The North PacificBoard

The Minarchy of Baltan, commonly called Baltan, is a multi-party-minarchy in Anea. It is an island to the south-east of Intion North and to the south of an island owned by Friently. Baltan has an estimated population of 21 million, and comprises of 45 provinces.

Etymology

The country name was taken from an engraved word - baltan - in a stone outside the capital. The exact origin of that particular word remains unknown, however.

The standard way to refer to a citizen of Baltan is as a "Baltani".

History

The island was first inhabited by a group of travellers in the 11th century, lead by Amerll Daffyda. The island's inhabitants remained unknown for several centuries and was only found in documents discovered in colonisation.

Baltan became independent in 1962, under a representative democracy lead by the Banatherad (Distributist Party), who favoured centrist policies. Banatherad remained in power due to supposed widespread support, but by the end of the 70s many had doubts as whether this was the case. In 1981, Llæd Junta, then a member of Rhykatikad (Libertarian Party), created the book Propos L, which looked at the flaws of democracy and its failure to secure liberty, as well as drawing up a plan on what to do if Banatherad won the next election, which was sold in private to anyone willing to turn up against the government.

Following Banatherad's win the next year, Junta lead a revolution, replacing the democracy with a one-party minarchy. The Party - also called Junta - banned the other political parties from taking part in, or trying to gain access to, the government, although they were allowed to continue with their organisations. All laws were stripped to an guiding Non-Aggression Principle, with the government only controlling courts and defence.

In 1992, Llæd Junta reinstalled a multi-party system, while the minarchy continued, changing the party name back to Rhykatikad. Two regions in the south later began to withdraw their recognition of the political system (while governments still persist to integrate them back in).

Geography

The majority of Baltan is low-lying, with a majority of people living on the north coast. The south frequently faces monsoons around the summer compared to the north, which is slightly dryer overall.

Demographics

Population

Baltan has a population of 21 million, which has steadily increased of the past 58 years from 17 million back in 1962. The birth rate declined following the transition to the minarchy. The majority of these people live in the North, particularly the north-east, with 74% in urban language

Language

Baltani is by far the main language in Baltan, spoken by 98% of the population. A further 0.9% speak Bulgarian.

Religion

Baltan is largely atheist, as is the case for 61% of the country. However, 29% are Christian (main denominations being Lutheran, Baltani Orthodox and Axonism), 8% are Buddhist and 2.4% are Muslim.

Government

Despite having sold itself off as a minarchy since 1985, Baltan has technically been a semi-minarchy since 1992. Much of the duties of the government are focused around being a night-watchman state - a state which exists only to enforce a Non-Aggression Principle by providing police, courts and defence - however a few other laws have been introduced.

Baltan's government is divided into three branches: Jokacyntzen, Forwoa, and Gorbeturça don Eresod-De. Jokacyntzen is the leading branch, consisting of whichever party has the biggest support. Forwoa consists of the other parties that have majority support in at least one of the provinces. Forwoa meet regularly to discuss current affairs. They also voice their opinions on issues brought up by Jokacyntzen, but very rarely have control over any laws made. Gorbeturça don Eresod-De is the judicial branch that provides courts, police and defence. GED consider themselves both a private and state organisation, as stated by the current leader, Trev Rhys:

"We're not private in the sense that we are not part of the government; rather private in the sense that our connection with them is loose. I prefer to say that GED runs adjacent, as opposed to separately or together."