Natopia

Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation 3:\_] Эw*_2Э :? V-Э vџV:*_џv vџV_:v
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto: Peace Through Silent Oppression
Anthem: O Great Nation
Map versions	6.7.7 - Present
Capital	Lindström
Largest city	Borders City, Hazelwood, Mehlville, Butter Cow City, Tiamat, Klaasisitya, Graveacre, Etampes, Eadricton,
Official language(s)	Natspeak
Official religion(s)	Bovinism
Demonym	Natopian
- Adjective	Natopian
Government	Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy (Lindstromist)
- Emperor	Vadoma
- Chancellor	Arjuna Dhritarashtra
- Legislature	The Frenzy
Establishment	23 August 2002 (1471 AN)
Area
Population	690,983,702 (1722 AN)
Active population	8
Currency	Natopian natopo (₦)
Calendar
Time zone(s)	CMT-10 (Western Whales), CMT-9 (Waffel Plains), CMT-8 (Mar Sara), CMT-6 (West Tapfer), CMT-5 (Arboria, Neridia, Klaasiya) ,CMT-4 (Lindstrom), CMT-3 (Hazelwood), CMT-2 (St. Andre), CMT+2 (Athlon), CMT+6 (Ely)
Mains electricity
Driving side	right
Track gauge
National website	[1]
National forum	Forum Discord Server
National animal	Domestic goat
National food	Bagels
National drink	Fruit juice
National tree	None
Abbreviation	NA (two-letter) NAT (FMF abbreviation)

Natopia (/nəˈtoʊpiə/ nə-TOH-pee-ə; Natspeak: vџV:*_џ), officially the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation, is a country comprising the mainland of the continent of Tapfer, Yellow Island, and numerous smaller islands. It has occupied Yellow Island (or Tapfer Minor) for all of its existence. Natopia has territory on Cibola where it shares land borders with Craitland, Calbion and Goetia; on Apollonia Natopia has borders with Jingdao, Senya, and a sea border with Shireroth; on Benacia Natopia shares a sea border with Sathrati; on Corum Natopia's EEZ borders the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union. Athlon, the seat of the Dozan Bovic Church, is a protected sovereign nation within Natopia's internationally recognized jurisdiction.

With a population over 350 million people, it is among the most populous nations in the world by current estimates. By area, it is the largest country in the southern hemisphere and 2nd or 3rd largest overall. Natopia's capital and largest city is Lindstrom; other major cities include Borders City, Hazelwood, Mehlville, Butter Cow City, Tiamat, Klaasisitya, Graveacre, Etampes, Blyth, Sileni, and Eadricton. Population density is focused around Borders Bay; the island of Neridia; and the western coast of Tapfer.

It is not definitively known how or when humans first settled on Tapfer. The prevailing theory proposes that the earliest mass-migration occurred when people migrated to Tapfer from Benacia using former land bridges and short sea-crossings in the Istvanistan-Yardistan island chain, making landfall near present-day New Alexandria and then spreading throughout Tapfer. This migration may have begun 65,000 years ago. These early inhabitants, called Paleotapferites, soon diversified into dozens of culturally distinct nations and tribes. On Yellow Island the Andi, Haas, and Mehl tribes eventually combined into the Ziegeish people. The Hazel people have remained a distinct culture. The Neemites are believed to have migrated from Keltia considering their cultural and linguistic similarity to the ancient Karnali people.

The country was established as a modern nation by Nett Opaegh, a semi-legendary Jasonian who traversed the continent after the Flying Islands fell into the ocean. Nett Opaegh rallied and organized the native people near present day Lindstrom and grew their village into a town, which was called Nett Opaegh's Awe by the inhabitants. Eventually the followers of Nett Opaegh became known as Natopians to the other people of Yellow Island. From 1440 to 1471, Opaegh and his Natopians undertook a campaign of unification, by force and acquiescence, during which all tribes on Yellow Island had been conquered or peacefully annexed. Over the next 200 years, the Natopian nation has expanded to its current maximum extent by annexations, land negotiations, and most commonly by simply outliving its neighbors.

Natopia is a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy with considerable discretionary powers reserved for both the Emperor of the Natopians and the Chancellor of Natopia. The Emperor directs foreign policy, serves as commander-in-chief of the military, and performs ceremonial and diplomatic duties in their role as head of state. Legislative authority is exercised by the Frenzy which is presided over by the Chancellor with executive prerogatives over domestic policies. The Emperor and several appointed judges serve as a supreme judicial and constitutional court. The demesnes of Natopia have local autonomy but are bound to national laws. Its age, size, and stability have made a highly developed country with a high-income economy and high development index. Natopia is currently a member of the Micras Treaty Organization, Micras Organisation for Standardisation, Bastion Union, Organisation of Red Symbol Societies, and a founding member of the Raspur Pact.

Natopia began as an offline community of high school friends on August 23, 2002. Continuing into 2003, Natopia claimed territory on Earth and operated as a secessionist micronation for a few years. In 2005, Natopia abandoned secessionism in favor of simulationism, 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.

History

Early Natopian History, the Uppheaval

Geography

Terrain map of Tapfer

The Empire is divided into demesnes, which are integral parts of the nation. Demesnes provide local government services, regional culture, laws, customs, and generally provide for their residents in areas that the Imperial government chooses not to intervene in. There are three special administrative areas: the Free and Imperial City of Lindstrom, the nation's capital region; 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 subdivisions of Ziegeland, Hazelwood, Alrodey, and Tas Neemia are part of Flaventia. Lindstrom, the capital of the Empire, is also located on Yellow Island but is its own special administrative area.

On Tapfer, Natopia has several subdivisions: Klaasiya; West Tapfer Federation, consisting of Massatt, Salsang, and Opeaghia; Thalassa and New Alexandria (part of the Most Serene Union of Dos Gardenias); Sororiya (part of Flaventia); and Transegale and Universalis, both part of Arboria.

Natopia once had a sprawling colonial empire, and has owned colonies, demesnes, and territories on every continent. A newer policy of centralization has seen many farther regions ceded to allies or granted independence. Arboria Proper, (part of Arboria and St. Andre part of the Most Serene Union of Dos Gardenias) are on Apollonia. Two Martyrs, Mar Sara, and Waffel Planes are on Cibola. The Princely Isle of Klaasiya is located off the coast of Corum.

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.

After the Alexandrian pandemic, Natopia took in many refugees and expanded into the southwest corner of Tapfer.

Administrative divisions

Other Territories

Base on Tarsica, Naya Island, and Athlon.

Flora and Fauna

Natopians enjoy the plentiful bounty of wheat that grows naturally within their land. The tropical lands in western Thalassa, and on Neridia provide fruit and exotic fish to vary their diets. Yellow Island is perfectly suited to grow cotton, and cotton farms cover the southern landscape. 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.

Government and politics

Government

Primary legislative and executive power is derived from the Frenzy which is composed of various Senators sent by the demesne governments and representatives elected by the people 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.

Foreign relations

Natopia's foreign affairs are formally handled by the Natopian emperor, although in practice they are carried out by the Court of the Calm Waters and the Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Natopia's foreign policy is centered around support of its close and long-term allies, securing trade deals, supporting human (or non-human sentient lifeforms) rights, containment of rogue nations, interpersonal alliances developed by the House of Waffel-Paine, supporting the mission of the Micras Treaty Organization, and supporting the Raspur Pact.

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 time lost 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.

As a member of the Raspur Pact, Natopia is represented on the alliance's Joint Military Council and is the "lead nation" for allied forces on Cibola, Apollonia, and Tapfer. As the only member of the alliance with a significant space fleet, Natopia has responsibility for the defense of the Raspur Pact and its interests in low Micras orbit, around Tarsica, and in the wider Atos System generally. Natopia's experiences during the War of Lost Brothers and the War of the Harpy provided an impetus towards the development of a new combined arms military doctrine.

Economy

The economy of the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation is a mixed capitalist system with certain mercantilist, socialist, and statist elements. The Natopian economy counts the primary sector as very important, with mining, logging, gas, and fishing among the most important. Natopia is the largest exporter of cotton on Micras, having controlled 3 of the 5 highest producing cotton regions for nearly two centuries. Natopia is an agricultural and food production powerhouse with cotton (x3), grain (x2), farming (x2), cattle, pack animals (x2), wine, game hunting, fishing (x6), fruit, spice (x4). A major section of Natopia's manufacturing sector is chemical processing and shipbuilding, providing vessels for its military, merchant, and private customers. Mining is a critical industry, with silver (x2), semi-precious (x2), gems, chromium, tin, lead, chemicals.

The Natopian government has invested heavily into solar and wind power, bio-fuels, and other alternative and renewable energy sources to offset its lack of native access to oil, coal, and hydroelectricity.

Demographics

The Natopian census is conducted every twelve years and records information on every person residing in the Empire. It is mandated by the Caprine Code that the Office of the Chancellor of Natopia conducts the census and is primarily used to apportion seats in the Lesser Frenzy. The 1696 Natopian census contains the most recent demographic data.

People

Natopia is home to people of many different national and ethnic origins. As a result, many Natopians do not equate their Natopian nationality with a "Natopian ethnicity," but instead with citizenship and allegiance. Natopia is an ethnically and racially diverse country. Years of expansion have resulted in many different people claiming Natopian identity throughout the world. Several non-human races live in Natopia and they enjoy full equality under the law. Lindstromism, as the nation's guiding political philosophy, also encourages immigration which contributes to creating the rich cultural tapestry of the Natopian people.

Languages

Natspeak, which is a dialect of Istvanistani is the most common language spoken at home in Natopia. It is used exclusively by the government, in business, and the military. Natspeak has its own alphabet, although its use is reserved for ceremonial occasions, formal documents, and can be often found on public buildings. Natopian school children generally learn the Natspeak alphabet after learning to write cursive script. There are many local and regional languages spoken. Each demesne may also have native languages with co-official status.

Education

Natopians are strong advocates for education. Public education is guaranteed in several demesnes. Several Natopian university systems participate in a cooperation agreement, common campus construction, student and faculty exchanges, and recognize degrees awarded by each university.

Religion

Natopians are free to practice any religion of their choice, or not practice any religion. The constitution specified the relationship between church and state as: "The Dozan Bovic Church and the Bovinist religion has a special and formal relationship with the Natopian Nation; however adherence to any religion shall never be used to discriminate against a person." However, the majority of Natopians are Dozan Bovics. The leader of the Bovic Church is required to participate in the coronation ceremony of new Natopian emperors.

Culture

Natopian culture is often described as plurinational. Many of the demesnes and demesne unions demonstrate vastly different cultures. Natopia is home to groups of people that even predate the foundation of Natopia. Waves of immigrants from other countries over the years have created a cosmopolitan culture as well. The concept of the Natopian Nation uniting these various groups is therefore central to the culture of the empire. The state religion, Bovinism, is seen by adherents and non-believers alike as a cultural cornerstone of Natopia. Bovic holidays are celebrated by closing the government, businesses, and schools for the day. While most demesnes have their own local cuisine, Natopians are fond of (or at least pretend to be) juice and bagels. The pairing of juice with bagels is a common breakfast or afternoon snack. In the older parts of the empire, notably Ziegeland, eating juice and bagels have evolved into a daily ceremony, similar to an afternoon tea. A fondness and slight reverence for the national animal, the goat, is also attributed to the wider culture of Natopia. As a result, goat milk and cheese is seldom ingested, and goats run wild in certain parts of the country.

Press

The Bagelcratican Sporadically is Natopia's most widely circulated newspaper. It features national and international news and is headquartered in Lindstrom City. The Sporadically was originally published as a newsletter for the international Free Juice and Bagels Party movement, with audiences in Natopia and Lavalon. Over time, the paper reported on more news and less political opinion pieces until it became an unofficial journal of record for Natopia, reporting on the Natopian government's activities and agenda.

Many local newspapers are published, including:

• The Laval Letter, Aurochsburg, Sororiya
• The Union Journal, Redquill, Neridia
• The Dozan Gazette, Doza, Athlon
• The Social Democrat, Port St Andre, Saint Andre
• The Telegraph, Ashington, Alrodey
• The Morning Star Tribune, Redquill, Neridia
• The New Reporter, Borders City, Klaasiya
• The Daily Goat, Anmutstadt, Ziegeland

Many international papers are widely circulated including The Coprieta Standard, the Shirekeep Gazette, and the Constancia Nea.

Television

Natopia's main broadcast news service is the Natopian News Network (NNN). NNN's over-the-air broadcast range reaches consumer markets across all of Tapfer. The signal is relayed by the Natopian International Space Station to Arboria, Neridia, St Andre, Two Martyrs, Athlon, Mar Sara. Content on NNN is governed by fairness doctrines and ethical guidelines. Most Natopian households (81%) subscribe to some pay-TV service. Cable TV is still popular in the older parts of the empire, like Yellow Island and the Laval Peninsula, whereas satellite TV is prevalent among younger Natopians and newer parts of the Empire due to cheap infrastructure and the Natopian Spacefleet's policy of leasing its satellite bandwidth to companies.

Arts, Literature, and Architecture

The arts have always been supported in Natopia. Empire Library was founded relatively early in the nation's lifetime and has been consistently supported by various governments. The cultural impact of the Library is nearly immeasurable. Not only does it house government archives, but also works of literature and poetry. The Library was soon expanded to include a museum and the Empire Library Art Museum is one of Micras' largest and oldest art museums. Architecture was recognized early on as a way to define the Natopian nation and set it apart and above.

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 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 imported from Neridia. Aside from customary bagels and juice, Natopian cuisine is highly localized.

Sports

Natopians have traditionally enjoyed many sports and competed at various levels, in both international and national leagues. In particular Natopians play soccer, weightlifting, field athletics (discus and shot put), baseball, Amorian football, Pentathlon, and wrestling.

List of participants

• User:Nathan (Founder)
• User:Ric
• User:Continuator
• User:Primo de aguilar
• User:Hālian
• User:Constancia (Ivo)
• User:Edgard
• User:Senya