United Dominions: Difference between revisions
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== Etymology == | == Etymology == | ||
The first known use of the name "Apsica" dates back to 1509, when it appeared in the diary of Vaalser explorer [[Antoon van Zijger]] in reference to the entire landmass now generally divided into the continents of [[Nezlotah]] and [[Storsnia]]. In his diary, the name is mentioned only in passing, implying earlier records which no longer exist. A map by cartographer [[Marjoleine Lamberts]] from 1531 uses the name "Apsica" to identify the entire western hemisphere, but most other sources from the time use it in reference to the northern landmass alone. Most modern historians accept the reference in the 1552 glossary of [[Quinten Spijker]] that the name evolved from the Orthurian term for the bee, ''Apis'', though the origin of this naming, and intended symbolism behind it, remains a subject of debate. | |||
By the late 17th century, with growing colonial interests from both east and west, the name Apsica had fallen out of use to describe the entire landmass, and in most maps was used to indicate the territories along the northern coast of Nezlotah explored and colonized by settlers from the [[Vaalser Country]] in Lira, while other areas were referred to by different names of local or overseas origin. November 15th, 1699, dates the first documented use of the phrase "United Dominions of Apsica", in a treatise published in the Hopsberg Gazette on the recent Proclamation of Revolution, though at the time the constituent parts of the new country were referred to as "Provinces". | |||
Following the induction of newly acquired territories as self-governing "Dominions" united under a single monarchy, in 1731 the newly signed constitution adopted the modern title of the "United Dominions of Apsica". Common short forms include "United Dominions", "U.D." and "UDA", and "Apsica". In modern use, the name "Apsica" is only rarely used outside of describing the United Dominions. Additionally, "Hekkelia" is a popular geographical name associated with the same region, derived from [[Rogier Hekkelman]], and appears in reference to the United Dominions in numerous songs and poems, as well as seeing frequent use in United Dominions place-names. | |||
== History == | == History == | ||
Revision as of 10:37, 12 February 2022
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United Dominions of Apsica Verenigde Heerschappijen van Apsicland | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
| Motto: Ad Astra To The Stars | |
Anthem: Land of Hope and Glory
 | |
| Capital | Centrumstad |
| Official languages | Vaalse |
| Recognised national languages | Lorian, Mardoch, Nashoba |
| Demonym(s) | Apsican |
| Government | Federal Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy |
• King | Ernest II |
| Patsy Reno | |
| Legislature | States General |
| Chamber of Magnates | |
| Chamber of Representatives | |
| Establishment | |
• Revolution Proclamation | October 2nd, 1699 |
• Continental Charter | June 23rd, 1706 |
• Constitution Signed | October 2nd, 1731 |
| Area | |
• | 16,342,584.3 km2 (6,309,907.1 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• Estimate | 122,818,443 |
• Density | 7.51/km2 (19.5/sq mi) |
| GDP (nominal) | estimate |
• Total | G1.882 Trillion |
| Gini | 34.6 medium |
| HDI | 0.844 very high |
| Currency | Guilder (G) |
| Date format | ddmmyyyy |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +122 |
| ISO 3166 code | UD |
| Internet TLD | .ud |
The United Dominions of Apsica (Vaalse: Verenigde Heerschappijen van Apsicland), commonly known as the United Dominions or Apsica, is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy comprised of 41 Dominions, and three Union Territories. The United Dominions is located in northern Nezlotah, and bordered by the Gulf of Salon, Storsnia, Spijker Sea, and Melvina Bay in the North, Twynam and Merrain in the East, and the Bellic Ocean in the West. The capital is Centrumstad, and the largest city is Keizer. The United Dominions' land area spans a total of 16,342,584.3 km2 (6,309,907.1 sq mi), with a total population of 122.8 million people.
The country has a very broad climatic range, including a core of Oceanic and Temperate land area that spans across large parts of the central United Dominions. In the north, in particular the territory of Witland, are significant Boreal and Tundra areas. By contrast, to the south the country also contains significant Semi-Arid and Arid area.
Executive Authority in the United Dominions is shared between the King of Apsica and the Council of State which exercises most royal powers, and the Prime Minister who chairs the Council of Ministers, effectively the Apsican Cabinet. The legislature, the States General, is bicameral. The lower house, the Chamber of Representatives, is filled by a mix of First-Past-the-Post Electorates and regional Proportional Lists in a general election at least every five years. The upper house, the Chamber of Magnates, is comprised of appointed members and is generally less significant in modern political discourse.
Being historically populated by a wide range of indigenous peoples, and colonized and settled from both east and west, the United Dominions is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world. After the Proclamation of Revolution in 1699, Apsica grew over the following century to become one of the largest nations by land area through a combination of conquests, land purchases, and integrations. Largely safe from overseas conflict and locally dominant, the United Dominions for a time commited to the ideal of a unified hemisphere, which still influences Apsican pan-Hemisphere politics today.
Following the Turbulence, a period of civil violence from 1974-1975, the United Dominions has recovered and is today a highly developed economy, though still ranks poorly in income equality. The United Dominions is a center for arts, sciences, and international politics. The nation is heavily involved in global affairs, and is a participant in a number of international bodies, including as a founding member of the Nezlotah Free Trade Area, Community of Sovereign States, World Finance Organization, and Assembly of Nations.
Etymology
The first known use of the name "Apsica" dates back to 1509, when it appeared in the diary of Vaalser explorer Antoon van Zijger in reference to the entire landmass now generally divided into the continents of Nezlotah and Storsnia. In his diary, the name is mentioned only in passing, implying earlier records which no longer exist. A map by cartographer Marjoleine Lamberts from 1531 uses the name "Apsica" to identify the entire western hemisphere, but most other sources from the time use it in reference to the northern landmass alone. Most modern historians accept the reference in the 1552 glossary of Quinten Spijker that the name evolved from the Orthurian term for the bee, Apis, though the origin of this naming, and intended symbolism behind it, remains a subject of debate.
By the late 17th century, with growing colonial interests from both east and west, the name Apsica had fallen out of use to describe the entire landmass, and in most maps was used to indicate the territories along the northern coast of Nezlotah explored and colonized by settlers from the Vaalser Country in Lira, while other areas were referred to by different names of local or overseas origin. November 15th, 1699, dates the first documented use of the phrase "United Dominions of Apsica", in a treatise published in the Hopsberg Gazette on the recent Proclamation of Revolution, though at the time the constituent parts of the new country were referred to as "Provinces".
Following the induction of newly acquired territories as self-governing "Dominions" united under a single monarchy, in 1731 the newly signed constitution adopted the modern title of the "United Dominions of Apsica". Common short forms include "United Dominions", "U.D." and "UDA", and "Apsica". In modern use, the name "Apsica" is only rarely used outside of describing the United Dominions. Additionally, "Hekkelia" is a popular geographical name associated with the same region, derived from Rogier Hekkelman, and appears in reference to the United Dominions in numerous songs and poems, as well as seeing frequent use in United Dominions place-names.