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{{Nation
{{Infobox Nation Comprehensive
|country = Supreme Sovereign Republic of Natopia
|fullname = Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation
|image_flag = imperial_flag_standard2.gif
|commonname = Natopia
|language = English
|flag = File:Imperial flag standard6.png
|capital = Lindstom City
|coa= File:Full_Greater_Arms_of_the_Empire_WP_version.png
|largecity = Butter Cow City, Bagelston, Borders City, Mehlville, Hazelwood, Tasneemia City
|motto = ''[[Peace Through Silent Oppression]]''
|website = http://natopia.uni.cc/
|anthem = ''[[O Great Nation]]''
|forum = http://www.bmsprint.com/death/forum
|map = File:NatopiaAtlas160410.png
|population = 6
|mapversions = 6.7.7 - Present
|active = 4
|capital = [[Lindström]]
|date_founded = August 23, 2002
|largecity = Borders City, Hazelwood, Mehlville, Butter Cow City,  
|government = Democracy
|lang = English, [[Natspeak]]
|leader = Nathan Shepard
|demnoun = Natopian
|currency = Natopo
|demadj = Natopian
|animal = Goat
|govtype = [[Federal]] [[parliamentary]] [[Constitutional Monarchy]]
|fruit/food = bagel
|headofstatetitle = Emperor
|drink = juice
|headofstate = [[Naian Moonoak]]
|image_map =
|headofgovernmenttitle = Chancellor
|maps = 6.7.7 - ???
|headofgovernment = [[Lord Erion]]
|spcoords =
|legislature = ''The Frenzy''
|pacoords =
|estdate = 23 August 2002
|agerank = NA
|area =  
|arearank = 5th
|pop =  
|activepop = 8
|poprank = n/a
|currency = ''Natopo" (₦)
|abbrev = NAT
|site = [http://natopia.webs.com/]
|forum = [http://bastionunion.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=18 Forum]
|animal = Domestic goat
|food = Bagels
|drink = Fruit juice
|tree = ''None''
}}
}}


Natopia is a nation that occupies a large portion of the [[Tapfer]] continent. It is one of the oldest nations on Micras, being over five years old.  Throughout its history it has been a republic, an imperial republic, a kingdom, and an empire. It's current government is the Supreme Sovereign Republic of Natopia and is a direct democracy.  Natopians are known for their intense nationalism and stubborn national character.  Their immature sense of humor is known throughout [[Micras]].
'''Natopia''', officially the '''Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation''' is a forum-based micronation with primary territorial holdings on the continent of [[Tapfer]], on [[Micras]]. It has occupied the large island known as Tapfer Minor or Yellow Island, for all of its existence. Natopia shares borders with [[Alexandria]] and [[Stormark]] on Tapfer; [[Craitland]], [[Hamland]], and [[Alexandria]] on Cibola; [[Alexandria]] and [[Hamland]] in the Cpative Sea; [[Jingdao]], [[Senya]], [[Flanders]], and [[Gotzborg]] on [[Apollonia]]; and [[Stormark]] on [[Keltia]]. [[Athlon]], the seat of the [[Dozan Bovic Church]], is a protected sovereign nation within Natopia's internationally recognized jurisdiction.  Natopia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy.  The Emperor performs ceremonial and diplomatic functions appropriate to his role as head of state.  Legislative authority is exercised by the [[Frenzy]] presided over by a Chancellor with executive prerogatives. An independent Supreme Court has ultimate judicial authority exercised in the name of the Emperor. The [[demesne|demesnes]] of Natopia have considerable local autonomy.


==History==
Natopia began as an offline community of high school friends in 2002. Continuing into 2003, Natopia claimed territory around in Missouri and operated as a secessionist micronation. Beginning around 2005, Natopia shifted its focus away from actual secessionist claims, abandoning them entirely in favor of online participation, becoming integral participants of the early MicroOlympics, and the International Association. Since then, Natopia has been a primary participant in the Micras community, or Micran Sector.
===Conception===
Natopia was founded as a city in August 23, 2002, by [[Nathan Shepard]] and two of his friends during a high school orientation.


===First Reorganization===
Natopia is currently a member of the [[Micras Treaty Organization]].
September 2002 ~ Natopia is organized into a complex city with a working government.


===Second Reorganization===
==Origin of the name ''Natopia''==
October - December 2002 ~ Natopia is reorganized into a micronation: first as the Natopian Alliance, then the Supreme Sovereign State of Natopia, and then finally the Supreme Sovereign States of the Natopian Alliance.
The name Natopia has two origins. It is a portmanteau of the word utopia and either Nathan or national. According to lore and myth, however, the name is derived from the ancient settlement at modern day Lindström known as Nett Opaegh's Awe, named after the mythic founder of the nation, [[Nett Opaegh]].  


===Internet Awakening===
==Government==
December 2002 - February 2003 ~ Natopia learns of and joins several internet micronational organizations. Changes name to Supreme Sovereign Republic of Natopia and creates even more detailed government. Establishes alliances and friendships with several foreign nations.
Primary legislative and executive power is derived from the Frenzy which is composed of various representatives sent by the demesnes of the Empire. Each demesne chooses how to send its representative.  Many important decisions of the empire require a majority decision from the Frenzy.  The Frenzy is presided over by a Chancellor who also exercises executive authority. The Chancellor can be elected and recalled by the Frenzy or the Frenzy may choose to hold a general election.


===Tasneemian Revolution===
The emperor serves many ceremonial roles such as providing and accepting ambassadors' credentials, acting as host to foreign dignitaries, and  visiting allies.  As an impartial and apolitical figure, he is a living symbol of unity. Recent changes to the governing laws of Natopia have given the Emperor a greater and more active role, now acting as primary diplomat, commander in chief of the military, and the ability to grant or withhold assent to Frenzy laws.
March 2003 - May 2003 ~ Rumors of Prime Minister Tasneem's overthrow of the Grand Chancellor circulate during the most severe period to date of Natopia's decline in popularity and activity.


===Summer Awakening===
The Chief Justice heads the judicial branch and serves as an important check against the legislative and executive powers of the Frenzy, Chancellor, and Emperor.  
June 2003 ~ MP Tasneem's plot is disproved. Natopian activity is increased with the prospect of T-shirts and other products available. Internet site is completly redone and several new micronations approach Natopia for diplomatic recognition. Plans for a one year anniversary party are being thought out for Natopia Day on August 23.


===Colonial Expansion Period===
==History==
late July 2003 ~ The colonies of Hazelwood, Belleville, and Fenton are reorganized and expanded into Regions. The Regions of Shepard, Hoheit, and Frieden are dissolved into the new Regions. The new Regions were created to facilitate Natopia's rapid expansion, as a result, the entire St. Louis metro area has been annexed. The First Annual Natopia Day Gala is to be held on the begining of Sovereignty Week, August 17. Celebrations and awards will be part of the festivities.
 
===First Anniversary===
late August 2003 ~ The capital city of Lindstrom hosts the First Annual Natopia Day Gala to great success. The first year of Natopia is celebrated among officials, citizens, and friends. The Region of Fenton was dissolved and its land added to the Region of Dracoheim, the chancellor of Fenton was installed as chancellor of Dracoheim as a result. The Grand Chancellor's personal pet, Copernicus the lizard, dies of natural causes. Out of memory, the Grand Chancellor dedicates the Copernicus Memorial Animal Habitation. As well as establishing this animal habitation, His Excellency also creates educational benefits such as the Natopian Astronomical Society and the Natopian Gallery of Art and Artifacts.


===Second Autumn===
See [[Natopian History]].
September 2003 ~ Completely new web site is unveiled. Several citizens express interest in government positions. In a paradoxal turn, Natopia's international involvment has suffered due to the internal attention the Grand Chancellor is giving.


===Isolation===
==Foreign relations==
October 4 -20 2003 ~ Due to internal conflicts and a new citizen crime organization Natopia's foreign relations have been frozen for an undefined time period. The Grand Chancellor is focusing all of his time on improving and maintaining the Republic amidst revolution rumors, continued threats from Emilyland, and general uninterest. On a side note, the Copernicus Memorial Animal Habitation was gifted a female veiled chameleon, named "Andromeda," by His Sovereign Excellency. Natopia will use this isolationist period for inner development and will eventually return to the international scene.
===Recognized Micronations===


===Emergence===
Natopia extends de facto recognition to all members of the [[Micronational Cartography Society]] as sovereign and legitimate nations.
October 21, 2003 - November 2003 ~ Due to magnificiently fortunate circumstances, most of the problems plagueing Natopia have all but vanished somehow. Natopia has perervered! This freezing and isolation of Natopia was the worst period Natopia has experienced thus far. A peace treaty is being worked out between Natopia and Emilyland, and Olgaria has all but dissolved. An amendment is being discussed by the Grand Quorom for ratification that will eventually expand the Senate's powers. The only dissenting voice is the Grand Judge, who beleives such an amendment would undermine her authority in the government. Unfortunatly, all of the Grand Qourom must agree for an amendment to be ratified, and this amendment is absolutly necessary. The Grand Chancellor will be trying to convince the Grand Judge to change her vote, otherwise the Natopian Senate will be grossly underpowered.


===Korhal Interaction Period===
===Bilateral Treaty Partners===
December 2003 ~ One of Natopia's closest allies, Korhal, approached the Grand Chancellor with the prospect of a merger. Feeling a merger may not benefit both nations, His Sovereign Excellency suggested a close confederation and the Korhal - Natopia Confederation was created. Initial government structure consists of several ambassadors from each nation discussing the permanent government of the confederation.


===Imperial Reorganization===
Stormark, Alexandria, [[Constancia]], Shireroth, [[Vyktory]], Jingdao, Sangun and South Cibola
January 9, 2004 ~ The Supreme Sovereign Republic of Natopia's constitution was Redrafted by the Grand Chancellor, resulting in a slightly modified constitution and a new name, the Soverign Imperial Republic if Natopia. The new constitution grants the Senate clearly defined powers, as well as the judicial branch, military branch, and most noticeably, the Regional governments. A slight change in Regional and military doctrine allows the Grand Chancellor to send the Natopian Defense Force as an occupational force into non-Natopian territory. Once occupied the territory may be granted Regional status and be admitted into the Republic. This change reflects the inclusion of the word "imperial" in the new national name. As an Imperial Republic, Natopia more truely resemblies what it actually is, a unique mixture of absolutism and democracy.


===Second Imperial Reorganization===
April 2004 ~ Feeling that the Imperial Republic was too large to legitimatly lay any claims over, the Grand Chancellor began to Redraft the constitution to establish Natopia's territroy as Protectorates. These small political divisions are the land owned by a Citizen of Natopia. Protectorates are still organized into the two existing Regions, Hazelwood and Lochhatonia, so that the Regions may send Senators to the Grand Natopian Senate. More importantly Natopia joins the International Association and becomes allies with it's founding member, the Republic of West Overbrook. Feeling a renewed interest in intermicronational politics, the Grand Chancellor works closely with the IA's Interim Prime Minister, Zachary Klaas, to promote the IA to other micronations and internally grow the organization.


===External Blossoming===
==Military==
May 2004 - Late June 2004 ~ The Grand Chancellor is appointed IA Minister of External Affairs, becomes a citizen of the IA, establishes diplomacy with Republic of Lavalon after the overthrow of their monarchy, becomes a citizen of Lavalon, establishes a treaty with Imperial Republic of Shireroth, Natopia voices interest in the 2004 Intermicronational Olympics, and participates in the Micronational Flag Tour. On June 11, 2004, the second draft of the constitution is signed and becomes the governing document of the Republic.
The [[Natopian Defense Force]] is commanded by the Emperor and an appointed Secretary for Defense. The Court of the Verdant Gardens is the name of the military's headquarters.  The [[Natopian Spacefleet]] operates an interstellar fleet (capable of visiting the timelost planet of Giess), orbital space station, and lunar base on [[Tarsica]].  For conventional defense, the Natopian Defense Force maintains army, navy, and air force units.


==Geography==
==Geography==


Natopian geography centers on two distinct areas. The Mainland and the Continent. 
[[File:Tapfer_Terrain_All.png|thumb|right|350px|Terrain map of Tapfer]]


===Natopia Proper===
The Empire is divided into demesnes, which are integral parts of the nation. There are two special areas: [[Athlon]], a "protected sovereign nation;" and [[Ptia]], an "extra-demesnial entity" held in trust for the people of Micras. Ptia was previously jointly administered with the [[Nelaga Territories]].
Mainland Natopia, or "Natopia Proper" is the large island off of the coast of Tapfer.  The island is sometimes referred to as Yellow Island, or even rarer, Tapfer Minor.  Natopia has possessed the entirety of this for all of its history on Micras, thus is is more commonly referred to as the Natopian Island.  The eastern most regions are all heavily involved in naval and maritime industry. These regions are on the [[South Raynor Sea]], with no land or ports between them and the far off continent of [[Eura]]. Merchants from [[Cibola]], [[Benecia]], and western [[Apollonia]] frequently make stops at Coastal ports on their way to Eura and beyond. Muckypuckyland, Tasneemia, Hazelwood and Robland are considered Coastal regions.


Bay regions include Macon, Lochhatonia, Ferien and Ptia, Punkrock, Ziegeland. These regions control the entire Mainland shore of Borders Bay, hence their name. Natopia Proper is an island, thus all regions of the Mainland have deep maritime roots. While the Coast focused on deep sea marine endeavors, the Bay focused on freshwater fishing. Borders Bay contains ample fish. The shore of the Mainland is dotted with tiny fishing villages dating back to the foundation of the Republic. Andiopolis is a medium sized city that grew out of several large fishing villages and expanded into each other and joined into a larger city.  The largest mountain in Natopia is Mount Vice.  The peak is in Pavelton, but ranges into Robland.  Vice City, a gambling resort city, is located near the peak on a peculiar plateau created by the ancient inhabitants of the island, the [[Collective Unconsciousness]].
On Yellow Island, the original and oldest part of the nation, the original demesnes of Ziegeland-Lochhatonia, Hazelwood, and Tas Neemia have merged into a single jurisdiction: the Dynastic Incarnation of the Lands of [[Flaventia]]. [[Alrodey]], formerly known as Muckapucky recently separated from Flaventia.


===The Continent===
On the main continent, Natopia has several subdivisions: [[Klaasiya]], [[New Dracoheim]] and [[Egale]] united together as the Crown Duchy of the Marches; the Kingdom of [[Uppland]] and [[Opaeghia]]. [[Sororiya]] and [[Universalis]] are currently under imperial administration.
The Southern Peninsula contained the Lavalonian nation which existed as a sovereign republic and then a constituent principality in the Natopian empire.  It has since collapses and the region known simply as East Tapfer now occupies the peninsula.  The people of East Tapfer are known for their fine cuisine, renown in the rest of the country.


The area known as "the West" on the Continent was secured by the government as a buffer zone between the rest of the continent and Mainland Natopia and the Southern Peninsula. Many cities in the West were pre-planned, such as Borders City, which was designed to be a secondary "continental capital" of the country. Western culture is almost impossible to generalize. The glistening and modern cities built by the government all carry the place names of the first Supreme Sovereign Republic. However, the people who inhabit the cities and country side are of varied nationality. There are scattered concentrations of Anthelians who did not make the Great Giess Migration, but now resent their new Natopian rulers. Other indigenous peoples reside in the countryside. The cities are cosmopolitan, being new they attract foreigners and Mainlanders alike. If any of the unifying Natopian culture can be found in the West, it is in the large cities where Mainlanders have settled.  [[Alexandria]] is the only nation to share a land border with Natopia on Tapfer.
There are several overseas demesnes: [[Arboria]], the [[Skerry Isles]], and [[Tinalkina]] united as the Principality of Arboria; The Most Serene Union of [[Thalassa]] (located on mainland Tapfer), [[Neridia]], [[St. Andre]], and [[Istvanistan]]; the Kingdom of [[Leng]] with [[St. Sherrith and Graven Island]]; and The Elian Lands of [[Wlstadt]] and [[Elijah's Rest]].


===Other Areas===
Yellow Island is divided into three major climate zones.  The east is dominated by thick woods and jungle and the coast is protected by reefs.  The north is open plains.  Along the Borders Bay coast is fertile farmland.  Alrodey island is rocky and surrounded by cliffs.
The outlying regions of Alrodria, New North Mehlville, New South Mehlville, and Athlon are all distinctly different.  Alrodria is in the antarctic.  Athlon is near the Alexandrian island of Galatia and administered by the Holy Order of the Armored Goat.  New South Mehlville is on Eura, has oil, and is a resort area.  It borders the Kingdom of [[Babkha]].  New North Mehlville is on Apollonia, bordered by the Kingdom of [[Tokidoki]].


==Famous Attractions==
The Laval peninsula, now shared by Sororiya and Universalis, is dominated by eucalyptus bushlands. However, there is lush farmland along the Sororiyan river to produce wheat.  West of the Egale river, in Thalassa, the terrain turns rough and unsettled with deserts, gorges, and thick forests.
The architecture of [[Lindstrom City]], designed by Nathan Shepard, is among the most unique in the world.  The spherical Grand Court, leonine Republic Library, gravity-defying Vista de Nada consular mansion, tent-like Convention Hall, and bowl-like Frenzy all bring about fantastic notions and give a distinctly surreal impression.


==Famous Produce==
The highest point in Natopia is Mt Vice, located in Flaventia.  Other prominent mountains are Mt. Bagel in Sororiya, Mt. Zoom in Universlis, Mt. Davis in Thalassa, Mt. Dracon in Thalassa, and the Talon Mountains in Klaasiya and Thalassa. Natopia occupies the entire eastern bank of the Egale River on Tapfer, as well as all of eastern Tapfer, and most of the northwest excluding an Alexandrian enclave.  
The climate on the coasts is perfect for juicing fruits and the center of the peninsula is prime agricultural land for wheat.  The wheat from East Tapfer is the preferred ingredient in the traditional Natopian bagel.


==Cultural Tips==
Natopia has access to many abundant and exploitable resources: fish (x6), cotton (x3), wheat (x2), spices (x2), pack animals (x2), iron, lumber, natural gas, oil, precious gems, semi-precious gems, silver(x2), shipbuilding, farmlands, and tropical fruit.
Natopian culture is characterized by a general sense of aloofness, immaturity, and irreverence. All these traits are held in high regard and people tend to ostracize anyone perceived as "mature" or "overly serious." In official capacities, most Natopians will make concessions and keep their jibes to themselves when confronted with foreign nationals who take themselves too seriously, especially diplomats and heads of state enjoying the hospitality of the government. However, should a foreign national venture into the common areas of the Republic, they do so at their own risk. Visitors from professional and serious nations with governments incessantly pursuing protocol may feel out of place in Natopia at first due to complete abandon of protocols. However, travelers should take note that Natopians are by nature friendly, accessible, and playful.


If there is one thing the Bagelcratican Party has achieved even during its dormancy, it is the fostering of Natopians' love of bagels and juice. While laws only mandate that state occasions provide bagels and juice, the idea caught on in the private sector. You would be hard pressed to find a wedding reception, birthday, anniversary party, graduation, or even business meeting that did not have at least a platter of plain bagels and pitcher of cheap juice set on a table against the wall. Walking through any major city of Natopia, one will pass numerous bagel and juice shops and even the tiniest village will have bagels and juice available at the local diner. Due to a concession to Zachary Klaas in the formation of the Lavalonian Bagelcratican Party, tea is usually found alongside juice at most events.
==Flora and Fauna==


If Natopians have one collective weakness as a nation, it is their passionate nationalism. This passion first surfaced after the Lavalonian Schism, when most Natopians felt Lavalon was directly responsible for the collapse of the Venerable Union of Aligned States, an organization used as a facade for Natopia's imperial aspirations. Natopians desired empire, and Lavalon denied them that. Thus, following the collapse, the government only contributed to the common Natopian's eventual hatred of Lavalon, both that state and that nation as a whole. All diplomatic ties were ceased between Natopia and Lavalon, and a public holiday was established to demonize Lavalon. The holiday, Purification Day, celebrates the collapse of VUAS because Natopia was rid of Lavalon. This also shows Natopians' willingness to be persuaded by government policy for the ultimate goal of maintaining Natopia's good name. The VUAS collapse embarrassed Natopia, despite people's desire for domination. The word "Lavalonian" is sometimes used in Natopian speech to describe something that does not work, despite many attempts to get it right, each time starting over. This refers to how following the Lavalonian Schism, that country went through several constitutions, each time throwing the old government out.
Natopians enjoy the plentiful bounty of wheat grows naturally within their land. The tropical lands in western Thalassa, Port Istvan, and the Skerry Isles provide fruit and exotic fish to vary their diets. Yellow Island is perfectly suited to grow cotton, and cotton farms cover the landscapes. The Great Hazel Woods cover the entire eastern peninsula of Yellow Island, and contains thick foliage cover creating a perpetual twilight. The domestic goat is kept by many farmers and over population has caused many to become feral and exist successfully in the wild.


The second instance of this vicious passion surfaced on a global scale. As Lavalon was relatively isolationist in its foreign policy, its falling out with Natopia caused minor ripples on the international scene. When every other nation on Natopia's continent suddenly left Micras and the Micronational Cartography Society and relocated to a new planet, Giess, and joined the Geographical Standards Organization, Natopia was outraged. No notice had been sent to the government despite all the nations being allied with Natopia through the Novasolum Treaty. Natopians were expected to ignore this oversight because it was an honest mistake. However, Natopians felt that while the mistake was unfortunate and no one's fault, not enough was done to ensure Natopia's inclusion in such an important matter. Public opinion of Novasolum dropped and opinion of the Republic of Anthelia dropped even lower as the government pegged Anthelia as the leader of Novasolum and its president as the primary force behind the creation of the GSO. The public was furious. Any member of any other Novasolan or GSO nation was greeted by either barbed remarks by officials or full-blown threats by citizens. Things were smoothed over with practically all nations except Anthelia. Frenzy legislation was proposed to create social programs that would force Anthelian hatred into Natopian society. The legislation never officially passed but received wide support and little to no opposition. The word "Anthelian" is not in common usage but generally describes someone who works behind the scenes to achieve personal goals.
==Newspapers and Other Media==


One all-but-forgotten aspect of Natopian culture is the very first cultural initiative. The Natopabet is the creation of Nathan Shepard in late 2002. The new alphabet was designed to mainly be a code, creating new characters that paralleled the Roman alphabet. Nathan Shepard and Sherry Lochhaas are officially recognized as the only two people to be able to actually read the Natopabet. The original characters were complex and difficult to make, resulting in at least 2 revisions and simplifications. The current official Natopabet is further simplified so that characters can be produced on a computer. While it is generally held that the integrity of the unique characters largely survived the simplifications, typing these characters is very cumbersome and appears unbalanced and rather ugly on screen. The Natopabet has since been abandoned by the government, which only used the Natopabet once  to print the motto on the first coat of arms.
===Press===
One paper is published and receives wide distribution throughout Natopia, the Bagelcratican Sporadically [http://bagelcratican.blogspot.com/]. The BS originated as a newsletter for the Free Juice and Bagels Party but has sense evolved into Natopia's unofficially official news outlet.


The a dialectal language of Natopia is Natspeak. Grammar and vocabulary are identical to American English, however the Natspeak Dictionary supplements the language. Most words merely allude to citizens' inside jokes and verbal quirks. Spelling of some words, especially easily contracted or slurred phrases is simplified and improper spellings are made official. For example the sentence "I do not want to know what you ate," would be spoken thusly by a true Natspeaker, "I dunwano you ate."
==Mainstream Culture==


The national animal of Natopial the goat, is the second oldest symbol of Natopia, following the Cross of Sovereignty. The goat represents resourcefulness and steadiness and the people proudly embrace their national animal despite its quirkiness. The most popular eatery in Lindstrom City, which is famous for its famous clientel, is named the Wild Goat Pub for the national animal.  
===Natopian Cuisine===
The basic diet for many Natopians is fish and grains. Fish is abundant in the coastal areas of almost all demesnes of Natopia. The island of Punkrock was in important early exporter of spices to satisfy the demand for flavored fish recipes. Staple grains are exported from the extremely fertile grain region of the Laval Peninsula. Egale's generalized agricultural community, and the cattle ranches of northern Flaventia provide other sources of surplus food. The traditional and customary Natopian diet enjoyed across ethnic divides are bagels made from Laval wheat and fruit juice. Aside from customary bagels and juice, Natopian cuisine is highly localized.


[[Category:Stub]]
[[Category:Natopia]]

Revision as of 18:44, 20 September 2016

Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation
Flag of Natopia
Flag 		Coat of Arms of Natopia
Coat of Arms
Motto: Peace Through Silent Oppression
Anthem: O Great Nation
Location of Natopia
Map versions 6.7.7 - Present
Capital Lindström
Largest city Borders City, Hazelwood, Mehlville, Butter Cow City,
Official language(s) English, Natspeak
Official religion(s)
Demonym Natopian
 - Adjective Natopian
Government Federal parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
 - Emperor Naian Moonoak
 - Chancellor Lord Erion
 - Legislature The Frenzy
Establishment 23 August 2002
Area
Population
Active population 8
Currency Natopo" (₦)
Calendar
Time zone(s)
Mains electricity
Driving side
Track gauge
National website [1]
National forum Forum
National animal Domestic goat
National food Bagels
National drink Fruit juice
National tree None
Abbreviation NAT

Natopia, officially the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation is a forum-based micronation with primary territorial holdings on the continent of Tapfer, on Micras. It has occupied the large island known as Tapfer Minor or Yellow Island, for all of its existence. Natopia shares borders with Alexandria and Stormark on Tapfer; Craitland, Hamland, and Alexandria on Cibola; Alexandria and Hamland in the Cpative Sea; Jingdao, Senya, Flanders, and Gotzborg on Apollonia; and Stormark on Keltia. Athlon, the seat of the Dozan Bovic Church, is a protected sovereign nation within Natopia's internationally recognized jurisdiction. Natopia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The Emperor performs ceremonial and diplomatic functions appropriate to his role as head of state. Legislative authority is exercised by the Frenzy presided over by a Chancellor with executive prerogatives. An independent Supreme Court has ultimate judicial authority exercised in the name of the Emperor. The demesnes of Natopia have considerable local autonomy.

Natopia began as an offline community of high school friends in 2002. Continuing into 2003, Natopia claimed territory around in Missouri and operated as a secessionist micronation. Beginning around 2005, Natopia shifted its focus away from actual secessionist claims, abandoning them entirely in favor of online participation, becoming integral participants of the early MicroOlympics, and the International Association. Since then, Natopia has been a primary participant in the Micras community, or Micran Sector.

Natopia is currently a member of the Micras Treaty Organization.

Origin of the name Natopia

The name Natopia has two origins. It is a portmanteau of the word utopia and either Nathan or national. According to lore and myth, however, the name is derived from the ancient settlement at modern day Lindström known as Nett Opaegh's Awe, named after the mythic founder of the nation, Nett Opaegh.

Government

Primary legislative and executive power is derived from the Frenzy which is composed of various representatives sent by the demesnes of the Empire. Each demesne chooses how to send its representative. Many important decisions of the empire require a majority decision from the Frenzy. The Frenzy is presided over by a Chancellor who also exercises executive authority. The Chancellor can be elected and recalled by the Frenzy or the Frenzy may choose to hold a general election.

The emperor serves many ceremonial roles such as providing and accepting ambassadors' credentials, acting as host to foreign dignitaries, and visiting allies. As an impartial and apolitical figure, he is a living symbol of unity. Recent changes to the governing laws of Natopia have given the Emperor a greater and more active role, now acting as primary diplomat, commander in chief of the military, and the ability to grant or withhold assent to Frenzy laws.

The Chief Justice heads the judicial branch and serves as an important check against the legislative and executive powers of the Frenzy, Chancellor, and Emperor.

History

See Natopian History.

Foreign relations

Recognized Micronations

Natopia extends de facto recognition to all members of the Micronational Cartography Society as sovereign and legitimate nations.

Bilateral Treaty Partners

Stormark, Alexandria, Constancia, Shireroth, Vyktory, Jingdao, Sangun and South Cibola


Military

The Natopian Defense Force is commanded by the Emperor and an appointed Secretary for Defense. The Court of the Verdant Gardens is the name of the military's headquarters. The Natopian Spacefleet operates an interstellar fleet (capable of visiting the timelost planet of Giess), orbital space station, and lunar base on Tarsica. For conventional defense, the Natopian Defense Force maintains army, navy, and air force units.

Geography

Terrain map of Tapfer

The Empire is divided into demesnes, which are integral parts of the nation. There are two special areas: Athlon, a "protected sovereign nation;" and Ptia, an "extra-demesnial entity" held in trust for the people of Micras. Ptia was previously jointly administered with the Nelaga Territories.

On Yellow Island, the original and oldest part of the nation, the original demesnes of Ziegeland-Lochhatonia, Hazelwood, and Tas Neemia have merged into a single jurisdiction: the Dynastic Incarnation of the Lands of Flaventia. Alrodey, formerly known as Muckapucky recently separated from Flaventia.

On the main continent, Natopia has several subdivisions: Klaasiya, New Dracoheim and Egale united together as the Crown Duchy of the Marches; the Kingdom of Uppland and Opaeghia. Sororiya and Universalis are currently under imperial administration.

There are several overseas demesnes: Arboria, the Skerry Isles, and Tinalkina united as the Principality of Arboria; The Most Serene Union of Thalassa (located on mainland Tapfer), Neridia, St. Andre, and Istvanistan; the Kingdom of Leng with St. Sherrith and Graven Island; and The Elian Lands of Wlstadt and Elijah's Rest.

Yellow Island is divided into three major climate zones. The east is dominated by thick woods and jungle and the coast is protected by reefs. The north is open plains. Along the Borders Bay coast is fertile farmland. Alrodey island is rocky and surrounded by cliffs.

The Laval peninsula, now shared by Sororiya and Universalis, is dominated by eucalyptus bushlands. However, there is lush farmland along the Sororiyan river to produce wheat. West of the Egale river, in Thalassa, the terrain turns rough and unsettled with deserts, gorges, and thick forests.

The highest point in Natopia is Mt Vice, located in Flaventia. Other prominent mountains are Mt. Bagel in Sororiya, Mt. Zoom in Universlis, Mt. Davis in Thalassa, Mt. Dracon in Thalassa, and the Talon Mountains in Klaasiya and Thalassa. Natopia occupies the entire eastern bank of the Egale River on Tapfer, as well as all of eastern Tapfer, and most of the northwest excluding an Alexandrian enclave.

Natopia has access to many abundant and exploitable resources: fish (x6), cotton (x3), wheat (x2), spices (x2), pack animals (x2), iron, lumber, natural gas, oil, precious gems, semi-precious gems, silver(x2), shipbuilding, farmlands, and tropical fruit.

Flora and Fauna

Natopians enjoy the plentiful bounty of wheat grows naturally within their land. The tropical lands in western Thalassa, Port Istvan, and the Skerry Isles provide fruit and exotic fish to vary their diets. Yellow Island is perfectly suited to grow cotton, and cotton farms cover the landscapes. The Great Hazel Woods cover the entire eastern peninsula of Yellow Island, and contains thick foliage cover creating a perpetual twilight. The domestic goat is kept by many farmers and over population has caused many to become feral and exist successfully in the wild.

Newspapers and Other Media

Press

One paper is published and receives wide distribution throughout Natopia, the Bagelcratican Sporadically [2]. The BS originated as a newsletter for the Free Juice and Bagels Party but has sense evolved into Natopia's unofficially official news outlet.

Mainstream Culture

Natopian Cuisine

The basic diet for many Natopians is fish and grains. Fish is abundant in the coastal areas of almost all demesnes of Natopia. The island of Punkrock was in important early exporter of spices to satisfy the demand for flavored fish recipes. Staple grains are exported from the extremely fertile grain region of the Laval Peninsula. Egale's generalized agricultural community, and the cattle ranches of northern Flaventia provide other sources of surplus food. The traditional and customary Natopian diet enjoyed across ethnic divides are bagels made from Laval wheat and fruit juice. Aside from customary bagels and juice, Natopian cuisine is highly localized.

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