Geography
The Republic of New Maine and York is a small country consisting of three regions: Maine, York and Vermont. The climate is often cold and dry, with average summer temperatures being around the 70s and average winter temperatures down in the 30s and 40s. It is a great mountainous country, with rain common in the summer and snow in the winter. The worst environmental disasters that occur include avalanches and severe flooding, but such events are rare.
Economy
The economy is based largely on agriculture and small business. We do not take kindly to big businesses. York is the most industrialized section of the country, with manufacturing dominating that region. The GDP of the country is $6 billion. Current unemployment is at 14% given a recession that began in March of 2009. We have a progressive tax structure in New Maine and York, with the top bracket currently standing at 37%, applicable to all individuals and families who make more than $1.5 million; next is 30%, applied to those who make $1-$1.5 million; then 23%, from $750k-$1 million; then 16%, from $300k-$750k; 10% from $100k-$300k; all individuals and families making less than $100,000 are exempt from the income tax. There is a national sales tax of 7%. The corporate tax currently stands at 40%. The current national debt stands at about $1 million. Funding for our single-payer health insurance system takes up roughly 45% of the national budget.
History
The Republic of New Maine and York was founded in 2007, as a result of turmoil between the now-defunct Kingdom of York and the Commonwealth of Maine. Independence was officially declared August 3, 2007; the War for Independence was fought between July 20th and October 19th of that year. New Maine and York was founded as a republic, promoting progressive values and independence among the people. We have not been involved in any wars since the War for Independence, although the military was used to crush a far-right uprising that occurred on August 17th, 2009. I am the second President of New Maine and York, having served since January 20 of this year. Before I served as Vice President under General James Warren, who became president on January 20, 2008. He refused to serve a second term, therefore I was elected unanimously as his replacement November 7, 2008.
Military
The military of New Maine and York is small, but that is a matter of policy and not lack of money. New Maine and York has a strict non-interventionist stance regarding foreign relations. The military consists of the Army and the Navy, with a non-active Air Force. Funding for the military takes up only 15% of the federal budget. One must be 19 years of age to serve in the military; 18 year old's can sign up for the Reserves. There are currently 1.5 million members of the military, with 900,000 serving in the Navy.
Government Structure and Political Structure
The government of New Maine and York is republican in nature. There is the Executive Branch, headed by the President, Vice President, and the Cabinet; the Judicial Branch, consisting of the Supreme Court; and the Legislative Branch, consisting of the Congress. Within the Executive Branch, there is the President; the Vice President; Secretary of State; Secretary of Defense; Secretary of the Treasury; Secretary of Commerce; Secretary of Education; Secretary of Health and Human Services; Secretary of Agriculture; and Secretary of Transportation. Within the Legislative Branch, there is the Senate, which consists of 50 members, and the Assembly, which currently consists of 175 members. Size of the Assembly depends on population. The Judicial Branch consists of the Supreme Court, which currently has 11 members, including the Chief Justice. The Supreme Court's duty is to interpret the Constitution of New Maine and York. Legal voting age is 18. One must be 25 to join the Assembly, 30 to join the Senate, and 35 to be President and Vice President. One must also be a natural citizen of the Republic. Two parties dominate the political landscape: the Progressive Party, which has dominated the country since its foundation, and the Conservative Party. I am a member of the Progressive Party; my predecessor was not a member of any party but was a sympathizer with our policies. The Progressives hold a majority in the Congress: 30-18-2 (those two are independents; one caucuses with the Progressives, the other with the Conservatives) and 122-53. Sixty percent of the population are Progressive; thirty-five are Conservative; the rest are Libertarian or a member of another minor party. New Main and York has applied for membership into the World Assembly. The Assembly voted 124-51 for membership; the Senate, 47-3.
People and Population
New Maine and York has a population of 12 million. Most of the residents are young, with 70% being under the age of 45. Average age is 35. Life expectancy at birth is 80 for males, 83 for women. All residents of the region at the time of independence were automatically granted citizenship, save for those who were fighting against us. Citizens are referred to as Yorkers. The official language is English, with French being the second most common language in the country.
