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|capital = [[Lindström]]
|capital = [[Lindström]]
|largecity = Borders City, Hazelwood, Mehlville, Butter Cow City, Tiamat, Klaasisitya, Graveacre, Etampes, Eadricton,
|largecity = Borders City, Hazelwood, Mehlville, Butter Cow City, Tiamat, Klaasisitya, Graveacre, Etampes, Eadricton,
|lang = English, [[Natspeak]]
|lang = [[Natspeak]]
|religion = [[Bovinism]]
|religion = [[Bovinism]]
|demnoun = Natopian
|demnoun = Natopian
|demadj = Natopian
|demadj = Natopian
|govtype = [[Lindstromism|Lindstromist]] <br><small>(Present form: ''Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy'')</small>
|govtype = Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy <br><small>([[Lindstromism|Lindstromist]])</small>
|headofstatetitle = [[Rulers of Natopia|Emperor]]
|headofstatetitle = [[Rulers of Natopia|Emperor]]
|headofstate = [[Nathan II]]
|headofstate = [[Nathan II]]
|headofgovernmenttitle = [[Chancellor of Natopia|Chancellor]]
|headofgovernmenttitle = [[Chancellor of Natopia|Chancellor]]
|headofgovernment = [[Li Naomiai]]
|headofgovernment = [[Ernesto de la Cruz]]
|legislature = The [[Frenzy]]
|legislature = The [[Frenzy]]
|estdate = 23 August 2002
|estdate = 23 August 2002 (1471 AN)
|agerank = NA
|agerank = 2nd oldest on MCS map
|area =  
|area =  
|arearank = 5th
|arearank = 5th
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|activepop = 8
|activepop = 8
|poprank = n/a
|poprank = n/a
|currency = ''Natopo'' (₦)
|currency = [[Natopian natopo]] (₦)
|abbrev = NAT
|abbrev = NAT
|timezone = CMT-9, CMT-8, CMT-6, CMT-5 ,CMT-4 (Lindstrom time), CMT-3, CMT-2, CMT+2, CMT+6, CMT+7
|site = [http://natopia.webs.com/]
|site = [http://natopia.webs.com/]
|forum = [http://bastionunion.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=18 Forum]
|forum = [http://bastionunion.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=18 Forum]
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}}
}}


'''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 a border with [[Stormark]] on Tapfer; [[Craitland]], [[Hamland]] on Cibola; [[Jingdao]], [[Senya]], [[Gerenia]], the [[Florian Republic]] 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 unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy.  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]] 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 local autonomy but are bound to national laws.
'''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 its only Tapfer border with [[Stormark]]; a land border with [[Craitland]] and a sea border with [[Helderbourgh]] on [[Cibola]]; land borders with [[Jingdao]], [[Senya]] and [[Gotzborg]], a sea border with [[Shireroth]] on [[Apollonia]]; borders with [[Stormark]] and [[Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union]] on [[Keltia]]; and the Princely Isle on [[Corum]]. [[Athlon]], the seat of the [[Dozan Bovic Church]], is a protected sovereign nation within Natopia's internationally recognized jurisdiction.  Natopia is a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy.  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]] presided over by a Chancellor with executive prerogatives. The emperor and several appointed judges serve as a supreme judicial and constitutional court. The [[demesne|demesnes]] of Natopia have local autonomy but are bound to national laws.


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 began as an offline community of high school friends on August 23, 2002. Continuing into 2003, Natopia claimed territory in the U.S. state of Missouri and operated as a secessionist micronation for a few years. Beginning around 2005, Natopia shifted its focus away from secessionism, 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]].
Natopia is currently a member of the [[Micras Treaty Organization]] and a founding member of the [[Raspur Pact]].


==Origin of the name ''Natopia''==
==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]].  
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==
==Government==
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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 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.  
The Emperor also heads the judicial branch and serves as an important check against the legislative and executive powers of the Frenzy and Chancellor, and demesnes.  


==History==
==History==


See [[Natopian History]].
Early [[Natopian History]], the [[Uppheaval]]


==Foreign relations==
==Foreign relations==
===Recognized Micronations===
Natopian's [[Foreign Affairs of Natopia|foreign affairs]] are formally handled by the Natopian emperor, although in practice they are carried out by the Court of the Calm Waters. 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]].
 
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==
==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.
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.
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 Command|Cibola]], [[Keltia Command|Keltia]], and [[Tapfer Command|Tapfer]]. As the only member of the alliance with a significant space fleet, Natopia has responsibility for the defence 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 Corps|combined arms military doctrine]].


==Demographics==
==Demographics==


The last census, predating the accession of St Andre and the refoundation of the Nerida settlement, counted the population of the Bovic Empire as:
The last census, predating the accession of St Andre and the refoundation of the Nerida settlement, counted the population of the Bovic Empire as:
Sororiya: 15.4 million
Sororiya: 15.4 million
Klaasiya: 18.3 million
Klaasiya: 18.3 million
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Athlon: 5.5 million
Athlon: 5.5 million
Elijah's Rest: 0.1 million
Elijah's Rest: 0.1 million
Total: 134.3 million.


==Geography==
==Geography==
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[[File:Tapfer Geo New.png|thumb|right|350px|Terrain map of Tapfer]]
[[File:Tapfer Geo New.png|thumb|right|350px|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]].
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]] is located off the coast of Yellow Island and is administered by Flaventia.
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]] is located off the coast of Yellow Island and is administered by Flaventia.
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==Natural Resources==
==Natural Resources==


Natopia has access to many abundant and exploitable resources wholly within its borders. Basic clothing and building materials: cotton (x3), timber (x3). Basic foods: cattle, fish (x5), grain (x2), farming (x2). Fuel and transportation: natural gas (x4), pack animals, . Luxury foods: spices (x2), wine, tropical fruit, game animals. Luxury goods: precious gemstones, shipbuilding, semi-precious gems (x2). And metals: silver (x2), chromium (x3), copper, tin, lead.
Natopia has access to many abundant and exploitable resources within its borders. Basic clothing and building materials: cotton (x3), timber (x2). Basic foods: cattle, fish (x5), grain (x2), farming (x2). Fuel and transportation: natural gas (x2), pack animals (x2), uranium (limited). Luxury foods: spices (x3), salt, wine, tropical fruit (x2), game animals. Luxury goods: gems, shipbuilding, semi-precious stones (x2), chemicals, ivory. And metals: silver (x2), chromium (x3), copper, tin, lead.


==Flora and Fauna==
==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.
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.


==Culture==
==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===
===Press===
The Bagelcratican Sporadically [http://bagelcratican.blogspot.com/] is Natopia's only nationally distributed newspaper. 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 and more news until it became an unofficial journal of record for Natopia, reporting on the Natopian government's activities and agenda.
The [http://bagelcratican.blogspot.com 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 papers are published:
Many local newspapers are published, including:
*'''The Laval Letter''', Aurochsburg, Sororiya
*'''The Laval Letter''', Aurochsburg, Sororiya
*'''The Union Journal''', Redquill, Neridia
*'''The Union Journal''', Redquill, Neridia
*'''The Dozan Gazette''', Doza, Athlon
*'''The Dozan Gazette''', Doza, Athlon
*'''The Social Democrat''', Port St Andre, Saint Andre
*'''The Social Democrat''', Port St Andre, Saint Andre
*'''[https://bastionunion.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1169&t=15178 The Telegraph]''', Ashington, Alrodey
*'''[https://bastionunion.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1332&t=22129 The Morning Star Tribune]''', Redquill, Neridia
*'''[https://bastionunion.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1713&t=23036 The New Reporter]''', Borders City, Klaasiya
*'''[https://bastionunion.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=198&t=15353&p=124555&hilit=news#p124555 The Daily Goat]''', Anmutstadt, Ziegeland


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


===Television===
===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 satellite to Natopia's non-Tapfer territories. Content on NNN is governed by fairness doctrines and ethical guidelines.
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, and Normark. 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.
 
===The Arts===
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 [[Natopian Literature|literature]] and poetry. The Library was soon expanded to include a museum and the [[Natopian Art|Empire Library Art Museum]] is one of Micras' largest and oldest art museums. [[Natopian Architecture|Architecture]] was recognized early on as a way to define the Natopian nation and set it apart and above.  


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


===Education===
===Education===
{{See also|List of universities in Natopia}}
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.
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.


List of colleges and universities:
===Sports===
*'''University of Sororiya System'''
Natopians have traditionally enjoyed many sports and competed at various levels, in both international and national leagues. In particular Natopians play football (soccer), weightlifting, field athletics (discus and shot put), baseball, Amorian football, Pentathlon, and wrestling.
**'''Velocipedium Academy''', Butter Cow City, Sororiya
**'''New School of Kierangrad at Aurochsburg''', Aurochsburg, Sororiya
**'''Eucal University''', Eucal, Sororiya
**'''Bagelston Public College''', Bagelston, Sororiya
**'''Newport Naval Academy''', Fort Newport, Sororiya
**'''All Language Arts Academy''', Anmutstadt, Flaventia
**'''Coeducational Technical College''', Tassity, Flaventia
**'''Anshin University''', Andiopolis, Flaventia
**'''Maritime Pilots Institute''', Avenged City, Flaventia
**'''Jaiesican Seminary and Secular School''', Hazelwood City, Flaventia
**'''Robert Davis College of Law''', Mardukhaven, Flaventia
*'''Ducal University Gwyneth of Waffel-Paine''', Borders City, Klaasiya
*'''Kaiseress Noor Academy''', Uppland
 


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

Revision as of 19:55, 3 July 2019

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, Tiamat, Klaasisitya, Graveacre, Etampes, Eadricton,
Official language(s) Natspeak
Official religion(s) Bovinism
Demonym Natopian
 - Adjective Natopian
Government Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
(Lindstromist)
 - Emperor Nathan II
 - Chancellor Ernesto de la Cruz
 - Legislature The Frenzy
Establishment 23 August 2002 (1471 AN)
Area
Population 160,900,000
Active population 8
Currency Natopian natopo (₦)
Calendar
Time zone(s) CMT-9, CMT-8, CMT-6, CMT-5 ,CMT-4 (Lindstrom time), CMT-3, CMT-2, CMT+2, CMT+6, CMT+7
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 its only Tapfer border with Stormark; a land border with Craitland and a sea border with Helderbourgh on Cibola; land borders with Jingdao, Senya and Gotzborg, a sea border with Shireroth on Apollonia; borders with Stormark and Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union on Keltia; and the Princely Isle on Corum. Athlon, the seat of the Dozan Bovic Church, is a protected sovereign nation within Natopia's internationally recognized jurisdiction. Natopia is a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy. 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 presided over by a Chancellor with executive prerogatives. 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.

Natopia began as an offline community of high school friends on August 23, 2002. Continuing into 2003, Natopia claimed territory in the U.S. state of Missouri and operated as a secessionist micronation for a few years. Beginning around 2005, Natopia shifted its focus away from secessionism, 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 and a founding member of the Raspur Pact.

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

History

Early Natopian History, the Uppheaval

Foreign relations

Natopian's foreign affairs are formally handled by the Natopian emperor, although in practice they are carried out by the Court of the Calm Waters. 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 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.

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, Keltia, and Tapfer. As the only member of the alliance with a significant space fleet, Natopia has responsibility for the defence 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.

Demographics

The last census, predating the accession of St Andre and the refoundation of the Nerida settlement, counted the population of the Bovic Empire as:

Sororiya: 15.4 million Klaasiya: 18.3 million Universalis: 9.7 million Thalassa: 3.2 million Lindstrom: 7.6 million Ziegeland: 31.5 million Tas Neemia: 28.3 million Skerries: 2.5 million Arboria: 7.8 million Tinalkina: 1.8 million Taroof: 0.4 million


Kujirashi-Walstadt: 2.2 million


Athlon: 5.5 million Elijah's Rest: 0.1 million

Total: 134.3 million.

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 is located off the coast of Yellow Island and is administered by Flaventia.

On the main continent, Natopia has several subdivisions: The Marches; Uppland and Opaeghia; Thalassa, Sororiya, Transegale, and Universalis.

There are several overseas demesnes: On Apollonia are Arboria, New Aquitane and St. Andre. Leng is on Benacia, Two Martyrs is on Cibola and Elijah's Rest is on Keltia. The Princely Isle of The Marches is located on 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.

Natural Resources

Natopia has access to many abundant and exploitable resources within its borders. Basic clothing and building materials: cotton (x3), timber (x2). Basic foods: cattle, fish (x5), grain (x2), farming (x2). Fuel and transportation: natural gas (x2), pack animals (x2), uranium (limited). Luxury foods: spices (x3), salt, wine, tropical fruit (x2), game animals. Luxury goods: gems, shipbuilding, semi-precious stones (x2), chemicals, ivory. And metals: silver (x2), chromium (x3), copper, tin, lead.

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.

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:

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, and Normark. 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.

The Arts

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.

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 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.

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.

Sports

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