NationStates Jolt Archive

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The Democratic Constitutional Monarchy of the Secular Empire of Maraque

Introduction: Maraque

Background:

In Progress.


Geography: Maraque

Location:

N/A

Geographic coordinates:

N/A

Map references:

N/A

Area:

N/A

Area - comparative:

N/A


Land boundaries:

N/A

Coastline:

N/A

Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles
exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles

Climate:

Average monthly highs of 86°F, with average monthly lows of 65°F

Terrain:

Mostly flat in central Maraque, mountainous and rugged in the north, grasslands in the south.

Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Sikhonia Valley -1,481 ft
Highest point: Mount Straussburgh 39,876 ft

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, coal, bauxite, chromite, copper, iron ore, nickel, salt, timber

Land use:
arable land: 3.31%
permanent crops: 0.11%
other: 96.58%

Irrigated land:

N/A

Natural hazards:

tsunamis, volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, mudslides, forest fires, flooding

Environment - current issues:

Acid rain resulting from pollution by power plants.

Environment - international agreements:

None

Geography - note:

N/A

People: Maraque

Population:

4,434,000,000 (February 18 2007)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 25.70%
15-64 years: 49.15%
65 years and older: 25.15%

Median age:
total: 56.45 years
male: 55.10 years
female: 57.80 years

Population growth rate:

0.25%

Birth rate:

2.54 births/1,000 population

Death rate:

0.84 deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate:

258 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and older: 0.72 male(s)/female
total population: 0.97 male(s)/female

Infant mortality rate:
total: 1.24 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 1.34 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 1.14 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 101.31 years
male: 98.63 years
female: 103.99 years

Total fertility rate:

7.49 children born/woman

HIV/AIDS - adults prevalence rate:

0.03%

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

945,000

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

13,797

Nationality:
noun: Maraquean(s)
adjective: Maraquean

Ethnic groups:

Maraquean 75%, Other 25%

Religions:

Agnostic 74%, Atheist 12%, Muslim 6%, Christian 3%, Jewish 3%, Buddhist 2%

Languages:

Maraquean 76% (official), Spanish 63%, English 37% (official) , Japanese 7%, Afrikaans 4%, Chinese 3%, Dutch 1.4%, Arabic 1%, Farsi 1%, German 1%, French 0.6%, various other minority languages

note: Percentages only apply to native-speakers, not total population. e.g. 76% of the population is a native speaker of Maraquean, but all citizens must speak and write the official national languages fluently.


Literacy:
definition: age 7 and over can read and write Maraquean and English
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100%

Government: Maraque

Country name:
conventional long form: Democratic Constitutional Monarchy of the Secular Empire of Maraque
conventional short form: Secular Empire
local long form: Domokratishe Kohnstitutionale Monarcke of Jehl Sveltzich Emeicht ahf Maraikae
local short form: Sveltzich Emeicht
abbreviations: SE or SEM

Government type:

Constitutional monarchy with strong democratic tradition and ties

Capital:

Northern Maraque-Vorencia (Super City)

Major cities:
Northern Maraque-Vorencia, Milania, Ahlan, Beisandros, Addeisian, Lirtha, Jalan, Artaga, Sarantia, Lasgoud, Ri'kani'ya, Mariconia, Coronian Island, Marianelle, Curona, Seaside Grove, Kingdom, Liberal, Liberty, Faussland, Maraque, Engleburg, Turkan, Greenvale



Administrative divisions:
22 provinces: Maraque, Curona, Atrons, Westhampton, Darkaan, York Island, Hythoria, Hamburgh, Coronian Islands, Ankartha, Central Maraque, West Maraque, Zureich, Brennerbourgh, Addeis Abaus, Valenasjaski, Valenasjaski Island, Ambai, Hamburgh Island, Northeast Hamburgh, Maraquean-Corona, Northern Maraque-Vorencia

Dependent areas:

None

Independence:

Maraque has been a sovereign nation since its founding and has never been dependent on any other state.

National holiday:

Kingdom Day
Founding Day
New Years Day
Thanksgiving
Emperor's Birthday
Democracy Day
Tuan Lekan's Birthday
Gift Giving Day
Political Freedom Day

Constitution:

The Secular Empire of Maraque does not have a formal constitution, but a Charter of Rights and Freedoms that has been finalized until a formal constitution is eventually written. Recent polls suggest the majority of Maraqueans are satisfied with the current document.

Legal system:

federal court system based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts.

Suffrage:

Voting: 12 years old
Drinking: 14 years old
Smoking: 16 years old
Firearm ownership: 18 years old
Enfranchisement: 12


Executive branch:
chief of state: Emperor Jovan NORRIS (since July 11th 2058); Vice Empress Helena NORRIS (since February 7th 2058); note - the emperor is not the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Cristiano Tavoularis (since July 15th 2058); Vice President Isaac ARMSTRONG (since February 1st 2058); note - the president is not the chief of state and head of government
cabinet: cabinet appointed by president with Imperial Senate approval.
elections: president and vice president elected on same ticket by popular vote ; president and vice president serve six year terms (eligible for second term); election last held July 17th 2058 (next to be held July 14th 2064)
election results: Cristiano TAVOULARIS elected president; percent of popular vote - Cristiano TAVOULARIS (Liberal Bloc) 88%, Cedrick KEILBACH (Conservative Bloc) 12%

Legislative branch:
tricameral Congress consists of the Imperial Senate (132 seats; all are renewed every 12 years; six members are elected by each province and territory by popular vote to serve a single 12-year term), the House of Commons (176 seats; all are renewed every six years; eight members are elected by each province and territory by popular vote to serve a single six-year term), and the House of Imperialists (264 seats; all are renewed every four years; twelve members are elected by each province and territory by popular vote to serve a single four year term)
elections: Imperial Senate - last held December 1st 2050 (next to be held December 1st 2062); House of Commons - last held December 1st 2044 (next to be held December 1st 2050); House of Imperialists - last held December 1st 2040 (next to be held December 1st 2044)
election results: Imperial Senate - percent of vote by bloc - N/A; seats by bloc - Liberal bloc 97, Independent bloc 15, Conservative bloc 10, Libertarian bloc 10; House of Commons - percent of vote by bloc - N/A; seats by bloc - Liberal bloc 132, Conservative bloc 17, Libertarian bloc 18, Independent bloc 8; House of Imperialists - percent of vote by bloc - N/A; seats by bloc - Liberal bloc 142, Conservative bloc 39, Independent bloc 63, Libertarian bloc 20

Judicial branch:

Imperial Court (its 22 justices are appointed for life on condition of good behavior by the Emperor with confirmation by the Imperial Congress); Secular Empire Courts of Appeal; Secular Empire Regional Courts; Provincial and City Courts

Political blocs and leaders:

Liberal bloc [Cristiano TAVOULARIS], Conservative bloc [Cedrick KEILBACH], Libertarian bloc [Raphael WILLIAMS], GLBT bloc [Siv NORRIS], Independent bloc [Stephen NORRIS], Green bloc [kirstin TRIPOLI], Socialist bloc [Dirk FRIESEN], Capitalist bloc [Anthony HENDERSON]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

N/A

International organization participation:

The Grand Imperial Alliance

Flag description:

three horizontal stripes of red, blue, and green; a blue star surrounded by ten smaller stars in the upper hoist side; each star representing the ten original provinces and the largest one representing the empire. The colors represent a multi-ethnic, multi-party nation united as one. The white represents peace and humanity.

Flag (http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/maraque.jpg)

Economy: Maraque

Gross domestic product:

$161,142,251,686,010.25

Gross domestic product - real growth rate:

0.35%

Gross domestic product - per capita:

$47,366.92

Gross domestic product - composition by sector:
agriculture: 0.06%
industry: 20.4%
services: 79.54%

Labor force:

2,187,486,000 (includes unemployed)

Labor force - by occupation:

farming, forestry, and fishing 0.7%, manufacturing, extraction, transportation, and crafts 22.9%, managerial, professional, and technical 34.7%, sales and office 25.4%, other services 16.3%

note: figures exclude the unemployed

Unemployment rate:

2.74%

Population below poverty line:

1.2%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:
Lowest 10%: 15%
Highest 10%: 25%


Distribution of family income - gini index:

20

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.6%

Investment (gross fixed):

16.7% of GDP

Budget:

revenue: $18,335,706,839,950.50
expenditures: $18,335,706,839,950.50

Public debt:

N/A

Agriculture products:

wheat, corn, other grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish; forest products

Industries:

highly diversified and technologically advanced; petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics, food processing, consumer goods, lumber, mining

Industrial production growth rate:

0.45%

Electricity consumption:

2,187,842 megawatts

Electricity production:

2,880,000 megawatts

Electricty exports:

692,158 megawatts

Electricity imports:

None

Oil production:

275,000,000 barrels daily

Oil consumption:

42,500,000 barrels daily

Oil exports:

N/A

Oil imports:

None

Oil proved reserves:

123,200,000,000,000 barrels

Natural gas production:

1,337,000,000,000 cu m

Natural gas consumption:

1,145,500,000,000 cu m

Natural gas exports:

None

Natural gas imports:

None

Natural gas proved reserves:

87,300,000,000,000 cu m

Current account balance:

$567,083,716,699.50

Exports:

$18,516,458,520,373.96

Export commodities:

the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and services

Exports partners:

N/A

Imports:

$18,474,843,674,306.25

Imports partners:

N/A

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

N/A

Debt - external:

None

Economic aid donor:

N/A

Currency code:

Mara (MAR)

Exchange rate:

$1.00 Mara = $2.0257 Universal NationStates Dollars

Fiscal year:

Period 1 Day 2 - Period 1 Day 1 (standard Maraquean format)

Communications: Maraque

Telephones - main lines in use:

3,362,500,000

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3,392,500,000

Telephone system:

general assessment: technologically advanced domestic and international system
domestic: equal mix of buried cables, microwave radio relay, and fiber-optic systems
international: country code - 1988; 320 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 80 Intelsat (56 Atlantic Ocean and 24 Indian Ocean), 8 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region), and 8 Eutelsat; at least 64 large international switching centers

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 38,312, FM 71,688, shortwave 152

Television broadcast stations:

17,744

Internet country code:

.mar

Internet hosts:

2,927,080,440

Internet users:

2,905,000,000

Transportation: Maraque

Airports:

total: 119,144
47 international
21 major

Airports with paved runways:

119,144

Airports with unpaved runways:

None

Heliports:

1,224

Pipelines:

condensate: 8,750 mi; gas 7,000 mi; liquid petroeum gas 4,720 mi; oil 2,000 mi; oil/gas/water 5,041 mi; refined products 4,375 mi

Railways:

105,000 mi

Waterways:

52,500 mi

Merchant marine:
3,552 ships:
bulk carrier: 160
cargo: 536
chemical tanker: 360
container: 1,144
liquefied gas: 112
passenger: 72
passenger/cargo: 528
petroleum tanker: 248
refrigerated cargo: 160
roll on/roll off: 208
vehicle carrier: 48

Ports and terminals:
Northern Maraque
Maraque
Central Maraque
West Maraque
Atrons
Curona
Hamburgh
Northeast Hamburgh
Hamburgh Island
Hythoria
Darkaan
Coronian Islands
Ambai
Brennerbourgh
Zureich
Ankartha
Addeis Abaus
Westhampton
Corona
Maraquean Corona
Valenasjaski
Valenasjaski Island
York Island

Miltary: Maraque


Military branches:

Imperial Guard, Imperial Navy (includes Imperial Marines), Imperial Airforce

Military service age and obligation:

23 years of age for voluntary military service; women serve in military services, but are excluded from ground combat positions; no draft

Manpower available for military service:

N/A

Manpower fit for military service:

N/A

Military expenditures dollar figure:

$0.00

note: military has been dissolved until further notice. All current servicemen/women are currently protecting government officials or in small scale military operations abroad.



Transnational issues: Maraque

International disputes:

The Empire is currently not engaged in any serious international disputes.

Illicit drugs:

All drugs are legal.

Internally/Externally displaced people:

There are estimated to be more than 50 million displaced individuals from several dozen nations in Maraque under a government-regulated refugee program.

Minister of Agricultural & Rural Societies
Katlego Nsia

Minister of the Interior
Olanrewaju Babajide

Minister of Commerce & Economic Policy
Chidi Bosede

Minister of Justice & Law
Yaw Bamidele

Minister of Defense & Military Strategy
Babajide Kgosi

Minister of Labour
Ngozi Odhiambo

Minister of Education & Higher Learning
Oluwasegun Olukayode

Minister of International Affairs
Bosede Ekene

Minister of Energy & Alternative Fuels
Ekene Adisa

Minister of Transportation & Roadways
Adegoke Odhiambo

Minister of Health & Human Services
Kibwe Yaw

Minister of the Treasury
Tinashe Odhiambo

Minister of Domestic Security
Kirabo Enu

Minister of Veterans' Affairs & Needs
Tatenda Uzochi

Minister of Housing & Urban Development
Nkruma Adebowale


People of Note:

Jovan Norris
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Title: Emperor (currently ruling)
Ethnicity: Caucasion
Age: 26
Gender: Male
Religion: Agnostic
Education: High School, International University of Central Maraque
Marital Status: Married
Children: No
Term in office: 2058-
Political party: Liberal Bloc
Political beliefs: Believes in a soft version of Libertarianism, one in which promotes self reliance and independence from the government, while also believing it is the governments duty as a government to provide its people with basic necessities such as education and healthcare. Believes that government has no place in the daily lives of its citizens as long as what they are doing doesn't harm anyone.
Economic philosophy: Believes in a capitalistic socialist free-market economy that issues high taxes to corporations for social programs, and believes in strict regulation of business to ensure that the people remain the top priority with proper pay and healthcare; staunch opponent of income taxes for individuals.
Amazing feats: Successfully dodged four armed assailants who fired automatic rifles at him during a visit to school chilren in the former capital of Vorencia.
Awards/Honors/Distinctions: '#1 Most Attractive Bachelor' Maraque Today Magazine, Stanmark Award for 'Best Performing Student in History' at his former high school where he recieved the highest test scores in the last four years of his high school education.



Siv Norris
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Title: Empress (no longer ruling)
Ethnicity: Arab
Age: 28
Gender: Female
Relignion: Islam
Education: High School, Kingdom City University College of Neurology
Marital Status: Married
Children: Yes, 12
Term in office: 2058-2058
Political Party: Liberal Bloc
Political Beliefs: Believes that governments main purpose is to protect its citizens and to treat all the same regardless of sex, age, sexual orientation, social class (which are virtually non-existant in Maraque), etc, and to not give handouts to special interest organizations as government isn't suppose to be biased towards one thing against the other.
Economic Philosophy: Believes that communism, when done right, is the best economic system a country could have, but respects the capitalistic socialist system that has been in place for centuries.
Amazing feats: Gave birth to 12 children within the same hour.
Awards/Honors/Distinctions: Recieved various awards for her outstanding accomplishments in the field of neurology including the first ever brain transplant in world history.

Stephen Norris
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Title: Emperor (no longer ruling)
Ethnicity: African/Maraquean
Age: 62
Gender: Male
Education: High School, Ri'Kiani'Ya University, Vorencia University of Geopolitical Science, Schlansia University of Law
Marital status: Married
Children: Yes, four
Term in office: 2012-2058
[B]Poltical party: Liberal Bloc
Political beliefs: Believes in a strong liberal society where religious-based morality is shunned upon in the name of freedom and human growth through progressive laws that allow things to change and expand.
Economic philosophy: Capitalist, free market economy with key sectors state-ran and owned.
Amazing feats: Became one of the first trillionaires in modern day history.
Awards/Honors/Distinctions: Had the daunting task of attempting economic recovery after a devestating civil war during the split of the Federal Republic of the United States of America. Successfully transformed the predominantly agricultural based economy into an industry and service economy, with astounding results.

Cities of Maraque


the largest city is Super City, a city-state in the province of Maraque in the central continent. It is home to more than 65.8 million people and is also the capital of the country. The second largest city, Glashohnae [pronunciation: glawss-hoen-nay], has a population of a little more than 2.6 million and is located in the province of Hythoria in the eastern continent. Glashohnae has recently become the cheaper alternative to the more expensive Super City, with it's booming economy and world class dining and shopping districts. The city of Addeisian (add-ee-iss-ee-an) has a population of 40.5 million, and is located in the province of Addeis Abaus on the southwestern continent, but is the 5th largest city in the country. The main part of the city is the outstanding old architecture which dates back to the very begining of the country more than 630 years ago, and much of it is still standing after the civil war. The city relies mostly on tourism - of which there is a lot of - and other industries such as automobile manufacturing and uranium mining. Mariannelle, the 6th largest city and the very first to be founded, located in the province of Darkaan has a population of more than 3.6 million residents, all of which speak a genuinely unique form of Maraquean that is not heard anywhere else - mostly because they aren't of Maraquean descent but of Coronian, an old civilization that split from the Maraquean tribe in the mid-15th century. Just about 95.45% of Maraqueans live in urban (city) environments of 2.5 million citizens or more, 3.03% live in suburban (town) environments of 1.25 million or less, and 1.53% live in rural (village/hamlet) environments of between 625,000-312,500 or less. The majority of cities are coastal, while much of the country's towns, villages, and hamlets are inland.

Super City

Super City is a relatively new city, being built less than 100 years ago. The city was originally planned to be built next to the city of Vorencia, but it was later decided to join the two together completely and make one enormous city, hence Super City was born.

Super City (also known as Nothern Maraque-Vorencia) is the financial, political, and commercial capital of the country. The ancient Imperial Palace is here, along with all branches of government and various foreign embassies.

Super City is distinct in its appearance because it mixes the the 15th century architecture of Vorencia, with the 25th century ultra-modern architecture of Northern Maraque. Maraquean law forbids any buildings from the 15th century from being demolished or renovated in any way to keep the historic beauty of the country.

Super City is a mostly coastal city, with more than 24,500 miles of beach on the northern and northeastern sides of the city, and with more than 65.8 million residents these beaches are always bustling with residents and tourists alike.

Getting around the city itself is very easy, with everything you'll ever need within a reasonable walking distance, and more than 300 MAGLEV trains traveling to various parts of the city every half hour. There are also more than 72,000 low fare taxi cabs and buses which are efficient and very convenient.

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Another exciting feature of the city is Emerald Park, a massive park located in the center of the city along Imperial Street and Embassy Avenue. The park boasts one of the largest lakes in the world, along with hundreds of acres of paths along beautiful forests and landcape. Also inside is the International Zoo of Super City - a must-see for any visitor to the city. Playgrounds and picnic areas also provide space for big family gatherings and other fun events, which allows parents to watch their children close by while relaxing by the water. If you prefer to be served, there are also various restaurants in the park that cater to everyones different tastes.

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Just west of the park is the Business District. This district is home to some of the worlds largest corporations, including the world headquarters of biological weaponry and medical company LifeWyze Biotechnology, which has a big presence in the city. This is also where the affluent go to shop at the many high end stores lining the street.

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Imperial Street is a 450 mile stretch of road alongside Emerald Park that is the entry point for anyone flying in. You'll feel like you're in a dream world as you enter this quiet yet substancial street surrounded by massive skyscrapers that seem to be miles away, and the eye catching Imperial Palace seems to be overlooking the entire area, protecting it from the dark and imposing buildings surrounding you. It's one of the most visited streets in the city, and a main attraction for anyone who wishes to view the amazing Imperial Palace that graces it.

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Also on Imperial Street is the Capital Building - also known as the Imperial Tower - which holds the Houses of the Imperial Senate, the House of Commons, and the House of Imperialists. The reason the center of political power is stationed in a tall skyscaper as opposed to a smaller more traditional structure is because this building not only houses the Imperial Congress, but the Imperial Courts and Executive Offices. It is one of the most stunning sights to witness day and night, and people are allowed to picnic outside on any given day.

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Official Maraquean Travel Guide

Maraque is a very warm, but large country in the Pacific ocean just over a few thousand miles from the United States and Japan. Maraque is home to a multi-ethnic, diverse population with people from all over the globe calling it home. Maraqueans are known to be very liberal in nature, and although they are hesitant to agree with religion, there is a large minority of religious sects spread out across the nation. Maraque has a booming tourism industry, with hundreds of thousands of destinations country-wide; it's also known for it's 20,000+ room hotels which are larger and more luxurious than most other nations, but for much less.

Cities

Almost all of Maraque is urban, with less than 2% of the population living in a rural environment. Most cities are located on the coast, while towns, villages, and hamlets are more inland.

Super City - The capital. An ultra-modern and enormous city-state.
Maraque City - The Presidential capital. An aging yet dignified city that is known for its abundance of landmarks.
Glashohnae - Glashohnae is the little sister of Super City. It's mostly known for it's super capitalistic atmosphere and socially conservative population. Also home to the largest Christian population, with 51% claiming to be of the faith.
Addeisian City - architectural gurus dream. The stunning sights and sounds of this beautifully aged city are breathtaking and will make you want to stay forever. Port Addeisian has ferry services which will take you to the neighboring territory of Japan and around the coast.
Turkan - Turkan is a quaint, yet fast paced city in southern Atrons. It is the only major city in close proximity to the only other country other than Maraque in the region; the Confederacy of Khorvania.
Coronian Islands City - This coastal city is the capital of the Coronian Islands and one of the nations most known tourist destinations. It's located on the largest island that makes the Coronian Islands, named Liukanaia, named after the last name of the Maraquean explorer who found it. There are many water-related activities on the island, including dolphin spotting and deep sea diving. Liukanaia is also a main point for Maraque's booming cruise industry.

Understand

Climate

Much of the eastern continent has a temperature comparable to that of California and other places, usually 65*F to 85*F in the Spring season, and rises to 100*F and above in the Summer seaons, with Fall and Winter seaons falling between 40*F to 55*F. The central continent is much warmer, with a typical Spring season temperature of 95*F to 115*F, while usually going no higher than 125*F in the Summer, and cooling down to 60*F to 75*F in the Fall and Winter months. The western continent is the coldest region, with temperatures in the Spring reaching usually no more than 45*F. Summers are substancially warmer at an average temperature of 65*F to 75*F, and Fall and Winters are usually 20*F to 35*F. The southwestern continent is very hot, with the temperature rarely shifting all season long from lows of 95*F, to highs of 110*F. The southeastern islands are generally the same as the southwestern continent.

Massive floods are also a very high concern for Maraque, as well as tsunamis because of the high number of coastal cities. Hurricanes and tornadoes along with forest fires are sometimes troublesome, but are not considered a major threat.

Terrain

Maraque has mostly flat grasslands, with central mountainous regions throughout. The outer reaches of the country are mostly long, beautiful beaches known for their assortment of beautifully colored and shaped rocks lining the shoreline. To the west are immense thick forests.

History

Modern historians believe that African immigrants first made their way to Maraque by unknown means in the early 14000's. The liberal society that Maraque is known for today is a by product of the various tribes that came to the area in those times, in which much of what Maraquean culture is today was practiced by those tribes.

Maraque did not become a Kingdom for at least a quarter of a century after the discovery of the first continent. It was around this time that the Japanese had started to emigrate to the region, along with various others from North America and Europe.

The Kingdom would soon evolve into a constitutional monarchy, and then later on to a democratic constitutional monarchy with an elected King as opposed to a King chosen by birth. The only limitation was that the following King - or Queen - must be a child of the last, either by legal adoption or birth. A President was later included, except he was only the head of Government, not State.

Get In

Passports and Visas

Any foreign national wishing to enter the Secular Empire of Maraque is allowed to do so as long as they are not on the governments blacklist of unfriendly nations. Foreign nationals from nations that belong to the Union of Communist Nations are allowed hassle-free entry, all others must carry a legal and non-expired passport.

Foreign nationals wishing to work in the Secular Empire will have to obtain a work visa. These types of visas last 5 years, and can be renewed for a charge of $5, but the renewal will only last 6 additional months.

For foreign nationals wishing to stay in the country for more than a month, they will have to obtain a residency visa. These visas typically last 8 years and can be renewed for $15, but will only last four additional months.

By Plane

Super City International Airport and Spaceport is the biggest airport in the country, and is the the busiest with 268 million domestic flights, and 1.1 billion international flights a year.

Atrons International Airport is the 2nd largest airport, but has the most domestic flights with 592 million a year, but 3rd in international flights with 992 million, behind Maraque International with 1.076 billion international flights.

By Boat

Maraque is known for its incredible cruise industry, and with that comes many tourists. Although only 10% of foreign nationals arrive by boat, there are hundreds of cruises from Maraque to Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, Japan and Australia. Port Hythoria is often regarded as the best destination to depart from.

Get Around

By Car

A vehicle is a must if you do not enjoy public transportation, although public transportation in Maraque is quite impresisve and convenient, many people still prefer the wide open roads to travel to and from place to place. A recent study has shown that there are four vehicles for every one citizen. Maraqueans drive on the right.

Traveling by car is very inexpensive, sometimes moreso than public transportation. Fuel costs just $0.25/gallon in most parts of the country.

Renting is inexpensive, with prices ranging from $12/day for a basic economy car, to $48./day for a more up-market luxury vehicle. Compact and mid-sized SUVs are tolerated, but anything larger is usually around $155/day plus a 25% fuel consumption tax.

Traffic congestion on Major Highways between cities is usually moderate, with little or no gridlock. These highways are between 8-12 lanes, and have unlimited speed limits. Traffic is at its worst between 5am-11am and 6pm-10pm, and on Mondays and Saturdays.

On Interstate Highways there is a speed limit of 82 miles per hour, and are usually 15-20 lanes. These roadways are usually very open and are the most safe roadways to travel on, according to recent traffic accident studies. All road signs are in English and Maraquean, with others sometimes in Arabic or German.

Residential Roadways have speed limits of 28 miles per hour. Most of these roads are monitored fiercely by speed cameras. A minimum fine of $900 is issued to first time speeders, $2,700 to 2nd time speeders, and $10,800 to 3rd time speeders plus one month imprisonment.

Commercial and City Roadways are limited to a maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour, and aren't usually subject to speed cameras, although they are possible. The minimum fine for 1st time speeders is $450, $1,350 for 2nd time speeders, and $5,400 for 3rd time speeders plus two weeks imprisonment.

Alcohol is completely forbidden within Maraque outside of hotels and bars, and driving under the influence of alcohol is a federal offense in which 1st time offenders will be issued a $25,000 fine plus two years imprisonment, 2nd time offenders are issued a $75,000 fine plus three years imprisonment, and 3rd time offenders will be issued a $300,000 fine and six years imprisonment.

Drugs are completely legal throughout the country, however driving under the influence of such will land you a $45,000 fine plus two years imprisonment, 2nd time offenders will be issued a $135,000 fine plus three years imprisonment, and 3rd time offenders will be issued a $540,000 fine plus four years imprisonment.

By Taxi

All taxi services in Maraque are government-owned and operated, and as such all fares are the same regardless of where you flag a taxi. Taxi services are most prominent in cities, but are widely available in rural and suburban areas by calling your local taxi center.

Prices are a flat $0.10 per minute, and are most recognizable for their white paint with red, blue and green stripes on the side.

All taxi drivers are put under strict behavior requirements and are not allowed to show anger or frustration with a passenger. They are generally friendly and talkative, but will be quiet and respectful if you so desire. A $1-$3 tip is usually polite, but drivers usually deny them out of their own self pride.

By Thumb

Maraqueans are very generous and open people. It is not an uncommon sight to see people walking somewhere accept a ride from someone in a car. Most Maraqueans do it out of the kindness of their hearts, while others do it because they feel obligated to help their fellow citizen.

By Train

All rail services in Maraque are government-owned and operated. This has resulted in a massive overhaul of the rail system from a traditional rail system to a modern MAGLEV system which has proved more efficient and convenient than the less modern standard rail. Also by upgrading to these new modern rail systems, people are able to travel to and from place to place faster than before, allowing for a slight adjustment in train schedules, and also placing more trains on the schedule, which in turn allows more people to travel.

Ticket prices are low, but vary depending on where you're going. Most city-by-city round-trip tickets cost $4 for children, $12 for adults, $9 for disabled individuals, and $6 for seniors.

Ticket prices for province-to-province round-trip are $5 for children, $15 for adults, $11 for disabled individuals, and $8 for seniors.

Children are considered anyone under the age of 20, adults are considered anyone over the age of 20, disabled individuals are people who are impaired either physically or mentally, and seniors are people who are 45 or older.

By Bus

Government-owned and operated bus services are widely available throughout Maraque in cities and surrounding areas. It is generally a cheaper and more comfortable, but slower alternative to a train.

Prices for city-by-city tickets are $3 for children, $9 for adults, $6 for disabled individuals, and $5 for seniors.

Prices for province-to-province tickets are $4 for children, $12 for adults, $9 for disabled individuals, and $6 for seniors.

By Plane

One of the few industries that isn't run by the government, except for a couple of domestic budget airlines and one major moderate cost airline, flying can become very expensive.

The government owned budget airline MaraAir has several hundred thousand flights a year, with tickets ranging from $308 for city-by-city flights, and $385 for province-to-province flights. MaraAirs prices are normally 45%-81% below the average airfare.

The moderately priced government-owned airline SuperAir has a few hundred thousand flights a year, with ticket prices ranging from $420 for city-by-city flights and $525 for province-to-province flights. SuperAirs prices are normally 6%-33% below the average airfare.

By Boat

Government-owned and operated ferry services are widely used around all of Maraque's coastal cities. These services however slow they may be, are a great, and relaxing alternative to many other modes of transportation like driving or a bus service. They also give you excellent views for dolphin watching.

These services run from $8 for children, $24 for adults, $18 for disabled individuals, and $13 for seniors.

Talk

The primary national language of Maraque is Maraquean, although English, German, and Arabic are mandatory by act of law for all citizens to learn. English has been a commonly used language for half of the country's 2,000 year existance. German and Arabic have ties back to the very begining, although widespread use of the languages in Maraque didn't become apparent until the 1800's.

Maraqueans generally only speak Maraquean at home, while English is commonly used in daily life outside of the home. German and Arabic are most prominent in the Vorencia district of Super City and the bordering town of Schlansia.

Also important to note is Maraquean is one of the most difficult languages to grasp, even after years of study. It is highly reccomended that any foreign nationals who visit Maraque use English instead. Maraquean is among the top ten most difficult languages in the world to learn, and not many people outside of Maraque can.

Maraqueans are very polite, open and generous individuals. Maraqueans view each other as family, and as such will greet you in a more open and friendly manner. Traditionally men greet women with a friendly kiss to the hand, while women greet men with a soft kiss on the cheek. Men will too, greet other men with a soft kiss on the cheek, which might be unusual in other cultures, so being aware of this when you visit is a must. Women greet each other with a friendly embrace.

See

Maraque has hundreds of places of interest, including the capital Super City which houses many of the country's thousands upon thousands of landmarks. The most notable are the Imperial Tower, the Ancient Imperial Palace and of course the New Imperial Palace on Imperial Street. Capitalist Avenue is the primary shopping section of the city, with high-end clothing shops and eateries, along with less expensive shops and eateries for the money-conscious visitor.

Citizens and foreigners alike are allowed to sit on the grounds of the Imperial Tower and eat lunch during the day between 11am and 5pm. Another fantastic sight is Embassy Avenue, a small but long street lined with beautifully designed embassies from more than 20 nations across the globe (and even universe), just a short block away.

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