Factbook of the Unified City-States of Tsvarchi + Q&A

[Maraque]

COMPREHENSIVE RE-WRITE IN PROGRESS.

Tsvarchi

The area now known as Tsvarchi has been inhabited since about 4700 BCE, with the founding of the City-State of Darkaan around 4650 BCE, the City-State of Atrulia in 4638, the City-State of Cuerak in 4622, the City-State of Taerak in 4612, the City-State of Rikiyan in 4601, and the City-State of Estakuri in 4598.

Around 4601 the City-State of Darkaan and the City-State of Atrulia developed a lucrative trade route, bolstered by the good relationship the Kings of the respective city-states had. Over the next decade, in 4589, King Tizutri Darkaan and King Stahnasuk Atrulia wed, uniting the two city-states under a single banner, creating the dual-monarchy via the Declaration of Unification.

In 4578 the City-State of Cuerak sent a messenger to Darkaan-Atrulia, demanding restitution for the alleged actions of a Darkaan-Atrulian villager, which said the villager raped a Cuerakian woman. The dual-monarchy responded with a firm denial of the claims, which prompted the Cuerakian King to make a formal declaration of war. The Cuerakian warriors descended on the City-State, but the might of Darkaan-Atrulia was too much, and they held back the invasion. After the Cuerakian retreat, the dual-monarchy planned a comprehensive and bold attack on the Cuerakian city-state, defeating the Cuerakian soldiers, toppling the monarchy, and annexing the country.

Over the next 300 years the city-states of Taerak (4572), Estakuri (4522), and Rikiyan (4278) would voluntarily join Darkaan-Atrulia, and in 4243 the Cuerakian monarchy was restored after the Treaty of Vakiria was signed. Unfortunately the new freedom of the Cuerakian civilization was met with resistance against the Council of Six by a sigifnicant portion of Cuerakians which didn't approve of the establishment; an event that elevated so drastically that it sparked what would be known as the Triad Wars; a series of civil wars and unrest which started in early 4231. The next 58 years between 4231-4173 would be riddled with three civil wars, and untold amounts of civil strife, with racial tensions at an all time high when Cuerakian and Darkaanian-Atrulian relations were at their worst.

In 2191 the loose terms of the constituent city-states became a single entity, with executive decisions invested in a single, elected monarch. This turn of events also triggered the creation of the Grand Senate, which in modern times is known as the Royal Legislature, and the Royal Council, the executive monarch's cabinet. The signing of the Declaration of Foundation solidified the deal, creating the Unified City-States of Tsvarchi.

The signing of the Declaration of Foundation would be the beginning of a long string of prosperity and growth, with the economy of Tsvarchi reaching L600 trillion in early 2011 CE, as well as the nation reaching a milestone 13 billion people, in the 4202 years since foundation. The modern era is known for the vast urbanization of the city-state starting in the late 1800s, when the landscape of the city-state began to change from swaths of jungle and plains to a series of towering skyscrapers.

Tsvarchi vs. Maraque

Tsvarchi consists solely of the unified city-states of Darkaan, Atrulia, Cuerak, Estakuri, Taerak, Rikiyan, Stahnasuk-Tizutri, and the relatively unknown Zerake. It is the 'mainland' of the overall Kingdom, which includes the aforementioned nine boroughs, and 25 overseas territories.

Population

Ethnicity

As of the 2010 national census 41% of Tsvarchivans identified as foreign born, versus 59% native born; up 3% from the 38% reported in the 2000 national census, continuing the trend of immigration contributing more to the national population than native births. The Advisory of Internal Affairs estimates that native born Tsvarchivans will be a minority of the overall population in the next decade if immigration continues to rise at its current rate.

Life expectancy

The average life expectancy of the average Tsvarchivan is 84.68 years; 83.43 for males, 85.93 for females. The high life expectancy can be attributed to Tsvarchi's robust and well funded healthcare system, which places an emphasis on preventative care, as well as the overall healthy eating habits of Tsvarchivans and their active lifestyles.

Sex and gender

As of the 2010 national census 51.3% of respondants claimed to be female, while 48.6% claimed to be male, and 0.1% claimed to be other. This is based on public birth records and any changes of gender that occured in 2009. As far as sex goes, 49.3% were born female, 50.4% were born male, and 0.3% were born without a clearly defined sex.

Immigration policy

Tsvarchi has maintained a open border policy for the entirety of its 4202 year existence, abiding by the long held belief that Tsvarchi is to be shared and that people should not be denied the opportunity to create a life for themselves and their family. While undocumented immigrants are not illegal, documentation is required to work and live in Tsvarchi legally, and so it is recommended that anyone that wishes to make a life here do so going through the proper channels, which means traveling through an official port of entry, and providing to the immigration officer a valid passport and medical records.

[Maraque]

Culture

Religion

Although Tsvarchi has a long history and tradition as a strong atheist state - both government and people - the country has welcomed a significant religious population starting some 300 years ago, resulting in a religious population numbering 140 million - approximately 1% of the overall population. Today, over 10,000 individual faiths are practiced, although only a handful make up a significant amount of faiths; the largest faith in Tsvarchi is Islam comprising some 0.063% of the population followed by Christianity (0.052%), Judaism (0.041%), Hinduism (0.026%), Sikhism (0.01%), Jainism (0.01%), Buddhism (0.01%), Baha'i (0.01%), and Zoroastrianism (0.01%). A further 0.018% are of "other" faiths.

The Maraquean Bill of Rights & Freedoms' 4th Clause guarantees the right to freedom of religion, allowing any individual to practice the faith of their choice without interference from the government. On the plus side the 5th Clause guarantees ones right to freedom from religion - specifying that secular law is held supreme, and that personal religious conviction cannot be used as a reason to deny services or an otherwise legal obligation because of one's religious faith.

The 5th Clause has caused some controversy in Tsvarchi's religious community, with many saying that it is a clear contradiction between it and the 4th Clause. It is said that freedom of religion should allow an 'exception' to specific laws that may violate one's religious conviction, and that by not allowing such exceptions it violates ones freedom to practice their religion, as they are essentially forced to stray. The argument has yet to hold up in court, although it continues to be argued time and time again.

As for the role religion plays in the customs, traditions, and culture of the nation; it quite literally doesn't. The country's strong atheist convictions have remained strong throughout its storied 4202 year history, and religion, while present, is not influential to a noticeable degree in the culture, traditions, or customs of the nation. Religious holidays are not officially or unofficially observed by the population at large, and people of faith usually have to use earned timed off in order to observe such holidays. However, the nation's strong atheist convictions doesn't cause an undue prejudice on people of faith - they enjoy the same rights and privileges as anyone else, and are represented in all levels and branches of government. HRH Queen Jivani, a typically private person, has publicly acknowledged that she is a devout Muslim, to a nearly universal "so what?" by the media and people.

Language

Because of Tsvarchi's large foreign born community accounting for 41% of the overall population, a plethora of languages are spoken throughout the country, numbering over 100,000 in 2010 alone. The country's six native tongues - Maraquean, Darkaanian, Atrulian, Estakurian, Taerakian, and Cuerakian - are spoken by a plurality of individuals, with the most spoken foreign language being English because of its status as the world's international language of choice.

Among the most prominent foreign languages spoken as one's native tongue, English, French, Italian, Arabic, Aragonese, Basque, Catalan, Greek, Hebrew, Latin, and Spanish comprise 75%, with the thousands of other languages spoken in Tsvarchi comprised of the other 25%. A disproportionate amount of the immigrant population is from Rhodes (making up the bulk of English, Italian, and French speakers), with a much smaller but still quite significant amount from Zeppy.

As for the six native tongues of Tsvarchi, 25% speak Cuerakian, 23% speak Darkaanian, 19% speak Atrulian, 18% speak Estakurian, 13% speak Rikiyanian, and 9% speak Taerakian. Maraquean is spoken by 47% of native born Tsvarchivans as a third language. Multilingualism is often times not just common, but a requirement in a country where the languages are just as varied as the people speaking them, and it is not uncommon to see two people speaking and understanding each other in two separate languages, although the median of instruction in Tsvarchivan schools is Maraquean, and English is a required language to learn in order to graduate.

Although speaking one of the native languages of Tsvarchi isn't a requirement for citizenship, the government cannot provide translations for every language in the world, and so if one's native tongue isn't offered then one is out of luck in regards to receiving public services since speaking one of the country's native tongues is often a requirement for such. Bringing a translator of your own is the best way to bypass this critical inconvenience, and hundreds of millions of Tsvarchivans lead successful and fruitful lives despite being linguistically limited by either living with somebody that can communicate for them, or among a community where the dominant language is their native tongue.

Food

Tsvarchivan cuisine is pescetarian - meaning it excludes all kinds of meat except fish and shellfish. Tsvarchivan cuisine takes it a step further and abstains entirely from animal based products, so eggs, milk, and anything else that has an animal byproduct and component is not used. Of course with the arrival of immigrants some 300 years ago cuisine in Tsvarchi has become more varied and diverse, including adapting foreign foods to Tsvarchivan standards, and vice versa.

Tsvarchivan cuisine is known for being rich and flavorful, utilizing liberal amounts of spices and seasonings, as well as having the notable trait of generally being steamed - frying and grilling is virtually unknown in Tsvarchivan cuisine. Some types of fish - like mahi-mahi and salmon - are grilled on occasion, and sauce is never poured directly on any food, but is placed in a small bowl for dipping.

There are types of aquatic animals which are forbidden from being fished - namely sharks, dolphins, turtles, and whales. All others are free to be fished and consumed. Individuals caught fishing these types of fish and aquatic life can be charged as much as $300/fish, as well as have various charges filed against them, namely murder. Apart from that, fishing is a popular hobby and way of life in Tsvarchi, attracting millions of people to the seas of Tsvarchi every day.

Many Tsvarchivan dishes are over brown rice - eel, salmon, mahi-mahi, crab, tuna, and flounder are popular. When not over rice, it is usually always accompanied by it on the side, with an alternative being some kind of vegetable - green beans, asparagus, broccoli, just to name a few. Foreign cuisine has also had a tremendous impact on Tsvarchivan cuisine, with many vegetarian Indian dishes becoming quite popular in Tsvarchi in more recent years, as well as varied Middle Eastern foods such as shawarma - adapted to Tsvarchivan dietary needs by substituting meat for fish.

Etiquette

In Tsvarchivan culture it is considered rude to start eating before the person or people who prepared the meal, however when somebody is hosting it is considered rude to eat before they do. Additionally, it is inconsiderate to take seconds and is thought of as greedy, since a single serving of food is believed to be 'enough' and any more than that is unnecessary.

When sitting at the dinner platform on the dining room floor, it is considered dirty to have one's hands on the floor; they should be placed in one's lap clasped together, and never placed on the dinner platform. Should one touch the floor, it is common courtesy to wash one's hands before eating. It is also impolite to take up more room at the dinner platform than necessary; people should be sitting cross-legged, leaving ample wiggle room between them and the person next to them.

If something is out of one's reach, it is rude to reach across the table for it; asking somebody closer to hand it around the table is considered polite. Also never reach for something nearby if you have to invade the space of the person next to you, such as reaching over their plate; instead ask the person next to you for it instead, and always place your beverage to the right of your plate, never the left.

While nudity is acceptable in Tsvarchi (and more common than not), it is considered polite to put on underwear while eating anywhere in Tsvarchi, just as one is expected to cover their nether region while using public transportation. Since Tsvarchivans are sticklers for hygiene it is considered polite to cover up around food as to not spread germs.

Attire

Tsvarchi is known for being a predominantly nudist culture, in part because of the nation's intense heat and humidity, making wearing clothing quite uncomfortable in Tsvarchi's hotter months, as well as the nation's liberal attitudes and beliefs in regards to the human body and form. A typical Tsvarchivan only owns two outfits, and those are usually reserved for special occasions.

Unless a job requires specific attire, Tsvarchivans are routinely in their birthday suit at home and at work, or at the least wearing a traditional Tsvarchivan robe, which is a light and airy robe made out of thin microfiber. In more formal settings, black or tan board shorts, a gray or black tank top, and Roman sandals are considered the standard to go by.

The large immigrant population in Tsvarchi is less open about nudity, although scantily clad women and men isn't uncommon for Tsvarchivans from more bodily regressive societies; in Tsvarchi scantily clad females from such cultures are still considered over-dressed, and in some religious circles showing much of anything is out of the question, although they're insignificant in number in Tsvarchi.

Toddlers and infants are almost never clothed until they're potty trained, and even then they are rarely wearing any clothes as they get older. In Tsvarchivan households children are taught at a young age about body image, as to instill in them the non-issue of nudity, and to be proud of their form. In public children are commonly seen in swimming wear.

Music

Music is a huge part of Tsvarchivan culture, to the point that music is a cornerstone of Tsvarchivan society. Tsvarchivans are very lively, active, and excitable people, which shows in their love of dance clubs and partying. As a result, the most prominent genres of music are house, techno, rap, hip-hop, and pop, which is interestingly enough popular among all age groups in Tsvarchi.

Tsvarchi's most famous musician is the multi-talented rapper, singer, songwriter and producer Ejina Veneskan, the country's top earning and selling artist to date, making her nationwide debut at #1 with 466 million records sold in her first week, earning some $2.7 billion from 2009 to 2010. She has since gone on to the international stage, being invited to perform at the Royal Christmas Performance in Izzyshipper, and selling upwards of 4 million records in that market.

Music is such a pivotal part of Tsvarchivan culture that there is never a time when music is not blaring - the city-state is known for having no noise pollution laws, and so the noise in party squares all across the nation tend to be high all hours of the day. Cafés commonly host a karaoke night, and the streets are teeming with amateur street musicians trying to earn a buck.

The scope of music on Tsvarchivan culture can be seen in the hostile reactions many performers get when they don't perform up to the expectations of the audience, particularly during times when the national anthem is performed - it is said when Ejina Veneskan was asked to perform the coveted song during the coronation of HRH Queen Jivani she collapsed in tears for what might have been the "moment of her life," as she put it, and she went on to perform the song amazingly, earning her mega super stardom in the eyes of Tsvarchivans nationwide.

The national anthem is a thing of pride and prestige in the minds of Tsvarchivans - who are normally not ones to show overt displays of patriotism - and will socially castrate those that do not do the song justice, having booed and literally ruined the careers of many people that have tried, and failed miserably, to live up to the expectations of the people, and Tsvarchivans become particularly 'snooty' when it comes to traditional Tsvarchivan music - a light harp instrumental genre which has much admiration in the country.

Literature

Literature is another very important aspect of Tsvarchivan culture, with the nation's colleges and universities graduating more Maraquean language and literature majors than almost every other program of study in the nation; Maraquean language courses are commonly the most sought after and hard to get into, because they're in high demand and people will scramble to get a spot in such classes. The popularity of literature and writing in Tsvarchi lends itself to why publishing is one of the country's major industries, with sales in excess of a trillion dollars in 2010.

Because of the invention of e-book readers, the concept of bookstores is long gone, with not a single physical bookstore known to exist in Tsvarchi to date. E-book sales make up just about 100% of all book sales in Tsvarchi, and with the ease of uploading ones own works to Internet based e-book stores, a rising number of self published authors are coming out to much fanfare, with many people able to make a decent living doing so, including a few who have become millionaires via the self-publishing e-book marketplace, and a more lucky few who have become billionaires.


The fact that literature is held in such high regard has some of the nation's most esteemed authors held in similarly high regard - surpassing the fanfare of actors, musicians, and other entertainers. The nation's most prolific author is none other than Zerake Xanthaiyan himself, who through his various and countless opinion pieces has authored the country's most popular piece of literature, the Book of Xanthaiyan, the named after the collection of his writings which make up the entirety of his philosophy, Xanthaiyanism. His book has sold countless billions and he remains the single best selling author as of July, 2011.

Life of the Party

If there's one thing that defines Tsvarchivan culture, it is the often times outrageous and always impressive culture around the party – Tsvarchivans party for any reason, at any time, for anyone. The culture of partying comes from the Tsvarchivan way for being exceptionally happy and positive people, and they channel that happiness and positivity into dance and partying.

Tsvarchivans don't believe there is a reason not to party – in situations where other cultures may find it inappropriate to party, Tsvarchivans don't. When a friend or family member dies, Tsvarchivans party in their honor and to reflect on the life they lived. It is commonly believed that dance and partying heals, which has been shown to have some truth to it in studies done on the subject.

One of the more finer points of Tsvarchi's party culture is the presence of sprawling and oftentimes elaborate pedestrian plazas – or more commonly known as party squares – between avenues and streets, which act as a way for people to mingle together, dance, party, and have a good time. These squares usually have concert stages, mud pits, and wrestling cages, and are hangouts for many celebrities and royalty.

As one might imagine, clubs are abundant in Tsvarchi, many of which are 24-7 establishments, and are quite large – many of them are multiple stories with expansive dance floors, and are filled to the brim with people of all ages – one of the few unifying factors of Tsvarchivan culture that brings everyone together. Rave parties are quite popular among the club scene, and so the bulk of such establishments specialize in raves.

Parties in Tsvarchi are seen as a community affair, and so many Tsvarchivans host birthday parties and other events which one might view as private in other cultures – in the community. A party for one birthday might turn into a massive party celebrated by multiple people, and large family gatherings turn into massive family gatherings as people congregate together, which is why Tsvarchivans commonly refer to each other as family.

Dance Culture

Just as partying is an important aspect of Tsvarchivan culture, dance is as well. The art of dance is seen in our population every single day, as millions descend on the streets and hitch a ride on a conga line to work, to run errands, and to simply have a reason to just dance. Even when not participating in a conga line, there are people just dancing while walking casually down the street, talking on the phone, and sitting on a bench.

The culture of Tsvarchi is not a shy one – people don't feel embarrassed to simply let loose, nor should they since Tsvarchivans are largely nonjudgmental and are quite quirky and silly themselves. While waiting at an intersection for the “Walk” sign to appear, Tsvarchivans will dance with anyone close by, which is just another example of our open and friendly culture.

Tsvarchi's dance culture has also influenced other areas of Tsvarchivan culture – namely theater. Musicals have become a thing of prestige in Tsvarchi because of the very elaborate musical numbers which commonly involve very choreographed dance numbers. The tie-in of the dance, party, and theater cultures creates one of the most stellar and fantastic theater industries in the world, creating a uniquely Tsvarchivan genre which has audiences all over the country drawn to it.

Beyond that, not surprisingly, Tsvarchi boasts some of the world's most desirable dance academies, yielding students of dance from all across the globe to audition to attend. To get admitted into a dance academy in Tsvarchi is a thing of pride, and oftentimes arrogance and conceitedness on the part of those that have the privilege of attending; although it is by and large performed as a hobby, not as a career choice.

Chivalry

While both men and women are equal under the law, throughout Tsvarchivan history women have socially been higher up on the totem pole – over 80% of monarchs have been women, they also tend to be educated more, make slightly more money, and although in recent times men have made strides towards a more equal society, it is still expected of men to act chivalrous towards women, including holding their hand while crossing the street (even strangers), holding doors open for them, speaking without vulgarities around them, and just generally treating them like, well, queens.

While a common greeting among people is kissing on the lips, a man is expected to ask if they may do so first, while if they were to kiss a man it would not be expected to ask – the action is simply expected. When not so sure, a simple fist bump is also acceptable – and is the more common greeting when a foreigner who isn't comfortable with kissing a stranger – possible of the same sex – meets a Tsvarchivan.

Tsvarchivan culture puts such an emphasis on chivalry that when a man gets a woman pregnant, he is expected to take care of business and allow his lady to rest and just chill out for the nine months of pregnancy, including the first year after the birth, wherein the man takes off work to take care of the child while the child's mother takes the time to get back in the swing of things – although socialization is expected, men are supposed to do the hard work of child rearing like changing diapers, feeding, and so on.

Because Tsvarchivan culture doesn't have clearly defined gender roles, many things which might be “for women” in other countries are actually done together – cooking, cleaning, bills, all of these things are done by the couple or people in question; one would not think to assign specific tasks to genders in Tsvarchi, and so women are not expected to be womanly, since there really is no clear definition of what that might be.

Holidays, Festivals, Days of Importance

Tsvarchi boasts several holidays, festivals, and days of importance throughout the year, all celebrated with varying degrees of excitement and bliss. Tsvarchivan holidays are notable for being non-religious – such holidays are unconstitutional as a violation of secularism – and as such no religious holiday is officially recognized, although individuals that choose to celebrate those can do so at their own discretion according to their employers stipulations in that regard.

Holiday: Unification Day
Celebrated: January 2nd

Unification Day celebrates the unification of the City-States of Darkaan and Atrulia, which became one after the marriage of HRH King Tizutri Darkaan to HRH King Stahnasuk Atrulia. The two were married in a lavish ceremony – for the times – hosted by the people of the two city-states in gratitude for the two kings and their love for them.

The holiday, which is only officially celebrated in Darkaan and Atrulia, is typically done by the Royal Families of Darkaan and Atrulia hosting borough wide street parties on the Royal Palace grounds, and in party squares everywher. The Royal Families typically go out and dance and sing with the people.

Holiday: Festival of the Year
Celebrated: January 1st to 2nd

The Festival of the Year is tied in with Year's Beginning, and starts at 23:00 on the 1st of January. This is when the country starts to get ready to party, and dresses up in elaborate costumes, drinks lots of booze, and just lets loose in that oh so familiar Tsvarchivan way. The Royal Families of Tsvarchi usually host a Royal Costume Party at the individual Royal Palace residences as well, which usually last days on end.

Holiday: Massacre Remembrance
Celebrated: May 19th

Massacre Remembrance is a day celebrated in Cuerak to celebrate the loss of life at the hands of the Darkaan-Atrulians after the civil wars that ravaged the region thousands of years ago. The holiday is not widely celebrated in Tsvarchi, or even Cuerak, and is usually celebrated most vigorously by the overtly patriotic, and of those in the Cuerakian Separatist Movement.

Holiday: Month of Solitude
Celebrated: June 1st to 30th

The Month of Solitude is a tenant of the great philosopher Xanthaiyan who said that the path to nirvana is focusing on self and nobody else. His teachings dictated a month of solitude so the body could be stress free and therefore achieve the ultimate feeling of freedom. During this month emergency personnel like doctors, nurses, police officers and firemen do not have off, and other establishments either have reduced hours or stay open. Very few stores close for the entirety of the month. A full time worker (45 hours a week) will typically work just 22.5 hours instead, and the establishment will be closed for the days nobody is scheduled. A part time worker will instead work 11.25 hours a week. 

Holiday: Xanthaiyan's Birthday
Celebrated: July 27th

Simply put, this holiday celebrates the birth, life, and death of the great philosopher Zerake Xanthaiyan, who is single handedly responsible for Tsvarchivan culture as it is known today. The country celebrates by pursuing Xanthaiyan's vision by donating to charity, volunteering in some capacity, and just generally living one's life in accordance to his teachings on life.

Holiday: Father's Day
Celebrated: October 12th

Father's Day is celebrated by showing the father figure in your life how much you truly appreciate them and all they do for you. Father's Day is usually celebrated by dedicating the entire day to him, taking him to do activities he would like to do, places he would like to eat, and so on. The day is all about dad.

Holiday: Mother's Day
Celebrated: November 5th

Mother's Day is celebrated much in the same way as Father's Day; the day is dedicated to mom, and making her feel comfortable and happy throughout the day, allowing her a day of leisure in an otherwise hectic day. Breakfast in bed and doing all of her typical work is a hallmark of this holiday.

Holiday:Foundation Day
Celebrated: November 22nd

Foundation Day marks and celebrates the founding of the Unified City-States of Tsvarchi, after unification of all six of the original city-states that made up central Nothandryun some 4202 years ago. The holiday is widely celebrated nationwide with massive street block parties and enormous state sponsored fireworks displays. This is when the normally nonchalant Tsvarchivan in regards to nationality really turns into a patriotic and proud Tsvarchivan, for the day.

Holiday: Rain Festival
Celebrated: April 1st to November 1st

The Rain Festival is a day marked by the start of rain season, and the onslaught of intense rainfall for the next half year – an event much appreciated by Tsvarchivans who have an extreme affinity to water.

The holiday is celebrated by intense dancing and celebrations to encourage the rainfall to begin, so that not only will the severe drough experienced by the last six months subside, but so that Tsvarchivans can experience the extreme euphoria they get from the feeling of water touching their bodies – a trait they experience because of their connection to merpeople, which they are descendants of.

Holiday: Sun Festival
Celebrated: November 1st to April 1st

The Sun Festival is celebrated by massive street parties to spur the sun to reveal itself from the clouds of rain that have fallen the last six months, to dry up the land and make it a little bit easier to get around since the last six months it has had to happen by boat primarily since the rainfall was so intense. As much as Tsvarchivans love the water, there comes a time when it is too much, and they wait anxiously for the dry season to come back.

Landmarks

Ancient:
The Fortress, 
built around 9000 BCE
Ancient Megaliths, 
built 3500 BCE
Temples of Tarak'i, 
built 3100 BCE
Grand Megaliths, 
built 2590 BCE
Xanthai Temple, 
built 2100 BCE
Palace of Tarak, 
built 2000 BCE
Temple of Iztar, 
built 1300 BCE
Temple of Tsvarchi, 
built 1000 BCE
Tarak Hermitage, 
built 776 BCE
Grand Senate Tower, 
built 621 BCE
Temple of the Free, 
built 530 BCE
Xanthai School, 
built 530 BCE
Harousz Limi School of Philosophy, 
built 509 BCE
Royal Tomb, 
built 490 BCE
Tomb of Eti, 
built 462 BCE
Library of Maraque, 
built 450 BCE

Modern:
Atlantian Oceania Center,
built 2010 CE
Super City Tower,
built 1958
Tsvarchi World Trade Center,
built 2004 CE
Royal Palace of Darkaan,
built 2009 CE
The Tsvarchi National Mosque,
built 1972 CE

The National Anthem

Titled “Eskuzan Pexusujan,” the lyrics are thus:

Lyruz ebiyatoz havasi kwana shajuya
Nei zeur siphia ki zan.
Freich letzie lurnaz cetizi
Eja ekhul, beoucha
Vile trietaya oto ziep freichvana.
Dea fut scet hev
Zeur artu freich thota kruhle
Eh feutau epito neyato.

Enouz diatiya kuel zeur vindhoka shajuya
Zeur hejiva etchiouto grutae
Etchi ekhul dea rheto myadari;
Nehn zan vile bei bhrutzan ghazi.
Vana monusha havasi kwana shajuya
Fikiyan eh kueledon niszau
Freichvana vile etchien feozepito
Wier utkuenta!

[Maraque]

Education

The Tsvarchivan education system rejects the concept of 'levels' or 'years' and instead operates on a subject-by-subject competency concept where a student is placed in individualized class levels based on his or her current competency in the subject, rather than being placed within a 'year' and held back because they were unable to pass all of their classes at that specific year level.

Students usually enter school at five or six years old, at which point they are assessed for competency in various subjects and then placed in the appropriate classes for their competency level. As students progress through these levels they advance at their own pace, allowing them to learn at a pace suitable for them, and to allow instructors/lecturers to assess students for potential learning disabilities or difficulties.

Students in the Tsvarchivan school system are required to learn a set of core subjects - math, science, reading, writing - and then a series of electives at their own discretion. In the higher levels of these core subjects students can choose which tier of the subject they'd like to pursue - for example, when students have reached the 6th level in science, they can choose to pursue further study in a specific science, instead of just science in general.

The Tsvarchivan school system also rejects the cocnept of homework - instructurers/lectures will occasionally assign recommended reading or coursework, but doing so isn't a requirement, although in order for an instructor to assess one's strength and improvement it is paramount that such coursework when issued is done so that the student has a better chance at doing well on the end-of-class exam at the end of the semester, which determines if the instructor recommends the student be admitted into the next tier of the subject.

College/University

Upon completing all 10 levels in the core subjects, plus electives and the speciial-tier courses, they've completed their basicl education and receive a certificate to that effect. This certificate is the equivalent to a high school general education diploma, and is a prequisite to gain admittance into most private colleges and universities.

A basic education certificate isn't an absolute requirement for entrance into a public college or university, however if one is not held then the student will have to take a comprehensive placement exam to assess where one's strengths and weaknesses are, and then be placed in the appropriate classes until such a time when they can improve to the degree granting classes if they showcase a weakness in ability to do well in such a level as of entrance. If they do hold a basic education certificate, then they will be admitted either as a part-time or full-time, degree or non-degree granting student. Many students in Tsvarchi do not enter college or university with a clear vision of what they want to do, or where they want to go, so they may begin by entering as a part time non-degree granting student.

In the Tsvarchivan school system there is a clear distinction between colleges and universities - colleges are 'junior' institutions of higher learning, and only grant undergraduate degrees, which typically take two to three years to complete. They're good for most entry level positions in their specified field of study. In Tsvarchi colleges are usually entered as a simpler path to an institution of higher learning, particularly an esteemed or prestigious private university, or for students who were homeschooled and don't have a documented academic record for such institutions to look at in regards to admittance.

Universities are clear institutions of higher learning - they only grant graduate, post-graduate, specialized, or professional degrees, wherein the average years to complete such range from four to five years for graduate degrees, five to six for post-graduate, and six to seven for specialized and professional degrees. Admittance into a specialized or professional school is a rigorous process which requires a series of entrance exams and interviews to make sure the student is competent enough and well prepared for the extensive education and difficulty of the courses they are about to pursue in accordance with the Advisory of Education's requirements of all students that aspire to work in such fields.

Universities also require that students in post-graduate and up programs of study write an extensive and thorough dissertation before they are eligible to receive their degree and certification in the field. The dissertation is examined by a panel of professionals in the field, and then is required to go before the panel and field questions and express how they came to the conclusion of their dissertation. Upon the completion of this step, the student may then apply for graduation and then be presented with their degree, and stand with their collegues, family, and friends at the ceremony.

School year

The Tsvarchivan school year is 365 days a year - students are able to choose between morning, noon, and night classes as well as a combination of weekend and weekday classes, at any school in Tsvarchi. Their schedules are completely up to them - they can choose to take as many classes as they wish per semester, or as few as they wish. In this way, each students sechedule is individualized and set up in a way that's most convenient for them, instead of a uniform time that school is in session. In this way, there are also no scheduled breaks between semesters - students can decide to take a semester off, or reduce their course load the following semester at their own whim.

Class disruptions such as extensive floods during rain season do permit some significant time off in wet season, although they have to make up the missed work later in the year at a date to be determined by the school. Many students, because of rain season, choose to do the bulk of their classes in the semesters prior to rain season to prevent this from happening.

Some schools in certain districts operate in a more university-like atmosphere - wherein students remain on campus throughout the semester rather than commute to and from. This serting is becoming increasingly popular around the whole country, and the Advuisory of Education believes that in the coming years all high schools will be in such a setting. The lower levels of basic education are not set up in this way - dormatories are all co-ed, but they are segregated into age groups.

Management & regulation

Management and regulation of the Tsvarchivan school system falls under the jurisdiction of the Advisory of Education, which sets standards and national core curriciula that all schools - public and private- must abide by. The Advisory of Education is headed by the Advisor of Education, who is elected to an unlimited six year term, and works in cooperation with the King to establish budgets and and rules and regulations. The Advisory of Education also allocates the funds that the unitary government allocates to them to hand out the the individual public schools.

The Advisory of Education hires outside watchdog groups to monitor and watch individual schools to make sure they're following all rules and regulations set forth by the Advisory. The watchdogs then issue annual reports to the Advisory to allow them to investigate any reports of violations and other things, such as rates of failure including dropout ineffective instructors. The Advisory of Education has the authority to intervene in such affairs of the individual schools - public and private - when, or if, a time such as that occurs, including closure of the entire school should a situation be so dire.

Cost

As per the Maraquean Bill of Rights & Freedom's Clause XXV which stipulates that "... the right of every Tsvarchivan to seek an education free at the the point-of-use, shall not be infringed," the Tsvarchivan school system is completely funded by the central government and the boroughs, providing universal access to the education system to all, should they so desire. Education has long been considered one of the most important aspects of Tsvarchivan culture and society, and so a very large emphasis on education is placed on individuals, which was the reasoning behind the clause. The central government allocates more than $27 trillion to the advancement of universal access to all Tsvarchivans.

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Healthcare

Public

The Royal Health Service is a state-run universal healthcare service which manages and operates all RHS hospitals and clinics in the nation. The RHS has a strong emphasis on preventative care to reduce the demand for the service and allows the RHS to operate on a lower budget than other nations. The result is a healthy populous with a high life expectancy of 81 years, only spending $803 per capita. The RHS allows up to four checkups per year with all procedures, emergency and non-emergency, covered. Cosmetic and elective surgeries are not covered by the RHS.

Private

Those not participating in the RHS have the option to choose several private health insurers and doctors available. The government will not subsidize the cost of any procedure done at a private hospital or clinic or by a private doctor, and a procedure done at a RHS by an individual not enrolled in the program will have to pay for the services, but may be able to get the cost waived under specific circumstances.

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Welfare programs

Tsvarchi is known as what some call a "welfare state" providing comprehensive and vast welfare programs for the disadvantaged of society. The government distributes approximately 37% of the national budget to the advisory of Welfare & Equality which provides a multitude of services catered to individuals who are unable to afford the basic necessities of life. Approximately 5.7% of the nation is on some sort of welfare program, with some 17.2% of the nation receiving some kind of welfare at least half the year.


Utility Assistance

Available to eligible applicants, the Advisory of Welfare issues utility assistance to individuals and families who, after all other expenses are paid, cannot afford to pay their utility bills at all or in full.

Eligible individuals will receive either partial or full assistance, depending on circumstance, in order to prevent the shutting off of essential utilities needed for one's wellbeing, and in dire circumstances, survival.

Transportation Card

Available to eligible applicants, the Advisory of Welfare issues transportation cards to individuals who “work to pay” for transportation,. Wherein one's income is so low that they spend a burdensome amount of their monthly income on transportation expenses.

Such individuals typically tend to be teenagers and young adults, who do not generally work full time hours, and so make very little money, and use a significant portion of their earnings simply to travel to and from their job. Eligible applicants can receive transportation cards for a specified amount to help supplement the cost of that transportation, so they have more income to spend on necessities and savings.

Food Card

Available to eligible applicants, the Advisory of Welfare issues food cards to individuals that have trouble feeding themselves or their families after all other expenses are paid.

The Advisory of Welfare will examine one's expenses and determine if they are eligible for food cards, at which point they will be issued a card that will be re-filled every month until a time when the individual becomes self-sufficient.

Unemployment Insurance

Individuals who were laid off can receive temporary unemployment insurance which is equal to 65% of the applicants pay prior to being let go. Any individual that was previously employed, but suddenly finds themselves unemployed because of being let go is eligible; those who were fired for clear work violations are not eligible.

Rent/Mortgage Assistance

Individuals that are unable to afford their monthly mortgage or rental payments may be eligible to receive rent/mortgage assistance if their payment is more than 20% of their annual income.

The Advisory of Welfare will pay for any amount over 20% of one's annual income, unless the Advisory of Welfare finds that the housing accommodations the applicant is currently renting or financing is more than they can clearly afford, at which point the Advisory of Welfare will contact the landlord or mortgage company to negotiate a lighter rental or mortgage payment; the failure of which will result in the Advisory of Welfare unable to help.

Disability Insurance

Disability insurance is available to eligible applicants who suffer from a physical or mental handicap either through accident or birth. Individuals that are unable to work because of injury are eligible for payments up to 70% of their income prior to the accident, while those suffering from an incurable physical or mental handicap from birth are assessed based on ability and an amount determined based on ability and cost of living is paid out; enough to pay for the bare necessities, with the goal of motivating those individuals to seek employment in some capacity to better their lives through hard work, given that they are able.

Public Housing

Available to eligible applicants, public housing is available to especially impoverished individuals and families who have been evicted, or forced out of their home because of inability to afford the mortgage payment because of loss of income or unemployment.

Depending on circumstance, individuals and families can stay in public housing for free on a temporary basis, such as the homeless who simply need a leg up, or as a temporary resident with reduced rent, for up to six months, 12 in specific circumstances.

Eligibility Requirements

To become eligible for some welfare programs, people who are impoverished because of lack of education must be enrolled in school, college, or university in order to keep receiving welfare benefits, and must maintain a specific academic record throughout their time while obtaining their education in order to keep their benefits. Upon the completion of the program one is required to immediately search for a job or risk losing their benefits.

Other welfare programs require that unemployed individuals actively search for a job while receiving benefits, and that they must provide proof that they have applied for such jobs, to keep their benefits. People that cannot satisfy this requirement risk losing their benefits unless they are found to have a legitimate reason.

Loss of benefits

In instances where the Advisory of Welfare has found that benefits are being used for frivolous or otherwise materialistic purposes, loss of benefits is immediate. When individuals have lost benefits for such reasons, they cannot reply for the benefits again for at least one year, and must sign a sworn statement that they will not violate the rules set forth again, at the risk of being charged with a criminal offense, fines, and/or community service.

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Politics and government

Under construction.

The Royal Advisory Council

Advisory of External Affairs:

The Advisory of External Affairs is tasked with representing the Tsvarchivan government abroad and being an intermediary between foreign states and the head of state, HRH King Whirnak. The Advisory of External Affairs is also tasked with reviewing applications to establish foreign embassies in Tsvarchi, as well as forging relations with other states, and dealing with affairs of Tsvarchi's immediate attention abroad.

Advisor: Dr. Abani Liuyan

Advisory of Economic Development:

The Advisory of Economic Development is tasked with monitoring the economy and recommending economic policy to HRH King Whirnak and the National Assembly as appropriate. It is also tasked with reviewing reports from outside watchdog groups that are hired to monitor the markets for regulatory violations, as well as tasked with periodically issuing economic reports and statistics on the health and wellbeing of the state of the economy to the public and head of state.

Advisor: Dr. Eszykan Hurikan

Advisory of Transportation:

The Advisory of Transportation is tasked with managing the nation's comprehensive public transportation network including subways, bus terminals, and taxis. It is also tasked with road maintenance, collecting taxes and fees associated with vehicle ownership, upkeep of the national car registry database, as well as issuing notifications to drivers when their driver's certificate will expire, or their registration or taxes and fees are due.

Advisor: Orkajau Kilan

Advisory of Health Care & Species Services:

The Advisory of Health Care & Species Services is tasked with managing the nation's public and private health care systems, as well as the specialized treatment centers for non-human inhabitants. The Advisory of Health Care & Species Services additionally allocates the funds from the unitary government to the boroughs for allocation to the individual hospitals, hospice care facilities, and rehabilitation centers, and reviews reports from independent watchdog groups hired to report on any regulatory violations as well as criminal offenses committed by medical staff at facilities under its jurisdiction nationwide.

Advisor: Dr. Seura Wezikiu

Advisory of Finance:

The Advisory of Finance is tasked with setting the nation's monetary policy under the approval of HRH King Whirnak, and making recommendations to the government on the financial state of the nation, such as monitoring the debt level, setting tax levels, and other revenue generating fees, participation in financial markets, and liabilities, and other regulatory recommendations.

Advisor: Dr. Loumauzania Boshaiyani

Advisory of Internal Affairs:

The Advisory of Internal Affairs is tasked with being an intermediary between the boroughs and overseas territories of Tsvarchi and the unitary government, and acts as a representative for the boroughs and overseas territories in regards to affairs of those individual jurisdictions which may be of a concern to the unitary government. The Advisory of Internal Affairs also issues building permits, civil union certificates, and reviews applications for the establishment of consulates as well as tasked with the management and regulation of inter-borough and inter-territory commerce.

Advisor: Ishkanuan Ecthobuya

Advisory of Regional Affairs:

The Advisory of Regional Affairs is tasked solely with the affairs of the overseas territories and acts as a representative of the overseas territories in affairs of state which may affect or be of concern to them. The Advisory of Regional Affairs also manages relations between the overseas territories and manages inter-territory commerce.

Advisor: Juvannii Schiju

Advisory of Localities:

The Advisory of Localities is a relatively minor advisory which acts as a representative for the various neighborhoods in Tsvarchi, allowing a grassroots look at the issues that everyday people feel should be addressed by the unitary government.

Advisor: Etoriaan Orjunek

Advisory of Culture:

The Advisory of Culture is tasked with providing pamphlets and other important information that may be valuable to tourists and other visitors to the country, managing many offices all across the country in airports, ferry terminals, border crossings, and other means of entrance.

Advisor: Yesha Iae

Advisory of Education:

The Advisory of Education is tasked with managing the nation's public and private education systems, setting national curricula, tuition caps for private institutions, hiring instructors and other faculty, as well as ensuring the system's efficiency and standards.

Advisor: Dr. Curohni Fuiwayanu

Advisory of Commerce:

The Advisory of Commerce is tasked with providing low interest loans to eligible individuals that qualify after the presentation of an approved business plan, as well as the issuing of innovation grants to startups and large scale corporations to use for research and development of new products and technologies.

Advisor: Qua Foreti

Advisory of Urban Planning:

The Advisory of Urban Planning is tasked with managing the nation's urban development including approving the sale of land, construction, and any appropriate permits required to conduct such activities. It is also tasked with the responsibility to make sure that all building codes and requirements are met, as well as the enforcement of strict zoning laws.

Advisor: Nimiyan Xantukhur

Advisory of Justice:

The Advisory of Justice is tasked with managing the nation's police forces, maintenance of the national criminal database, handling of legal issues such as those against the government and boroughs, including representing the government in cases where the government is the defendant in the case. The Advisory of Justice also handles the nation's holding centers when somebody suspected of a crime has been apprehended, as well as the nation's inpatient rehabilitation centers.

Advisor: Atty. Akrunaki Liebrukan

Advisory of Parks & Recreation:

The Advisory of Parks & Recreation is tasked with managing the nation's 1300 national and neighborhood parkland, including the renowned Tsvarchi National Park in Darkaan. The Advisory of Parks & Recreation makes sure that all rules and regulations in regards to use of the grounds is obeyed and that no criminal activity such as harming animals or the environment is taking place. The Advisory of Parks & Recreation also issues permits for fishing, camping, hiking, and other activities in national parks.

Advisor: Pirscyzn Georyin

Advisory of Social Welfare & Equality:

The Advisory of Social Welfare & Equality is tasked with providing the eligible population with comprehensive welfare programs to assist them in various ways including, but not limited to; rental/mortgage assistance, food cards, transportation stipend, public housing, utilities assistance, unemployment insurance, disability payments, among other services offered.

Advisor: Winstuzynzki Xzunis

Advisory of Elections:

The Advisory of Elections is tasked with certifying election, referendum, and citizen's initiative votes, as well as reviewing an applicants eligibility to run for office, managing the polling places for elections, special elections, referendum, and citizen's initiative votes, and is also tasked with ensuring the validity of the vote, and to prevent fraud and violations of the law in regards to the voting public.

Advisor: Makri Chzynsi

Advisory of Utilities Management:

The Advisory of Utilities Management is responsible for managing and operating the nation's utilities infrastructure, a completely nationalized endeavor. It is tasked with upkeep of the system, ensuring it is in tip top shape, as well as keeping it updated and running smoothly, including hiring independent technicians to fix problems for residents should they occur.

Advisor: Pascu Biatro

Advisory of Labor:

The Advisory of Labor is tasked with helping the unemployed find work including, but not limited to; part time, full time, apprenticeship, and temporary work. The Advisory of Labor manages a series of employment centers which offers various resources to help those in need find a job, including services for people with special needs. It also offers classes including how to write resumes, how to prepare for job interviews, and how to set yourself apart from the competition in the competitive work environment.

Advisor: Risch Jiyezin

Advisory of the National Militia:

The Advisory of the National Militia is tasked with managing and organizing the nation's eight civilian militias which, when combined, create the National Militia. The Advisor of the National Militia is the commander-in-chief of the militia forces, and is able to deploy militia soldiers to action when the threat of attack is pending or in progress, without express permission of the head of state.

Advisor: Gen. Arbashiri Yoni

Advisory of the Census:

The Advisory of the Census is tasked with keeping updated statistics on the population of Tsvarchi, to help provide the unitary government in deciding where and how much money is allocated to the various advisories under its wing, as well as providing much needed information in regards to those advisories' affairs. They maintain a population clock and then conduct a once a decade comprehensive census which is sent to all 2.642 billion households in Tsvarchi.

Advisor: Greishan Vitraye

Advisory of Scientific Exploration, Research, and Discovery:

The Advisory of Scientific Exploration, Research, and Discovery is Tsvarchi's premiere research and development arm. The AoSERC includes the National Tsvarchivan Laboratories in Pizarak, as well as the nation's only particle accelerator. Additionally, the Tsvarchivan Space Agency is under the AoSERC jurisdiction. A significant portion of the nation's scientific discoveries have been a result of the funding and research development teams from the AoSERC and it continues to play a pivotal role in the scientific community in Tsvarchi.

Advisor: Dr. Hiercizi Utahiri

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Justice and law

The judiciary

The judicial branch of Tsvarchi consists of a series of courts with the Royal Neighborhood Courts split between the Royal Civil Neighborhood Court and the Royal Criminal Neighborhood Court. All cases, whether they're of a criminal or civil nature begin at these stages.

Above the Neighborhood Courts is the Royal Neighborhood Appeals Court. The court deals solely with decisions which are appealed at the Royal Neighborhood Court level.

The top of the courts consist of the Royal Supreme Court – the highest appeals court for civil and criminal matters, and the Royal Constitutional Court – the highest appeals court for constitutional questions.

All judges in each level of the judiciary are elected to serve an unlimited 12 year term. All judges may also be removed by petition at any time.

The Royal Supreme Court Building

Civil vs. Criminal

Civil means those cases where the defendant is not accused of a crime, but has pending litigation against them in the form of a disagreement over a civil matter such as child support, child custody, breach of contract, unpaid loans, etc.

Criminal means those cases where the defendant is accused in the court of law – by either an individual person or the state – of committing a criminal act such as assault, rape, murder, vandalism, identity theft, burglary, etc.

Retribution vs. rehabilitation

The Tsvarchivan judicial system focuses on rehabilitation of criminals rather than retribution – the death penalty is banned and prisons do not exist. The judicial system seeks to find and eliminate the core reason for someone committing an act against society instead of encourage and make the problem worse by removing them from society and putting them behind bars for an extended period of time.

The type and period of rehabilitation is up to the judge upon conviction. Sentences are separated into Class A and Class B, with Class A meaning the convicted is not required to attend rehabilitation, but will face specific penalties and consequences if they choose not to. Class B means that once sentenced, the convicted will be immediately sent to rehabilitation and will not be able to leave until they are done with the program and signed off by a psychologist.

The minimum rehabilitation program is six weeks, with the longest being indefinite. A person on an indefinite term does not have a concrete date of discharge, but will have periodic times of evaluation by a psychologist to determine if they are able to reenter society. The majority of these individuals, not surprisingly, do not ever become eligible to reenter.

Legal system

The Tsvarchivan judiciary is based on a common law system where a judgment has the potential to create or dictate future law in the way of precedent. At the same time, judgments are often times based on customs and tradition which, while not codified law, is similar in a way to civil law where judgments are handed down based on firmly established codes and rules.

The Tsvarchivan Bill of Rights & Freedoms

Clause I - Freedom of Speech.

Freedom of speech, the right of every person in Tsvarchi to freely speak their mind no matter how vile and malicious, shall not be infringed in any capacity.

Clause II - Freedom of Thought.

Freedom of thought, the right of every person in Tsvarchi to freely believe in whatever they wish, so long as such thoughts do not interrupt one's ability to perform a required task as part of contractual, legal, or employment obligations.

Clause III - Freedom of Expression.

Freedom of expression, the right of every person in Tsvarchi to freely express themselves in any fashion they deem acceptable, so long as such acts of expression do not violate legal or contractual obligations.

Clause IV - Freedom of Religion.

Freedom of religion, the right of every person in Tsvarchi to freely practice the religion, or lack thereof, of their choice, shall not be infringed in any capacity.

Clause V - Freedom from Religion.

Freedom from religion, the right of every person in Tsvarchi to secular law; the right of every person in Tsvarchi to not be subjected to unwanted religious solicitation, or be denied a legal obligation because of religious objection.

Clause VI - Freedom of the Press.

Freedom of the press, the right of news organizations to operate uncensored, without state intervention, shall not be infringed.

Clause VII - Freedom of Media.

Freedom of media, the of media services to operate uncensored, without state intervention, shall not be infringed.

Clause VIII - Freedom of Choice.

Freedom of choice, the right of every female to choose to terminate her pregnancy at any point prior to birth, without the consent of anyone but herself.

Clause IX - Freedom of Movement.

Freedom of movement, the right of every person in Tsvarchi to freely leave and enter the country, and to traverse her immense landscape, barring personal/private property without consent or outside of normal operating hours, shall not be infringed.

Clause X - Freedom from Unwarranted Search and Seizure.

Freedom from unwarranted search and seizure, the right of every person in Tsvarchi to not have to submit to law enforcement's request to perform a search of personal property and to seize such property without a search and seizure warrant signed by a royal justice, and to be notified of the things to be searched and items to be seized.

Clause XI - Freedom of Privacy.

Freedom of privacy, the right of every person in Tsvarchi to not be subject to intrusions of privacy including; doctor-patient confidentiality, nondisclosure of personal information to an employer, wiretapping, the use of covert/spy equipment to compromise the privacy of an individual in a private residence or other establishment.

Clause XII - Freedom to Petition.

Freedom to petition, the right of every Tsvarchivan to petition their government upon the completion of receiving signatures equal to 15% of the electorate in the last election year.

Clause XIII - Freedom of Citizen's Initiative.

Freedom of citizen's initiative, the right of every Tsvarchivan to repeal or change current law upon the completion of receiving signatures equal to 25% of the electorate in the last election year.

Clause XIV - Freedom to Protest.

Freedom to protest, the right of every person in Tsvarchi the right to protest with advanced notice to the proper authorities, shall not be infringed.

Clause XV - Freedom to Strike.

Freedom to strike, the right of every worker in Tsvarchi to strike upon the majority of union members voting in the affirmative, with a waiting period of one week after such a date.

Clause XVI - Freedom from Discrimination.

Freedom from discrimination, the right of every person in Tsvarchi to not be denied a legal or contractual obligation, or denied employment on the basis of sex, gender, species, religious affiliation, political affiliation, sexual orientation, ethnicity, mental or physical handicap, nationality, language, weight, age, financial status, or social status without justified reasoning.

Clause XVII - Freedom of Accessibility.

Freedom of accessibility, the right of every person in Tsvarchi to have equal and universal access to the nation's public and privately offered services in regards to accessible ingress and egress of commercial, residential, and industrial property as well as means to board public transportation such as subway cars, taxis, and buses.

Clause XVIII - Freedom from State Sponsored Kidnapping & Indentured Servitude.

Freedom from state sponsored kidnapping and indentured servitude, the right of every citizen and permanent resident of Tsvarchi to not be called for conscription or draft against their will.

Clause XIX - Freedom of Emancipation from Slavery.

The freedom of emancipation from slavery, the right of every slave to be freed upon entering Tsvarchivan soil, shall not be infringed.

Clause XX - Freedom of Birth Right.

Freedom of birth right, the right of every person born in Tsvarchivan soil to automatically be granted the rights of privileges thereof.

Clause XXI - Freedom of Open Borders.

Freedom of open borders, the right of every person in the multiverse unrestricted ingress and egress of Tsvarchi and its constituent territories, barring any person convicted of a serious criminal offense recognized as such within Tsvarchi, and importation of illegal goods.

Clause XXII - Freedom of Partnership.

Freedom of partnership, the right of every person in Tsvarchi to register as domestic partners with as many people as one wishes, regardless of sex, gender, species, with consent of all parties involved, shall not be infringed.

Clause XXIII - Freedom of the Right to Adequate Living Accommodations & Conditions.

Freedom of the right to adequate living accommodations and conditions, the right of every Tsvarchivan to living quarters mandated by law to be of an adequate standard specified by the housing laws thereof, and to establish a program to help those unable to provide themselves or their family an affordable living space, hereby specified by the appropriate housing laws thereof.

Clause XXIV - Freedom of the Right to Universal Health care.

Freedom of the right to universal health care, the right of every Tsvarchivan to seek medical care free at the point-of-use, shall not be infringed.

Clause XXV - Freedom of the Right to Universal Education.

Freedom of the right to universal education, the right of every Tsvarchivan to seek an education free at the the point-of-use, shall not be infringed.

Clause XXVI - Freedom from State Sponsored Murder.

Freedom from state sponsored murder, the right of every Tsvarchivan to not be subject to capital punishment.

Clause XXVII - Freedom of the Right to Die.

Freedom of the right to die, the right of every Tsvarchivan suffering from insurmountable pain, terminal illness, of sound mind, to euthanize themselves or authorize a licensed medical professional to conduct such a procedure in the presence of witnesses including, but not limited to; family, friends, religious figures, or medical staff.

Clause XXVIII - Freedom of the Right to Elect & Recall the Head of State.

Freedom of the right to elect and recall the head of state, the right of every Tsvarchivan and permanent resident to directly elect, and recall at their whim, the head of state of the Unified City-States of Tsvarchi and its constituent territories, following proper procedural requirements to do so.

Clause XXIX - Freedom of the Right to Conduct One's Self in Any Manner They See Fit.

Freedom of the right to conduct one's self in any manner they see fit, the right of every person in Tsvarchi to conduct themselves in a manner they feel appropriate, barring actions that cause harm to people and personal property, shall not be infringed.

Clause XXX - Freedom of the Right to Petition the Government to Secede.

Freedom of the right to petition the government to secede, the right of the citizenry of any of the eight boroughs of Tsvarchi to gather signatures to place a borough wide referendum on the ballot in the next general election to secede from the Unified City-States of Tsvarchi, with votes in the affirmative no less than 66%, with no less than 75% turnout, upon approval of the National Assembly, Royal Leadership Council, and Sovereign Queen or King Regent of the borough in question.

Clause XXXI - Freedom from Excessive Taxation.

Freedom from excessive taxation, the right of every Tsvarchivan and permanent resident to not be taxed any more than 32% of their annual income from L700,000 and up, and to not have collective taxes of any more than 64%.

Clause XXXII - Freedom to Trial by Jury.

Freedom to trial by jury, the right of every person in Tsvarchi accused of a criminal offense to a trial by a jury of their peers, should they request it.

Clause XXXIII - Freedom to a Fair and Speedy Trial.

Freedom to a fair and speedy trial, the right of every person in Tsvarchi accused of a criminal offense to a fair and speedy trial.

Clause XXXIV - Freedom of the Right to be Presumed Innocent until Proven Guilty.

Freedom of the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, the right of every person in Tsvarchi to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Clause XXXV - Freedom of the Right to a Public Defender.

Freedom of the right to a public defender, the right of every person in Tsvarchi the right to a public defender, should they not be able to afford representation of their own.

Clause XXXVI - Freedom of the Right to Access to Welfare.

Freedom of the right to access to welfare, the right of every Tsvarchivan to seek access to public assistance, should they be unable or have difficulty providing for themselves or family members a basic necessity of life including but not limited to; housing accommodations, utilities, food, or attire.

Clause XXXVII - Freedom of the Right to Reasonable Self Defense.

Freedom of the right to reasonable self defense, the right of every person in Tsvarchi the right to reasonable self defense, hereby established as defense equal to the force used by the assailant, in order to assert dominance over the threat until authorities or auxiliary authorities ("vigilantes") arrive to the scene.

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Economy

Services sector

Tsvarchi's economy is predominantly services driven with services contributing 86% of GDP in 2009. The sector is dominated by areas such as financial planning, education, healthcare, transportation. Tourism, hospitality, retail sales and restaurant establishments also contribute to this sector.

Manufacturing sector

Tsvarchi's manufacturing sector is admittedly small making up just 11% of GDP in 2009. Automobile manufacturing is Tsvarchi's main source of manufacturing with electronics and appliances not far behind. Apparel and jewelry are also heavily manufactured goods.

Agricultural sector

Tsvarchi's agricultural sector is making a slow return after introduction of Sky Farms which have revitalized the farming industry after it was all but wiped out during the Expansion Era. Contributing only 3% to GDP, it grew 200% from 2009. Mining and fishing are also present.

Consumer protection laws

Tsvarchi has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the region. Contracts, for example, must be at a basic readability level for consumers to understand, withholding uncommon words and phrases and being of a reasonable length. Food labels must clearly list the ingredients and possible ingredients contained within the packaging and any hazardous materials must list the hazard and reasons for its status. Disclaimers must be placed on potentially hazardous or fatal toys, tools, and other material.

Consumer protection organizations monitor corporations and give annual reports to the government and any concerns they have with specific examples of b reaches of the law, and the government looks into the matter. Otherwise, the government doesn't actively check on individual businesses to make sure they're in check.

Environmental protection laws

Despite the massive industrialization and urban city structure of Tsvarchi the environment is still a top priority for the government. Environmental protection laws set "acceptable" levels of pollutants that big business can set into the air and puts in place various types of waste disposal methods that are less harmful to the environment. There are also set standards for how natural resources can be collected, as well as where and when.

Corporations that meet or exceed specific environmental impact goals set by the Advisory of the Environment receive tax breaks and other incentives to do so, and as a result receive much needed reputation boosts from the public to support them.

Labor laws

Labor laws are in place to prevent exploitation of employees and to keep a standard of wellbeing for those employees. Labor laws range from the minimum amount an employee can be paid per hour, how long one can legally work before overtime pay is due, maternity and paternity leave, paid vacation, sick days, among other things.

Minimum wage is currently 12 luraks per hour for full time workers, and 13 luraks per hour for part-time workers. Full time is stipulated as between 26-45 hours, while part time is stipulated as anything up to but not over 25 hours.

Overtime is defined as hours that surpass the standard 9 hour work day, or 45 hour work week. Employees that work overtime are paid 1.5x their hourly salary for the duration of overtime worked.

Eight weeks of maternity/paternity leave is granted to new parents upon the birth or adoption of their child. This law covers both mothers who gave birth and gay males that have adopted a newborn baby and need time off to take care of the child in its first months of birth. After eight weeks the employer has the legal right to terminate employment if the employee does not return to work under most circumstances.

Employees in Tsvarchi are allowed up to two weeks paid vacation days a year with advanced notice. An employee is eligible to take advantage of these vacation days within six months of employment, and is allowed to take them off in any capacity they wish - all at onc, one at a time, etc.

An employee is allowed up to three sick days a month under normal circumstances. An employee that calls out sick nine times in three months can be placed on a warning, and if three warnings have been issued the fourth infraction can result in termination. A history of infractions and the reason for termination must be given to the employee prior to termination, and the employer is obligated to offer assistance in fixing previous faults.

Royal Corporations

Royal corporations are corporations that are privately owned and operated and passed down from generation to generation by the royal families of Tsvarchi. The Anza Conglomerate is possibly the most notable, being not only the largest corporation in Tsvarchi but owned by the Darkaan royal family. Royal corporations enjoy large customer bases with the fortune 50 dominated by royal corporations which enjoy high levels of popularity despite the general negative view of big business.

Nationalization

The entirety of Tsvarchi's utilities infrastructure is entirely nationalized with the management of the country's utilities infrastructure - electricity, water, heating - the responsibility of the Advisory of Utility Management. The Advisory contracts rights for electricity production and infrastructure to private companies to manage local communities' power, water and heating needs. Upkeep of infrastructure is paid for via taxes and payments made to the Advisory through use of the service.

[Maraque]

Transportation

Public transportation

The Unified City-States of Tsvarchi utilizes a vast public transportation network with an emphasis on a comprehensive subway system that connects every neighborhood and borough together seamlessly, flanked by a substantial bus and taxi network.

The subway system has more than 117,000 stations with average daily ridership of ~68,000. To compensate for the large amount of riders the Unified City-States uses triple decker trains with 8 cars each capable of holding 4344 people total. A train arrives at each station approximately every 15 minutes. Ticket prices are a flat $1.25 or a $70 unlimited use monthly card.

Taxi services are plentiful with about 16.8 million taxis in service 24 hours a day. Tsvarchi utilizes a fleet of hydrogen powered Mercedes-Benz E350 sedans and ML350 SUV's for services to and from any location in Tsvarchi. The initial charge is $3 + $0.25 per minute. A typical 5 mile taxi ride costs roughly $6.75.

Bus services are also utilizes extensively with average daily ridership of 1.7 billion, utilizing a 17 million hydrogen bus fleet, each with a total capacity of 110 people that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Via connections a rider can get to any location in Tsvarchi, with shuttle services used for local commutes. A bus ticket costs $0.75.

Private transportation

Only 4% of the population owns a private automobile. The pedestrian-oriented city layout leaves little to be desired in the way of private transportation when almost everything is in walking distance with an excellent public transportation system in place. As a result the bulk of private automobile ownership is composed of the wealthy, and as a result Tsvarchivan roads are dominated by high end makes.

[Maraque]

Communication

Under construction.

[Maraque]

International Relations

The recently renovated flats in the Embassy Row district of Tsvarchi are now open to foreign nations.

The current list (updated 9/3/10:

NOT UPDATED REGULARLY.

97202 West 32400th street - The Galactic Totalitarian Empire of Orwyn
97203 West 32400th street - The Republic of Youvtha
97204 West 32400th street - The Democratic Republic of Goias
97205 West 32400th street - The Lake Michigan Federation of The Chicagolands
97206 West 32400th street - Nationalist Confederation of New Lusitaniagrad
97207 West 32400th street - Republic of Krsta
97208 West 32400th street - The Great Earldom of Farwynd
97209 West 32400th street - The Crown Duchy of Hemenster
97210 West 32400th street - The Empire of Wolfenium
97211 West 32401st street - The Protectorate of Thurask
97212 West 32401st street - The Allied Nations of the Chrisman Union
97213 West 32401st street - The Federal Republic of Zeppy
97214 West 32401st street - The Queendom of Haiz
97215 West 32401st street - The Empire of Egalitarian Akros
97216 West 32401st street - The Kingdom of New Imperial England
97217 West 32401st street - The Republic of Harbey
97218 West 32401st street - The Democratic Republic of Lancov
97219 West 32401st street - The Republic of Swartaz
97220 West 32401st street - The Holy Empire of South East Europe
97221 West 32402nd street - The Republic of Seperate Vermont
97222 West 32402nd street - The United Socialist Republic of Jbeil
97223 West 32402nd street - The Batory Empire
97224 West 32402nd street - The Secular Directories of Seculartopia
97225 West 32402nd street - The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde
97226 West 32402nd street - The Galactic Matriarchy of Lemonius and Her Colonies
97227 West 32402nd street - The Kingdom of Greater Rhodes
97228 West 32402nd street - The Republic of Ayla Taksidi
97229 West 32402nd street - The Most Serene Republic of South Kirkcaldy
97230 West 32402nd street - The City-Nation of Vtia
97231 West 32403rd street - The Liberty Solar System of Sungai Pusat
97232 West 32403rd street - The Co-Regency of Vystericia-Nasucrea
97233 West 32403rd street - The Free Land of the Deukalionnic and Pyrrhaic Republics of Pthtois
97234 West 32403rd street - The Republic of Dasgiguzistan
97235 West 32403rd street - The Kingdom of Spartinth
97236 West 32403rd street - The Republic of Mac OS X Server
97237 West 32403rd street - The Peaceful People's Jamahiriya of South Asia Minor
97238 West 32403rd street - The Kingdom of the Harrowlands
97239 West 32403rd street - The Kingdom of Mid Lothian
97240 West 32403rd street - The People's Republic of Hjrionca

[Maraque]

Overseas Territories

Overseas Territories are considered a part of the Unified City-States, and as such have full voting rights and representation in the Royal Legislature.

Lasgoud
Population: 119,720,160


Hythoria
Population: 76,083,840


Schlansiya
Population: 49,230,720


Answari
Population: 63,776,160


Mazakaan
Population: 26,853,120


Greisha
Population: 19,020,960


Jarahu
Population: 11,188,800


Uzkaeen
Population: 3,580,416


Hal Newton
Population: 1,454,544

[Maraque]

The boroughs

Mainland boroughs:

Darkaan

The second most populous city-state in Tsvarchi, this region is notable for its archaelogical finds such as "The Ancient City of Darkaan" and for its economic prosperity, traceable all the way back to its profitable trade with Atrulia.

Population: 2,010,499,945

Atrulia

The third most populous city-state in Tsvarchi is notable for its very high costs of living - $5200 average monthly rent.

Population: 1,549,680,592

Cuerak

The most populous city-state in Tsvarchi (due to its cheap standards of living) has suffered a recent rise in those below the poverty line (now 15%) due to a massive influx of unskilled and uneducated laborers. It is renowned for the ravaging civil wars that consumed it long ago.

Population: 2,979,369,442

Rikiyan

A land-locked city-state, Rikiyan must manufacture most goods within its boundaries. Rikiyan is home to the oldest citizen in Maraque, Synthei Ozyzjan (112).

Population: 1,026,312,352

Estakuri

Estakuri is notable for its thriving commercial economy.

Population: 1,503,726,308

Stahnasuk

Stahnasuk is a newly acquired borough named after the Speaker of Atrulia, one of the founding fathers.

Population: 40,025,988

Tizutri

Tizutri is a newly acquired borough named after the King of Darkaan, one of the founding fathers.

Population: 112,587,732

Zerake

Zerake is a sacred fortified city-state in the borough of Atrulia. The birthplace of Zerake Xanthaiyan, the soils of these lands are governed by the Fuschakei and is home to the Xanthaiyan School of Philosophy, where Xanthaiyanist monks in training go to become Fathers and Mothers of Xanthaiyanism.

Population: 35

---

Overseas boroughs:

Hakinovaki

The borough of Hakinovaki was recently the subject of an invasion by the Anti-Capitalist nation of Lyscania.

Population: 2,013,984

Trevochi

Population: 186,852,960

Dijivana

Population: 148,811,040

Ambai

Population: 95,104,800

Vakiria

Population: 61,538,400

Ankharthan

Population: 39,160,800

Weijishajan

Population: 31,328,640

Ajorikanuxian

Population: 24,615,360

Vorencia

Population: 20,139,840

Zeirchun

Population: 15,664,320

Ceruni

Population: 48,111,840

Krakaz

Population: 35,804,160

Etoria

Population: 14,545,440

Fsaen

Population: 8,503,488

Qurantia

Population: 6,377,616

Siporati

Population: 4,811,184

Pizarak

Population: 2,685,312

[Maraque]

The royal families

The Darkaan family

The Darkaan royal family has the deepest roots of all the royal families of Tsvarchi. They've held the monarchy for the last 3,217 years - the longest of any royal family in the history of Tsvarchi. They are universally admired and known all across Tsvarchi and are thought to be "the family" of the people.

Notable members:

His Royal Highness King Whirnak Beschia Darkaan of Tsvarchi

His Royal Highness King-Abdicate of Tsvarchi Furoq Ux Kien-Darkaan of Darkaan and Her Royal Highness Queen Cetiz Limi Mouzia-Darkaan of Darkaan and Tsvarchi

The Estakuri family

The Estakuri royal family ruled Tsvarchi between 517-933 AF. They enjoy a high degree of popularity and acclaim and are highly respected in their native Estakuri. Their various endeavors in the borough have been lucrative - they are now the second wealthiest royal family in Tsvarchi.

Notable members:

His Royal Highness King Ejvianz Jiekian Estakuri of Estakuri

Her Royal Highness Queen Kilena Cirakan Khiye-Estakuri of Estakuri

Her Highness First Princess Jivani Sjaiz Estakuri of Estakuri

The Rikiyan family

The Rikiyan royal family has only contributed one monarch to the long line of ruling monarchs, ruling for a short 51 years between 933-984 AF. The Rikiyan royal family has contributed a lot to the advancement of educational opportunities in Tsvarchi however - the country's most prestigious university, Rikiyan University, was founded by the family in 550 AF.

The Cuerak family

The Cuerak royal family ruled Tsvarchi from 347-517 AF. The Cuerak royal family is probably the least admired of all Tsvarchivan monarchs save for the borough of Cuerak where their popularity remains highest of any borough.

Notable members:

His Royal Highness King Xenya Dijivan Cuerak of Cuerak

Her Royal Highness Queen Liruhneyain Krizuja Aerkeian-Cuerak of Cuerak

The Atrulia family

The Atrulia royal family held the monarchy for 347 years between 0-347 AF. Much like the Darkaan royal family they are among the most admired and respected among all Maraquean monarchs. A member of the Atrulia royal family hasn't held monarchical office for 3,854 years.

Notable members:

His Royal Highness King Fenreki Lyx Atrulia (R) of Atrulia and His Royal Highness King Heiki Elaneue Pirajan-Atrulia (L) of Atrulia

The Taerak Family

The Taerak royal family is one of the least known royal families in Tsvarchi. They have never held the monarchy, but they did spearhead the movement for the borough of Taerak (now National Administrative District) to become the new capital.

[Maraque]

Zerake Xanthaiyan (b. 1639 A.F. - d. 1743 A.F.)

Zerake Xanthaiyan was Tsvarchi's most prominent and influential philosophers and spiritual leaders of the time. His guidance and wisdom has influenced literally every aspect of Tsvarchivan culture from the government structure, economy, judiciary, laws, regulations, customs and traditions. His teachings have been chronicled in several books including the Book of Xanthaiyan with summaries of his various opinions and thoughts on society and other subjects, and the 12 Truths, a set of 12 core beliefs that he thought were paramount to live by.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

[Derscon]

OOC:

"Corporations must follow strict regulations and policy put in place by the government, but are able to operate without intervention by the government." A, but not A? "Strict regulations and policy" is intervention.

Also, are you FT or MT?

[Maraque]

OOC:

"Corporations must follow strict regulations and policy put in place by the government, but are able to operate without intervention by the government." A, but not A? "Strict regulations and policy" is intervention.

Also, are you FT or MT? If the former, we should RP

'tis Gloeihdamae by the way.

OOC: Herro thar Gloe!

I will correct that. I guess I had a brain fart or zoned out, 'cause that clearly is a contradiction!

And PMT.

[Maraque]

Updated to include a Question and Answer section.

[Euroslavia]

Another amazing example of putting together a factbook and Q&A section. I'm going to toss a link to this in here: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=14750 as an example on how to combine the factbook and question and answer portions.

[Maraque]

Updated Education section to include regional and worldwide statistics.

[Maraque]

Updated Economy section to include publishing industry statistics.

[Maraque]

Updated to include a News Wire section, which will be where all national and international news stories relating to the Kingdom will be posted.

[McPsychoville]

[[During the month of June, nobody works? Good God, I don't even want to think about what that might do to a nation. Am I missing something?]]

[Maraque]

During the Month of Solitude people that work for the government or in the manufacturing industries work under 1/2 of the hours they usually do for the entire month. People in law enforcement and medicine (like ER doctors, nurses, etc) do not have reduced hours during this time, however everyone else out of those lines of work do indeed have off for the entirety of the month of June.

[Zinaire]

During the Month of Solitude people that work for the government or in the manufacturing industries work under 1/2 of the hours they usually do for the entire month. People in law enforcement and medicine (like ER doctors, nurses, etc) do not have reduced hours during this time, however everyone else out of those lines of work do indeed have off for the entirety of the month of June.

So, if you run out of milk during June, you have to find a cow and milk it yourself?

[Maraque]

During the Month of Solitude people that work for the government or in the manufacturing industries work under 1/2 of the hours they usually do for the entire month. People in law enforcement and medicine (like ER doctors, nurses, etc) do not have reduced hours during this time, however everyone else out of those lines of work do indeed have off for the entirety of the month of June.

So, if you run out of milk during June, you have to find a cow and milk it yourself?

Small stores still remain open at the discretion of the store owner. It's only large corporations that remain closed. So there are always some places that will remain open for the people that do require things during the month.

[Maraque]

Updated Population section to announce the birth of the 10 billionth citizen.