Cyparissus
20-04-2008, 22:02
Cyparissus World Factbook*
Founded 19 April, 2008
History of Cyparissus
Cyparissus was founded when a group of college students, dissatisfied with the lack of attention accorded to alternative forms of government, decided to establish a new community for like-minded people. After travelling across the European continent for several months, they came across a city on the verge of collapse. As the result of lengthy negotiations, control of the city was handed over to the students. They then began the process of converting the city into an anarchist community, a project that continues today.
Geography of Cyparissus
Currently, Cyparissus is a small community (approximately 40,000 km) on the coast of the Baltic sea. It plans to stay in that area, though it may move around the European continent (without abandoning its base) as the need arises. No matter its location, preservation of the environment takes precedence over development of the economy. As such, Cyparissus's mountain range is densely wooded and the mowing of lawns is looked down on. The climate is cold, and communal housing is encouraged. Natural resources include large tracts of arable land and stretches of coastline suitable for hydroelectric power.
People of Cyparissus
While its population is currently around 6 million, Cyparissus's members do not feel crowded as the communal housing is well-designed, and many people live on small islands no more than 5 kilometres from the coast. The dominant language is English, but several of the members know more than one language. The community of Cyparissus goes to great lengths to accommodate those with disabilities and to ensure equal treatment for all sentient beings. Artists of all types are highly respected, as are scientists and philosophers. Religion is tolerated, but if they collect/extort money from their followers, they are not tax-exempt.
Economy of Cyparissus
Goods in Cyparissus are gotten through a bartering system within and outside the community. The use of printed money is frowned upon but, during the transition period, still necessary. As a result, the economy is not always stable from a capitalistic point of view. Citizens of the outgoing government who are used to an income tax continue to be taxed, and the wealthiest are taxed the most. All labour is unionised.
Military of Cyparissus
Cyparissus presently does not have a military. While not all of the members of the community are necessarily pacifists, they are generally against the manufacture and use of arms.
Government/Political Structure of Cyparissus
The government of the city that the founders took over was already fairly liberal, but its structure was capitalist. Therefore, the founders and the people they brought with them have had to slowly persuade the previous inhabitants to aid in the city's conversion. As some have been resistant, the founders have tried to work within the system to change it. Most recently, a law was passed to outlaw elections, the reasoning being that people should work together to resolve issues, rather than leave the decision-making to majority-elected representatives with opinions that go against the wishes of a sizeable part of the population.
Cyparissus's diplomatic office is a collective of ten people, replaced whenever the community feels it necessary, and their current community representative/collective manager is Dave Host.
Communications of Cyparissus
Every member of Cyparissus has a radio. Cyparissus long ago stopped counting the number of radio stations based in its community, and many members have managed to configure their radio for international broadcasts. If they do not have a computer with an internet connection, there are free internet cafés that are open all day and most of the night. Cellphones are rare, but the majority of members have landlines, and several have ham or CB radios. There is a standard television in each housing unit, and members are free to procure their own if they so wish.
*contents subject to change as Cyparissus develops
Founded 19 April, 2008
History of Cyparissus
Cyparissus was founded when a group of college students, dissatisfied with the lack of attention accorded to alternative forms of government, decided to establish a new community for like-minded people. After travelling across the European continent for several months, they came across a city on the verge of collapse. As the result of lengthy negotiations, control of the city was handed over to the students. They then began the process of converting the city into an anarchist community, a project that continues today.
Geography of Cyparissus
Currently, Cyparissus is a small community (approximately 40,000 km) on the coast of the Baltic sea. It plans to stay in that area, though it may move around the European continent (without abandoning its base) as the need arises. No matter its location, preservation of the environment takes precedence over development of the economy. As such, Cyparissus's mountain range is densely wooded and the mowing of lawns is looked down on. The climate is cold, and communal housing is encouraged. Natural resources include large tracts of arable land and stretches of coastline suitable for hydroelectric power.
People of Cyparissus
While its population is currently around 6 million, Cyparissus's members do not feel crowded as the communal housing is well-designed, and many people live on small islands no more than 5 kilometres from the coast. The dominant language is English, but several of the members know more than one language. The community of Cyparissus goes to great lengths to accommodate those with disabilities and to ensure equal treatment for all sentient beings. Artists of all types are highly respected, as are scientists and philosophers. Religion is tolerated, but if they collect/extort money from their followers, they are not tax-exempt.
Economy of Cyparissus
Goods in Cyparissus are gotten through a bartering system within and outside the community. The use of printed money is frowned upon but, during the transition period, still necessary. As a result, the economy is not always stable from a capitalistic point of view. Citizens of the outgoing government who are used to an income tax continue to be taxed, and the wealthiest are taxed the most. All labour is unionised.
Military of Cyparissus
Cyparissus presently does not have a military. While not all of the members of the community are necessarily pacifists, they are generally against the manufacture and use of arms.
Government/Political Structure of Cyparissus
The government of the city that the founders took over was already fairly liberal, but its structure was capitalist. Therefore, the founders and the people they brought with them have had to slowly persuade the previous inhabitants to aid in the city's conversion. As some have been resistant, the founders have tried to work within the system to change it. Most recently, a law was passed to outlaw elections, the reasoning being that people should work together to resolve issues, rather than leave the decision-making to majority-elected representatives with opinions that go against the wishes of a sizeable part of the population.
Cyparissus's diplomatic office is a collective of ten people, replaced whenever the community feels it necessary, and their current community representative/collective manager is Dave Host.
Communications of Cyparissus
Every member of Cyparissus has a radio. Cyparissus long ago stopped counting the number of radio stations based in its community, and many members have managed to configure their radio for international broadcasts. If they do not have a computer with an internet connection, there are free internet cafés that are open all day and most of the night. Cellphones are rare, but the majority of members have landlines, and several have ham or CB radios. There is a standard television in each housing unit, and members are free to procure their own if they so wish.
*contents subject to change as Cyparissus develops