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Ecclesiastical Democratic Federation of Pharexia Pharexian: Kirkjulegt Lýðræði af Fharheckx Astellian: Talamh na n-Oileán go Leor | |
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 Flag
 Coat of Arms
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| Motto: "To dwell together in unity" Pharexian: "Að búa saman í einingu"" Astellian: "Cónaithe le chéile in aontacht" | |
| File:Pharexia Map Detail.png | |
| Capital | Breíddalsvík |
| Official languages | Pharexian · Astellian |
| Recognised regional languages | Valian |
| Ethnic groups (2019) | 38% Asteillian 23% Mainland Esevær (10% Angshirian, 6% Valian, 3% Eustaki) |
| Demonym(s) | Pharexian |
| Government | Confederal multi-party consociationalist directorial republic with significant elements of direct democracy |
• Federal Councilors | Hansine Karlson Hans Mathiassen |
| Legislature | Federal Legislature |
| Ward Assembly | |
| National Assembly | |
| Population | |
• 2017 estimate | 2,730,536 |
• Density | 521/km2 (1,349.4/sq mi) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2017 estimate |
• Total | $130 billion |
• Per capita | $49,451 |
| Gini (2017) | 28.95 low |
| HDI (2019) |  0.933very high |
| Currency | Pharexian Sherbornes |
| Date format | dd/mm/yy (NG) |
| Driving side | right |
| ISO 3166 code | PHX |
| Internet TLD | .phx |
 Map of Pharexia (dark green) in the Esevær Alliance (light green) | |
Pharexia, officially the Ecclesiastical Democratic Federation of Pharexia (pronounced: /fərɛziɑ/; Pharexian: Kirkjulegt Lýðræði af Fharheckx pronounced: [kiɒkju:lɛgd l ʁɛ:i af hɑjɛgss], Astellian: Talamh na n-Oileán go Leor pronounced: [ˈfɒːbɔnˀ æˀ kʰʁ̥yˈlænd̥ə], commonly referred to as the Federation of Pharexia or the Pharexian Federation, is a Eseværian nation consisting of the southwestern portion of the Sofjord mainland, the western portion of Djupivogur Island, in addition to several surrounding islands. It shares mainland borders with Fjerholtia to the northwest and Selsoykenia to the southwest. Eastward, across the Passäcaglia Sea, Pharexia controls a small portion of land on the Vivorian mainland which borders Klyasilia to the southeast, the city-state of Trelisfieldia to the northeast, and Susonia to the west.
Pharexia is a semi-direct democratic federal republic. It consists of 21 wards, each with some degree of semi-autonomous devolved administrations. The capital city of Breíddalsvík is located on the northeastern part on the coast of the Passäcaglia Sea. Most of Pharexia’s terrain is flat with the exception of its mountainous border western border.
Culturally, Pharexia's relatively small population of 2.7 million demonstrates a cohesive national character. This character is attributed to the country’s largely inhospitable southern landscape, the constant darkness of its winters, and the high degree of adherence to the Ilyçisian religion. As a result, Pharexia is a combination of individualism and egalitarianism. Pharexians are highly agreeable and compassionate people, reflected in the state's strong social welfare system, while also harboring conscientiousness and responsibility, reflected by the high GDP per capita, high level of educational achievement, and more recently significant technological advancements.
Pharexia is often described as a unique amalgamation of both conservative and liberal ideologies: for example, despite having rather restrictive abortion laws, it has relatively liberal LGBT+ laws. This dichotomy is usually attributed to the rather unique teachings of the Church of Pharexia, which has both a high adherence and a large influence over public policy. Pharexia maintains a Nordic-like social welfare system that provides universal health care and tertiary education for its citizens. Pharexia ranks high in economic, democratic, social stability, and equality. It is consistently ranked as one of the most developed countries in the world and high on the Global Peace Index. The northern third of Pharexia–home to over half of the country’s citizens–runs almost entirely on renewable energy.
Despite the nation being known for its state of neutrality, this has been questioned in recent years, with Pharexia becoming a member of the Esevær Alliance in 2017. Though Pharexia is philosophically and constitutionally a pacifist country, it continues to maintain a minimal defense force that consists of a coast guard and national guard.
The Pharexian Federation is home to a belief in personal and more recently digital privacy, a high degree of public safety and a complex social insurance scheme mixing private and public funding. Pharexia has strict gun control laws: a national government safety course must be passed, a special license is required to own a handgun which may only be used for target shooting at a licensed range, semi-automatic firearms have caliber restrictions, while fully automatic firearms are banned entirely. Most psychotropic substances, such as alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine, and other class A drugs have been decriminalized but are rarely used. Culturally, Pharexia's attachment to reason and rational thought is evidenced in its constructed language. Astellian is also commonly spoken by Pharexians, and in 1978 it was made an official co-language of the Federation. The Valian language is recognized as a regional language of Eastern Pharexia.
Pharexia has a rather unique relationship with religion–while an overwhelming majority (80%) of citizens are members of the reformed Ilyçisian denomination of Reykjavík, nearly 90% of the population identify as nontheists. The official state church is the Reykjavík Church of Pharexia, which professes that the mainstream monotheistic Ilyçisian God is better conceptualized as a metaphor for a transcendent reality and the relationships that exist between people. The Church of Pharexia rejects the concept of the personal God taught in mainstream Ilyçisianism. Rather, it embraces the cultural and humanistic aspects of Ilyçisianism without their basis in historical events.
Etymology
It is thought that "Pharexia" is derived from an Old Pharexian word for 'mountain healer', a reference to a medicinal herb found in the country's modern-day western border with Selsoykenia. This flower is believed to have been used by native Pharexias to treat influenza, which is known to be an interesting fact used by the tourism industry. The name for “Breíddalsvík”, the capital city, is thought to have come from an old Duxnusaric word for 'wooded', a reference to the city’s former densely forested landscape.
History
Ancient Pharexia (Before 3rd Century CE)
The first recorded settlement of Pharexian territory is Rifjordur (located in modern-day Sojord) around 8000 BCE. Between 8000 and 5000 BCE, early inhabitants used stones to make tools and weapons for hunting, gathering and fishing as means of survival. Primitive structures were eventually erected, indiciating an important shift from nomadism to sedentism. Sheep, moose, and red deer were known to roam freely in the forest and were a common source of food for proto-Pharexians. Agriculture was likely brought to the settlement by invaders from what is now Fjerholtia, as the inscriptions written in the region’s ancient tribal alphabet are found in the area's early agriculture sites. The settlement had evidence of cherry and sheep farms, and there have been cave paintings showing similar animist undertones. These settlements grew in the subsequent years, and around 3000 BCE there were many small settlements dotted around the northern forests and into the upper southern plains.
Neighboring tribes of modern-day Selsoykenia began interacting with the Rifjordur settlement, and the two exchanged knowledge of pottery, agriculture, and it is believed this is what spurred the development of the ancient Astellian language.
Settlements grew quickly in the north regions due to their proximity to the Passäcaglia sea, ease of irrigation for their crops, and the high fertility of the land. The western and southern regions of the country were rocky and cold, and had fewer easily exploited water sources, requiring a higher degree of labor to become farmable. In this time of agricultural development the various bands of people began consolidating into large tribes. The largest and by far most well known of these was the Angshire tribe, who developed the first nation state of Pharexia. Through a series of conquests and marriages the Angshire tribe would come to control all of what they considered to be their homelands.
The Angshire Era (late 7th century to 1000 CE)
Under the rule of the Angshire family, a feudal system was implemented which the royal family would lease land to roughly 100 wealthy families and would give them the title of lord families. These lord families would then lease lands to baron families who would lease them to peasants. Due to the Passäcaglia Sea that seperated the two nations, Pharexia was largely spared from Klyasilian invasions, as the Klyasilians had only very small, rudimentary boats.
However, around 800 CE, a large army of invaders from the Valian Kingdom successfully annexed most of northern Pharexia, ending the Angshire family's 300 year claim to the region. At this point in time, the Valian Kingdom covered most of the Sofjord mainland. A major civil war broke out in the Valian Kingdom in 951CE when King Teodaria III's twin sons fought for the right to rule. The war resulted in the death of Prince Gallio and began the reign of King Litio I.
Industrial Pharexia (1600 to 1900 CE)
Early Modern Pharexia (1543 to 1898 CE)
Modern Pharexia (since 1898 CE)
Geography
Climate
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The climate of northern Pharexia is temperate and covered in deciduous forest while middle and southern Pharexia is largely taiga grassland. Temperatures average between 5°C (41°F) in the north and -1°C (30 °F) in the south throughout the year. As a result of the moderation and the southernly latitude, summers normally hover around 12 °C (53 °F). Average temperatures are -7 °C (19 °F) in winter. The southernly latitude location also results in perpetual civil twilight during summer nights and very short winter days.
Nature
When Pharexia was first settled, it was extensively forested, with 80% of the original land covered in trees. In the late 17th century, permanent human settlement had greatly disturbed the isolated ecosystem. The forests were heavily exploited over the centuries for firewood and timber. A 1987 government assessment found only 12% of the original forests remained. Deforestation, climatic deterioration, and overgrazing by livestock imported by settlers caused a loss of critical topsoil due to erosion. The issue has recently gained significant attention at the state and federal level. The left-wing environmentalist political party Green–Left has put forth several legislative proposals in recent years to halt all remaining logging operations in Pharexia and require all raw wood be imported. The ruling Conservatives, while criticizing the proposal as "impractical" and "anti-business", have passed legislation requiring logging companies to replant two trees for every one they cut down.
Government
Pharexia is a federal multi-party directorial republic, consisting of 21 different subdivisions known as wards. The country's government is based on the 1900 constitution, People's Law (Pharexian: Folkslov, Astellian: Qunnerit), which defines how the government's branches work and how they interact with one another and protects the civil rights of the population. Amendments to the constitution require a 75% majority in the Federal Legislature or the approval of 13 out of 21 wards, accompanied by a public referendum. The constitution has only been amended four times, in 1905 to abolish the death penalty, in 1964 to change the Federal Legislature from a plurality-based system to STV, in 1977 to change the Federal Council from 5 members to 6 and enshrine Pharexia's universal healthcare system, and in 2017 to add a seventh and eighth position on the Federal Council. There are three major branches of the federal government: the bicameral Síðari/Félagið (legislature), the eight-member National Council (executive), and the Lagâleg Court of Justice (judicial).
Executive
The Federal Council of Pharexia (Pharexian: Sambandsríki, Astellian: Cónaidhme) is the executive branch, consisting of eight councilors. One of the councilors is labeled as the ceremonial Head Councilor (Pharexian: Seansailéir, Astellian: Ceannasaí) for the year, and another is labeled the Vice Councilor (Pharexian: Seasmhack, Astellian: Staðgengill). Each member except the Head Councilor is in charge of one of Pharexia’s seven large government departments dealing with broad policy fields. The Council itself is based on ideas of consociationalism, in which the main political parties of Pharexia share out the seats within the council, a tradition that has been maintained since the beginning of the country and relies on pragmatism between the parties. Currently, the Conservative Party and the Science–Moderate Party hold two sets each while the Ilyçisian Democrats, Liberal Party, and New Future hold one seat each. One member of the Council is unaffiliated.
Legislature
Legislative power is vested in the bicameral Federal Legislature (Pharexian: Síðari, Astellian: Félagið). The lower chamber is the 274-seat People's Assembly (-), and the upper chamber is the 63-seat States' Assembly (-). The houses have identical powers. Members of both houses represent the states, but, whereas seats in the National Assembly are distributed in proportion to their population using open-list proportional representation, each state has three seats in the States' Assembly, which are elected using single transferrable vote. Both are elected in full once every four years on the 1st March, with the last election being held in 2018.
The Federal Legislature possesses the federal government's legislative power, along with the separate constitutional right of citizen's initiative. For a law to pass, it must be passed by both houses. The Federal Legislature may come together as a United Great People's Legislature in certain circumstances such as to elect members to the Federal Council and justices to the High Court of Justice.
Judicial
The judicial branch plays a minor role in politics, apart from the High Court of Justice (Pharexian: Réttlæti, Astellian: Lagâleg), which can annul laws that violate the freedoms guaranteed in the constitution. The Federal Legislature, in a joint session, creates a list of legislative appointees to the High Court, with the Federal Council choosing from that list.
The law of Pharexia comprises many levels of codified and uncodified forms of law, the supreme of which is the People's Law, the foundation of the federal and wards' government. People's Law sets out the boundaries of federal law, which consists of Acts of the Federal Legislature, treaties, regulations promulgated by the Federal Council, and case law originating from the federal judiciary, the High Court of Justice. The Pharexian Code is the official compilation and codification of general and permanent federal statutory law.
Federal laws
The law of Pharexia comprises many levels of codified and uncodified forms of law, the supreme of which is the People's Law, the foundation of the federal and wards' government. People's Law sets out the boundaries of federal law, which consists of Acts of the Federal Legislature, treaties, regulations promulgated by the Federal Council, and case law originating from the federal judiciary, the High Court of Justice. The Pharexian Code is the official compilation and codification of general and permanent federal statutory law.
Abortion and reproduction
Abortion in Pharexia is illegal at all stages of pregnancy and for any reason except in cases of rape, incent, or to save the life of the mother. Compared to other developed nations, Pharexia is an outlier with its restrictive laws governing the practice. While there is no explicit legal reference to abortion in the People’s Law, the High Court of Justice has interpreted Articles 2 and 21 to include foetuses, and thus allows the national parliament to restrict or ban the procedure entirely. In 1981 AD, the Liberal-led Federal Parliament of Pharexia passed the Devolution of Abortion Act, which barred the federal government from overriding ward statutes on abortion. This resulted in the more liberal-learning wards (such as Breíddalsvík) liberalizing their laws and conservative-leaning wards restricting them. However, many were concerned about the legal inconsistency, which allowed those who lived in restrictive wards to travel elsewhere in the country to obtain an abortion. The 2014 Pharexian general election was centered around resolving this issue, with the now current coalition of the Conservatives, New Future, and Science–Moderate Party, as well as Ilyçisian Democrats, promising to repeal the Devolution of Abortion Act and introduce legislation to federally ban most abortions. The two main opposition parties, the Liberal Party and the Greens–Left Party, campaigned on retaining the act. The Dignity–Solidarity Party advocated for legalizing abortion nationwide.
Six months after winning the 2014 election, the Conservatives introduced legislation to overturn the 1981 DoA Act. It passed easily and was signed by the President, effectively neutralizing all ward laws relating to abortion and returning legislative power to the Síðari. Since the passage of that bill, the Federal Government has passed several pieces of follow-up legislation, most notably the 2016 Right to Life Act, which banned all abortions except for those pregancies that resulted of rape, incent or pose a danger to maternal health across Pharexia. This means that a person who procures an abortion for the three aformentioned reasons is not guilty of an offense. Life in this context means that the continuance of the pregnancy would adversely affect the physical health of the mother. The adverse effect must, however, be a real and serious one and there will always be a question of fact and degree whether the perceived effect of non-termination is sufficiently grave to warrant terminating the unborn child. It is unlawful to procure a miscarriage where the fetus is abnormal but viable unless there is a risk that the mother may die or is likely to suffer long-term harm which is serious to her physical health. The Right to Life Act states "termination of a pregnancy based solely on the abnormality of the fetus is unlawful and cannot lawfully be carried out."
Marriage
Marriage in Pharexia is a legal and religious institution. The minimum marriage age is set by each ward. An individual can marry in Pharexia without parental consent or other authorization on reaching 18 years of age in all wards.
Marriage laws have changed considerably in Pharexia over time, including the removal of bans on interracial marriage and legalization of same-sex marriage. Polygamous marriages are not recognized, either in the form of marriage or civil union. Prior to 1956, polygamous marriages were de-facto legal, but rarely practiced. Polygamous marriages are now punishable by hefty fines and/or jail time no greater than 1 year.
The median age for the first marriage has increased in recent years. The median age in the early 1970s was 23 for men and 21 for women; and it rose to 28 for men and 26 for women by 2018.
Marriages vary considerably in terms of religion, socioeconomic status, age, commitment, and so forth. Reasons for marrying may include a desire to have children, love, and economic security.
Historically, the only grounds for divorce in Pharexia was adultery or cruelty. However, in 1975, the Divorce Act was passed to permit divorce for other reasons, including physical and mental cruelty and separation for at least 1 year. The Divorce Act was amended in 2012 to reduce the separation period to one year, with no requirement to prove "fault" by either spouse. The more technical aspects of divorce are delegated to each ward–this includes issues such as how the two spouses bifurcate their property, how children will be cared for, and support obligations of one spouse toward the other. Since the late 1960s, divorce has become slightly more prevalent. However, the divorce rate still remains significantly lower than most developed country at only 9%.8
LGBT
Pharexia is usually considered liberal in regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) rights. In 1990, Pharexia became one of the first countries in the world to enact an anti-discrimination law explicitly including sexual orientation.
Same-sex marriage has never been illegal in Pharexia. No law has ever explicitly abolished it. However, it became legally protected in 1945 AD when the Federal Marriage Act was passed through the Síðari. This act was designed to bring different marriage laws across the Federation into line with one another. Part of this involved legally recognizing the right of same-sex couples to marry equal rights as their fellow citizens. It did not rule for adoption, which remained unregulated apart from the separate ward laws which attempted to improve conditions for orphans, not to determine who could become their guardians or parents.
Prior to the Federal Marriage Act, same-sex relationships were commonly accepted. The prominence and influence of Reykjavík Ilyçisianism (via The Church of Pharexia) throughout Pharexia's history has explained its tolerance of homosexuality, as the denomination believes that there is nothing wrong with homosexuality and that same-sex relations are normal. In fact, the Church of Pharexia was a major proponent of including protections for same-sex couples into the Federal Marriage Act. The Church has openly performed same-sex marriage ceremonies since 1895.
Same-sex adoption was only provided for in 1991 AD. It had been the first time that the rights and duties of foster parents had been regulated for at the federal level and was arrived at because of a consensus amongst the wards that family rights had to be equal across the Federation.
In 2016, the Síðari passed the Gender Affirmation Act, which allowed transgender citizens to legally change their name and gender on their birth certificate. It also instructed the National University Hospital of Pharexia to create a department dedicated to diagnosing gender dysphoria, as well as performing sex reassignment surgery (SRS). After successfully completing an 18-month process, including living 12 months in accordance with their gender, applicants appear before a committee of clinical psychologists and physicians. If the committee determines that a diagnosis of gender dysphoria is appropriate, the National Registry is informed, and the applicant chooses a new name to reflect their gender and is issued a new ID-number and ID.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people can serve openly in the Armed Forces.
While there is no legal recognition of gender diversity beyond the female/male binary, gender expression is protected by a 1990's amendment to the Federal Anti-discrimination Act.
Capital punishment and crime
The death penalty is constitutionally forbidden in the Federation of Pharexia and has been so de facto since the first iteration of People's Law entered into force in 1900. Article 2 stipulates that "every person shall have the right to life and physical integrity". Following the accession of People's Law, the ward of Feldehamdevikia attempted to execute an offender as had been permitted by their ward's constitution. The High Court of Justice, accepting the case from the Federal Government, ruled against Feldehamdevikia's government. Their decision argued that the ward was in violation of Articles 2 and 26 of People's Law. In 1905, Article 110 was added to FPL which explicitly outlawed the use of capital punishment.
Further laws enacted after the accession of People's Law instead set the maximum continuous prison sentence permissible at fifty years. The sentencing limit applies to single sentencing as well as combined prison terms. Because this was legally a ward responsibility, it was implemented sporadically across the Federation and over a time period of nearly 80 years. All of the 21 modern Pharexian wards finally achieved harmony over this law by 1985 AD.
There has been no strong desire in Pharexia to undo the works of the abolitionist cause.
National safety
Are elections held? Yes. Elections are held at the federal and ward level.
Are elections run by independent candidates, or by party candidates? Both. Party candidates are more common than independents. While independents have the ability to be represented in the federal legislature, they currently make up only a small percentage.
Can individuals or organizations pledge financial support to a politician's campaign? Yes. The maximum donation that any individual or organization can make is capped at the equivalent of US$500,000.
Is the military a part of the government? No. Besides the Coast Guard, Pharexia has no standing army.
Is the government secular or theocratic? Theocratic. Technically the government is tolerant of all religions, but the official state religion and church have significant influence over politicians and federal legislation.
Is the legislative body a separate part of the government? Yes. The legislature is a separate, independent component of the government, but members of the executive must be confirmed by a majority of its members. The legislature retains strong political powers against the executive.
Is the Supreme Court a separate part of the government? Yes. Though administered by ward and federal ministries of justice, the judiciary is operationally independent and its decisions cannot be challenged by the other branches of government.
Do you have government agencies? Yes.
Are politicians subject to the law? Yes.
Do Politicians have privileges? Yes. Politicians receive free healthcare at the expense of the taxpayers.
Is the media state-run? No.
Do you have an official police force? Yes. On both the federal and ward level.
Is your police force militarized? No.
Do you have a secret police force? No.
Does your police force undergo sensitivity training? Yes. Officers are required to pass cultural and mental health courses.
Do you have the death penalty? No.
Do you have prisons? Yes.
Do you have maximum security prisons? Yes.
Are you a police state? No.
Do you have security cameras in public places? Yes. These are privately-owned and operated by the individual or organization on whose land they are constructed. The government must get the permission of the owners or a judicial warrant to access the footage.
Do you monitor web searches? Sometimes. The government requires a judicial warrant to do so. This is only granted with prior evidence to back the government's claim and lasts for six months before it must be renewed. Web monitoring is therefore not regularly conducted.
Do you tap phone calls? Sometimes. The government requires a judicial warrant to do so. This is only granted with prior evidence to back the government's claim and lasts for six months before it must be renewed. Phone tapping is therefore not regularly conducted.
Is top-notch security available for purchase by the populace? Yes.
Can civilians arrest criminals? No.
Is vigilantism legal? No.
Can criminals be detained indefinitely? No. 50 years is the maximum.
Can criminals be denied legal counsel? No. If they cannot afford legal counsel, the criminal is granted a state defense lawyer from their home ward.
Car Accidents Deaths in the last year: 4.1 per 100,000 of the population. 371 in total.
Number of Homicides in the last year: 0.6 per 100,000 of the population.
Is the nation militarized? No.
Do you have official armed forces? No.
Is your military up-to-date? N/A.
Can military servicemen arrest criminals? N/A.
Is the military subject to the law? N/A.
Does the military have its own courts? N/A.
Are military courts independent of civilian law? N/A.
Are civilian laws active on military installations? N/A.
Can military equipment and weapons be purchased by civilians? N/A.
Can civilians own firearms? Yes. If civilians pass a universal background check, training, and a psychological examination, the government cannot deny them the right to own a weapon. There are restrictions as to the ownership of automatic weaponry.
Are pharmaceutical drugs legal? Sometimes. If the drugs pass clinical trials to meet government standards, they can legally be prescribed by medical professionals.
Are non-pharmaceutical drugs legal? Mostly. Drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine, were legalized by the federal government in 1978. The legality of other non-pharmaceutical drugs is determined at the ward level.
Can pharmaceutical drugs be used for non-pharmaceutical reasons? No. They can only be prescribed by medical professionals for medical purposes, but certain 'safe' pharmaceutical drugs are illegally traded outside of medical situations.
Do you have freedom of speech? Yes. Protected by People's Law.
Do you have freedom of the press? Yes. Protected by People's Law.
Do you have freedom of thought? Yes. Protected by the People's Law.
Do you have freedom of assembly? Yes. Protected by the People's Law.
Religious Freedom? Yes. People's Law. Medical professionals can refuse to perform procedures relating to abortion, birth control, or euthanasia without legal retaliation.
It is legal to offend someone based on race/gender/etc? Yes. While hate laws exist to prevent speech being used to incite violence or abuse, citizens are free to non-violently criticize people or groups of people for any reason, including but not limited to race, gender, and religion. It is the job of the courts to ensure the speech is non-violent, addressing this on a case-by-case basis. However, due to the freedom of speech clause in People's Law, the courts almost always side with the defendants.
Are protests legal? Yes. Criminal damage charges may still be brought against individuals or organizations during protests, however.
Are sit-ins legal? Yes.
Are strikes legal? Yes.
Are corporations above the law? No.
Movies
Movie classification in the Pharexia is managed by the Pharexian Film, Music, and Media Classification Association (PFMMCA). PFMMCA is a regulatory board set up under the Department of Church & Culture that reviews all films, foreign or domestic, as well as regulate other media facets. The current classification system was created in 1976.
A (All Audiences/A h-uile luchd-èisteachd) All ages admitted; contains no violent, profane, or sexual content. Movies rated this are generally suggested to people no earlier than age 3. L (Older Audiences/Luchd-èisteachd nas sine) All ages admitted; contains mild violence and no profanity or sexual content. Movies rated this are generally suggested to people no earlier than age 10. 16 (Restricted 16/Beperken 16) Those under 16 are not admitted at cinemas or permitted to purchase/rent the video; contains moderate violence, and/or moderate profanity, and/or mild sexual suggestiveness. 18 (Restricted 18/Beperken 18) Those under 18 are not admitted at cinemas or permitted to purchase/rent the video; contains severe violence, and/or moderate sexual suggestiveness. 21 (Restricted 21/Beperken 21)Those under 18 are not admitted at cinemas or permitted to purchase/rent the video; contains severe violence, and/or any sexual activity or nudity. AIR (Refused/air a dhiùltadh) Banned and may not be sold or shown in any venue.
In 1998, the PFMMCA added sub-descriptors to use in conjunction with the core descriptors to better describe the specific content of a film.
S for sex. L for language. V for violence. P for prejudice. N for nudity. H for horror. D for substance abuse. SV for sexual violence.
Prostitution
Prostitution in Pharexia is a devolved matter, meaning it is up to the individual wards to legislate on the matter. Currently, 18 of the 21 have outlawed the pratice in its entirety, although the intensity of enforcement and punishment varies considerably. Despite its legality in 3 wards, it tends to be heavily regulated. The following limitations are placed on the practice:
Eligible sex workers must be Pharexian citizens, be at least 21 years old, and have residence in a ward where prostitution is legal. To protect sex workers, brothels are illegal. Advertisements concerning sexual services are prohibited in public spaces and cannot be placed on the outside of any building. It is illegal to promote ones sex work online.
Sex workers must go through mandatory health checks every two weeks to ensure that they comply with the ward statutory regulations (e.g. use of condoms and birth control is mandatory). Failure to do so will result in the revocation of their license and repeated offense often result in imprisonment.
If a sex worker becomes pregnant, she, like any other Pharexian citizen, does not have the right to an abortion and must stop practicing prostitution until she has given birth.
Privacy
Do your laws recognize, either by law or legal precedent, a right to privacy?: Yes. Interpretations of the People's Law have tended to strengthen the right of the individual to privacy against the state's requests for greater surveillance powers. Restrictions can only be authorized by a judge if deemed necessary in order to avert danger against the free, democratic, constitutional order.
Is there a right to privacy within the home?: Yes.
Within one’s vehicle?: Yes. People's Law protects the right of individuals and groups to private property. It references further federal laws, which define this right more explicitly. Restrictions can only be authorized by a judge if deemed necessary in order to avert danger against the free, democratic, constitutional order.
Are a person’s personal belongings secure from unreasonable search and seizure?: Yes. People's Law protects the right of individuals and groups to private property. It references further federal laws, which define this right more explicitly. Restrictions can only be authorized by a judge if deemed necessary in order to avert danger against the free, democratic, constitutional order.
Is probable cause required to search a person’s vehicle without a warrant?: Yes. Requests for searches must either pass through a judicial review before they occur or, if time is of the essence, must be permitted by an independent committee. Applications are likely to be successful only if it can be demonstrated that the search is necessary to avert danger to the free, democratic, constitutional order.
Is probable cause required to search a person’s belongings without a warrant?: Yes. The same restrictions on searches as detailed above apply to a person's belongings.
Is probable cause required to search a person’s home without a warrant?: Yes. The same restrictions on searches as detailed above apply to a person's home.
What is the definition of probable cause in your nation?: Probable cause is defined through three factors: a suspect must have the means to commit a crime and motive for doing so. The police must also have evidence of either a physical or testimonial nature.
What level of proof is required to get a search warrant?: The police must demonstrate reasonable suspicion, that is they must show that a suspect has the means and motive to commit a crime. They do not need physical or testimonial evidence, however.
Is a warrant required to access a person’s email or cloud service account?: Yes. People's Law guarantees the right to privacy of correspondence, telecommunications and post. It can be restricted only on the orders of a judge or independent commission if it can be demonstrated as necessary to protect the free, democratic, constitutional order.
Is a warrant required to listen in on a person’s phone calls?: Yes. The same restrictions on searches as detailed above apply to a person's phone calls.
Is a warrant required to listen in on cellphone calls?: Yes. The same restrictions on searches as detailed above apply to a person's mobile phone calls.
Is a warrant required to track the location of a person’s vehicle?: Sometimes. A person's vehicle may be monitored without a warrant, that is authorities may keep a log of its location using public CCTV cameras, police patrols and the regular resources at their disposal. They may not, however, utilize tracking devices which specifically target that person's vehicle without receiving the relevant orders from either a judge or an independent committee.
Is a warrant required for the police to track a person’s cellphone?: Yes. As with all forms of discreet and covert surveillance, a judicial warrant or the permission of an independent committee must be sought before any tracking may occur.
Is it legal for a person’s parent or guardian to track their cellphone or vehicle without their consent?: Sometimes. Most such cases would not be brought to the police or to the courts by the victim. If they were, the parent or guardian would likely be let off with a warning; a charge could only be made if the intent to harass, disturb or cause harm was demonstrated.
Is a warrant required to track a person’s online activities?: Yes. Data obtained by ISPs cannot be used to perform social network analysis or data mining. Only discreet investigations are permitted (directed against individuals or named groups) and these must conform with the above-mentioned regulations.
Is a warrant required to install keyloggers or other equipment on a person’s computer?: Yes. The same restrictions on searches as detailed above apply to a person's computer.
Are no-knock warrants legal? If yes, in what situations? No.
Are there state-operated CCTV systems monitoring common people in public?: No. State-owned CCTV is only fitted on public buildings for their own security. Like all CCTV cameras (both public and private), their images may be requested by the police and used as evidence in a criminal case.
Is it legal for police officers to surveil a person in public without a warrant?: Sometimes. A warrant is required for any discreet, targeted surveillance techniques. Any techniques which make use of routine police resources (such as foot patrols) do not require a warrant.
Are Internet providers required to retain clients’ internet use data?: Yes.
If yes, for how many years?: They must do so for five years. They cannot access that data themselves at any point and only certain government agencies may ask for access. To do so, a government agency must have express judicial permission or, in time-sensitive cases, the permission of an independent commission. Once accessed by government authorities, this data may be held by them for one further year but can only be accessed if it relates to the same case for which it was procured or if another warrant is granted. The additional year-long holding period may be renewed once it expires with the authority of a court. After one year, phone and internet providers must delete the data regardless of whether or not it has been accessed by a government agency. The only exception is if a government agency is in the process of accessing the data, in which case a three month extension to the retention of the relevant data may be issued by an independent committee.
Are citizens allowed to use strong encryption?: Yes.
Are citizens allowed to use secure networking measures such as TOR or similar technologies?: Yes.
Are stop-and-frisk procedures legal?: No. However, its legality is being contemplated in both the Federal Legislature and the High Court of Justice.
Are there metal detectors at the entrances of shopping malls and sporting events in your nation?: Yes. The Federal Legislature passed the 2015 Counterterrorism Act which mandated the installation and upkeep of metal detectors at the entrances to government buildings, large shopping malls, large auditoriums, and stadiums.
Are there state-operated microphone systems in the streets of your nation’s major cities?: No.
Are drug tests required by law or regulation for regular employment in your nation? (not work in the spy services): No.
Are drug tests required in schools?: Sometimes. They are required for students attending state-run public schools.
Are drug tests required for receiving welfare?: No.
Are schools equipped with CCTV cameras?: Sometimes. This is at the discretion of each school authority and ward.
Are schools permitted to monitor students within their own homes? No.
Does your nation have a national ID? Sometimes. The Pharexian National ID Card is an official identity document consisting of a laminated plastic card bearing a photograph, name and address. While the identity card is non-compulsory, all persons must possess some form of valid government-issued identity documentation including, but not limited to, driving licenses and passports.
Is an ID required to rent an apartment? Yes.
A hotel room? Yes.
To buy a car? No.
To rent a car? No.
To buy a plane or train ticket? Yes.
To buy a firearm? Yes. Citizens must also pass a criminal background check.
To buy alcohol? Yes.
To buy medication? Yes.
To buy pets? Yes.
To buy recreational drugs? Yes.
Is your society a cashless society? No.
Does your society have gun registration? Yes.
Vehicle registration? Yes.
Bicycle registration? No.
Animal registration? Yes.
Is it legal in your society to use a fake name to rent a hotel room? No.
Politics
Pharexia is home to a diverse slate of political parties.
Conservative Party
The Conservative Party of Pharexia (Pharexian: Stéttarfélags), is the major contemporary party of the Pharexian centre-right, and the leading party in both of the federal legislative houses. It was established as the merger of the Liberal Democrats and the Ilyçisian Unity Party in 1961. The party self identifies as a conservative party of progress, and holds economic and social politics that align with standard conservative and Ilyçisian principles.
A coalition of the Conservative Party, the Science–Moderate Party, and New Future entered office in 2018 based on promises of tax cuts, better public services and stricter rules on immigration, with the informal support of the Ilyçisian Democrats.
The party advocates economic liberalism, reduction of taxes, and individual rights, and defines itself as a "conservative party of progress". The party generally supports semi-privatization through state-funded private services, laissez-faire economics, LGBT rights, gun control, and tougher law and order measures. They oppose identity politics and abortion.
There have been in total 17 Conservative members of the Federal Council, the most from any one political party. It currently has 2 members, one of which is Head Councilor. As of 2019, the Conservatives leads the governmental coalition in both houses of the Síðari.
Science–Moderate Party
The Science–Moderate Party (Pharexian: Šísindasveit) is a major contemporary political party in Phareixa. It is classified as centre by the Pharexian Political Independent Research Association. It currently has the second and third most number of seats in the Síðari's Ward and National Assemblies, respectively. The Science–Moderate Party is built on the belief that scientific advancement has the potential to improve all aspects of public life in the country. They advocate for medical and scientific research, and education.
Liberal Party
The Liberal Party of Pharexia (Pharexian: Frjálslynda réttlæti) is a classically liberal political party in Pharexia. The Liberals are led by Petrína Áskelsdóttir. The party was founded in 1948 by members of former liberal political parties (primarily from the Liberal Democrats). It was in response to the 28 years of Conservative governance at the national level. The party strongly supports human rights, civil liberties, and internationalism. The party is traditionally considered left-wing, although has drifted more towards the centre in recent years. Since the 2004, the party has firmly pushed economic liberalism and has aligned itself closely to the promotion of free markets and privatization. It is strongly opposed to political and internet censorship. The party also supports socially liberal policies like LGBT rights and loosening the country's abortion laws.
New Future
New Future (Pharexian: Framtíðinni) is a conservative agrarian political party in Pharexia. They hold socially conservative positions, opposing abortion, gun control, and euthanasia, while maintaining moderately progressive stances on agrarian, economic and environmental issues. The party self-describes itself as "centre".
Ilyçisian Democrats
Ilyçisian Democrats (Pharexian: Ilyçieoan aðila), also commonly referred to as the Ilyçisian Party, is a right-wing political party in Pharexia. The party was founded in 2000 as the result of the merger of the National Party and the Traditional Voice Party. The party is not officially affiliated with the Church of Pharexia, although members advocates church doctrine.
The Ilyçisian Democrats exists to maintain Ilyçisian representation at both levels of government – federal and ward - and to promote "ethical values based on...Ilyçisian values". They support free speech, criminalizing pornographic distribution and ownership, mandatory religious instruction in public schools, automatic membership in the Church of Pharexia unless one opts out, gun rights, religious and cultural tests for immigrants. They oppose legalizing abortion, loosening substance laws, euthanasia, and the current government-run healthcare.
Greens–Left
Greens–Left (Pharexian: Græn-vinstri) is an active political party in Pharexia. It is a merger of the Pharexian Greens and the Left Party. The party's ideology combines environmentalism with left-wing and centre-left economic policies, such as supporting a state economy with regulated capitalism and increased taxes for the wealthy. Members support progressive social policies on civil liberties, LGBT rights, animal rights, and drug reform. The party supports non-violence, a universal basic income, and instituting a minimum, living wage across the country.
Dignity–Solidarity Party
The Dignity–Solidarity Party (Pharexian: Reisn–Verç) is a left-wing political party in Pharexia that has been described as an alliance of democratic socialists, communists, and secularists. The party's platform emphasizes greater state intervention, social justice, strengthening workers' rights, and, unlike most other political parties in Pharexia (including other left-wing parties) supports the formal separation of church and state.
Strength of parties
| Party Name | Seats in the Ward Assembly | Seats in National Assembly | Seats on the Federal Council | Ward Executive Council Seats | Position | Ideology | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative Party Stéttarfélags |
18 / 63
|
61 / 277
|
2 / 8
|
26 / 96
|
Centre-right | Liberal-conservatism, Economic liberalism | |
| Science–Moderate Party Šísindasveit |
15 / 63
|
42 / 277
|
2 / 8
|
17 / 96
|
Centre | Technocentrism, Third way | |
| Liberal Party Frjálslynda réttlæti |
9 / 63
|
33 / 277
|
1 / 8
|
13 / 96
|
Centre-left | Classical liberalism, Social progressivism | |
| Ilyçisian Democrats Ilyçieoan aðila |
6 / 63
|
28 / 277
|
1 / 8
|
10 / 96
|
Right-wing | National conservatism, Right-wing populism | |
| New Future Framtíðinni |
8 / 63
|
17 / 277
|
1 / 8
|
14 / 96
|
Centre-right | Agrarianism, Decentralization | |
| Greens–Left Græn-vinstri |
5 / 63
|
20 / 277
|
0 / 8
|
6 / 96
|
Centre-left to left-wing | Green politics, Social democracy | |
| Dignity–Solidarity Party Reisn–Verç |
2 / 63
|
8 / 277
|
0 / 8
|
4 / 96
|
Left-wing to far-left | Anti-capitalism, Secularism | |
| Moderate Party Hófleg |
0 / 63
|
22 / 277
|
0 / 8
|
2 / 96
|
Centre | Economic liberalism | |
| Forward Áfram |
0 / 63
|
11 / 277
|
0 / 8
|
1 / 96
|
Right-wing to far-right | Anti-immigration, Economic nationalism | |
| Lofogengenlok Independence Sjálfstæðismenn Lofogengenlok |
0 / 63
|
8 / 277
|
0 / 8
|
1 / 96
|
Left-wing | Regionalism | |
| Unaffiliated Óaðstoð |
0 / 63
|
27 / 277
|
1 / 8
|
14 / 96
|
N/A | N/A | |
Wards
Pharexia is currently divided into 21 administrative regions called wards (Pharexian: rijords, Astellian: bharda), which assist with the institutional and territorial organization of Pharexian territory. There are currently four types of wards: states, free cities, territories, and autonomous regions. A ward’s classification is based on its autonomy from the federal government. States–which make up 15 of the 21 wards–have devolved legislatures and their own 5-person executive council, akin to the Federal Council’s structure. States are able to legislate on all subjects that are not reserved matters of the federal government. Free cities (such as the capital city of Breíddalsvík) have a singular executive but lack a legislature and a full executive council, and thus rely on the Síðari/Félagið to pass legislation. Gæcadoia, currently the only ward currently classified as a territory, has neither an independent executive or legislature and is administered by a federally appointed viceroy. Finally, Lofogengenlok is the only fully autonomous region and self-governing part of Pharexia, officially deemed as such after the 1934 Pharexian–Lofogengenlok reunification. Lofogengenlok, originally a Pharexian ward, had in 1521 declared itself an independent country. While Pharexia never officially recognized this claim, Pharexian foreign policy had largely treated it as a separate country until negations warmed during the Second Great War. As of 2020, Pharexian national law does not generally apply in the region and Lofogengenlok is treated as a separate jurisdiction, although there is continued debate regarding its independence. It’s head of state is currently Queen Melisende III, and Lofogengenlok has its own legislature, the Legcø.
| Ward | ID | Population # | Head Executive/Party |
|---|---|---|---|
 Beisjørdia |
BE | - | Tarja Vänskä |
 Breíddalsvík |
BR | - | Heike Reynder |
 Cestëur |
CE | - | Arsenio Ratti |
 Dybołl |
DY | - | Moise Pisani |
 Feldehamdevikia |
FE | - | Tuomas Mustonen |
 Gæcadoia |
GC | - | Benedikt Svenson |
 Haugliveria |
HA | - | Ferdinanda Orsini |
 Heselsalevikki |
HE | - | Katharen Anadottir |
 Kvikaberdurvatn |
HV | - | Asløg Jennýsdottir |
 Lanvikalur |
LK | - | Ragnhild Ernadottir |
 Lofogengenlok |
LO | - | Queen Melisende III |
 Lanvivo |
LV | - | Ofelia Ratti |
 Marnehus |
MA | - | Francois De Ouserad |
 Osbakhogeria |
OS | - | Luciana Ardiconi |
 Reika Grav |
RG | - | Severo Acardi |
 Salderia |
SA | - | Anna Takala |
 Sorjord |
SJ | - | Rasmus Beck |
 Sorogavela |
SO | - | Kirsikka Peura |
 Stobyglikagil |
ST | - | Nikolaj Jonson |
 Trelmoenesia |
TR | - | Tua Farver |
 Vopeidrim |
VO | - | Uwe Matthiessen |
Defense
The military of Pharexia consists solely of the Coast Guard (Pharexian: Varnirliðið, Austellian: Glijbaan) which patrols Pharexian waters. The country is one of few who has no standing army.
The Coast Guard is based upon a small core of professional volunteers. If necessary, it can field up to 200,000 soldiers of fighting age in the case of a ground invasion. For obvious reasons, this is unsustainable in any other situation, and so the regular strength of the Coast Guard is closer to 20,000 professionals and militia. The military's role is purely defensive. They have yet to engage in battle either overseas or within the Pharexia.
Economy
Economically, Pharexia is a competitive and highly liberalized, open market economy. Most Pharexian enterprises are privately owned and market-oriented. This is combined with a strong welfare state. Pharexia has generous maternity/paternity leave, government-funded job training, and a free healthcare system. While public spending was estimated to be 25% of GDP in 2019, this percent has been stedily declining for nearly five decades. Public-held debt has more than halved from 50% of GDP to 22%. Much of this is because private companies are now able to provide public goods by competing for contracts alongside public providers (such as in healthcare and education). Since the major wave of liberalization in the mid-1940's, savings haven't changed much and there is still continued debate about if private firms are able to the same quality as public-run services. However, since the fall of the Communist government of Pharexia's state-run economy in 1899, standard of living, life expentency, and self-reported happiness has increased substantially.
The Pharexian economy is heavily reliant on both imports and foreign investment. Global shocks are apt to have a disproportionate effect on Pharexia, therefore. Pharexia has no significant natural resources apart from fish, sheep, and cherries, and has a high degree of economic specialisation.
Finance contributes to around 25% of the economy, by far the largest single sector. It is based around a strong banking sector which is a mix between secrecy and strict regulation, and social responsibility. Banking secrecy laws are extensive and enforced strictly. Research and development makes up around 12% of the economy and is geared primarily towards high-value and high-tech electronics, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and armaments. Armament development accounts for 4% of the economy, directed primarily towards moderately sophisticated equipment designed to match but not exceed the capabilities of foreign-made products. Ship-building accounts for 4% of the economy as well, and works in close conjunction with the armaments industry. Luxury goods account for 3% of the economy. A lot of it is not designed for export (such as tailors) and others are usually small artisans rather than large chains (watchmakers and fashion). Tourism accounts for 7% of the economy, and this is split between 'cultural tourists' who come for the history and odd culture of Pharexia, and 'luxury tourists' who come to visit the wine bars and stay in luxury hotels. Brewing and distilling accounts for 4% of the economy and is based around ale, rye whiskey, gin and unique Pharexian beverages. Energy production accounts for 6% of the economy and is focused on dynamic tidal, hydro-electric and geothermal. The majority of this energy is used to power Pharexia itself as the government strives for energy self-sufficiency. Greater export potential comes from the physical power-generation appliances and designs. The remaining 18% is primarily service sector jobs or small-scale manufacturing of high-value high-tech goods.
Infrastructure
Transportation
Transportation in Pharexia is facilitated by road, air, rail, and waterways (via boats). The vast majority of passenger travel occurs by cycling or automobile for shorter distances, and railroad or bus for longer distances.
Driving in Pharexia is a frequent occurrence, with approximately 60% of Pharexians owning private automobiles. Each ward has the authority to set its own traffic laws and issue driving licenses, although these laws have largely been the same since the 1960's. Licenses from other state are respected throughout the country. Pharexians drive on the right side of the road. There are numerous regulations on driving behavior, including speed limits, passing regulations, and seat belt requirements. Driving while intoxicated with alcohol or marijuana is illegal in all jurisdictions within Pharexia.
Most roads in Pharexia are owned and maintained by either the federal or ward governments. National Highways (Pharexian: Ajóðveginum, Austelliann: Mhórbhealaigh), defined as controlled-access roads spanning 2 or more states, are federally maintained and subject to federal regulations. Expressways–controlled-access roads existing entirely within a single state–are built and maintained by the state and are likewise subject to regulations set forth by the state. In addition, there are many local roads, generally serving the many of the remote or insular locations of southern and western Pharexia.
Cycling
Cycling is a common mode of transport throughout Pharexia, with 45% of the people listing the bicycle as their most frequent mode of transport on a typical day as opposed to the car by 38% and public transport by 21%.
Healthcare
Pharexia has a single-payer, universal healthcare system. The system was adopted in 1970 as a part of the creation of the welfare state in Pharexia. It is managed centrally by the Councilor of Health and Social Care, and at the local level by 43 health boards elected every five years by the general populace.
The healthcare system is funded via federal income tax, and it is the largest recipient of money from the federal budget, with around 10% of the entire Pharexian GDP being spent on healthcare. This funding has led to an efficient, well-maintained, well-staffed healthcare system free at the point of use. PHS is thus admired by many, and recent polls in Pharexia have shown that over 85% of the population is supportive of the system.
Mental health has received increased attention in Pharexia in recent years, with mental health funding being increased in response to increased openness around mental health in Pharexia. Recent research has found that significant proportions of Pharexians suffer from conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Education
Are schools in your nation exclusively public or private, or do both types of schools exist?
Both types of schools exist in the Pharexian Federation.
Is education compulsory? If yes, until what age?
Yes. A federal law ensures that all children attend school until they are at least 18 years old and provides for them to attend further education beyond that age. Schooling does, however, start later than many countries, at 5 years old.
Are uniforms required? If yes, what do they look like?
No. Some private schools operate a dress code, but no schools at present enforce a uniform policy. The schools which operate dress codes currently make up for around 2% of the total number of schools in Pharexia.
What values do your nation's schools instil?
In general Pharexian schools try to instil a desire to learn for the sake of learning, and to pursue what one is interested in simply because it is interesting. A premium is placed on social interaction and emotional awareness, particularly at younger ages, where long break times are included in the school day and much outdoor activity is encouraged. Sports and general physical fitness grows to take up a large part of the timetable in later school years, partly for philosophical reasons but also because Pharexia's competative economy requires a high level of fitness.
Is religion allowed in schools?
Yes. Schools are able to give religious instruction according to the beliefs of their religion. It also preserves the right of teachers not to give religious instruction if they so choose, and for parents or guardians to decide whether or not their child will receive such instruction. In general, religious instruction is common simply as a means of broadening the minds of students and teaching them the value of approaching life and other situations from multiple perspectives. This accounts, in part, for the high degree of religiousness amongst the population.
What language(s) are classes conducted in?
Almost all classes are conducted in Pharexian as a standard. Foreign language classes tend to be conducted in the relevant language being taught, depending on the level of the students. As Astellian is also one of the Federation's official languages and spoken by 82% of the population, some teachers choose to take classes in it so as to improve the speaking skills of their students. This is encouraged as a way of improving Arthuria's ability to interact on the global stage, as Pharexian is spoken almost exclusively by Pharexians only.
Most popular after-school programs?
Additional sports tend to be the most popular, as well as study groups and reading clubs. Of the additional sports, cross-country skiing, telemarking and hiking are extremely common, as the school day would otherwise not be able to accommodate them effectively.
Can students be held back for poor performance?
In extreme cases, yes, though it is the decision of individual teachers ultimately. Preferably, extra development classes are taken by those students, either as part of the curriculum or after school. They can also be given one-on-one tuition if the case demands it. It is considered an unfairness to deprive a student of the bonds of friendship which they have developed in their school year, and it also causes extra bureaucracy within the conscription system if a student is taken off their yearly conscription pool and placed into another.
How long is a typical school day? What days of the week are classes held?
Typically, the summer school day lasts from 0700 to 1400, with variation depending on schools. In the winter months, due to extreme temperatures, the school day may start at 0900 and last until 1600 instead, or simply be shortened. Schooldays tend to run from Monday to Friday, so that various religions which take Saturday and Sunday as their sabbath may observe their religious obligations.
What classes are compulsory?
This depends on the school, as it is schools and teachers which set curricula rather than any government authorities. In general, at various points throughout a student's career, maths, the sciences, philosophy, history, geography, human dignity, Arthurian, literature, English and engineering will be compulsory. As a student's career progresses, fewer classes become compulsory and they are encouraged to channel their energies into subjects of interest to them.
What kinds of elective classes are available, if any?
Mostly it is additional languages, further development classes and subjects such as drama that are elective.
Do students get lunch/break periods?
Yes. Break periods are seen as a vital part of developing students' social skills and emotional awareness, and in all-but extreme circumstances they are required to go outside in these times. In earlier years, break periods take up a large portion of a student's day, to be gradually replaced by physical fitness as their school career progresses.
Most popular after-school programs?
Additional sports tend to be the most popular, as well as study groups and reading clubs. Of the additional sports, cross-country skiing, telemarking and hiking are extremely common, as the school day would otherwise not be able to accommodate them effectively.
Can students be held back for poor performance?
In extreme cases, yes, though it is the decision of individual teachers ultimately. Preferably, extra development classes are taken by those students, either as part of the curriculum or after school. They can also be given one-on-one tuition if the case demands it. It is considered an unfairness to deprive a student of the bonds of friendship which they have developed in their school year, and it also causes extra bureaucracy within the conscription system if a student is taken off their yearly conscription pool and placed into another.
Demographics
Language
Pharexia is officially a bilingual nation: the two languages of Pharexian and Astellian are recognised as equal official languages.
Religion
Formal religious affiliation in Pharexia (2020)
For much of Pharexia's history, Ilyçisianism has dominated the public and private sphere of daily life. The Reykjavík Church of Pharexia (Pharexian: Kirkja hins af Fharheckx, Austellian: Séipéal n-Oileán naofa), often abbreviated as the KHF) is both the established church in Pharexia as well as the largest denomination of Ilyçisianism, with nearly 60% of the population reported as members. There are smaller Reykjavíkian churches unaffiliated with the Church of Pharexia that make up an additional 15%. Reykjavík and Ilyçisianism have a complex theological, historical, and sociological relationship. While Reykjavík (Reformed) Ilyçisians consider the Endurreisn Heimsins to be scripture, they do not believe in inerrancy or literalism like most Sólheimaka (Orthodox) Ilyçisians do.
Reykjavík theology argues that interpreting Ilyçisian scripture must be informed by scholarship (particularly from psychological, evolutionary, and existential perspectives). Perhaps the largest distinction is that most Reykjavík do not profess a belief in a celestial being. Rather, Reykjavíkians believe that theism has lost credibility as a valid conception of God's true nature. Such a belief is commonly referred to as Ilyçisian atheism. Ilyçisian atheism is a form of cultural Ilyçisianism and ethics system drawing its beliefs and practices from Addindr’s life and teachings as recorded in the Endurreisn Heimsins and other sources, whilst rejecting supernatural claims of Ilyçisianism. In 2005, the book Believing in a God Who Does Not Exist: Manifesto of An Atheist Minister, Reykjavíkian pastor Hendrikse describes that Reykjavík Ilyçisians believe "God is for me not a being but a word for what can happen between people. Someone says to you, for example, 'I will not abandon you', and then makes those words come true. It would be perfectly alright to call that [relationship] God". Hendrikse's views are widely shared among both clergy and church members. Some–especially Sólheimaka Ilyçisians–view the Reykjavíkian denomination as distinct enough from traditional Ilyçisianism so as to form a new religious tradition, although the KHF rejects this claim.
The second largest Ilyçisian denomination in Pharexia is Sólheimaka. Sólheimakans are orthodox Ilyçisians in the sense that they continue to believe in an actual heavenly God, as well as Endurreisn Heimsins literalism. The Church of Sólheimaka is the largest Sólheimaka church in Pharexia, with nearly 8% of Pharexians considering themselves members. An additional 2% are members of smaller, independent Sólheimakan churches.
In total, all Ilyçisians of both the Reykjavík and Sólheimakan denonination make up around 83% of the population. Their distribution is spread relatively equally throughout the country. With the exception of southern Pharexia (~95%), and Breíddalsvík (~45%), the average number of Ilyçisians in each ward stands at approximately 8-in-10.
Among people who identify as Ilyçisians, 50% of them attend weekly religious services, a figure much higher than other religious people in the country. Reykjavík Ilyçisianism is typically classified as a liberal denomination. For example, the Church of Pharexia has long supported gay and lesbian rights. Weekly Reykjavík services do not revolve around worship but rather focuses on deconstructing ancient scripture to extract out philosophical, ethical and theological wisdom that can be applied to the modern day. There is also a strong emphasis on community and fellowship.
Religion continues to play a significant role in the debate over abortion and physician-assisted suicide in Phareixa. The official Church of Pharexia stance is, "Life, the experiences we gain from being a part of the world and of humanity, are necessary and essential to spiritual fulfillment." This position is shared by most Ilyçisians. The Conservative Party, Science–Moderate Party, New Future, and the Ilyçisian Democrats all oppose abortion and cite Ilyçisian values as their justification.
While Reykjavík Ilyçisianism is officially the state religion, People's Law (Pharexian: Folkslov, Austellian: Qunnerit) guarantees religious freedom and upholds equality, no matter one's religious affiliation. In the last census, only 12% of the population identified as having no religion, despite nearly 80% of the country answering that they "do not believe there is any sort of spirit, God, or life force". This strangely makes Pharexia one of the most religious and secular countries in the world. A released in 2016 indicated that only 42% of Pharexians would vote for an openly theistic candidate. This is up slightly from 36% and 40% in 1987 and 1999 respectively.
According to a 2016 poll:
• 8% of Pharexian citizens responded that "they believe there is a God".
• 16% responded that "they believe there is some sort of spirit or life force".
• 62% responded that "they don't believe there is any sort of spirit, God or life force".
• 14% gave no response.
According to 2018 data from annual social-cultural study, 40 percent of Pharexians responded with "No" to the question to the question "Do you believe in God?", while 6 percent said "Yes" and 54 percent said that either they did not know or that the question was “difficult to answer”. Follow up questionares have found that while over 80% of Pharexians do not believe in a "literal, celestial supreme being", nearly 75% believe that they believe in a "higher order or calling" that is "synonymous with the idea of God". The survey also showed that 7-in-10 Pharexians say religion is an important part of their lives, which is notably higher than other developed nations.
Ethnicity
Racial Makeup of the Pharexia (2015 census)