Monsa

Principality of Monsa Principado de Monsa
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Deo Juvante With God's Help
Capital	Monsa
Largest	Monsa
Official languages	Spanish
Demonym(s)	Monsegasco (m) Monsegasca (f)
Government	Unitary parliamentary diretorial constitutional monarchy
• Princess	Letizia Giusti de Monsa
• College	Andrés Telle Carolina Montero Manuel Quintana Ojeda María José Pontevedra Luís Aranegui Ortega Ignacio del Campo Roble Alberto Garzón Uriarte
Legislature	Parliament of Monsa
Area
•	467.63 km2 (180.55 sq mi)
Population
• 2019 estimate	78,450
• 2017 census	75,852
• Density	179.8/km2 (465.7/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	209 estimate
• Total	$5.3 billion
• Per capita	$70,455
GDP (nominal)	2019 estimate
• Total	$5.155 billion
• Per capita	$77,830
HDI (2019)	0.917 very high
Currency	Franco de Monsa (FMS)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+598
Internet TLD	.ms

Monsa, officially the Principality of Monsa (Spanish: Principado de Monsa) is an Astyrian sovereign microstate located on the coast of Teudallum. It shares borders with Cassonne to the north and with Morroseta to the east and south. In total, Monsa covers 467.63 km². It is inhabited by 78,450 people making it one of the smallest and most densely populated nations in Astyria. Its capital and largest city is Monsa; most of the population lives spread along the coast or in small villages found in the Lucas Valley.

The history of Monsa is marked by the several conflicts with the Empire of Exponent and Cadenza, which include the Battle of Monsa (1614) as part of the War of the Magpie and the Dragon and the Siege of St. Barthélemy, in which Monsa was kept under Exponential control and administration, forcing the House of Giusti to settle in one of their colonies. The Principal House of Monsa, the House of Giusti, is believed to come from a noble family of merchants that settle in what today is Monsa around 1548, the family took advantage of an strategical location of the port and eventually built the fortress of Monsa to kept the wealth they were kneading; however, prior to their arrival, the territory of what is today Monsa was inhabited by small villagers and farmers on the valleys and small, powerless merchants on the coast, which explains the rapidity of the Giustis to take over the control in the territory. Since then and with brief interruptions, the family has ruled the Principality for over 400 years with brief interruptions of Exponential administration. During 1551, Monsa had its first contact with the Sovereign Military Order of Montesa, a Roman Catholic military order that since then, has occupied the San Isidro Hill functioning de iure as the military of the Principality, although it has occupied its efforts on international humanitarian cases more recently. Since the 60's, the Principality has grown on its international image as a wealthy touristic spot and well-known tax haven; its low taxes has resulted attractive to several international banks and corporations and since the 80's, it has undergone several reformations to take a liberal approach on business. Today, the real estate market of Monsa is one of the most expensive and the population is noted as one of the wealthiest in Astyria, with a 30% of its population being millionaires.

The economy of Monsa is heavily reliant on the services sector, in particular, the tourism and finances sector which together comprise more than an 75% of the GDP. However, agriculture, in special, the olive oil and wines production, still count as important pieces on the economy of the Principality, making the country-brand famous worldwide with high-quality, organic and exclusive products. Despite its small size, the Principality of Monsa leads regional rankings in human development, competitiveness, income per capita, globalisation, state of peace, economic freedom and low perception of corruption; in addition, its society has been regarded to as one of the most stable and pacific with a high life expectancy, currently at 81 years old. Monsa is an associated member of the EATA and a full member of the World Assembly.

History

Origin of the House of Giusti in the Rock of Monsa (1340-1425)

Main article: House of Giusti

Statue of Augustus Giusti, founder of the Giustis as a noble dynasty and first Prince of Monsa.

The history of Monsa is heavily tied with the origins and history of its princely house, the House of Giusti, which is believed to have its roots as an aristocrat family of merchants from the Empire of Exponent, which after settling around in what is today Monsa's port, acquired its status as one of the most important and influential noble dynasties of South Teudallum. The first monarch from the House of Giusti to have ruled over the Principality of Monsa is, according to records, Augustus Giusti, who is believed to have proclaimed himself as Prince of Monsa approximately in 1340.

Although it is believed that the Giustis have founded the Port of Monsa, Exponential presence in the area as merchants and crusaders is known since at least the year 1200, dates that coincide with the establishments of the first kingdoms that later composed Costa de Ouro and Morroseta. During most of this period, the Giusti family would remain limited to its own defence and commercial activities around the Rock of Monsa (Roca de Monsa); however, they would gradually start to acquire and conquer lands along its immediate coasts, something that consolidated the family as one of the most powerful on its territory.

Middle Ages and Catholic Monarchs (1425-1485)

Gradually as the House of Giusti continued owning most of the land in the comarca of Monsa and along the coast, the family started successful campaigns to own the lands that compose today's Monsa. Often led by Prince Augustus II of Monsa, his campaigns were the base for the first formal establishment of the Principality of Monsa, which happened in 1430 when the lords from the comarcas of Zagaleta, Cervera, Manresa, San Pol del Mar, Garona, La Garriaga and Monsa signed the first known treaty that established the influence and power of the Giustis, providing the seven parishes with a favourable condition at the Port of Monsa, which was an important spot of trade, and most importantly, providing the seven parishes with defence in case of foreign invasions.

Juana of Balaguer (left) and Felipe I of Monsa (right), commonly known as the Príncipes Católicos or Catholic Princes.

In 1466, the Principality of Monsa, which was still under Exponent influence, saw the marriage and coronation of Felipe I of Monsa and Juana of Balaguer. Commonly known as the Catholic Princes or Catholic Monarchs (Príncipes Católicos). Their marriage united the two most powerful comarcas of Monsa and consolidated the Principality as protector of the Catholic faith in the region; their reign is also well-known in Monsa for having consolidated the Principality of Monsa. At the expense of local nobility, the two monarchs propitiated a common national identity and governed with authoritarian and absolute stances over the rest of the comarcas. Under their reign, the Principality underwent several campaigns of expansion along the Cassonnais coast and overseas, which resulted successful expanding the crown and Catholic faith. In 1478, the Prince Fernando II of Monsa was crowned Sovereign Prince and married Catherine Castro-Avintes, who became Princess of Monsa and Queen of Costa de Ouro, unifying during a short period of time both nations under the same crown. It was during this long period of time in which the Principality of Monsa saw its largest extension, with the complete consolidation on its land, surrounding Cassonnais coast and Costa de Ouro.

However, Prince Felipe's ambition saw an abrupt end when his wife, the Princess and Queen Catherine, fell in a spiral of madness. Shortly after being crowned Queen of Costa de Ouro due to her parents death, the suspicions of mental illness from her husband Felipe started to arose, as the Monsan Crown and Court saw her behaviour as inappropriate and typical of a woman out of her rials, as some records portray. Modern studies have continued studying her personality, often described before her illness, as intelligent and even tyrannical, and have suggested signs of clear psychosis or schizophrenia. Catherine finally died in the Princely Palace of Cervera, where she lived under captivity during most of her adulthood, and Felipe signed the Treaty of Zagaleta with the Castro-Avintes family, granting the separation of both crowns and nations of Monsa and Costa de Ouro. Later, in 1485, Monsa signed the first Cassonnais-Monsan Treaty, which served as a guarantee for Monsan independence and security, while the princely crown returned the invaded lands in Cassonne.

Early modern period and The South Seas Company (1485-1594)

Main article: The South Seas Company

See also: Morrosetan Overseas

Scene inside the Princely Palace of Monsa during the Revolt of 1515 by Francisco Salazar Armado, Museum Princesa Sofía.

During the early modern period, Exponential influence started to decline over Monsan affairs and as a counterpart, Cassonnais influence was started to be gradually felt in the Principality. During 1505, the Cassonnais Prince and brother of the dauphin, Jean Charles I, married the Princess Isabel II Giusti of Monsa. The marriage, far from being a celebration among Monsans and in specially among the members of the court, provoked discontent. Jean Charles was renamed Juan Carlos I to hidden his lack of knowledge of the Spanish language and Monsan traditions. As their life together continued, the discontent among the aristocracy increased and in 1515, the Giustis saw a failed revolt led by Juan Bravo del Campo Mar, who after being captured was executed by the forces loyal to the Prince.

Prince Carlos IV, founder of the General Archives of Overseas and The South Seas Company.

In 1528, the Catholic military Knights of the Order of Montesa arrived to the coasts of the Principality in what was first seen as a sign of friendship between the Exponential and Monsan crowns. However the knights, which had previously settled in several towns before arriving to Monsa, were sent to reaffirm the Catholic faith in Monsa and most importantly, the Exponential influence. The Montesa Knights were recognised as the organised army of Monsa and were granted with extraterritoriality on the San Isidro Hill. Since then, the SMOM has provided with protection the Rock of Monsa and Princely family. Together with the Knights, the Monsan crown did not resigned to its ambitions of expansion and in 1560, the Principality launched its first campaigns of colonisation with conquistadores or explorers abroad such as Francisco Ruiz de Áravo, Celestino del Canillo and Amadeo Pacheco y Fixo, which after sailing arrived to the coasts of the Scottopian Isles, San Bartholomew and San Joaquin during the year 1560. Five years later, in 1565, a treaty between the Principality of Monsa and the Kingdom of Morroseta established the first colonies, consolidating both crowns as owner of the ports around some of the most lucrative maritime routes for spice-trade.

From the Monsan Crown, most of the operations related to the colonies and commerce were led from the Casa del Mar Sur, or House of the South Sea, which was established at the Embajadores 67 of Monsa. As a state-run company, the House of the South Sea was in charge of the administration of the routes and factories while keeping extensive relations with its Morrosetan counterparts. However, in 1594, the Prince Carlos IV founded The South Seas Company (Compañía de los Mares del Sur) and the General Archives of Overseas (Archivos Generales de Ultramar), which gradually absorved the activities of the House.

Exponential invasion and siege (1614-1661)

Main articles: Battle of Monsa (1614) and Siege of St. Barthélemy

See also: War of the Magpie and the Dragon

Diana Carolina Empress of Exponent Countess of Monte Carlo.

During the 17th century, Monsa was scenario of some of the conflicts entitled as part of the War of the Magpie and the Dragon between Cadenza and the Empire of Exponent. In 1614, Khaledro Pamma, a Cadenzan Earl, attempted to raid the port of Monsa, guarded by the Knights of the Sovereign Order at the entrance of the city walls and by Exponential ships. The episode was recorded by many historians as one of the most destructive for the port's infrastructure, severely damaged by Pamma's fleet. Although the Cadenzan raid was unsuccessful, the Monsan crown was left with a feeling of poor protection from the Empire of Exponent, to which Monsa was paying huge amounts of money. The dissatisfaction grew and was subsequently felt by the Monsan society and Knights, which rapidly approved the Prince's measure to stop paying its tributes to Exponent in 1615.

As the Principality continued with its decision to stop paying tributes to Exponent, the Princes that followed became closer to Cadenza. In 1658, the Principality was visited by Vesrik Taipor in his way to an expedition to Tyúregar, the ratafrë became closer to the Prince Lucas II Giusti and decided to continue his stance in the city for some more time. Their relation was received unpleasantly in Paradisa and during the following years, Monsa saw its first and only invasion, which took the Giusti family to live in the island of Saint Bartholomew between 1659 and 1661. The family and many Monsans that flee to the island lived during that period under the siege of Exponential forces. With several attempts to recover Monsa and leave the island, the Prince Lucas II and the Knights of Montesa were forced to seek a diplomatic solution. In 1661, Exponential forces were received in the island and during three days of negotiations, the Monsan crown ceded Islas de Alameda, Islas de Sacramento, Valle de San Joaquin, and Las Desgracias. In a sign of friendship and recovery, the Countess of Monte Carlo, Diana Carolina travelled to Paradisa, where she met and later married the Crown Prince of the Exponential Empire, becoming Empress of Exponentia shortly after.

Recovery and enlightenment (1661-18th century)

The Duke of Zagaleta Rafael del Olivo y Elche was an important figure during the creation of the Princely Decrees of del Soto.

Left without its colonies, the House of Giusti was allowed to return to the Principality of Monsa and as part of the First Exponential-Monsan Treaty, the Principality was allowed to stop paying its tribute for Exponential defence. During most of the years of the 17th and 18th centuries, Monsa remained advocated to its recovery and establishment of a true Monsan state, which happened with the signing of the Princely Decrees of del Soto, where local privileges of the comarcas were finally abolished. After his feats in the return to Monsa and reconstruction, the Prince Felipe II of Monsa died during 1678. His son Fernando III of Monsa was crowned Sovereign Prince of the Principality shortly after and during most of his reign, the country experienced a period of economic prosperity. The expansion of the city of Monsa led to a growing importance in urbanisation and city beauty; important works in the construction of palaces, monuments and buildings were started, such as the Balmaceda Palace and Princely Palace of Monsa, whose completely re-built facade and interiors increased its importance and made it acquire certain palatial status. During Fernando's III reign, Monsa faced also the modernisation of several institutions and its finances; in 1685, the Prince created the Bank of Monsa (Banco de Monsa), which was commissioned with the issuing of banknotes and other important economic activities being one of the first central banks to be established in Astyria.

The prosperity of the first half of the 18th century was also seen as a moment of enlightenment, with several innovative ideas coming from other nearby nations and being the centre of attention and study of most of the aristocracy. The expansion of scientific knowledge and philosophical conversations led the Prince Fernando III of Monsa to seek an expansion of the University of Monsa through the investment in several expeditions with scientific purposes. Before his death in 1740, the Prince Fernando III commissioned the construction of the Museum Princesa María, completed several years later. His legacy was continued by his son, who propitiated the creation of the first Princely Botanical Gardens of Monsa and several other institutions which promoted intellectual and scientific investigations.

Modernisation and tax reforms (19th century and early 20th century)

During the 19th century, the Principality of Monsa started living seriously complicated financial problems, many of them caused by the extravagance of its princely house, whose disconnection from the society was seen in their lavish lifestyle, which combined part time in the coasts of Cassonne and important celebrations at the Princely Palace. Aware of this situation and with the preoccupation of an upcoming revolt from the people, the Sovereign Prince of Monsa was attracted by the idea of Alejandro Pacheco y Roque, a business-minded aristocrat that saw in the construction of a casino, the financial rescue for the Giustis and Monsa. The construction of the casino started in 1845 and took several years to be inaugurated. However, once opened, the casino had to face the issues of poor connection with other resort cities of Morroseta and Cassonne, something that delayed the final success of Monsa as a resort city and gambling spot several years more. During several years, the Prince of Monsa would dispatch directors of the casino due to their lack of competency to achieve the expected results.

View of the first Casino Monte Carlo shortly after its inauguration

The success of the casino and Monsa came at the mid 19th century, when the railway reached the city's station and the port of Monsa increased its capacity to transform it in a purely marina and passengers port. With a new large influx of capital due to the tourism perceived, the Principality of Monsa stopped collecting income tax to its residents and embarked itself in several new modernisation projects, such as the Tram of Monsa and the construction of the first typical villas that fill its coast, many of them serving as residences for the aristocracy. The wealth of the Principality led to several other construction works in the casino and large investments in culture that established the Ballet Company of Monsa, the Opera and the Philharmonic Orchestra. These cultural events, as they were conceived, would increase the image of the Principality not only in a leisure spot for the wealthy, but also in an important place for the culture in the region.

Politics and government

Main articles: Politics of Monsa and Council of Government

Balmaceda Palace, seat of the Colegio de Monsa or Council of Government, the collegiate executive of the Principality.

Andrés Telle, who served as Minister of State in 2018 during a press conference in Nidwalden.

Monsa is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, whose Head of State is the Prince of Monsa (Principe de Monsa) and the powers of the Head of Government are delegated on the Council of Government (also called in Spanish Colegio de Monsa). The constitution of Monsa dates back to 1903 and prior to the date, there were no clear boundaries between executive, legislative and judicial powers with the House of Giusti ruling Monsa as autocrats of an absolute monarchy. The highest legal document of Monsa is the Constitution which was proclaimed by the Prince Fernando V Giusti in 1903, giving several concessions and reforms throughout the past century; it defines the separation of powers into Legislative, Executive and Judicial, each of them based in different institutions.

The government of Monsa is led ceremonially by the Head of State, the Prince of Monsa; however, the position holds no vote or voice during the decision-making process of policy. The rest of the government and executive power is composed by the ministers, which all together form the collegiate or collective decision-making body of Monsa, the Council of Government. A council composed by seven members elected by the legislative power of Monsa which after the Prince's assent, these are given ministerial portfolios. Four of the seven members of the Council come from the party that received the most votes while the rest three from the runner-up. Of the total seven ministers, there is a Minister of State from the party with the most members of the council (whose title is pro tempore with a maximum term length of one year) that presides the Colegio or Council, Vice Ministers of State anticipate the next person that will occupy the office. Although the Minister of State is often seen as the Head of Government, the position has no power over the rest of the council and his vote is equal while trying to reach consensus. As Head of State, the Prince of Monsa is in charge of the representation overseas of the Principality, being most of the times accompanied by one of the ministers, regarding the area in focus of the travel.

The legislative power is vested on the Parliament of Monsa (Parlamento de Monsa), a unicameral parliament composed by 28 members elected by universal suffrage for a four-year term; members of the Parliament are called parlamentarios or parliamentarians and these are elected by universal suffrage to represent the different parishes that compose Monsa. Since the reforms in 1960 focused on increasing local representation of all parishes, the members of the parliament are divided between those elected by proportional representation in a national circumscription and those that are elected by the seven parishes that compose Monsa; the two groups of parliamentarians are formed by 14 members each having equal voice not being divided once inside the parliament. Politics in Monsa are based in a multi-party system with clear centrist policies; for most of the time, the political scenario have been dominated by the Christian Democrats (Democracia Cristiana) and Monsan Alliance (Alianza de Monsa); however, in recent times, new parties have been created, such as Citizens (Ciudadanos) and Politic Evolution (Evolución Política) gaining legislative and local representation during the last elections.

Foreign relations

Embassy of the Blackhelm Confederacy in Monsa.

The history of Monsa provides an insight to the foreign relations of the Principality as it counts with several strong diplomatic ties whose roots can be traced several decades ago. Despite its small size and naturally reduced international influence, the country maintains bilateral relations with most sovereign nations of Astyria; it has embassies in a variety of regional powers, such as Blackhelm Confederacy, Nikolia, Noordenstaat and Cadenza and counts with a strong presence in several Astyrian organisations, having permanent missions in Koninstad accredited to the Lorecian Community and in _ accredited to ARCHO. Although it has had a neutrality policy during most of its national life, the country has been an economic associate of the EATA; however, it held a national referendum which triggered a diplomatic crisis and later freezing of relations between Monsa and the Blackhelm Confederacy.

Since the end of the Great Astyrian War, Monsa has been a supporter of regional integration, with many Monsan politicians rising as important characters on the international relations scenario, on the same line, the country has preferred to coordinate its foreign policy with its neighbourhoods and it has been an important figure of foreign aid and philanthropy. However, since the start of the XXI century, Monsan governments have shared the preoccupation about climate change and environmental sustainability with Trellin and other Astyrian nations; since 2009, the issue is on its agenda and the government counts with a specialised minister in charge of the ecological transition (Ministry of Ecological Transition and Sustainable Development). The Principality is today a recognisable actor on the international cooperation scenario and hosts the annual conferences of the Regional Environmental and Ecological Fund.

Military and law enforcement

Mounted Police officers in Monsa.

Main articles: National Police Corps and Sovereign Military Order of Montesa

Due to its small size, Monsa has no army or defence forces and instead, the country relies on its foreign cooperation to protect its sovereignty; however, the Principality does maintain a small ceremonial army, the Sovereign Military Order of Montesa, a Catholic lay religious order, traditionally of military, chivalric and noble nature whose Knights have protected the Principality and Princely House since 1551 when the first contact between the two occurred. The SMOM is recognised by the Principality of Monsa and most foreign nations as a sovereign subject of international law, whose territory is on the San Isidro Hill of Monsa although they are allowed as Knights to protect the Roca de Monsa or Old Town of the city.

Law enforcement in Monsa, on the other hand, is provided by an armed national police force consisting of approximately 520 men and women, which is dependant on the Ministry of Interior and whose Spanish name is Cuerpo Nacional de Policía or National Police Corps. These are in charge of policing streets, controlling borders and jails and serving in diplomatic missions; coast and air guard operations are also under their sphere as Carabineros count with specialised units operating patrol and surveillance boats as well as two helicopters. Policing across the city of Monsa is usually done with the mounted units (Unidad de Montados), walking or by patrol cars. The Principality counts with one of the lowest murder or assault numbers per capita as well as counting with an extensive and discreet network of cameras distributed across the city of Monsa and other important urban poles. Due to the small size of Monsa, there is no airport; however, the country operates with an heliport located on the city of Monsa, which was inaugurated in 1978 and has eight pads as well as hangar facilities; it is operated by the Unidad de Control Aéreo of the Police.

Economy

The Plaza de los Príncipes in the Castellana neighbourhood is an important touristic and economic centre for the city of Monsa; building of the Stock Exchange on the right.

Monsa has highly specialised, valued and developed economy, which ranks second among other Astyrian nations in terms of nominal and PPP per capita GDP; $77,830 and $70,455 respectively. It has an almost null unemployment rate last reported at 1.2% and the world's lowest poverty rate, while its population ranks as with one of the highest number of millionaires and billionaires per capita in the world. Despite being one of the smallest nations in Astyria, it is one of the countries with more companies registered than citizens, which also enjoy one of the highest living standards in the region. The economy of the Principality of Monsa is characterised by being small but by having a high profits profile.

The economy of Monsa is driven on its majority by the tourism and gambling industry, which accounts 25% of the annual revenue and employs most of the workforce; however, in recent years, the Principality has developed a small but prosperous, highly industrialised, non-polluting, diversified and high-value-added economy with large contributions from a stable and secure banking and finances sector and small-scale industries. The financial sector of the economy is rooted in low taxes and a large community of expats residing in the Principality, it accounts for more of 80% of the total Gross Domestic Product and employs the vast majority of the skilled workforce, in addition, the financial and banking sector of Monsa is specialised in private banking, asset and wealth management services and it has reported banking assets to exceed the country's GDP 7.5 times. Despite its small territory, agriculture and livestock are also important for the economy of Monsa, which counts with a long-standing tradition of high-quality wines and olive oils to which the production of organic products have added more importance to the sector; most of the plantations and wineries are placed around towns and are owned by Monsan citizens. The country counts with only one stock exchange in the city of Monsa, the Monsa Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Monsa) or BMSX, whose benchmark stock market index is the IBMOX 25.

Despite having an important liberal approach towards business, the State retains monopolies in numerous sectors, which include tobacco, the postal services and alcohol. Other sectors like telecommunications, were previously monopolised by the State but were partially privatised during the 90's and early 00's; today, the State keeps control of the national telephone network operator TeMo (which the State owns 51%), water utilities (owned in a 45% by the State), the gambling industry (owned in a 65% by the State) and the railway and mass transit company (owned in 45% by the State). Although its small population, the pensions system of Monsa have acquired global importance by being solid and reliant while semi-privatised; the system currently allows private pensions funds to compete with the State owned pension fund.