NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Okay, so I've been away some time. I've had a few personal problems with the ol' noggin that I've hopefully worked through the worst of. My apologies to those who I dropped in the lurch - I really am sorry, but this was something that had been building up for years and needed to be sorted. It doesn't excuse the rudeness, but, I stress, it was something that needed urgent sorting, and NS immediately takes a backburner (naturally). I won't be RPing in any real fashion for another few weeks - rather, I'd like to get this altogether compiled.

-Dan

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The Island Empire of Barronia
"Imperium in Excelsis"

Status: WIP - Work in Progress - Please do not post!


International Reference Section and Factbook

Motto: "Imperium in Excelsis"
Anthem: "Barronia, Thy Land Be E'er Green"
Official Languages: British English, Arabic
National flower: Pink Arum Lily (Zantedeschia rehmanii)
National tree: Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)
National animal: Grey Wolf (Canis lupus)
National patrons: Amphitrite, Brittania
Official font: Century Gothic
Currency: 1 Barronian Sterling = 100 Barronian Centa

Table of Contents:

Population, Residency and Citizenship
Government
UN Classifications
Barronian Fascism
The Monarchy
Current Government
Economy
National
International
Culture
Transport
Road
Rail
Air
Sea
Overseas Management
Colonies
Diplomacy
Economic
Embassies and Ambassador-Magistrates Commission
Military
Barronian Imperial Ground Service
Barronian Imperial Nautical Service
Barronian Imperial Aeronautical Service
Conventional Aircraft
Airships

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The Island Empire of Barronia
"Imperium in Excelsis"

Population, Residency, and Citizenship

Population 6.994 Billion (6,993,522,982 at last census, conducted on the date of The Great Migration)

Residency

Residency in Cities

Generally, cities in Barronia are designed in a radiative pattern - business in the centremost districts, shopping, heavy residential, medium, and then light. Outside of cities usually are universities, scientific & clean industrial parks, and vehicle depots, whilst further out are heavy and polluting industries, power generation, and other utilities.

This method has it's disadvantages in being very rigid in nature - city expansion is not easy. Conversely, however, cities are usually built whole and populated so, allowing cities to be "customised"
to tailor to the local resources and culture of the area - for examples, cities in the Australan Mountain Range may be laid out similarly to those of the Nova Zemblan Island Complex, but building styles will be different, the industries will be more related to mining rather than cold-weather research, and the clean industrial parks will be less related to cold-weather gear manufacture.

Heavy Residential Areas, or "HeRAs" Zones, are generally defined by the absense of low-level housing, a surplus of public transport (elevated railways, subways, and autobus network), and adequate "Community Facilitation Complexes", which incorporate schools catering for ages 5-18, a military recruiting post, community centre, Imperial Constabulary and civil Protection Station, a Paramedic Outpost, and a Fire Service Outpost. The lattermost two often contain room for one or two Immediate Response Vehicles, and facilities for two or three personnel to stay overnight. The majority of systems are automated, and all personnel are given RFID cards to allow them access to the facilities.

HeRAs Zones are often populated with new families, couples, and singles.

Middle-Range Residential Areas ("MiRRAs" Zones) are found containing mid-level housing (smaller apartment buildings, 3-7 floors), with easily accessible public transport facilities (autobus network, some subway stations), and more sparsely-located Community Facilitation Complexes. Usually populated with more affluent small families.

Limited Residential Areas ("LiRAs" Zones) contain mainly 2-story housing and bungalows, with occasionally small apartment buildings interspersed. Public transport is adequate (extensive autobus network), with park-and-ride facilities to ensure out-of-town visitors can use the public transport with ease. Usually populated by affluent large families.

Residency in Towns

Much the same as with cities, towns in Barronia are radiated from business in the centre, retail, a much smaller HeRAs zone, with a mixed MiRRAs/LiRAs Zone. Industry is located much further from the town centre, with business parks predominantly near main arterial routes.

Capital City New Misenae
Population 15,298,533

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City Flag of New Misenae

The High City of New Misenae is, as with most nations, the jewel in the crown (almost literally - see The Monarchy)
of it's nation. Built across the River Melrose, the city hosts the largest public transport system seen since the origins of Barronia. A maze of subways, elevated and mainline railways crisscrossed the city, and an automated bus network covers nearly every street. The riverside contains a plethora of hotels, Corporation Buildings, and Magisterium Court Headquarters. The water is clear, the river being almost entirely man-made - dug out and lined with concrete. Only it's source is natural, and all water is cleaned of particulates before being sent through the city. If not for the current and the traffic, the water would be safe enough to swim in. Sewage does not find it's way into the river; rather, the sewers slope to the outside of the city to twin treatment farms in the industrial districts.

The water cleaning operation takes place at a 50 acre facility upriver from the town. A series of filterbeds clears the water, before treating with chemicals to clear bacteria and refiltering. When the water leaves it is relatively safe (not, however, to Barronian Water Authority drinking standards), transparent, and clean.


Citizenship

Birthright

Citzenry is granted de facto at birth, and confirmed at the age of 18, at a State Acceptance of Responsibility Ceremony. They are expected to repeat the following:

I, [name], hereby do solemny swear to affirm to the responsibilities the state bestows upon me. I do solemnly swear to uphold the laws laid down in Her Majesty's name, to respect and to cherish the nation that has raised me. I pledge my allegience to the Magisterium and the Crown Government of Barronia, and will serve my nation and my Queen until death take me, or illness break me.

Naturalisation

Before citizenship is granted to a foreign national, several tests are expected to be undertaken and passed, including language tests, IQ tests, and proof of job application (applicants must be about to undertake employment on citizenship). They will be expected to repeat the above State Acceptance of Responsibility if above the age of 18. Those under the age of 18 will be granted "Semi-Naturalised Citizenship" until they are of age. They are expected to pay for their schooling, whether by delayed payment loans or direct payment.

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The Island Empire of Barronia
"Imperium in Excelsis"

Government

UN Classification

Government Classification "Father Knows Best State"
Economy "Frightening"
Political Rights "Outlawed"
Civil Rights "Some"

Barronian Fascism

An Introduction to Barronian Fascism

Fascism, or The Third Way as it is less commonly known, is the type of government most often equated with genocide, authoritarianism and anti-communism. Barronia wishes to seperate itself from those elements with a form of fascism that is far deposed from those of Nazi Germany or associated nations of the past.

Barronian Fascism accomodates various tenets of the original fascism - authoritarianism, nationalism, militarism, economic planning, and collectivism. One could claim that Barronian Fascism, like it's Italian counterpart, is "socialism without the class war". True, it is comparable, but the key is that Barronia has accepted that there will never be the equality socialism strives for - people require a strong ruler, a person capable of making decisions to steer them through, to capitalise on the good and ensure survival through the bad. Direct democracy, or democracy in general, does not allow the population to act in unity - democracy means arguments, disloyalty, backstabbing. Removing the opportunity for the arguments encourages loyalty to the population, to the greater cause, the common good.


Corporations

Barronian economics work on a different principle to general economics. Corporations, both National and International, are the blocks around which the economy is built.

A Corporation is a civic body composed of all of the businesses involved in that sector. National Corporations are cartels composed of all businesses that trade internally of Barronia - that is to say, all Barronian-based businesses, and foreign divisions of companies who have set up without specific invitation of the Crown Government's State Chamber of Commerce (SCC). These bodies have the power to set their own prices, wages, and company benefits, which are applied across the corporation if given the consent of the SCC.

An International Corporation is a collaboration of Barronian-based businesses only. They operate as a single entity abroad, sharing resources and profits for use at home and abroad.

Defence and Military

The Magisteriate of War and Conflict Administration (MWCA) policy on war is as follows:

"...Barronia is, despite it's military surplus, a largely peaceful nation. The Imperial Armed Services are designed for defending the Barronian Empire. Whilst the Barronian Empire possesses some aggressive capability, it has no intention using it except when required to by it's allies in the Meditteranican Union (MU) or United Federation of Allied Nations (UFAN).

The Barronian Empire is committed to peaceful co-existance with all nations that respect it's sovereignty, no matter creed or political orientation.

The Monarchy

Current Monarch Her Imperial Majesty Queen Santina I, Protector of Barronia and All Her Colonies
Current Prince Consort Prince Sebastien, Duke of Aquensi

Ruling House Bourbon-Clearwater-Kane

Royal Sergeant-at-Arms Thomas Williams

Current Government

The Current Key Government Magistrates are as Follows:

Magistrate Premier Cadence Niels
Magistrate Secondaire Steven Haarmann
-Phillips

Magistrate-Commandant (Imperial Affairs) Amée Melisande
Magistrate-Commandant (Extra-Imperial Affairs) Amelie Carpentier-St Claire

Magistrate-General for War and Conflict Administration Conrad Strom

Imperial Affairs

Magisteriate for Education and Skills Training
Magisteriate for Justice, Policing and Public Security
Magisteriate for Healthcare
State Chamber of Commerce
Magisteriate for
Her Majesty's Treasury
Magisteriate for Culture, Social and Familial Unity
Magisteriate for Media
Magisteriate for War and Conflict Administration
Magisteriate for Colonial Management and Representation
Lord Chancellor's Office

Extra-Imperial Affairs
Magisteriate for Ambassador Deployment and Extra-Imperial Embassy Administration
Magisteriate for Ambassador Management and Imperial Embassy Deployments
Magisteriate for Ambassador Recruitment
Magisteriate for Colonial Administration
Magisteriate for Foreign Policing and Embassy Security

Administrative Regions

Administrative Regions (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc61/LordBelacqua/NationStates/Imperial%20Barronia/Maps/AdministrativeRegions.png)
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The Island Empire of Barronia
"Imperium in Excelsis"

Economy

Taxes and Government Expenditure

Tax Rate

The average tax rate [OOC: Contrary to the NSEconomy Calculator, and how I RP my budget] in Barronia is 50%. The major recipients of these funds are Defence, Law and Justice, and Education.

Government Budget

Exchange Rate

1 Barronian Stirling (B£) = 1.3534 US Dollars (US$)

Government Revenue

Government Revenue Through Taxation US$73,855,231,510,406.60
Government Revenue Through Trade Surplus US$6,261,443,669,453.18

Total Government Revenue US$80,116,675,179,859.78

Government Expenditure

Administration 1% US$801,166,751,798.60
Social Welfare 0%] US$0.00
Healthcare [i]9% US$7,210,500,766,187.38
Education 23% US$18,426,835,291,367.75
Religion & Spirituality 0% US$0.00
Defence 26% US$20,830,335,546,763.54
Law & Order 26% US$20,830,335,546,763.54
Commerce 7% US$5,608,167,262,590.18
Public Transport 8% US$6,409,334,014,388.78
The Environment 0% US$0.00
Social Equality 0% US$0.00

National Economic Strategy

Barronia's National Economic Strategy rests around the furtherment of the state. However, compromises must be made in order to ensure continued security of the nation financially, the health and wealth of citizens, and the interests of business.

The corporation model fits this suitably - the businesses can set their own minimum wage, hours, and overtime arrangements through the National Corporations (see above), and the government suggests improvements or agrees. In event of a stalemate, the government has the power under the Corporations Act 2008 (detailing the powers and rights of the corporations and the government in relation to them) to force through terms. Since it's passing by the Crown Government this clause has not been used - Corporation-Government relations have been amicable.

All foreign companies, except by invitation under the Foreign Business and Enterprise Act 2007, are required to join the Corporation of their industry.

National Economic Strategy

The global economy is a tool - a tool by which to spread one's influence, to generate recognition, to instill fear into others. A nation can control it's media, it's population's eyes unto the world - but if it participates in the world, then it must take steps to protect itself in the way it is most vulnerable - it's prices. Foreign corporations can do many things to a nation. They can increase homeland productivity, whilst decreasing prices; or they can flood a market with cheap product, driving down prices and causing mass redundancy as homeland production begins to faile, crippled by an influx of cheap products from thousands of miles away. The population will begin to dissent as the local economy begins to collapse, and the State begins to owe rather than own, to rely upon foreign nations for it's goods and raw materials. If such investment were to immediately withdraw, the State will be required to shut down it's economy, begin anew - cut itself off and reinstate protectionism, leaving it weak as it rebegins the struggle to employ it's populace and drive down it's prices.

An extreme interpretation, perhaps; but not, in any way implausible. These are not fears - these are realisations. The global economy is a powerful weapon, and it is our duty to know how to wield this weapon in times of trouble. It is our duty to convey this knowledge to our allies, to our comrades and friends. It is our duty to encourage growth in Barronia itself, to allow foreign investment that is merged with the interests of the State and thereby control our economy from when it begins in the snows of the Zemblan Mountains, to where it ends in

Barronia, fortunately, has taken steps. The formation of the National and International (State) Corporations has allowed us to work with foreign governments and provide a positive, identifying entity of Barronia abroad. State Corporations allow business to co-operate, to work for the greater cause and share profits, information, and access to markets. Truly, this is a step forward for Barronia and one that will inevitably serve purpose in improving the capability of the State and the lives of our citizens.

- Amelie Carpentier-St Claire, in an Address to State Chamber of Commerce, the Government Department responsible for communications and dealings with Corporations, and the overall administrating body for State Corporations.

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The Island Empire of Barronia
"Imperium in Excelsis"

Barronian Culture

Introduction

Barronian culture has to be quite simply one of the most formal in the world. Most of the people wear some sort of suit, or at least trousers and an open-necked shirt when out and about. Possibly amongst the easiest-offended people in the world, Barronian's adhere to a strict social routine.

The Basic Rules

Dress: To Impress. Suits can be picked up at all price ranges in town centres, from $25 in supermarkets to over $2,000 in the tailor shops lining the expensive shopping districts. For women, dresses can be picked up for anything between $15 to $25,000 in various summer, winter, and spring designs.
Generally, there are three levels of dress in Barronian society: Informal (open-necked shirt, no tie, jacket optional), Smart (tie, suit jacket), and Formal (dinner jackets, bow ties). Pay attention to your invite - it can often give you clues to the dress required, if it doesn't state so specifically. If in doubt, overdress - it can be a grave offence to turn up to a formal event in an open-necked shirt!
Tipping Based on service. If you're happy, tips of up to 15% are considered the norm, especially if you are part of a large group. In Barronia's restaurants, it's customary to set a small part of the tip away for the chef also - making sure everyone gets credit often ensures excellent service on your next visit! For taxis, giving the driver a note one level above your fare and letting him "keep the change" is often considered the politest way to give a tip, e.g. for a $49 fare, $50 would be given. On a $51 fare, $55 would be given, and so on and so forth.
Travelling
Taxi: The most important person enters and exits the car last, with the second most important person sitting next to him and the third opposite. As most taxis in Barronia are the fabled London "Hackney Cab" variety, this is generally the way it follows. The driver will open and close the doors for you - attempting to do so yourself can cause offense, so if the taxi driver steps out of the vehicle, allow him to open the doors. And remember - a thankyou often can mean the difference between a fair fare and a rip-off.
Bus: Barronian buses are unusual, to say the least. Driverless and running on regenerative titanium hydride cells, these buses are split into three sections: the Information Lounge, the Accessibility Area, and the Relaxation Lounge (see here (www.joakimoscarsson.com/project/r_o_n/index.htm)). It is generally considered prudent if, should an OAP or disabled person enter the bus, allow them a seat in the Accessibility Zone, especially if there are no other seats available. Women, also, especially when pregnant, should also be offered a seat if none are available. A simple gesture is usually enough, rather than making a show and dance of it.
Train: Guards on station platforms will ensure that your luggage is aboard the train - if one offers, it is not necessary to take it, however.
Dining When dining, if a lady should announce that she is leaving the table for whatever reason, it is considered polite for gentlemen to stand. The same goes if a lady is returning to the table. This rule applies throughout all formality levels. As with most cultures, in a multicourse meal, forks will be on the left, knives to the right, and spoons straight ahead. Working outside in, after each course, lay silverware at the 4 O'clock position on the plate. Servers will be used to working around people and will approach from your left - do not worry about moving to accomodate them, as they are quite capable in their own right.
Flirting Barronia really distances itself from most nations in its flirting mannerisms. Barronian women generally spurn advances from drunken males, so it is in your best interest to stay on the fruit juices! It is generally taken upon the males to make the first move, and being rejected should be taken graciously in order to preserve any reputation.
Flirting is an affair that can take weeks. At the end of the night, you will be expected to pay for a taxi to escort the lady home, right up to the door. If invited in for "coffee", use your discretion. If not, a light kiss on the cheek and a handwritten telephone number with name is usually enough to leave a lasting impression. If you're serious, you will be expected to telephone next morning.
Dating So, you've found yourself a fine Barronian lady to woo.
Dinner: Phone ahead and make a reservation as a rule - whether you're going straight out to dinner or seeing a movie first, going to a restaurant and finding no spare tables will not impress her. Manners and politeness are paramount! Barronian women generally do not seek class or excessive amounts of money - interesting conversation and gentlemanlike conduct are.
Meeting the Family: Always a tricky situation no matter what nation you hail from, a good place to hold this milestone event is a decent restaurant. Most are used to this, so asking for a table to be prepared as you like is usually taken in good grace. When meeting the parents for the first time, address the father first - inevitably he will take the most convincing. A firm handshake and a good, not-obviously-rehearsed smile will be the order of the day.
You should allow the women to take their seats first, before allowing the father to sit next.
When paying for the bill, yourself and the father should split 50/50, although you should always allow him to haggle you down from paying for it entirely! Honour and pride are two very important aspects of the Barronia psyche - remembering this will serve well.

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The Island Empire of Barronia
"Imperium in Excelsis"

Transport in Barronia

Introduction

Public Transport. In many nations it is lauded as a method only the poor should use, where the buses are of minimal quality and run to only the most basic of schedules.

Not so in Barronia. Barronian Transport Corporation, the state-owned transport company, owns and operates one of the largest fleets of public transport vehicles in the world. Over 5,000,000 trains, 100,000,000 buses, and 500,000 aircraft are all part of the roster for this bastion of Barronia. Routes snake across the country, with an efficient and sensible timetable that allows you to cross the country through public transport from home to destination with less than 1 hour spent waiting. Clean, ultra-modern vehicles with top-flight information systems and quiet, comfortable interiors whisk you about the country, whilst ambient waiting areas and stations allow you to cross the nation in comfort, with the added peace and quiet that usually only private cars bring.

At night, buses can be found with reclining seats, along with roomier coaches and sleeper cars in trains - Barronia is now one of the few countries that runs an exclusive sleeper train service (Imperia Night Trains). It is presumed that a lack of need for profit helps to allow such luxuries. It is no wonder that night travel is a popular option in Barronia, given it's potential to be as comfortable as any hotel bed.

BTC's livery is often based around a deep, dark blue.

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Ursa Major, a Pathfinder single-decker bus in Barronian Imperial new-style livery

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Polaris, a Gemini doubledecker bus in Barronian Imperial new-style livery

Barronian Coachwrights is expected to soon be releasing a series of buses to the world under the State Corporation "Royal Bristol Autocoach" brand.

Road

Barronia is traditionally a nation of rail-lovers, however, car manufacturers have found a niche in Barronia for luxury cars, which are often purchased by the various government officials of the country. Barronia has a fairly extensive motorway system, catering to the new billions of car-users and the inevitable road haulage industry that has grown exponentially.

Barronia's Road and Highway Law

Barronia's road laws are known for being maintained in a common-sense fashion by the Royal Imperial Constabulary's Highways and Traffic Constabulary. Like many nations, their jurisdiction covers traffic law, accident management, and ensuring, in co-operation with the Royal Barronian Highways Agency and the Imperial Driving Standards Office, that all vehicles on Barronia's roads are properly maintained and operating within the legal framework.

Barronia operates a road taxation scheme through the prices of petroleum, providing a fund to maintain roads and highway furniture as a result. Whilst this has resulted in Barronia's petroleum prices being more than other comparable nations, road tolls are non-existant and roads are maintained by round-the-clock crews.