The Freethinker Commonwealth
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Last edit by: Finium (talk · contrib) · Last edited on Mon, 03 Feb 2020 21:45:39 +0000
Sensible Commonwealth of the Freethinkers Freethinker Commonwealth | |
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Flag | |
Motto: "In all things, we are free" | |
Anthem: Sons of Olympia | |
| The Freethinker Mainland The Freethinker Mainland | |
| Capital | Navarre |
| Official languages | English (as Common) |
| Recognised national languages | Draconis Outback Creole |
| Recognised regional languages | Fargoni |
| Ethnic groups (2013) | Human 72% Freestian Ghouls 25% Other 3% |
| Demonym(s) | Freethinker or Freestian |
| Government | Federal Constitutional Monarchy |
• King of the Freethinkers | King Percival IV |
| Sir Alex Broxtowe | |
| Establishment | |
• as Mainland Colony | 1656 |
• as Mainland Dominion | 1800 |
• The Freethinker Commonweatlh | 7th April 1885 (SC) |
• Water (%) | 1.1% |
| Population | |
• 2013 estimate | 20,266,000,034 |
• Density | 68.6/km2 (177.7/sq mi) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2013 (RL) estimate |
• Total | $1302.53 trillion |
| GDP (nominal) | 2013 (RL) estimate |
• Total | $1105.03 trillion |
| HDI (2012) | 0.930 very high |
| Currency | Mintel (FMT) |
| Date format | dd/mm/yyyy |
| Driving side | the Left |
| Calling code | +1400 |
| Internet TLD | .tfc .ftc |
The Sensible Commonwealth of The Freethinkers, or more commonly; The Freethinker Commonwealth, is a multitech, liberal-democratic nationstate, comprised principally of the territories of the continental 'Mainland' located in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, three autonomous provinces, the Fargon Archipelago, Fortuna and Nova Olympia, along with several off-world colonies. It is a developed nation, governed by an elected parliament exercising power in the name of a constitutional monarch.
Originally a collection of Midlonian colonies, the Commonwealth became independent in 1885 after a decisive and bitter war of independence. The country retains significant relationships to the Greater Kingdom, and there remain strong cultural and social links between the two countries. The Commonwealth is more well known internationally for its spectacular natural landscapes and wildlife of the Freestian Outback and for its strong trading and maritime traditions.
The country has a very high rating on the Human Development Index, and one of the largest and most prosperous economies in the world. It is by far the largest economy of the Pax Midlonia. Economic links across much of fractal reality have seen the Commonwealth and its ports become some of the largest trading posts on Earth, and this is reflected as well in the diverse population and the multiple diaspora communities that exist in the country.
Geography
Summary
Location: Equatorial Atlantic Ocean (Mainland), Arctic Ocean (Fargon Archipelago), Poneria (Fortuna and Nova Olympia)
Area:
- Land: ~102,000,000 sq miles (Including Fargon, Earth Only)
- Water: ~12,030,000 sq miles (Including Fargon, Earth Only)
- Total: ~114,030,000 sq miles
Coastline: ~720,000 miles (Including Fargon, Earth Only)
Maritime Claims:
- Contiguous zone: 120 NM
- Territorial sea: 36 NM
- Exclusive economic zone: 240 NM,
- Continental shelf: 240 NM or to the edge of the continental margin, whichever is greater
Elevation extremes (Earth only):
- Lowest Point: Green Valley Reclamation Project (Mainland), -12 Metres
- Highest Point: Mount Solace (Mainland), 7831 Metres
Mainland
| File:ElevationsTerrain.png |
| Terrain Map of the Freethinker Mainland |
Climate & Terrain: The Mainland is dominated by its vast, untamed deserts and towering mountain ranges. Comprised of a single, supermassive landmass surrounded by many smaller islands, this continent-sized equatorial state has a dry, arid climate except in small isolated spots near the coasts and between the larger mountain ranges. Desert and semi-arid terrain account for about 80% of the total land, with the rest dominated by shrubland, mountains and thick tropical jungles.
Environmental Hazards: Frequent sandstorms in desert regions, Hurricanes on Western and Northern shores from late spring to autumn, native wildlife.
Environmental Issues: Increasing desertification, pollution concerns in major rivers and waterways
Fargon
Climate & Terrain: The Fargon Archipelago is located in the far north Atlantic, with much of the principle territory located near or above the Arctic circle. The northern edge of the islands are locked in permanent ice, and the majority of the province is either Arctic ice or tundra.
Environmental Hazards: Snow storms and blizzards, large ice flows.
Environmental Issues: Shrinking of ice flows from regional warming, increasing pollution levels from rapid economic growth.
Fortuna
Climate & Terrain: Fortuna is a located at a subtropical latitude and enjoys a coastal, mild climate. Significant amounts of the territory are foothills or montane terrain.
'Environmental Hazards: Limited hurrican exposure, flooding and avalanche risk in mountain regions.
Environmental Issues: Increasing pollution levels from rapid economic growth.
Nova Olympia]
Climate & Terrain: Nova Olympia is a located at a temperate latitude. An island chain, much of the territory enjoys a maritime climate.
Environmental Hazards: Limited hurricane exposure, flooding and avalanche risk in mountain regions.
Environmental Issues: Residual pollution issues from previous polity.
Offworld Colonies
Culture
Freestian culture is derived in part from both its Midlonian heritage, the pragmatic necessities of living in a landmass such as the Mainland, and the arrival of various waves of immigration over several waves. The Commonwealth is a multicultural, open, liberal society with strong streaks of both moderate classical liberalism and common social effort. The nation is notable for its significant rural and urban divide, which permeates a lot of cultural output and social structures.
Society
Generally, individual Freestians are stereotypically defined as pragmatic, libertarian-leaning moderates, physically fit and straddling a large urban and rural divide (as noted). There is a division within Freestian society within the more individualist urban population and the more collective rural populations. Major influences on societal structures and cultural standards are its status as a former Midlonian colony, its reputation as a harbour for dissidents and transported undesirables, its large diaspora and trading communities and the generally high importance placed on sociability and group commitments.
Most Freestian values are encapsulated in its constitution and in other areas of law, as well as the layout of its public and private institutions. There are strong regional identities, though these are rarely contiguous to a specific province or municipality but rather to regional or social groupings (such as the eponymous Outbacker identity). The Commonwealth is said to have defined itself in opposition to colonialism, authoritarianism and economic and social slavery, and as a proponent of liberty and effective, enabled freedom; and this is stated both in public policy and private speech and media.
Cuisine
Freestian cuisine covers a variety of cooking and culinary traditions that are had to distinguish as a universal entity and instead generally refers to a collection of different food traditions. Freestian dishes and dining etiquette have their farthest roots in Midlonian colonial recipes and practises, but have evolved over time to incorporate various immigrant, geographical and native influences. The only real general principles that apply to all Freestian cuisine tends to be an abundance of meats of all flavours, a heavy reliance as well on sea- and river-sourced food, generous portions and large quantities of accompanying drink. This is not to exclude vegetables and cereals, but there is no universal plant staple that is found in every strain of Freestian cuisine.
Demographics
The fact that the Mainland has sat at the crossroads of trans-Atlantic trade for several centuries has led to a huge conglomeration of different ethnic backgrounds from across the globe, as well boasting several domestic and foreign non-human races. The addition of pan-galatic trade and travel has seen an even bigger rise in the diversity of the current inhabitants. Lax (relatively) immigration standards and a historically diverse population generally see a good level of assimilation of new arrivals, though there have been a few observable exceptions.
Species and Ethnicities
The largest sapient species is humanity, as expected, with the core of the population descended from Midlonian, Pantocratian and Knootian colonists. The non-human population is dominated by Freestian Ghouls, (Human/Freestian Vampire crossbreeds) along with a number of fully fledged Freestian Vampires with their own autonomous government. Non-human Midlonian races are also sometimes seen, though are now fairly rare. Other species are also present, usually representing expat communities, and are mostly found in the large coastal metropolices.
Beyond the recognised vampiric and ghoulish peoples and cultures, there are a wide range of sapient races that choose not to, or have yet to evolve an advance culture, but are none the less recognised as 'beings', with relevant rights, under the Recognised Races Act. Notably, the population of Krork is a continued threat, its planned obliteration tempered by the desire to maintain an impressive training opportunity for the country's armed forces.
Religion
Religion within the Commonwealth is generally a matter of personal faith and private worship, and there is an extremely strict separation of religion and state defined within the constitution and historical tradition.
Freedom to practise and worship free of government control is a core tenet of the Freethinker constitution, and many different faiths are practised by varying numbers of people throughout the Commonwealth, and, although often small in number in terms of congregation, the Commonwealth has a vast array of represented faiths from almost all walks of humanity. The bulk of the population is non-religious, various denominations of Christianity form the main religious communities, and there are a number of Commonwealth-distinctive faiths that have arisen over the course of the nation's history.
Politics & Government
The government system of the Commonwealth is a liberal democratic, federal constitutional monarchy, headed by a sovereign Monarch as the ceremonial Head of State, with many of the executive powers entrusted to the current Prime Minister, who heads a cabinet made up of members of the Freethinker Parliament.
Monarchy
The official Head of State in the Freethinker Commonwealth is His Majesty King Percival IV of the House of Svard-Navarre, the current Freethinker Royal Family. Though constitutionally the Monarch has significant powers at his or her discretion de jure, including the right to seize land in the name of the state in an emergency, the right to propose or veto a proposed or existing Edict (declaration in regard to provincial affairs) or Act (general legislation), and the right to over-rule the judgement of the High Court, these powers are very, very seldom used and such an act would be generally unthinkable in modern times. De facto, the Monarch is a ceremonial head of state.
The monarchy is a split, cadet branch of the Midlonian House of Svard, and the respective families remain closely tied. There are at least two inter-family marriages.
Government
Meeting in the Navarre Royal Houses of Government and the Courts (commonly referred to as Government House), a large, Gothic-style palace reminiscent of Midlonian practise, the legislature of the Commonwealth consists of an overarching bicameral assembly, the House of the Provinces, comprised of returnees (three from each province or autonomous province, and two from each territory), and the House of the Representative Legislature, comprised of non-constituent, proportionally elected representatives elected by the Commonwealth as a whole.
The Prime Minister and most of the leading cabinet are drawn from the latter as this house, as more representative of the 'collective will of the people' has primacy, though actual conclusive influence depends on the subject matter of the legislation. The House of the Provinces retains primacy in areas of legislation impacting domestic matters generally, with a number of other competencies, and the House of the Representative Legislature has dominance over national and international matters. It should be noted that these are parliamentary conventions only, the constitution of the Commonwealth has few procedural items which govern the actual functioning of government.
The various Mainland provinces and territories and the three Autonomous Provinces have their own domestic legislatures. These sit in the respective capitals of the various territories. The offworld colonies at present are administered regions without a developed political structure.
The primacy of the Commonwealth legislature allows it to overturn provincial and local laws with a supermajority of votes, though this is rarely done. The smaller Freestian Vampire community has its own governing body ruling on matters of internal affairs, whilst the three autonomous provinces can boast their own assemblies (and heads of Government) which deal with all matters excluding foreign relations and defence separately from Parliament.
All elections for the legislature (at both regional and national level) are conducted every four years (on April 7th), and held across the Commonwealth by secret ballot. Generally, local, provincial and national voting are done at the same location and the respective offices are served for the four year duration.
The ability to vote is granted to all those who have taken the Oath of Representation and completed their obligations to acquire full Citizenship. The Oath may be taken from the age of sixteen onwards. The vote is denied, even with citizenship, to incarcerated criminals and the clinically insane, as well as being suspended for citizens who fail to complete their national service and other civic duties.
See also: "Freethinker Political Parties", "List of Territories and Provinces of the Freethinker Commonwealth"
Law and Justice
The Legal System in the Freestian Commonwealth is based on Common Law, though in practise there are significant differences in comparison to most Common Law using nations.
The Royal Judiciary controls the court and prison systems, and is independent entirely of the legislative and executive branches of the Freethinker government, save that the prisons and courts are funded through Commonwealth government taxation. The legal system is based on 'Common Law' principles.
Politics
See also: "Gun Politics in the Freethinker Commonwealth"
History
Prehistory
Mainland Colonies
Mainland Dominion
Independence
Economy
The economy of the Freethinker Commonwealth is dominated by private sector, free market consumption and spending characteristic of a deregulated, developed economy, with Government intervention limited to regulating and in certain circumstances supplying certain public goods (such as health and education services) where prudential thinking the private sector alone fails to provide the necessary coverage in the relevant policy area. There is an advanced social welfare infrastructure, primarily dedicated towards the provision of healthcare, pensions and unemployment support. There are significant commercial players, known as Crown Corporations, which are in large parts owned by the government which serve either a social function or are held as investments. The Government budget generally runs as either balanced or at a small deficit. As a percentage of GDP, debt has been on a gradual downward trend since the 2MW.
Free market systems are the dominant and preferred economic form, and free enterprise and entrepreneurship are encouraged to a significant extent in both public and private institutions and forums. Private and public companies and corporations are also expected to act with social responsibility (respect for personal property rights and the provision of accurate information to clients) as a guiding principle with regards to their employees, resource consumption and production. Cooperatives and employee-owned firms are common. International finance, aerospace and maritime engineering, resource extraction and private security provision are the mainstays of the economy.
As a resource-rich Western economy, international trade is an important part of the Freestian economic litany and foreign investment and ownership in various industries is significant, and in turn a large number of foreign assets are owned by Freethinker corporations. Navarre and Benarbor are major world financial centres, currency trading pairs between the Mintel and other major currencies form a large proportion of net international currency trades. Several Freestian ports, and Navarre in particular, vie for the title of the largest transshipment centre in the world. The same city competes similarly as a financial centre, particularly for international finance and supporting services.
Thanks in part to its high level of commodity exports, the Commonwealth runs a small net trade surplus. As a multitech society, the Commonwealth has a variety of different trading relationships, its trade with high technology, near post-scarcity powers, for instance, tends to be based around cultural and professional services exports and high technology imports. In comparison, with other societies on a similar technological footing this relationship tends to be more one based around the import and export of resources and manufacturing goods.
Currency
The official currency of The Freethinkers is the Mintel (FMT), created to replace the Midlonian Pound when the Freethinker Commonwealth became independent of the Midlonian Empire in 1885. The subunit of this currency is the Copper and there are 100 Coppers (Cp) to the Mintel. The currency is represented in both metal coinage and paper banknotes. The Freethinker Central Reserve maintains a floating exchange rate with other currencies and currently maintains a foreign exchange price of around US$2 with most other economies.
Healthcare and Education
National Healthcare
Main Article: "Healthcare in the Freethinker Commonwealth"
Per the Freethinker Constitution, access to healthcare is a basic right for all Freethinker residents, having acquired citizenship or not, and in practise this is delivered by a system comprised of a national insurance scheme, a universal healthcare payments system, a large network of public, non-profit and for-profit health institutions, and a large supplementary private insurance sector. The scheme is operated by a Crown Corporation known as the National Insurance Corporation (NIC), which although operating as an 'independent' company is founded and governed by legislation passed by Parliament.
The company operates as a non-profit entity with an autonomous set of governors. It also provides free overseas healthcare cover and repatriation for Freethinker citizens and minors (note: not subjects nor residents, this is considered one of the main advantages of acquiring citizenship, and is intended to promote travel and international trade), along with a range of private top-up and other insurance products. Simply by persons covered, NIC is one of the largest insurance companies in the world.
There are a number of reciprocal agreements with other nations with universal healthcare to either provide coverage under the foreign system or to provide free mutual treatment. Foreigners arriving on visas or relevant waivers from other nations may access emergency services free-of-charge, but continuing care requires either insurance, out-of-pocket expenditure or repatriation.
Healthcare spending is MT1,623 per person per annum (approaching the average for universal schemes and below most private-only or private-subsidised systems).
By most standards, the public healthcare system is both resource- and socially-efficient, creating a reasonably effective mix of public and private sector cooperation. However, the scheme has provoked outrage in certain left wing circles because it does in effect create a multi-tier public health service which it is claimed does not effectively provide the best treatment for all participants, and on the opposite side of the political spectrum as a significant government intervention into what should be an entirely or mostly privatised sector. By international standards however, Freestian hospitals are well managed and of a consistently good quality, and satisfaction levels are amongst the highest for any universal system.
In order to maximise efficiency, however, emphasis in government policy is on preventative and proactive health measures, encouraging frequent health checkups, regular exercise, healthy diets and general health education. A general attitude towards fitness and liberal, pragmatic social values ensure topics such as reproductive health and contraception are discussed openly and frankly.
The average life expectancy within the Commonwealth varies considerably, especially when one takes into account the dispersal of Vampire genes within the population which produces a significant increase in the life expectancy of these individuals in both human and ghoul populations. The current estimated life expectancies are:
- Human - Male: 85.6 Years, Female: 94.2 Years
- Ghoul - Male: 232.1 Years, Female: 256.3 Years
- Vampire - Male: ~1,600 Years, Female: ~1,800 Years
(Note: It should be important to state that it is nearly impossible to accurately gauge the average lifespan of a Freestian vampire, given that before human settlement there was only a very rough awareness of chronological timekeeping beyond the changing of the seasons. Another factor that heavily influenced these statistics is that up until the nominal present age very few vampires died of natural causes compared to those lost in combat or hunting activities. Ghoul ages, in turn, vary enormously depending upon where they lie on the Herne Scale.)
The "Ghoul Dividend"
Freestians are, by and large, a health conscious people, characterised by a high number of physically demanding occupations, lean diets, high levels of public knowledge and pressure on health and fitness, and subsidised preventative care. Rebates on both private and public insurance for partaking in healthy lifestyle choices are common and widely utilised. A high curriculum volume of physical education and mandatory outdoors activities establish these patterns in childhood, and are often reinforced during National Service.
The Ghoul Dividend refers to the phenomena of the dispersal of Ghoul genes through the population. Aside from fully fledged Freestian Ghouls, a significant number of human inhabitants also possess a Ghoul genetic inheritance. This has been shown, even at minimal levels, to have a positive effect on health by improving resistance to disease, improved bone strength, reduced muscle dystrophy associated with age, and a number of other impacts. This reduces demand on reactive and emergency services and as such saves significant sums that in turn can be either returned to the central budget or invested in preventative health measures or advanced medical research and facilities. The Greater Kingdom also enjoys a more mild version of this effect.
Education System
Main Article: "Education in the Freethinker Commonwealth"
Eduction is free and compulsory from the ages of 5 to 18. There are three main levels of education, Primary (5-11), Secondary (11-16) and Specialisation (16-18). Universities can be found as both public and private institutions, with most private and some highly esteemed public universities charging for tuition at varying rates. Study for a Bachelor and a Masters degree takes roughly 3 and 5 years full time study respectively.
Private institutions at all levels of educations are present, and due to the spread of Freethinker geography there is a relatively large number of boarding schools, both public and private. Generally Outback children will be home-schooled at a primary level and attend a boarding facility for higher levels of education, though there are exceptions. Private boarding schools serving Outback communities will have subsidised places. As can be expected, because of the vast distances involved with travelling in the Outback, the Commonwealth has one of the most well-funded and developed home-schooling programs in the world.
Other Notes
In addition to standard school classes and even for home-schooled children, all able-bodied students from 11-16 are required to become members of the Freethinker Scouting and Cadet Movement, arranged through their local Armed Forces Reserve Board, which provides a service roughly equivalent to Cadet Force membership in other countries and is specifically geared to Outback survival skills and training as well as preparation for National Service.
National literacy rates are very high, matching most other Western nations; 99%+ (Male: 99%+, Female 99%+).
Infrastructure
Transport infrastructure in the Freethinker Commonwealth is extensive, modern, well-funded and focused primarily on meeting the needs of passenger and inland freight traffic. New technologies, including driverless vehicles, portals and interstellar travel have been rapidly incorporated into Freethinker society.
Railways & Metros
The expansive railway network is one of the country's primary inheritance from Midlonian rule. Passenger traffic is mostly based on fast intercity routes between close urban centres, along with metro rail and subway systems. Freight trains remain the primary means of land cargo transportation. Investment in all infrastructure is high in comparision to many Western peers, and delays and cancellations are extremely low.
Waterways & Canals
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| Lighthouse on the Green Sea, one of the major waterway systems in the Commonwealth |
Known collectively as Navigations, the Commonwealth has a significant number of waterway systems, notably the large shipping canals that link the various seas and rivers throughout the country. these include the famous Grand Shipping Canal and also the Green Valley Waterway. Smaller systems and river navigation programs are common throughout the country.
For significant periods of Freestian history, riverine and coastal transport were the primary means of moving passengers and cargo around the Mainland. The importance of the commercial maritime industry ensured a high level of investment in large schemes for canals and other navigation systems to link and expand many harbour areas and reduce travel times.
See also: "Freethinker Super Engineering"
International Relations
Immigration
Immigration into the Freethinker Commonwealth is actively encouraged, especially of foreign academics and entrepreneurs (and special bodies have been set up to encourage this specifically), although all who are willing to work are generally welcomed and accepted. There are no set limits to the number of immigrants allowed to enter the country, however, certain health and security checks have been recently introduced to ensure that this liberal policy does not allow a freeflow of contagious disease or permit major security threats into the nation. Various levels of entry visas are provided dependent upon the country of origin and any risk factors presented by individuals.
The actual demographics of immigrants are typical for a liberal Western state, including civilians fleeing foreign wars and persecution, however, economic migrants and imported skilled labour make up the majority of newcomers. Emigration does occur, although like most economically developed countries this is generally limited to highly-skilled economic migrancy and tourism rather than lower socio-economic groups seeking a better life. There are few highly concentrated Freestian expatriate communities save for some in Midlonia, but the importance of trade means at least a few Freethinker citizens can found in almost any port city across the globe and in space.
See also: "Freethinker Citizenship"
Foreign Disputes
Organised smuggling operations are a serious problem within the Freethinker Commonwealth. The position of the Commonwealth in the centre of many trade networks has lead to a substantial grey and black market operating within the country, including the transshipment of drugs, weapons and increasingly slaves of various races. Efforts to crack down on this behaviour have been limited in their impact, given the sophisticated nature and deep local roots of such groups and the indifferent attitude of the local population. Suspicion of support from local intelligence services is rife but the government has denied such allegations. Money laundering is also an issue due to the highly developed financial networks built up to support international trade, although recent efforts to combat this through new regulations and government oversight have had some success.
Piracy remains a significant threat away from the established sealanes around the coast. Whereas most routes are well guarded and constantly patrolled, the vast unmonitered coastline and the relative ease of acquiring weaponry on the grey and black markets has meant a number of small time pirate groups have emerged. A recent investment in patrol boats and aircraft have reduced the number of attacks but most merchantmen which run outside of protected corridors still carry heavy armed protection. Ork incursions, on land and at sea, are a growing concern despite government claims of containment.
The Freethinker Commonwealth has no land territorial disputes with other sovereign states at present. All previous disputes with Midlonia and Knootoss have been settled by treaty. Large maritime claims are disapproved of but not contested by several nations and international organisations. Expansion into the PL region has created some politic backlash with other powers in the region.
International Organisation Membership
The Commonwealth is a member of the following bodies; some may no longer be relevant but contacts are maintained where avaliable.
- Trade Network Association
- Knootian International Stabilisation Treaty
- Galactic Postal Union
- Organisation for International Economic Development
Military & Defence
The military of the Freethinker Commonwealth is the Freethinker Royal Armed Forces, established in 1885 at the outset of Freethinker independence. Because the country is considered multitech, its armed forces have to undertake a wider variety of roles than most other nations, and as such tend to rely on smaller numbers of elite units rather than larger, more general-purpose formations.
The Freethinker Royal Armed Forces are considered a professional force, although many minor non-combat roles in some of the services are taken up by citizens completing their National Service. High fitness requirements mean almost all of the frontline infantry and marine units are Ghouls rather than humans. There are a large number of private security contractor and volunteer militia units.
There are also provincial forces which function as a reserve for the national armed forces.
Military Branches
Military Branches:
- Maritime Forces
- Celestial Forces
Military Manpower:
- Age for Service: Humans: 16 years+, Ghouls: 16 Years+
- Active Military Personnel: ~183,000,000 (male and female, human/ghoul)
- Available Military Personnel: ~10,200,000,000 (male and female, human/ghoul; able-bodied and of military age)
- Military Trained Manpower: ~8,800,000,000(male and female, human/ghoul; compulsory National Service in military setting)