need to update me and tell me how much money I've gotten since the last time. Oh man that'll be a lot! Free-trade agreements I can do, definitely. I'm definitely not letting law/order become secondary though and I do keep the high tariffs to keep labor inside the country. Outsourcing isn't good for national pride.

I let HD have a third for being so active. HD is making billions off the market not by selling shares from his country but buying them from others.
Like you point out, stuff like outsourcing is not good for national pride but might by good for the economy (cheaper labor). It's a choice, some people said yes others said no.
I'd like to emphasize again economic power might not always be a good thing, or even the right thing to do (see Sources of Error/Results second post)

As for S.E. just tell me how much you originally paid and I can calculate profit.

Me = 4th.

Those damn trick questions killed me. Poor fish, i tried to save him to late.

Im happy though, and i was right, Bjorn was first! I mean his government is control by Visara.

Blame the fish extinction on poor Bjornoyan waste control, lol.

Controlled? Nah... Visara is like a group of kids playing at the beach, mommy and daddy (Bjornoyan Herrgotts) will let them have fun, build their sand castle, buy their ice-cream but once someone starts kicking sand relaxation time is over and kids responsible get long boring/angry speech + time out, then get fired and replaced by more competent leaders.

Stock trading is doing wonders in Holy Republic of Hawdawg. The total value of all stock currently held from the BISE exchange is $27,249,464,280,000 ! Plus I do have a degree in AgriBusiness, but I really had to dig deep to remember some of the stuff I picked up in college. I enjoyed this survey and anxiously await the military version of this.

-Hawdawg

I'll definitely probably engage in more free trade but that's probably about it. My economy is pretty darn good for itself and it definitely gives my people a lot of wealth. The per capita is over 40,000 I think.

I'll definitely probably engage in more free trade but that's probably about it. My economy is pretty darn good for itself and it definitely gives my people a lot of wealth. The per capita is over 40,000 I think.

$38,886 GDP per capita for Layarteb
I am at $36,080 right behind you in our region.

-Hawdawg

Stock trading is doing wonders in Holy Republic of Hawdawg. The total value of all stock currently held from the BISE exchange is $27,249,464,280,000 ! Plus I do have a degree in AgriBusiness, but I really had to dig deep to remember some of the stuff I picked up in college. I enjoyed this survey and anxiously await the military version of this.

-Hawdawg

Glad you liked it man, hopefully others a little less high on the ladder might think the same when they get a chance to look...

Close.

Bjornoya, I just looked at Teh Ninjas on the NS Calculators. He's got a ton of money lying around. Now, obviously I'm going to use as much as is necessary to pay for the whole war, campaign and rebuilding. Then I'm going to sneak a ton of it into my military spending accounts. However, I'll still have God knows how much left over. What should I do with that money? I was thinking of putting some into the federal emergency reserve, which is basically the money needed in case of a major disaster. What should I do with the rest?

Bjornoya, I just looked at Teh Ninjas on the NS Calculators. He's got a ton of money lying around. Now, obviously I'm going to use as much as is necessary to pay for the whole war, campaign and rebuilding. Then I'm going to sneak a ton of it into my military spending accounts. However, I'll still have God knows how much left over. What should I do with that money? I was thinking of putting some into the federal emergency reserve, which is basically the money needed in case of a major disaster. What should I do with the rest?

Hmm... just realized I'm gonna be in a similar situation. Any capital seized during the liberation of TN will probably go towards giving my citizens a tax cut, but that's the least of your worries as you have very low tax rates. If you have extra just save it or invest it (prefferably in the stock-market, a few new companies there you can buy that will grow muchly in time). Maybe re-invest it in rebuilding infastructure in certain war-torn regions. Excess or 'free' capital is good to save for moments when an oppurtunity arives.

Hartian cries foul as Lang Report released
(The Roman Free Press)

Roman Emperor Rodin Hartian cried foul upon the release of the Visara Corporation-sponsored "Lang Report" of nations by Dr. Fritz Lang and his team of political scientists that placed Rome a distant 10th of a possible 14 nations.

"Obviously, we're upset," said a fiery and defiant Hartian at a press conference to announce the Empire's reaction to the report. "I should have known that Bjornoya would be ranked first- they commissioned the report and would obviously tilt the results so that they would look good and everyone else would look bad. Our Empire has come a long way since I came to power and this report completely disrespects that."

The report- which graded countries based their policies, economic and political standing- chastized Rome's high tariffs and unemployment, as well as correctly pinpointing the Empire's lack of ability to redistribute its wealth effectively. Hartian responded that since he came to power, unemployment has sank from a high of 24% under Paul XII to its current levels, and that unemployment in the "core areas" stands at 5%, which he says proves that his economic policies are working.

His political opponents- Roman Consul Valerius Maderia and Rumayyia Emir Ali al-Tabin- stated the report said what many in the Empire had already known. "I applaud Lang for this report," said al-Tabin, whose main base is the poor in the Empire, "The economic resurgence of Rome has been largely confined to the richest areas, leaving the rest of the Empire impoverished. Very few people believed us when we called out Hartian for the Empire's ills, but now we have evidence."

"Hartian has been inefficent and this report proves that," said Maderia. "Dr. Lang has given us ammunition. Besides, he says in his report that Bjornoya's results could have been skewered since Visara prepared the survey. If Hartian could read, he would see that."

The report comes just as Rome's election enters the stretch drive, with the June 2 election date drawing near. Hartian still leads in the polls- now at 40%- with Maderia at 31% and al-Tabin close behind at 29%.

"I should have known that Bjornoya would be ranked first- they commissioned the report and would obviously tilt the results so that they would look good and everyone else would look bad. Our Empire has come a long way since I came to power and this report completely disrespects that."

"That may be, but at least our politicians aren't zoophiles."

-Visara Employee α-542-μρ-4296 Alfred Jesterberg, replying to the Roman Emporer's critique of the Lang Report.

"Obviously, we're upset. I should have known that Bjornoya would be ranked first- they commissioned the report and would obviously tilt the results so that they would look good and everyone else would look bad. Our Empire has come a long way since I came to power and this report completely disrespects that."

"I applaud Lang for this report. The economic resurgence of Rome has been largely confined to the richest areas, leaving the rest of the Empire impoverished. Very few people believed us when we called out Hartian for the Empire's ills, but now we have evidence."

"Hartian has been inefficent and this report proves that. Dr. Lang has given us ammunition. Besides, he says in his report that Bjornoya's results could have been skewered since Visara prepared the survey. If Hartian could read, he would see that."


"The politicization of the report, first by Visara α employees (advertisers/p.r. specialists/politicians who would have written the biased description of each nation from the results) and second by the world community should be viewed entirely seperate from the scientific experiment and results. The values placed on the experiment's results by the α-employee description are neither scientific nor proven, the only thing we ε-employees (scientists) stand by are the numbers, and just as a mathematician cannot logically say the number 3 is better than the number 19, so a scientist cannot say any number that came from the experiment is better than another, it simply is. Just like gravity or electricity, the phenomena of economics cannot logically be viewed with 'better' or 'worse,' not from a scientific point of view."

"Unless any person has empirical data suggesting the experiment itself was dramatically flawed I stand by the results. As pointed out there were several sources of error just like every experiment; a missed millimeter in measurment or a fraction of a degree off. However, we have also concluded the sources of error were negligible and would not change the results drastically. I wish my experiment could be viewed aside from politics, but seeing as that is impractical I shall instead remind others that you alone as the interpreter of data are making value judgements about the results."

-Visara Employee ε-191-αω-1489 Dr. Fritz Lang

Beijing

"Minister, what is your opinion on the Lang Report, placing the UER at seventh place in the world's economies?"

Finance Minister Qiantan Wei shrugged in response. "What can I say? It's a report. Does it really affect us? Of course not. We freely admit that we aren't going to match up to nations who treat their own populace as mere commodities; as I see it, it was quite flattering. After all, we've stumped the capitalist economic scientists with our success.

We've put the Lang Report up on the governmental website, along with commentaries from myself and our economic experts; we've also provided a forum for visitors to discuss it amongst themselves."

Qiantan flashed the media his winning smile. "If the capitalists see us as a miracle, I'm not going to argue with them."

Nice work man,

got any tips for how I could improve my currently Abismal rating?

YES! Not last! Although darn close...

But hey, we're a young nation New Genetican is.

OOC: Well done Bjornoya, great report. I am actually happy with my place in the world and I completely realise there are things I could do to improve my economy. But the military and police are public priorities-they want peace and security and a stable economy, if not a fantastical one. I think you really did a good job on the report.
Anyway, I was thinking of drawing up a similar questionnaire on the military side of things, and if you would organise it and evaluate it if I prepare the questions that would be great. TG me if your interested.

(P.S. You did forget to mention the vast number of resources at my disposal, both in Africa and elsewhere. But no matter, most already know that.)

Re-postedPosted from main thread:

What ever happened to Carthage? While you idiots have been around, squandering your resources on wars and conflicts, I've sat in my hyper-capitalist stronghold, making profits off of all of your pain and suffering. I also have a helluva lotta resources (including oil), as well as control over the major trade routes of the Mediterranean.

@NR & Genetican: You both did well on the internal economic part, but the NS figures and the # of resources were not as high as other nations. Another big factor was the number of free-trade agreements. Fix that and it would brign you up.

@Hirg: Glad you liked it. I'd be more than happy to grade and rank the military one if you got the questions. It would be good to tie in the economic survey with that one (give some points for having good economy I think would make sense) I've got 'til this Friday and I'm off school, so if we coudl do it about then or after that would be awesome.

@TLS: You didn't take the survey, man pay attention! You missed it...

I'm draughting up some military questions now. Its pretty difficult to try and ask sensible stuff. I will send you a draught when I finish and you can add, amend or take away what you want so the survey will work.

So is it possible for more nations to take the survey and you can edit the first post to include them?

Kreynoria']So is it possible for more nations to take the survey and you can edit the first post to include them?

I don't think so, I've posted the answer key. It would be like taking a test with all the answer right in front of you.

@NR & Genetican: You both did well on the internal economic part, but the NS figures and the # of resources were not as high as other nations. Another big factor was the number of free-trade agreements. Fix that and it would brign you up.


I'm on it

Later

@TLS: You didn't take the survey, man pay attention! You missed it...

The servey, eh? Well, how do I take this servey? I looked at that thing right near the OP, but it made no sense.

The servey, eh? Well, how do I take this servey? I looked at that thing right near the OP, but it made no sense.

Survey was posted on the E2 thread nearly a week ago. It's too late to take it now that the survey was posted, but another survey will be coming up in a week or so.

I'm cosmopolitain. Great work Bjorn

So basically the massive reconstruction effort would be enough to jump up my economy? I am also going into a FTA with USB. Basically the money I get will go to the rebuilding, finance of the campaign, the "piggy-bank" of the Empire, and the military budget surplus. I could put some of it into buying new stocks on BISE and I could put some more of it into education back at home.

By the way, with two orders tonight, I raised $7.41875T. Pretty impressive huh? Well all money gained from arms sales just goes to my military "piggy-bank," which lets me buy new stuff, build new stuff, and finance new stuff.

So basically the massive reconstruction effort would be enough to jump up my economy? I am also going into a FTA with USB. Basically the money I get will go to the rebuilding, finance of the campaign, the "piggy-bank" of the Empire, and the military budget surplus. I could put some of it into buying new stocks on BISE and I could put some more of it into education back at home.

By the way, with two orders tonight, I raised $7.41875T. Pretty impressive huh? Well all money gained from arms sales just goes to my military "piggy-bank," which lets me buy new stuff, build new stuff, and finance new stuff.

All are sound ideas. Wow, with 7 trillion you could rebuild an entire country. Speaking of which I should be working on TATO's colossal Marshal Planish project to bolster the African economy.

Just imagine what the US could do with that much money. Why pay off most of its debt!

Just imagine what the US could do with that much money. Why pay off most of its debt!

Never!!!

I fear we're gonna go out like some long forgotten celebrity whose wasted all their money on sex and drugs if we don't change our ways soon. Sadly the only hope for change is our greed to reduce taxes, and not as it should be simple logic (not letting dumbass bureaucrats decide how to spend or not spend our income).

*sigh*

Hey Lay, I know the TOA all trade freely with each other, so that means you'll trade with me and USB, so why not open an FTA with TATO?

With the quashing of the Marxist revolt, total reorganization of the Armed Forces, free trade agreement talks with the UER and various other free trade agreement proposals being discussed in Stortinget, it is hoped that Cotland shall be dragged out of the economic downpit that it currently inhabits. Furthermore, we find it highly suspicious that Bjornoya ranks as #1, and demand an independent review of the source materials, forms and all other documents related to the "Lang Report".

- The Realm of Cotland

Sources of Error:

Bjornoya cheated, but unavoidably. Since he created the survey he knew the ‘trick’ questions, but he did answer honestly and took point deductions for his wars, corporate inefficiency, and lack of police forces. So he didn’t cheat enough to have lost to O.K.

OOC: Since I made the survey there really was little I could do, and even before the survey many people recognized Bjornoya as being a, if not the economic powerhouse of E2.

Now if I get #1 on the military survey then I'd call for a recount.

Hey Lay, I know the TOA all trade freely with each other, so that means you'll trade with me and USB, so why not open an FTA with TATO?

I could. Who is in TATO again?

I could. Who is in TATO again?

USB, Hirgizstan, and Bjornoya.

Well Bjorn would you like a FTA?

Well Bjorn would you like a FTA?

Well of course, guess that settles the FTA between IEOL and TATO yes? Or did you sign one with USB yet?

Oh yeah, to resolve transportation issues all foreign products being sold on the Bjornoyan markets will be transported and resaled via the Visara Corporation.

Well of course, guess that settles the FTA between IEOL and TATO yes? Or did you sign one with USB yet?

Oh yeah, to resolve transportation issues all foreign products being sold on the Bjornoyan markets will be transported and resaled via the Visara Corporation.

I have one with Brink.

Okay, who wants a freetrade agreement!?

Okay, who wants a freetrade agreement!?

We do, we do!

Anyone else want free trade with the UER? Textiles for everyone!

Done and done. There's nothing like Neuvo Rican amazon timber, 100 percent wood ... honest.

If it's of any consequence, Neuvo Rica now has free trade deals with USB and Marimaia too.

The Patriarchal Federation of Bjornoya is willing to sign free-trade agreements with any nation of good moral standings.

OOC: I will warn you though signing FTA with nations of high economic status will put your nation at a disadvantage temporarily. Higher quality foreign products will sell more than domestic ones once tariffs are removed, leading to some industries having to downsize many employees since their product is not being sold as well as it used to be (i.e. say HD has really good cars that sell for about the same price as a lower quality one from a nation not on par with it economically say uhhh... Chronosia). Chronosia's citizens will buy HD cars instead, causing the Chronosian domestic auto industry to fail, leading initially to unemployment. However those jobs could be recovered in time by new markets that would be forming (i.e. advertising/selling the new HD cars, building/maintaining HD car factories within Chronosia etc.)

Also FTA also increase risk of espionage and terrorism as the general case is with FTA comes less strict transportation laws to increase efficiency/reduce cost of transportation from one country to another. In Bjornoya's case we will import and sell foreign merchandise for you to our markets via Visara Co.

I just finished a set of ultrasound tests, so I had some time to fill out this thing. Didn't read the detailed analysis of this survey, so I'm curious as to where I stand in terms of economic power.

Name: Tyrandis
Date: May 09, 2006
Nation Age: no idea, but 4.8 bn pop

Economic Survey:

Use this: http://nstracker.retrogade.com/

What is your nation’s GDP?
NS$178,108,330,738,968.03

What is your GDP per Capita?
NS$36,936.61

What is your nation’s current economic rating?
Frightening

What is your nation’s tax rate? Is it flat or bracketed (do different people pay different percents)?
100%, flat.

What percent of the collected taxes is spent on commerce? (approximately 20 points)
12%

What is your nation’s unemployment rate? If it is above 5%, what percentage of your government expenditures is spent on welfare?
3.09%

How many revolts/rebellions has your nation endured? How many times has your government been replaced? Were any of these revolts/rebellions/governments Marxist in nature?
None, once, none. (This is going by the new EII ultra-militaristic Tyrandis, btw).

Does your government have fascist tendencies? If so, what elements?
Some; ultranationalistic, a massive propaganda infrastructure, and a cult of personality around the Autocrat (Kurumi Hamazaki).

How many corporations does your nation have? Does it have a handful of centralized corporations, or are there more small business ventures?

Many - the amount of diversification varies by sector, but in general consumer goods are controlled by a multitude of small ventures while large-scale infrastructure, defense, and other heavy industry is dominated by oligopolies ala Standard Oil.

What percent of your GDP (not taxes! Find $ spent on Law and order, then divide by GDP) is spent on law enforcement? Does your government monitor public places? Private places?

25%, yes, no

Does your nation have public internet access? If so, is your nation’s internet regulated? Does your government regulate internet usage, or do corporations?

Yes, moderately controlled by the various propaganda arms of the Tyrandisan government.

Is outsourcing commonly used in your nation? Is offshoring (transferring work to another country) common in your nation?
Yes, no.

What is your nation’s general climate (E2)? How close to the equator is the heart of your nation? Does your nation have many desirable beaches?

Generally mild summers, cold winters. Heart of the country is based around Moscow, which is somewhat far away from the equator.

What is your governments’ stance on:

the use of phosphoroxyamines in agriculture?

Google search turned up nothing

genetical engineering of fruits and vegetables?

Legal

the use of polyvinyl chloride in textiles?

Legal

the use of diethylstilbestrol in pharmaceuticals?

Banned due to existence of harmful side effects

the use of azides in landscaping?

Legal

monitoring/enforcing lending laws?

Minimal - controls are put in place only on fraudlent activities

preserving Leuciscus turskyi habitats?

Species is not native to Tyrandisan soil

regulating transportation of prion infected livestock?

Destroyed instantly.

handicap access ramps?

Encouraged, though not mandatory.

equal opportunity?

Again, encouraged though not mandatory.

Has your nation’s government ever inadvertently (or intentionally) participated in faulty or corrupt business dealings? If so, how well does the public know the incident(s)?

Yes, mostly involving various natural resource contracts. The transactions were kept secret for national security reasons.

Have any of your nation’s major corporations ever inadvertently (or intentionally) participated in faulty or corrupt business dealings? If so, how well does the public know the incident(s)?

No

Is your nation home to a large international stock exchange with gambling services? If so, how many protests has this institution encountered, and how was the situation handled?

No.

Is over 90% of your nation continuous? If not, how is it split? If another nation splits major portions of your nation do you currently have a free-trade agreement with this nation, and how strict are border transportation laws?

No, split into Australian desert and Russian portions. No trade agreements have been established with neighboring states.

How many major conflicts has your nation participated in(both D12 and against active members)? How many of these were victories? In how many of these were you the aggressor?

One, unresolved as of yet, and Tyrandis is acting as the aggressor.

Has your nation ever been nuked? If so, how and where?

No

How many nuclear weapons tests has your nation performed?

Eight

Does your nation have laws regulating or restricting child labor? In your nation how old must one be minimally to have a job at a corporation or small business?

Minimal, mostly geared toward safe work environments, no age limit.

Does your nation have equal opportunity employment for all legal citizens? Does a decent or large portion of your population want equal opportunity employment laws?

No, no.

Is education mostly public or private? If public, how ‘liberal’(modern sense) in spirit are the educational facilities? If private, is there a lot of emphasis is placed on religion? If yes, which religion(s)? (if custom, please describe)

Public, illiberal due to extreme focus on sciences, disregard for "superfluous" studies, and mass propaganda.

Is your nation ethnocentric? Does your nation have a clear racial majority? How many languages are commonly spoken in your nation?

No, yes, one.

How many nations do you currently have free trade agreements with?

None as of yet.

Use: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/...elds/2111.html

Does your nation have a reliable, lasting, and accessible source of:

Petroleum? Yes
Natural gas? Yes
Hydropower potential? No
Wind (harvestable)? No
Sunlight (profitable)? No
Fresh water? Yes
Iron? Yes
Lead? Yes
Uranium? No
Copper? Yes
Silicon? Yes
Zinc? Yes
Manganese? No
Antimony? No
Timber? Yes
Fish? Yes
Coffee? No
Wheat? Yes
Rice? No
Maize? Yes
Millet? No
Pulses? No
Tropical Fruits? No
Vegetables? Yes
Phosphates? Yes
Gold? Yes
Silver? Yes
Platinum? No
Chromium? Yes
Coal? Yes
Diamonds? No
Pearls? No
Precious stones? No

Ty you would've gotten about 98.35 but since I finished it already I can't make anything official.

Ty you would've gotten about 98.35 but since I finished it already I can't make anything official.

Eh, that's not surprising. I take it it's because of my psychotic militarism?

Eh, that's not surprising. I take it it's because of my psychotic militarism?

That and poor geography, and little trade interaction with other nations.

We do, we do!

Anyone else want free trade with the UER? Textiles for everyone!

What about the Empire and the UER?

Also FTA also increase risk of espionage and terrorism as the general case is with FTA comes less strict transportation laws to increase efficiency/reduce cost of transportation from one country to another. In Bjornoya's case we will import and sell foreign merchandise for you to our markets via Visara Co.


True except if you anally check everything foreign that comes into your country :).

True except if you anally check everything foreign that comes into your country :).

Which would slow down how quickly goods were beign exchanged between 2 nations. One of the goals of a FTA is to try and hasten this, but compromises are made.

Which would slow down how quickly goods were beign exchanged between 2 nations. One of the goals of a FTA is to try and hasten this, but compromises are made.

Yeah we lower the tariffs but we won't be comprimising our national security. The Empire is nothing short of uber when it comes to that little area.

What about the Empire and the UER?

Stage One comple.....I mean, sure thing! Heh heh....um yeah.....

Stage One comple.....I mean, sure thing! Heh heh....um yeah.....

That makes me weary about going about a FTA with the UER.

That makes me weary about going about a FTA with the UER.

Ah, you know I'm only joking. The Republic and the Empire have always had a good working relationship, and they shall continue to.

Ah, you know I'm only joking. The Republic and the Empire have always had a good working relationship, and they shall continue to.

aRR

I think this ends my new list of FTAs. Mari the UER and the Empire shalt have one.