The Free Lands of Vancouvia

The Free Lands of Vancouvia, commonly referred to as Vancouvia, is a pseudo-republic in The Western Isles. Vancouvia is an island nation surrounded by the Argean Sea. Vancouvia covers 79,350 square kilometers and has an estimated population of over 29 million. Vancouvia is governed as a single state under the combined executive and legislative Vancouvian Congress, with local municipal governments given considerable autonomous power.

Since its formation on July 5th, 2000, Vancouvia has grown rapidly, developing a sizable population, economy, and military force. Vancouvia is notable for its high-speed rail system, fervent patriotism, virtually nonexistent unemployment, and highly trained special forces.

Technology and well-maintained infrastructure are at the center of Vancouvia's ideals. Efficiency is believed to be the key to developing economic success. Vancouvia's roads, railways, and shipping lanes are maintained to perfection, and intrastate trading is strongly encouraged as a patriotic duty.

Education is heavily emphasized, with a focus on internships and apprenticeships. The federal government actively participates in the job-assignment process, utilizing subsidies and incentives to match the best employee for their best suited job. Thus, Vancouvia boasts a very low unemployment percentage.

Vancouvia maintains a multi-faceted and capable military, with most of the military might entrusted to the Vancouvian Special Forces, highly-trained soldiers compartmentalized into autonomous squads.

Vancouvia is widely regarded as a capital of clean energy, with substantial uranium deposits and the pioneering of wind and solar technologies. Virtually all of Vancouvia's energy needs are provided by clean energy.

History

Main article: Timeline of Vancouvia - Antiquity to Modern Day

Early History

Vancouvia had no native presence and remained virtually uninhabited prior to the year 1000, mostly due to its cold climate and perceived lack of natural resources. The island therefore became a haven for wildlife, including the apex predator wild cow, known for its wider and longer horns, darker appearance, and more aggressive omnivore mannerisms. Large swamps, coniferous forests, and frozen mountain ranges dominated much of the interior and hosted a wide variety of aquatic and land animals.

Noronnican colonization led to the creation of the Vaenland duchy in 1099. Vaenland quickly flourished, governed under the Vaenland Council and with a growing army known as the Vaenland Guard. In 1492, Vaenland announced its independence from Noronica, which for centuries had allowed Vaenland a high degree of autonomy.

Vaenland's Golden Age from 1550-1800 resulted in a national currency, the adoption of English, a Declaration of the Rights of Men, the abolishmen of slavery and involuntary servitude, the creation of a small navy, and the utilization of the Vaenland Guard as a highly trained professional mercenary army, which participated in several foreign wars.

From 1850 on, Vaenland began a downward spiral as the Vaenland Council grew increasingly corrupt and inept. Creeping unemployment fueled the creation of several large gangs which threatened the stability of the country and slowly gained huge amounts of influence. In 1930, the Great Recession combined with great internal strife led to a massive exodus. The Vaen Guard, unable to be paid by the now hollow Council, broke apart. Vaenland, for all intents and purposes, no longer existed.

In 1948, residents formed the nation of Codman, a portmanteau of cod and salmon, the two most commonly caught fish, although no true government manifested. Fishing became the central industry, and gradually the country began to repair itself. Immigrants from America, Canada, Scandinavia, Japan, Korea, Ostehaar, Xrevaro, Noronica, and Athara Magarat soon outnumbered Vaenlander descendants. Unspoken mores and customs drove a sense of community harmony and peace.

Nuclear Rush & The Codman Republic

During June of 1984, vast and extensive uranium deposits were discovered on the northern coastline. Almost overnight, many investors and countries became interested in staking a claim in Codman, a previously overlooked frigid island. The Codman residents, finding it necessary to now form some sort of government to deal with this "Nuclear Rush," sent leaders to meet in the small town of Fishhook for several weeks. Discussions frequently stalled due to various Codmaners still seeing themselves as citizens of their old countries, but gradually a national identity arose as each faction realized they could not gain a sufficient majority to act solely on behalf of their own nation's interests. On August 16, a wide majority of the delegation had finally agreed to The Codman Declarations, a loose agreement setting out a provisional republic which would decide upon major matters and conflicts. However, the most significant clause in the document expressed that although immigrants from all nations would be welcome in Codman, "No foreign government, nor military, nor foreign faction, shall have its wills or wants carried out on Codman, through force or other effort, or they shall be met with equal force." The "Equal Force" clause, as it came to be known, was in response to growing fears that Codman would be invaded or otherwise claimed by another nation. It was, however, not an idle threat: a large majority of Codmaners were proficient with firearms and were very willing to defend their island. Although the Declarations were somewhat weak and vague, they were considered the first firm step towards a national identity.

The Codman Declarations did not, however, deter businesses from entering Codman en masse, an effect the Codmaners had predicted and wanted to bring about. Virtually overnight, thousands of prospective miners, businessmen, engineers, and logistics personnel had capitalized on the newly discovered deposits. Soldotna World Energy, headquartered in Vancouver, Washington quickly became the chief processor and exporter of uranium, bringing with them many American and Canadian employees who began to dominate the island's affairs and culture. During the 1990s, these thousands of emigrants soon turned into millions as mineral deposits, oil, and vast lumber reserves were also discovered on the island. Secondary and tertiary industries developed rapidly, with many foreign investors deeply optimistic of the island's future prospects. The Codman Republic exponentially grew, but soon found itself starving for law, order, and a common purpose.

A New Nation

During March of 2000, leaders again joined together for a convention, this time in Vesuvius on the west coast, the de facto capital and center of commerce. Throughout the spring and summer, they discussed a new form of government, eventually signing a Constitution with a republican system of government, with ethical and intelligence requirements for running for Congress. The country's name was changed to Vancouvia, a reference to the many Vancouverites who had emigrated to the island and quickly accelerated it onto the world stage. A new motto, flag, anthem, and military were formed. Charles Rochester, an active and well-respected central figure of the Codman Republic, was chosen to serve as Temporary President until four Senators could be elected, eventually stepping down in June, 2001. Finally, Vancouvia was a full-fledged nation.

Throughout the 2000s, Vancouvia's regional influence grew dramatically. With substantial income from new, thriving industries, the Vancouvian Congress made several purchases of military equipment, lowered corporate restrictions (which resulted in the foundation of numerous additional regional industries in Vancouvia), subsidized research into green energy, and installed a massive multibillion cove high-speed railway system. The economy began a shift towards service-based industries, with an emphasis on business services, information technology, and accounting.

Emboldened by its recent successes, Vancouvia now looks to the future, eager to grow, excel, and prosper.

Geography

Main article: Map and Description of Vancouvia

During the Nuclear Rush, emigrants instituted their own modern names for various cities and features, sometimes adopting historical names throughout the world, both past (Vesuvius) and present (Paris).

Vancouvia's coastal climate is mild, with enough rainfall to allow for agriculture. There is usually substantial snowfall from November to early April. Vancouvia's shores are vulnerable to storm systems, although most are mild and do little financial damage. Avalanches are common along the Arcadius Mountains Range in eastern Vancouvia.

Much of Vancouvia's central area consists of three small mountain ranges, the most notable being the eastern Arcadius Mountains. To the south of Lexington is the Cattle Basin, an area known for its particularly good grazing soil and ranching.

Pollution from mining is a major issue, as is the deforestation of much of Vancouvia's natural forests. Despite this, Vancouvia's forests, beaches, lakes, and glaciers still server as popular destinations for tourists and local Vancouvians alike.

Vancouvia has three metropolitan cities. Vesuvius, the capital and economic center, is located furthest west on the banks of the Autumn Bay. Lexington, located centrally, is the country's meat and bread capital. Yorkford, located in the east, is Vancouvia's military headquarters and contains a high percentage of the country's universities and cultural centers.

A political and physical map of Vancouvia can be found here.

Left: Summerland beach during early summer
Center: Farming in the shadow of the Arcadius Mountains

Demographics

There are over 29 million citizens of Vancouvia, with the vast majority being immigrants from Canada and the United States. Approximately 46% of the population are Caucasian, 25% are of Asian descent, 13% are of African descent, 10% are Hispanic and 6% are other races.

Almost all Vancouvians speak English, although for patriotic purposes the Vancouvian English dialect is considered the official national language. There are only a few slight differences between standard English and Vancouvian English and these are mostly style differences, such as the tendency for Vancouvian English to accept and even promote run-on sentences, as long as they remain comprehensible. In addition, words are sometimes fully capitalized to signify importance i.e. The Free Lands of VANCOUVIA.

The majority of Vancouvians identify as Protestant Christian (52%), with Atheism/Agnosticism (22%), Catholicism (15%), Buddhism (3%), and Mormonism (3%) comprising significant minorities.

Most Populous Cities

Government

Main article: Government of Vancouvia

Vancouvia is administered as a pseudo-republic, with each candidate required to undergo ethical and intelligence tests as part of the elections process. As the sole federal governmental entity, the Vancouvian Congress exercises both executive and legislative powers. The seat of government is the Senate Building in Vesuvius.

The Vancouvian Congress is responsible for all domestic and foreign trade, the postal system, the Internet system, the highway and rail networks, the upkeep of the military, education, social welfare, and the protection of Vancouvian citizens.

The only other governmental authority is local, municipal governments, which are granted substantial power and autonomy to act on their citizens' behalf.

Political parties are strongly discouraged, although not outlawed. Currently, there are no political parties that retain more than 1% of Vancouvia's population. Bribery is a major criminal offense, while lobbying is frowned upon.

Foreign Relations and Military

Main article: Military of Vancouvia

Vancouvian senators and citizens favor espionage and covert operations over invasion almost always, but do not hesitate to engage in conflicts that they deem necessary for the continued prosperity of Vancouvia.

Vancouvia relies on three military branches: the Vancouvian National Army (VNA), the Vancouvian Special Forces (VSF), and the Vancouvian Espionage Organization (VEO). The Vancouvian National Army mostly operates in natural disaster relief, border defense, anti-piracy, and policing. The Vancouvian Special Forces operates separately from the VNA and composes the bulk of Vancouvian military might. The Vancouvian Espionage Organization operates both domestically and abroad. VEO's typical objectives include the gathering of intelligence, the recruitment of foreign operatives, and the incitement of riots and revolts in enemy countries.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Vancouvia

Vancouvia is capitalist at its core, but does not neglect its social policies. The old, sick, and handicapped are given aid, but are required to work in a suitable occupation. There is no retirement age; citizens are required to work until they have a sufficient retirement savings of their own. Although citizens may choose their own occupation, tests determine the ones best suited for each person, and economic incentives cause over 99.3% of all citizens to select one of their top three most compatible careers. A great emphasis is placed on education, especially in the form of internships and apprenticeships.

Tourism is a vital part of Vancouvia's economy, and Vancouvia's passenger rail lines are in heavy use throughout much of the summer. Other significant industries include mining, information technology, agriculture, education, and manufacturing.

Vancouvia's main export is energy resources and products, and the energy industry alone accounts for over 22% of the Vancouvian GDP. Other exports include coal, steel, cattle products, robotics and machinery, and most recently, small arms. Vancouvia is a leader in the production of solar panels and wind turbines.

Vancouvia's currency is the Vancouvian cove, which is anchored to be equivalent to the US dollar. The cove is therefore essentially interchangeable with the dollar. Most domestic businesses use the cove, while most international businesses use the dollar.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Vancouvia

Vancouvia's culture is largely American, adopting almost all US holidays and traditions. There is, however, a strong Asiatic influence. A rather new country, its unique culture has yet to significantly manifest itself in anything other than a slightly altered language and a deep-seated desire for economic and political success. Winter sports, rifling, and boating are among the most popular Vancouvian sports.

Grand Vancouvian Rail near Lexington

Infrastructure

Vancouvia's main rail-line, the Grand Vancouvian Rail, is the lifeblood of Vancouvia. It runs from Vesuvius to Lexington to Yorkford. Other secondary rail-lines, both passenger and freight, run across the country to connect additional cities. All Vancouvian rail-lines are high-speed, with speeds averaging 150 mph. In addition, most trains are equipped with anti-aircraft and machine-gun armaments.

Highways serve secondary to rail-lines but are still commonly used. There are three international airports in Vancouvia, located in Vesuvius, Lexington, and Yorkford. Cargo imports and exports mostly travel through the harbor of Vesuvius, but Port Thomas, Greenview, and Yorkford also serve as major international trading hubs.

Energy
Nuclear power is the chief form of energy production on Vancouvia, with six nuclear power plants spaced around Vancouvia to provide optimal distribution. In rural areas, solar and wind energy are commonplace. In total, more than 96% of Vancouvian energy needs are provided by clean energy, with that number expected to reach 99% in less than three years.

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