Riechstadt
From Scandia
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| National Motto • Ingallish | "Durch den Grund oder Kraft" "Through Reason or Force" | ||||
| National Anthem | 'Das Große Lied' | ||||
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| Official language | Teuvian | ||||
| Founding Date | 1 January 1450 | ||||
| Government • Type • High Chancellor | Federal Republic Maximillian Müller | ||||
| Capital | Riechstadt city | ||||
| Administrative Divisions | 18 Länder (Province-States) | ||||
| Largest City | Riechstadt city | ||||
| Area • Total • % water |
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| Population • Total • Growth Rate • Density |
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| GDP • Total • GDP/capita • Growth Rate |
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| Currency |
Riechsmark (Я) | ||||
| Time Zones | RCT, KET, CNT, NMT (SMT -5, -6, -7, -8) | ||||
| Technology Codes • scandianet TLD • Trigraph • Calling Code |
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The Bundesrepublik (Federal Republic of) Riechstadt is a Teuvian Federative Republic on the eastern shores of Niveria. It is bordered by Abaco and the United Kingdom of Cruiswieck to the North, Sapmi to the North-West, the Confederation of Haromszek to the West, Higher Teuvia and Hakhasia to the South-West, and Kanjiri and Neepon to the South
Contents |
History
- Main article: Eras of Riechstadt
The state of Riechstadt has existed consistently in several forms since 154. Since then, several city-states, confederations, kingdoms, empires and republics have risen and fallen. Today's republic is a direct desendant of these states. The influence of the former Riechstadtan states can be seen in Niveria's history books, as no nation north of Kanjiri has evaded some kind of mention of Riechstadtan influence.
Riechstadt as we know it now is 85 years old. Formerly part of the Teutonic Empire, Riechstadt became independent on January 1st, 1450. In the midst of the Riechstadtan Secession was born what is today referred to as the 'First Republic.' Following re-unification, Riechstadt became a nation of its own. Following secession, people for the first time ceased seeing themselves as Sudetenlanders, Stuvarians and Sterlitzers and begun to see themselves as Riechstadtans. Mirroring this new-found national identity, there was a rise in nationalism in Riechstadt. The period from 1450 to the early 1500's (First Republic) saw the growth of Riechstadt, which had an exponential growth in industry, and wealth.
Riechstadt's history had been closely linked with that of Abaco, and in 1511 amidst great economic and cultural success, the two nations formed the United Federation of Abaco. The UFA quickly went from being seen as a voluntary union to an imposed abusive prison. Abaco reaped all the benefits and only exploited Riechstadt's reources and workforce. Finally, in 1525, Riechstadt seceded from the UFA, under the leadership of Rienhard Kirchner. After the UFA was disbanned by Riechstadt, Abaco fell into an 8-year civil war, the Abacan Civil War. Following the secession from the UFA, what is considered widely among many scholars as the 'Second Republic' was formed. Some intellectuals argue that the two republics are merely one republic which was only interrupted by the UFA.
In the years since the founding of the Second Republic, Riechstadt has become much more tolerant and diverse. There has been a huge renaissance of the arts, sciences and for the first time, sports. The nation also has become much more less isolated and become involved much more actively in international relations.On July 14th, 1532, Riechstadt (along with Cruiswieck) formed the Teuvian Free-Trade Association, which created a free-trade bloc in North-Eastern Niveria. And finally, in late 1533, Riechstadt joined the SCUN as a full member; prompting many other nations who had stayed on the sidelines of international relations to follow suit.
Climate
The climate of Riechstadt is temperate, ocean currents bring in warm air and water which keeps the nation warm during the summer and moderately cold during the rest of the year. During the summer average temperatures range in the low 20°C. While in the mountains near the Lake Niveria it is around 5°C. The southeast enjoys warmer, almost sub-tropical weather. There are several beaches in the area southeast of the capital, while the islands have rocky beaches. Tourism is not a big part of the economy, but contibutes greatly to Riechstadt's image when tourists return home.
Regions
Riechstadt is divided into 6 rough geographic regions, as depicted to the left. Each of these regions has common landscapes, weather patterns, fauna and flora. They are:
1. Eastern Lowlands.
2. Great Plains.
3. Central Hills.
4. Herz Mountains.
5. Western Highlands.
These regions are used mainly for military and meteorological purposes. They have no political significance or representation.
The Great Plains are sometimes divided into the Northern and Southern Plains.
Culture
Zîrkæ's most famous poet and thinker Z.H. Mârhö, once said about Riechstadt: "Riechstadt is an army with a country, not the other way around"
Since the time of the secession from the UFA, Riechstadtans have striven to rid themselves of this negative, militaristic image and there has been a cultural renaissance, whereby there has been an explosion of the arts, sciences, diplomacy and sports in Riechstadt.
Education
Education in Riechstadt consists of 4 (four) main levels:
- Kindergarten- Pre-school, ages 4-6 (approx.)
- Primary- Grades 1st-7th, ages 6-13 (approx.)
- Secondary- Grades 8th-12th, ages 13-17 (approx.)
- Univesity- Depending on degree
One of the most respected institutions in Riechstadt is the University. It is seen as a place of culture, higher education, and development. The grand majority of Secondary School graduates enroll in a university. Secondary School graduates, reffered to as 'Undergraduates' enroll in a university which concentrates in their particular area of interest.
Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary school are all obligatory, although students may choose to drop-out once they have reached the age of 17. The drop-out rate is 0.052% nationally.
Education is seen as one of the primary traits of a good Riechstadtan citizen.
- Education is free in Riechstadt, from kindergarten to university, it is all part of the social system and is paid through taxes. There are; however, private education institutions as well which offer smaller, more individualized attention, but the public education system is magnificent, with a literacy rate of 99.99%. Private education institutions account for 8.3% of all education institutions, and this number is slowly but steadily decreasing.
The Arts
Since 1525, there has been a surge in artistry among citizens of Riechstadt. 'Modern Reichstadtan Art' is this new school of thought which concentrates around the rejection of technique. MRA works consist mainly of: architecture, urban art, and surrealist art.
Surrealist is the second great discipline en vogue in Riechstadt. Surrealism is a style of art in which the artwork is abstract and dream-like. The most famous and cherished surrealist artist in Riechstadt is Hugo Daahlen. Daahlen is an outgoing, ridicoulously abstract and eccentric artist who enjoys to poke fun at the high society, and has amassed a great following among the middle class. Daahlenists have formed various groups which produce Daahlen-style artwrok and distribute it around the nation. Daahlen is known for his eccentric quotations.
"I would never go to the RAA, they don't allow you to experiment with what you wish."
This is recognized as an allusion to the illegality of drugs at the RAA. Daahlen refutes his followers who are fantical, which he feels is a basic violation of the principles he upholds.
Surrealist art is often criticized for lacking structure and being ambiguious. Artists however defend their mediums and their sub-culture. Its major figures are Hugo Daahlen and Ernst Vogel, these two are often portrayed as nemeses, as they often go head to head personally.
"Surrealism is above all things a revolutionary movement, it is revolutionary because it rejects technique, it rejects order, it rejects all expectations and violates every law you may try to govern it with." - Ernst Vogel, prominent surrealist.
Architechture also has seen a new day in Riechstadt, influenced by the RAA and the surrealist movements, new twists have been added to the traditional Riechstadtan cities.
As seen on the left here, many architects (some of who attended the RAA) have been experimenting with 'klash' which is a style of architecture in which some attributes or elements of the buildings seem to clash with one another, creating a surreaslist, new-age feel to the old streets of Riechstadt.
Should one study the old-age architecture of Riechstadt, it is impressive how the architecture of every age refelcts the philosophies of the time. Under the current changing society in Riechstadt, which is going from a traditional, conservatice to an open, diverse, artistic liberal society; art follows suit. Architects have begun to question the "Form Follows Function" approach that they had taken to architecture historically, and are now expereimenting with different combinations of practicality and aesthetics.
Modern Riechstadtan architecture is usually characterized by: a rejection of historical styles as a source of architectural form (historicism), an adoption of the principle that the materials and functional requirements determine the result, an adoption of the machine aesthetic, a rejection of ornament, a simplification of form and elimination of "unnecessary detail" and an adoption of expressed structure. "Abstract Aesthetics" is the trend. Architects also study in the RAA, since this style of architecture is considered and 'Art.' Currently, there are many Abacan and Cruiswieckan architecture students enrolled in the RAA, which hopes that they will go back to their nations and revolutionize architecture.
Sciences
Museums also are an important institution in Riechstadt. All Provincial capitals and major cities have a variety of museums which explore everything from the arts to the sciences to history and so on. Lindenhurst, Hessen, is known throughout Riechstadt as 'The City of Museums'
The Nodeken awards are given every two years to people who have made significant contributions to the fields of science and research and decelopment in Riechstadt and the world.
Diplomacy
Diplomacy is considered both an art and a science in Riechstadt, considering that Riechstadt is a nation of formerly-independent states, it is easy to see why this is. The national university for this discipline is the Academy for Social Sciences and Diplomatic Affairs(Akademie für Sozialwissenschaften und diplomatische Angelegenheiten), ASDAR, is the most prestigious university in this field.
Since the end of the UFA and the end of the Abacan Civil War, Riechstadt has experienced an exponential growth in diplomatic relations with NGO's and other sovereign states. Diplomatic ties have been formed with nations that would have never been expected have such close relations with Riechstadt.
Sports
Rugbien is just about the roughest sport in the world, played worldwide, it began as a game used to settle disputes between states in elden Riechstadt, but has now evolved into a sport played by two teams of 15 (fifteen) players.
Riechstadt's national rugbien team is the 'Falken,' they are five-time world champions, the most succesful national rugbien team. Traditionally, sport rivalries exist between Riechstadt, Schwerdt and Cruiswieck.
As far as Korfball goes, it is a minor sport in Riechstadt, born in the city of Ostenkorpf. Originally named 'Korpfball' the name was later shortened to 'Korfball.' It is a team ball game, The countries with the most players are the Kassaten and Riechstadt. Korfball differs from other team sports in that it is a mixed-gender game: a team consists of four men and four women.
Korfball is played either indoors or outdoors on a court divided into two halves called zones. In each zone there is a post (3.5m, shorter for the young) with a basket at the top. This is positioned at two thirds of the distance between the centre line and the back of the zone. The ball is similar to the one used for football. There are two teams, each consisting of eight players: two men and two women of each team in each zone (attack and defense). Players score by throwing the ball through the other team's basket. After two goals the teams change zones: the defenders become attackers and attackers defenders. At half-time the teams swap halves of the court.
Korfball is a team sport. Individual class is essential but there is no room for individual play. Belonging to a team means teamwork; running with the ball or dribbling is not allowed. A player who receives the ball while running must stop within two steps and pass the ball to another player.
Korfball is a mixed sport. Men and women play side by side. But while women are equal in the tactics of the game, duels are man to man and woman to woman. One man may guard one man and one woman may guard one woman. So it's not two against one and a woman may not defend a man nor may a man defend a woman.
Third, korfball is a tactical game. Each team tries to win by scoring more goals using tactical skills of the team as a whole. The rules follow this principle and prevent physical strength from dominating the game. That means that physical contact is undesired. Blocking, tackling and holding your opponent are not allowed in korfball.
The same goes for kicking the ball or hitting it with your fists. Also, one is not allowed to move the post, which would make it harder to score.
Another rule that makes this a largely tactical game is that a player may not attempt to score when defended. That occurs when the defender is closer to the basket and is facing his/her opponent, and is at arm's length, and is attempting to block the ball.
Government and Politics
The government of Riechstadt is a federal republic. The constitution is the "Bundesverfassung." In the constitution, are four tiers of government, these tiers are maintain a balance of power.
Executive
The Executive tier of Riechstadt consists of: the Ministries, the Chancellors and the High Chancellor. Each minstry (Ministerium) is in charge of a certain aspect of Riechstadt's affairs. Examples of this are: the Ministerium of Foreign Affairs, the Ministerium of Culture, the Ministerium of Trade and Commerce. Each Ministerium is headed by an appointed Minister. ex: Oliver Brendt- Minster of Foreign Affairs.
Chancellors are the heads of the Provinces and States of Riechstadt. They are elected through democratic elections in a Province, and are apointed through an election in the lower chamber of the Bundestag.
The High Chancellor acts as both the Head-of-State and the Head-of-Government.
Legislative
The Bundestag is the legislative body of Riechstadt. It resides in Riechstadt city, the national capital. The Bundestag is made up of two chambers: The Lower Chamber and the Higher Chamber.
The Lower Chamber is where delegates from the national sub-divisions meet to disscuss domestic, inter-subdivisional affairs. There is a Head, who is elected by the members of the chamber, and regulates disscussion and the agenda.
The Higher Chamber is made up of representatives of the political parties, there are two hundred seats, each percentage point in the national elections is warrant for two seats in the chamber. In this chamber matters of international significance/ affairs of importance to Riechstadt as a whole are disscussed.
Judicial
The Juducial tier is in charge of carrying out justice in the nation. This tier is made up of Local, Regional, Provincial/State and the National Courts.
Courts adhere to the Bundesverfassun, and share the authority along with the Legislative branch, to interpret it. It alone has the responsibility to enforce it however.
Offorum
The fourth system is the "Offorum", which stands for Offenes Forum, open forum. In this open forum, the citizens can meet and make their leaders aware of any problems. There are small, city forums all the way to the great forum, the national Offorum.
These are basically federal buildings with chambers in which ordinary citizens meet, depending on the forum, maybe once a month etc. A chair is elected, who oversees the debates in the consortium and once the citizens have come to an agreement on an issue or complaint, this 'Aktion' then moves up through the Offorum system. Should an 'Aktion' reach the National Offorum in Riechstadt city, it then is voted on by elected Offorum heads, and should the Aktion pass, The Offorum then has the authority to officially suggest the Bundestag to pass a law. In the grand majority of cases this 'suggestion' is passed into a law. Should the aktion be deemed detrimental by the Bundestag, it then gets rejected, although it may be revived by the offorums if support remains strong.
The power of the Offorum is not technically to pass laws, it is a way for citizens to get directly involved with their government. Should an Aktion be rejected twice by the Bundestag and be yet again revived by the citizens, the Executive branch then has the authority to obligate the Bundestag to accept it.
Foreign Relations
Reichstadt has a rich history of foreign relations. Rienhardt Kirchner created the "Diplomatic Affairs Comittee", which was replaced within the year by the Ministerium of Foreign Affairs. Since its creation in 1532, the MoFA has notably expanded Riechstadt's foreign diplomatic relations, transforming Riechstadt into an active participant in the world community. In late 1533, Riechstadt joined the SCUN as a full member, prompting other nations that had been in isolation to follow suit.
Riechstadt is also the founding nation of the Teuvian Free-Trade Association, a free-trade bloc consisting of Cruiswieck and Reichstadt.
Notably close ties:
Military
- Main article: Whermacht
The military force(s) of the Republic, the Whermacht (Literally "Defence Force" in Teuvian) are made up of four "Zweig(e)", or branches.
Stammkunden, (Army)- Regular infantry of the Whermacht responsible for the ground defence of the republic.
Kriegsmarine, (Navy)- The naval force. They protect the Reich's seas & islands. They also transport troops when needed.
Luftwaffe, (Air Force)- This is the Air Force of Riechstadt. They protect the airspace over the republic. They provide close air support, airlifts and a variety of other missions.
Sturmkraft, (Special Forces)-These are the heavy assault forces of the Whermacht.
The Riechstadtan Defence Forces is a cadre army of which 8,700 are professional soldiers (officers), with a standard readiness strength of 250,000 people in uniform. Riechstadt's defence budget equals about 4 percent of the GDP. A universal male conscription is no longer in place, service is voluntary since 1534. Inhabitants of Riechstadt's Islands are exempt, but there are no other general exemptions. Non-military service for thirteen months is also possible. Since 1533, Riechstadtan women have been able to do military service as volunteers. The defence is based on a large trained reserve.
The Riechstadtan Defence Forces are under the command of the Minster of Defense, who is directly subordinate to the High Chancellor of the Republic in matters related to the military command. The current Minister of Defense is Field Marshall Rienhardt Schlappkohl.
The Border Guard is under the Ministerium of the Interior but can be incorporated into the Defence Forces when required by defence readiness.
Economy
For full article, see Economy of Riechstadt.
The current economic outlook for both the near-term and long-term future look positive, based on assessments made by The World Economic Forum that has declared Riechstadt to be the most competitive country in the world for three consecutive years (1531–1533) and four times since 1525.
In recent years there has been national focus on innovation and research and development, with special emphasis on information technology. Riechstadt was ranked 3rd most innovative economy in 1533.
Riechstadt's economy is also based (sparsly) on wheat products: wheat, barley, sugar beets are among the biggest produces. Riechstadt has a small industry for animal products, such as cattle and fish. One of the main production items in Riechstadt are machine tools and transporattion items;cars, train, ships, metro and so on. The biggest product of the nation's industry is the military.
When Riechstadt seceded form the united federation, Riechstadt's leader, Rienhard Kirchner, ordered that Riechstadt "flex it's huge industrial muscle, to produce Niveria's greatest military." It is essential to note that since the rule of Kirchner, Riechstadt's economy is no longer related so much upon the nation's military.
Riechstadt's market economy features very efficient agriculture, up-to-date small-scale and corporate industry, extensive government welfare measures, very high living standards, a stable currency, and low dependence on foreign trade.
Currency
The Riechsmark (Я) is the official currency of the republic of Riechstadt. It is available in Я1, Я2, Я5, Я10, Я50, Я100, Я500, Я1,000, Я5,000, Я10,000 notes, larger notes, and Я1 and Я5 coins.
Each RiechsMark is divided into 100 cents (¢). There are ¢1, ¢5, ¢10, ¢25, and ¢50 coins.
Religion
Riechstadt is not divided by religion, 81% of the population is Atheisst. A minority is Cruisian(12%), the old official, traditional and native religion of Wötenism has, according to the March 1532 Federal Census, become extinct. (See Wötenist).
The Ministerium of Culture has, however, issued an edict to preserve former holy sites and significant historical areas for the benefit of the future generations of Riechstadtans.
Over time, Riechstadtans have adopted Atheissm which is not a religion, but a collection of philosophies which set guidelines for a good community.
External Links
Abaco | Albanaudh | Carolina | Cruiswieck | Formotsina | Hakhasia | Haromszek | Hochteuvien | Kanjiri | Melka | Neepon | Ostensia | Rahó | Rajanan | Riechstadt | San Rafael | Sapmi | Vetlanda | Vladevania | Zîrkæ
