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

[Seperate Vermont]

Oh, apologies, our ambassadorial statisticians have obviously been asleep.

Is there a "emergency" fall-on system in case of economic collapse/recession/downturn or if "shit happens"?

[Maraque]

The charitable nature of our people allows for private charities to pick up the slack where our programs do not suffice. In times of recession, yes, charities too suffer, but not so much in a way that the responsibilities can't be split 50/50 during one. Our government actively works with charities to provide services and programs to the people. It's a very good system. Even in good times like these, charities play a pivotal role.

If shit happens, we're all DOOMED! Doomed! Mass destruction! i.e. screwed. Not much you can do there but pick up the pieces and work to restore it back to it's original glory.

[Maraque]

Also, factbook re-vamp #4 is pending. I'm just too lazy to do it, but it is incoming!

[Seperate Vermont]

When was Maraque's last period of recession, and what were some of it's effects?

[Sungai Pusat]

When was the last environmental disaster in your nation?

[Maraque]

When was Maraque's last period of recession, and what were some of it's effects?

The Global Financial Crisis™ of 2007-2009 had a profound effect on our tourism industry. Tourism was down an incredible 45% during that period, causing layoffs all across the hotel industry and at the same time causing a negative effect on government spending because taxes from tourism contribute about 18% of the national budget, which in turn caused us to cut back on some non-essential but still very important services.

Luckily our people are independent and not afraid of hardship, so it was all taken in stride and many families made the necessary cutbacks in order to weather the storm. With the spike in welfare benefits caused by the layoffs we were in a bit of a pickle, but we collaborated with private charities to make sure everyone was taken care of properly. Tsvarchivans are already a frugal people - when one is used to the simple life, it doesn't effect them as much.

[Sungai Pusat]

With the spike in welfare benefits caused by the layoffs we were in a bit of a pickle

That's odd. How'd you get the money for the welfare spikes?

[Lebriel]

Do you maintain any charitable aid organizations? Red Cross, things like that?

[Maraque]

When was the last environmental disaster in your nation?

14,000 tons of toxic waste was dumped into the Taerak Peninsula in 1981.

[Sungai Pusat]

When was the last environmental disaster in your nation?

14,000 tons of toxic waste was dumped into the Taerak Peninsula in 1981.

Who was the culprit? How did the owner of that part of the peninsula respond?

[Maraque]

With the spike in welfare benefits caused by the layoffs we were in a bit of a pickle

That's odd. How'd you get the money for the welfare spikes?

Welfare is the national government's single largest expenditure, something everyone contributes to whether they use it or not; that said, we were able to take the extra load in cooperation with charitable organizations, and much of their assistance came in the way of a food stipend and transportation costs, while they were responsible for their rental payments.

[Sungai Pusat]

That's odd. How'd you get the money for the welfare spikes?

Welfare is the national government's single largest expenditure, something everyone contributes to whether they use it or not; that said, we were able to take the extra load in cooperation with charitable organizations, and much of their assistance came in the way of a food stipend and transportation costs, while they were responsible for their rental payments.

OK, then.

[Maraque]

Do you maintain any charitable aid organizations? Red Cross, things like that?

There are literally thousands of charitable aid organizations. Charity is a cornerstone of Tsvarchivan society and giving to organizations that help others is considered an obligation to many here. The Ajari royal family maintains the largest charitable organization the Ajari Fund, which works in unison with the government and other organizations to provide the needy with the things necessary in life.

[Maraque]

14,000 tons of toxic waste was dumped into the Taerak Peninsula in 1981.

Who was the culprit? How did the owner of that part of the peninsula respond?

The company's name was Yaashaoin Industrial Works. The Taerak Peninsula isn't owned - it is a public waterway. After cleanup they never recovered their reputation and soon after went out of business. The reason for this is because they did it on purpose, which was uncovered after an investigation by the Advisory of Justice.

[Sungai Pusat]

Who was the culprit? How did the owner of that part of the peninsula respond?

The company's name was Yaashaoin Industrial Works. The Taerak Peninsula isn't owned - it is a public waterway. After cleanup they never recovered their reputation and soon after went out of business. The reason for this is because they did it on purpose, which was uncovered after an investigation by the Advisory of Justice.

I just wonder if there were a company stupid enough to ruin their own company.....

[Maraque]

Obviously there was...

[Sungai Pusat]

Obviously there was...

... in your country, anyways.

[Maraque]

Corporations doing things they don't think they'll get caught for is present everywhere...

HOWEVER, that is the end of that. This is an IC factbook.

[Frenequesta]

Pardon me for asking, but is there still space on Embassy Row? Where do I go to apply?

[Maraque]

here

[Teaport]

and the mostly pescetarian diet

Why is fishing illegal if fish is in demand in Maraque?

[Maraque]

and the mostly pescetarian diet

Why is fishing illegal if fish is in demand in Maraque?

Murder is illegal.

[Teaport]

Why is fishing illegal if fish is in demand in Maraque?

Murder is illegal.

So only fishing that results in the death of the fish is illegal, or the entirety of fishing is illegal due to the potential of harming the fish?

[Maraque]

Murder is illegal.

So only fishing that results in the death of the fish is illegal, or the entirety of fishing is illegal due to the potential of harming the fish?

Illegal across the board.

But that doesn't stop people from going out into international waters and fishing, which is perfectly legal of course.

[Teaport]

Hmm. So does Maraque have a trade surplus or trade deficit?