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Noemian Factbook and Q&A

PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:19 pm
by Noemia
Quick Facts:
Approx 50 latitude, 30 longitude

Name
Noemia
Official Language[s]
official: Franglais
unofficial: French, English
Government Leader[s]
La Roine: Alyse Briare
La Conseillure: Morgan Forte
The Governors:
Myra Bedeau
Luna de Lorme
Geneve Gifford
Dante Neville
Demetri Rowley
Mercutio Wickham
Normandie Ada
Alyse Briare

Government Type[s]
Benevolent, constitutional dictatorship
National Animal: squirrel
National Fruit: apple
National Tree: apple
National Flower: apple blossom
Monetary Unit: 1 loure= 50 lais= 25 ors= 2 argents
Religion: none

Map:
Political:
Image
Topographical:
Image

1. History

PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:22 pm
by Noemia
1.1 Ancient Noemia
Not much is known about ancient Noemian historical events, being that the native Noemians did not have a written language of their own, and no documentation of Noemian history was created until the settlement of Remi Forte. We know from a study of ancient Noemian paintings that Noemia has always been an egalitarian society, and is possibly one of the first societies ever to implement such a system. Ancient Noemian paintings suggest that they were mostly a peaceful people. They had had only one civil war since what scientists estimate to be the first sign of their development as a people and until the settlement of Remi Forte. Based on the paintings, it seems that the war was fought over the exploration of foreign lands. The Noemians had discovered all of their continent and had found the bordering waters. Some Noemians thought that they should go out and explore what might be outside their continent. Others thought that they were happy where they were and were afraid of a possible hostile environment outside of Noemia’s borders. The outcome of the war was in favor of those who wanted to stay and thus the native Noemians have remained on their continent since their beginnings. Noemian historians are in disagreement as to why those in favor of leaving did not leave even though there was no support from the rest of the Noemians. The consensus as of now seems to be that there were limited resources and they would have needed support to get more, however evidence is conflicting in this area.
1.2 Remi Forte
In the year 1612, a group of approximately 500 (according to Noemian historians) French pirates, led by their captain Remi Forte, discovered Noemia on their way to the Americas. Upon trying to talk to the natives they discovered that the Noemians had a strange language which the pirates had never heard before. They learned that the natives had named their land Noemia, meaning beautiful. It was discovered by the pirates that the Noemians were still organized in tribes, however they were no longer nomadic. There grew some dispute for control of the land upon its discovery. The founding pirates of course wanted all the control, considering themselves as founders and the French government of course believed the new land was a discovery for France. The natives, being that they were so afraid of confrontation, were willing to be governed by these foreigners in exchange for the preservation of their lifestyle. The pirates lived in peace with the pacifist natives in Noemia for a while, but in 1620 France attempted to exercise control of the land by order of King Louis XIII.
1.3 The War of Noemia
Captain Forte refused to accept that the French were seizing control. Remi struck a false deal with the natives, that they would retain all control of their land if they helped him fight the French, and thus the War of Noemia began in the year of 1621. It was a vicious war, and being that the French soldiers were much more advanced than the natives there were many native casualties. The poor Noemians were almost completely wiped out, as the French laid fires throughout the land. The pirates, most of them having been French soldiers themselves at some point in their lives and then hardened by a life of piracy on top of that, were much better fighters than the French soldiers. Many of them survived, however even they could not escape the rages of the fires, which was the cause of the majority of the pirate casualties. Fortunately for the pirates, the French soldiers often did not leave the sites of their destruction in time, and the fires also led to many French casualties. France, knowing that they were up against about 500 pirates and some natives did not send many troops. This was due to believing that they would be vastly superior in fighting on top of having the quantitative advantage. Because of the fires, much of Noemia’s beauty and useful farmland had been destroyed and the French government no longer felt that it was worth fighting for. They pulled out of Noemia in 1626 and made sure to erase all documentation of the war and Noemia’s existence, in an attempt to wipe the new country off the map, so that they may prevent foreign trade and squelch the fledgling country. They were successful in making sure that Noemia was never heard of by other nations, and the country did not prosper. The only persons who remained in Noemia were Remi, what was left of his fellow pirates, some forgotten French settlers, and what was left of the natives. Remi, in search of a quiet life, decided not to care that the French had burned the land. He and his pirate friends as well as the settlers and the natives lived out the rest of their lives living in small pockets of still green land in Noemia.
1.4 Development after the French Abandonment
Four hundred years passed since the abandonment by the French government. In that four hundred years the Noemians retained their tribal style of government but their language changed vastly. The influence of the pirates and settlers was overwhelming and only traces of the original Noemian language remained. The Noemian language evolved from ancient Noemian to a mixture and then to almost exclusively French. Now the original Noemian is a dead language, only known by Noemian historians and linguists. The land itself grew lush again, and more so even than before. The tribes remained in the small pockets of land that they had started to live in after the French Abandonment.
1.5 Alyse Briare seizes control
A few small artifacts and documents testifying to the existence of Noemia survived, leaving the legend of Noemia to become only a myth to modern societies, one which was easily dismissed. In 2008 an American political science major by the name of Alyse Briare ran for governor of her small town and lost. She soon took to perusing the library for information on nations which were better suited to her politics. She was unable to find any, but did however find information on several people who had purchased large amounts of land and then founded their own nations. She also found a book explaining the myth of the land of Noemia, and being that she was fascinated with French culture, she took this book from the library and soon became obsessed with the myth. She soon flew to France and began to look for more information about the lost continent. The libraries of France were even more helpful than the ones Alyse had looked through in her home state of New York. She learned that the French had marked the territory as an extremely dangerous area that no one should ever set foot upon for fear of death. The cover-up went so far that even the current French officials knew hardly anything of Noemia, except that it was a small inhabitable continent which the French no longer laid claim to. Knowing full-well that the myth could easily be just that, a myth, Alyse made the decision to seek out the obscure continent and hopefully claim it as her own. It took several months of searching but she eventually did find the continent and landed in modern day Frangland, Noemia on June 1st, 2009. She found that after almost four hundred years the lush forests had mostly grown back and the farmland was useful again. She had brought a wildlife guide with her, a close friend, to help her trek through possibly dangerous territories. Together Alyse and her friend, Demetri Rowley, explored Noemia for several months, spending time with the natives and learning about the land, the history, and the culture. Luckily she had been a French minor in college and spoke the language fluently, though the dialect was of course foreign and did pose a slight difficulty in communication. After speaking with several colonies of natives they learned that the natives had inherited their ancestors’ pacifism, and thus Alyse was able to claim ownership of the nation. The natives agreed that Alyse would be allowed to govern, so long as they were allowed to live as full citizens and were treated with fairness and respect by the new government system. Alyse agreed to the natives’ terms and held a conference with the chiefs of each of the five native tribes. The Noemians had picked up a concept of written language from the French settlement and the chiefs were able to sign a contract that Alyse had drawn up, and it was settled. Alyse became the owner and chief of Noemia on the 1st of August, 2009.
Alyse returned to America to tie up all of her loose ends on August 25th, 2009. She also gathered several of her fellow politicians to help her govern her new nation. They chartered a plane to Noemia and again landed in Frangland, this time to stay. Alyse decided to let the country keep its name out of respect for the natives, but named the region after herself. They divided the land into districts, with each of the seven politicians becoming the first governor of their region. Each of them named their district and then named its capitol city after themselves. Alyse wanted her district to reflect her vision for the nation, a cross of American and French cultures, and thus named her district Frangland and her capitol city Yorleans, also making it the capitol of Noemia.
1.6 Settlement
The founders spent almost the entirety of the following year preparing the nation for its settlement by outsiders and setting up the system of government. It was during that time that they wrote the constitution of Noemia, devised the NCRS, established the government administrations, established the government departments, and wrote the penal code. They also created informational publications to draw in new citizens, processed the citizenship papers for all the native Noemians, and contracted foreign construction companies to develop housing. On April 20th, 2010 Noemia began accepting applications for immigration.

2. Politics

PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:24 pm
by Noemia
2.1 Government
Noemia implements a unique government system developed by the founder Alyse Briare, a constitutional electoral dictatorship. Noemia works under a dictator who must abide by the nation’s constitutional rules and who is elected by the people. Noemia implements a series of highly secure laws to ensure that the dictators are always benevolent. Alyse developed the benevolent dictator system to allow for the quick execution of government without trampling the voices of the people. Noemia works under a highly bureaucratic system.
2.2 Foreign relations
Noemia has a strict no war policy. Noemia refuses to involve itself in any war, no matter what the circumstances, not out of pacifism but out of a belief that the way other nations rule themselves is none of Noemia’s business. Noemia makes only one exception to its no war policy. Noemia has a strict no tolerance policy. Noemia is known for attacking twice as hard when it is attacked by another country. Noemia does not make alliances. Noemia is however open to trade with other nations, though it does not allow foreign corporations to open up franchises in Noemia (with the exception of construction companies). Noemia also gets involved in international sport.
2.3 Constitution
We the people of Noemia declare that this country shall be founded with the recognition and based on the principle that there are certain rights which all human beings are entitled to upon birth, regardless of any characteristic of that person including but not limited to: age, creed, race, nationality, gender, class, and sexual orientation and that the only times in which these rights may be reduced is in the case of a being’s diminished mental or legal capacity, in which case diminished mental or legal capacity is not what is assumed but what should be proven and in which case the basic human rights of a person may never be entirely absolved.
This body of people also declares that it is the intention and purpose of this government to protect its citizens from those who may try to financially or physically harm them, and in some cases as judged by a person of the law it may be the duty of government to protect citizens from mental or emotional harm, but that it is not the intention nor the purpose of this government to protect its citizens from their own will and volition. These are the principles on which this nation Noemia shall be founded. Specific laws of this country may be changed through legal actions if they are found to be unfair as life and the world around changes, however these two principles shall remain true to this country Noemia and may not be changed through any legal means: that all human beings are born with the rights as stated in the list of undeniable rights except in the case of diminished mental or legal capacity; and that it is the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens from all threats to their being may they be foreign or domestic, but it is not the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens from themselves. These principles shall be the foundation of the country Noemia, and all lawmaking shall first be checked that it does not contradict with these principles.
To best protect these rights and ensure that the government does not take part in activities which go outside the stated responsibilities of this government it is the view of this people that a system which combines that of democracy and dictatorship shall be implemented. La Roine, derivative of the French roi and reine and altered to mean the head ruler shall rule over the nation Noemia. Just below la Roine shall be la Conseillure, a single advisor to the ruler. Just below la Conseillure shall be the house of debate, a group of representatives from every area of the nation.
In order to protect the rights of this people to change laws which are no longer fair, amendments may be made to this constitution to guarantee more rights to the people of Noemia. All amendments must pass the majority vote in the house of debate, must pass veto by la Roine, and then must pass the majority vote of the people. No amendment may alter the two principles or the List of Undeniable Rights.

2.4 Citizenship and ID programme

Noemia implements a rigid ID card system called the Noemian Citizen Registration System, or NCRS. Upon birth all Noemian citizens are issued an identification card which has the person’s full name, birthday, address, ID number, issue and expiration dates, gender, height, hair color, eye color, class section and photo on the front. On the back is a detailed description of the citizen’s class section and a magnetic strip similar to that used for debit and credit cards. The magnetic strip is used to easily view the citizen’s information such as their credit report and arrest record, among other things, when the citizen applies for a job, when they apply for federal aid, or when they are suspected of illegal activity, etc. The card can also be used to log in to bank accounts, school email accounts, prison systems, job-related login systems and similar such login systems. The card is used as age verification for the sale of controlled substances and as a verification of the citizen’s ability to operate a motor vehicle, much like the driver’s license system in America. Under 10s must have a parent present to renew their ID.
Under 10 IDs must be renewed yearly. When citizens turn 10 they first take the Noemian citizenship test. The citizenship test tests for language fluency, driving capability, and political knowledge. The exam also tests competency and mental capacity. The citizen may reapply yearly to change class C restrictions and may reapply every six months to change class B restrictions, however the ID expires on the citizen’s 13th birthday. The citizen again may reapply annually and biannually however the ID expires when the citizen reaches the age in which a citizen is fully recognized as an adult unless otherwise legally emancipated: 16. Once reaching the age of majority IDs expire every 5 years but the test to change class B restrictions may be retaken weekly.
A citizen’s class section indicates the citizen’s mental capacity. Mental capacity is defined as the extent to which an individual is capable of thinking as a functional member of society. The class system works as such. There are 5 base alphabetical classes of mental capacity indication, A, B or BB, C, D, E, however any combination of class restriction may be implemented. There are also 4 numerical classes 1, 2, 3, and 4. Class A citizens are considered fully functional and may exercise all of the privileges of Noemian citizenship. Class B citizens are citizens with handicaps, physical or otherwise which restrict their ability to drive at all. Class BB citizens have handicaps, physical or otherwise which restrict their ability to drive at night or in harsh conditions. Class C citizens are considered mentally unfit to make rational and logical political decisions. These persons are restricted from voting and careers in politics. Class D citizens are considered so mentally inept that they are incapable of being responsible for others. This may indicate the person is considered likely to either intentionally or unintentionally cause harm to persons in their care, or it may indicate a likelihood to neglect persons in their care. Class D citizens are restricted from adopting, becoming foster parents, becoming caretakers for disabled relatives, having careers in which they may need to exercise responsibility for others such as a doctor or teacher, and restricted from procreating. Noemia does not restrict these citizens from sexual activity nor does Noemia forcibly sterilize class D citizens, as that would be unconstitutional. Should a class D citizen become a parent through procreation then they may not retain parental rights to the child and must take safe sex classes. A class E citizen is simply an under 10, restricted from driving outside of parking lots and non-residential roads and without a licensed driver present, drug purchasing, becoming a caretaker, getting a job and voting.
Numerical level classifications apply in combination with alphabetical class restrictions. For example a Class 1BC is a 10-13 year old who is restricted from driving and voting. A level 1 citizen indicates a citizen aged 10-13. Level 1 restricts drug purchasing without applying for legal permissions and restricts permissions for seeking work. A level 2 citizen indicates a citizen aged 13-15. Level 2 restricts nothing legally, however a level 2 citizen is still subject to permissions from their parents. They may not be legally stopped from partaking in all the privileges of normal Noemian citizens so long as they do not violate their alphabetical classification restrictions, however parents still have full control of level 2 citizens. The Noemian government does not concern itself with the matters of teenagers being teenagers as it feels that this sort of thing I best left between parent and child. Level 3 restrictions apply to persons with mild mental disorders such as high functioning autism and most personality disorders. They are required to take a special test to be given driving permissions, are restricted from getting jobs in caretaking and politics. Level 4 citizens are extremely mentally unstable and are required to undergo weekly counseling sessions and sometimes institutionalizing. Level 4 citizens are completely absolved from responsibility when committing a crime, and if they do commit crimes they are required to be institutionalized. Most of the time level 4 citizens are also given class B, C, and D restrictions.
Requirements for Noemian citizenship are strict. To be a Noemian citizen you must be born on Noemian soil or born to at least one Noemian parent. Foreigners may become Noemian citizens by applying. Anyone applying for citizenship must take the citizenship test, and to pass you must meet several qualifications, one of which being fluency in Franglais. The process of becoming a citizen requires that hopefuls take the temporary citizen test within 1 week of entering the country and be issued an ID. Until you take the test you must carry the paper given to you verifying your appointment time to take the test with you at all times as a form of temporary ID. This paper, as well as the set up information for the appointment should be given to you upon arrival in Noemia. Upon taking the temporary citizen test, which looks for a mild grasp of Franglais and a proper understanding of the major Noemian laws and policies, you will be given a 1 year ID stamped with a small symbol indicating either immigrant or refugee status. You have 1 year to take 3 classes offered by the Noemian government, 1 covering Noemian politics and government structure, 2 covering Noemian culture and social policies, and 3 covering Franglais acquisition. You must pass these 3 classes or you will be deported if you are of immigrant status. Refugees are allotted 1 more year to pass the classes. Upon completion of these classes you may take the citizenship test and if passed, you may receive your permanent ID and you will be a full Noemian citizen. If failed you will be deported and may try again in a year.

3. Administrative Divisions

PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:25 pm
by Noemia
3.1 The Roine
The duties and privileges of the Roine are to establish any new government departments that the Roine sees fit but only after sufficient consultation with the board of economists, to declare new laws at will, to have the power of pardoning convicted felons, to appoint the commander in chief of the armed forces, to appoint the conseillure, to appoint the heads of all government administrations, to declare a state of emergency, to ultimately decide the nation’s budget after consultation with the board of economists and the house of debate, and to declare a state of war. The major requirements to become Roine is that the potential candidate must be at least 20 years of age, must have been a Noemian citizen from birth, and must have lived in Noemia for at least 10 years before the date of applying for Roineship.
The Roine shall be elected by popular vote, never electoral, once every five years though one Roine may serve up to 5 terms. The Roine may decide whether or not to continue in the position for another term after their five years is up. Should the Roine choose to continue as the Roine, elle will not have to run for reelection. At the third year of the Roineship the Roine should declare that elle will or will not be continuing in the Roineship. If elle decides to give up the position, then the hopefuls for the position of the next Roine will apply for Roineship. Once passing the preliminary application, hopefuls should file another, more thorough application which is reviewed more thoroughly and through the Roine elleself. Once approved by the Roine, the applicant must then be approved by no less than three psychological evaluators, though approval by more evaluators does increase the likelihood of approval by the current Roine. After psychological evaluation the hopefuls should be down to a maximum of 30. They then spend the next month job shadowing the Roine, each of them getting a day of the Roine’s time. The Roine then picks 15 of those hopefuls for more evaluation, in which the Roine determines that the candidates are not corrupt, that the candidates want the position for the sake of helping the country and not for any personal benefit to themselves, that the candidates only have the nation’s best interests at heart, that the candidates are wholeheartedly benevolent, and that the candidates are sworn to abide by the 2 principles. The Roine will then pick 3 final candidates, and the people will then elect the new Roine by popular vote.
Should the Roine act in manners to extensively go against the wishes of the people but not do anything illegal, the house of debate will debate as to whether or not there is sufficient reason to fire the Roine. If it is found that there is not sufficient reason, the people may vote as to whether or not there is sufficient reason. If the people decide there is not sufficient reason then the matter is put to rest. If the people do vote to fire the Roine then it needs to pass through the house of debate again. If the house of debate votes to fire the Roine, upon first debate or second, they must first conference with the Roine. They explain what they or the people are displeased with and the Roine has a chance to make elle’s case. The Roine then has 30 days to change their decision making or the house of debate will fire them.
Should the Roine develop into a state of diminished mental capacity, the Conseillure is obligated to go through the normal legal process of proving diminished mental capacity. If it is found to be the case the Roine will immediately be removed from their position.
Should the Roine ever fail to uphold the 2 principles, elle will be subject to assassination without warning by the protecteurs (secret service), but only after the protecteurs have provided sufficient evidence to the house of debate that the Roine has not been upholding the two principles. Should the Roine commit any other illegal act while in office, the people will vote on the severity of the act and as to whether or not it deserves assassination. If it is not found to be severe enough for assassination, then the Roine will be automatically fired for committing any illegal act, no matter how small.
In the event that the Roine should be fired or die, the Conseillure will become acting Roine and there will temporarily be no Conseillure. This position would be temporary until a proper election would be held, in which case the acting Roine would decide the candidates for election.
3.2 The Conseillure
The duties of the Conseillure are to act as head advisor to the Roine, to become acting Roine in the case of death or firing, to appoint the heads of the government departments and to be the head of foreign relations. To become Conseillure, hopefuls must go through the exact same rigorous application and election process as potential Roines. A Conseillure may not be assassinated for any reason, though they will be fired for committing any crime.

3.3 The board of economists
The board of economists advises the Roine on financial matters. The economists do not have to approve the Roine’s budget, but the Roine has to consult the economists before elle can make any financial decision. Economists are appointed by applying through the head of the board. To be hired an economist must have at least a doctorate in economics, be considered legally an adult, and be a Noemian citizen from birth.
3.4 The board of governors
The duty of the governors is to rule one of the eight districts in Noemia. They are elected by popular vote from the people in the district which they wish to govern. Governors must be legally an adult and a Noemian citizen.
3.5 The house of debate
The duties of the house of debate is to serve as advisors for the Roine as to what the will of the people is, to take opinion polls from the public, to host debates of the issues in order to inform the people, and to determine if there is sufficient reason to fire or assassinate the Roine. The members of the house of debate may also submit a bill to the Roine to become a law, but all bills must pass through the Roine before they may become laws. Members of the house are elected by popular vote and must be legally an adult and a Noemian citizen.

PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:27 pm
by Noemia
4 Geography and climate
Noemia is mostly comprised of lush green forests, though there are several small mountain ranges in the center of the country. Noemia has Les Belleappes, Les Rolpes, and Mont Chapon. There are four rivers, two of which flow into the third. The largest river which also forks and runs straight through the center of Noemia is the Misseine, which branches off into the Rheirhado and the Rhoio rivers. These three rivers are the divide between several of Noemia’s districts, located across the Emmeille, Blossomwood, and New New York borders. The fourth river is the Loiment river located toward the northern border and creating the border between Frangland and Eau de Pomme. Noemia has one major lake, lake Breton, located in New New York.
4.1 Topography
Noemia averages at just a bit bigger than Iceland, coming in at around 125,000 kilometres.
4.2 Climate
Noemian climate is moderately cold. Temperatures stay around the 290 Kelvin area during the spring, then rise to an average of 300 in the summer, cool back off to about an average of 290 in the fall and then averaging at 275 in the winter.
5 Military
The military is Noemia’s lowest priority. There is no funding for nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction. Military funding and development focuses solely on defense owing to Noemia’s strict no-war policy. Noemian soldiers are fierce and usually of low intelligence since there are not many jobs available for citizens with low intelligence. The soldiers’ ferocity is due to Noemia’s no holds barred training practices. The military is separated into three divisions: Les Marins who protect the nation by sea, Les Promenades who protect the nation by land, and Les Avions who protect the nation by air.
6 Science and technology
Science and technology development is funded by universities and other private institutions.
7 Economy
The Noemian government funds its programs through the transportation system, the recreational drug industry, high taxes on the wealthy, and higher taxes on unhealthy foods and activities.
8 Transportation
Gasoline powered cars are illegal so Noemians almost entirely rely on the allez-vous, an underground transportation system similar to New York, NY’s subway system. The allez-vous is run by the Noemian government, and due to Noemians’ reliance on it the government makes a profit large enough to fund its low-cost military program.

9. Demographics

PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:28 pm
by Noemia
9.1 Language
The Noemians speak Franglais, a combination of the English and French languages. The typical language structure implements English nouns and adjectives with French verbs and grammar. For example Franglais implements the use of the French etre meaning to be, as well as using the French pronouns. However nouns like dog, cat and animal are from the English. Franglais implements the French style of verb usage, where there is one root verb and different verb endings for every pronoun. Etre is the only irregular verb, following seemingly no sensible structure, however there are no other irregular verbs and all other verbs follow the same structure and verb endings.
An example of a Franglais translation is this translation of Noemia’s national anthem (English version at Culture 11.1):
“Noemia, Most pacifique de land, Laissez votre flag fliez high, Vague on vitruvian man, Lush forests granded de nouveau, Regarder over notre monde, Cool waters précipitent through, Notre pacifique place, Nous devons cette land to toi, Most noble captain Forte, And les natives before nous, De ne longue pas ago, And most important, Notre security, Nous devons to, Notre premier Roine, Saluter Noemia, Laisser votre pacifique règne vrai”
9.2 Largest cities
New New York: Prise, Toulouse, Myra*
Blossomwood: Gransley, Deborah, Aphrodite, Luna*
Eau de Pomme: Amos, Nordtown, Simia, Remi*
Emmeille: Athena, Mera, Lotte, Geneve*
Michael: Pamela Anne, Dante*
Frangland: Kanons, Pheonice, Marsago, Bourdelphia, Yorleans*
Bisou: Nexton, Sexton, Argent, Mercutio*
Champagne Nouveau:Mas, Bella, Russe, Demetri*

* indicates capital of the district

PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:29 pm
by Noemia
10 Education
Education is the Noemian government’s second priority. Education is free to students until the twelfth grade and is mandatory until high school starts or age 15, whichever comes first. Education at the university level is typically around 5 thousand a year, but the Noemian government issues loans in the full amount necessary for tuition, room and board. This loan service is offered to all students who are deemed financially incapable of funding their education, and for those students who are dependent on their parents and whose parents refuse or are incapable of paying for college. Noemian government also encourages private scholarship programs.
11 Public health
Noemia is very serious about healthcare, making it the number one government priority. Healthcare is free for all citizens, and any procedure that is not cosmetic is covered. All doctor prescribed medicines are free. Insurance companies are illegal (and unnecessary since healthcare is free). Within the healthcare system, disease prevention and maternity care are Noemia’s top priority. People are educated on how to prevent disease and it is Noemian doctors’ first priority. Maternity care is home and midwife centered.

12. Culture

PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:31 pm
by Noemia
12.1 Music
Noemia is famous for a style of music which it developed using traditional instruments in combination with more modern electrical rock instruments, similar to Ska style but instead of producing a brass band and rock sound, this is a combination of orchestral music, techno, and modern rock. The Noemians named it bouleverser and it was created around the time that the ancient Noemian, French, and American cultures combined in Noemia when Noemia began accepting applications for immigration. This is the most popular style of music in Noemia and famous bands include Gary’s Chinoise Wallet and Le Bloody Pumpernickel Squad. Gary’s Chinoise Wallet is famous for its one hit wonder “Foutu” and Le Bloody Pumpernickel Squad has had a steady following which started when they released their first single and biggest hit “Noemia” which was later declared Noemia’s national anthem. The lyrics are as follows (in English):
“Noemia, Most peaceful of land, Let your flag fly high, Wave on vitruvian man, Lush forests grown anew, To watch over our people, Cool waters rushing through, Our peaceful place, We owe this land to you, Most noble captain Forte, And the natives before us, From not long ago, And most importantly, Our security, We owe to, Our first Roine, Hail Noemia, Let your peacefulness reign true.”
12.2 Literature
Noemians are best known as artisans and most of all they are notable authors. The book publishing industry is the wealthiest in Noemia. Noemian authors tend to focus on either literature or philosophical works. Of course Noemians thrive on books of all kinds and so all types of books fly off the shelves in Noemia. Famous philosophers include Augustin Laurent, author of Noemia’s most groundbreaking feminist work titled “The distinction of genders;” Olivie Roux, the first person to have a philosophical work published in Noemia and author of “On the Purpose, Structure, and Duties of Government;” and Madeleine Dubois who was also renowned for her great humanitarian work and her many charitable organizations. Famous authors of literature include Francois Martin, who penned “Notable Men and the Women who Hate Them;” Eric Bertrand, author of “Louise,” “The Candelabra,” and “Christmas in Noemia;” and also Charlotte Moreau, the most widely published author in Noemia and author of countless works, the most famous of which being “Qu’est-ce que cette?”
12.3 Motion pictures
Films are very popular in Noemia, however mostly American films are popular, particularly comedies. There are only two film companies in Noemia, Rendezvous Pictures and The Arsene-Holmes Company. Rendezvous Pictures has gained considerable popularity for its reproductions of American films such as Little Miss Sunshine and Knocked Up, whereas Arsene-Holmes only produces films based on original scripts by unknown authors in Noemia. The AH Company’s most popular works have been “Les Black Films,” a parody interpretation of 80’s film noirs; and “Pass the Casserole,” a vulgar film about a young girl and her first sexual conquest.
12.4 Visual arts
In Noemia art is very popular. There are many current famous artists, but there has yet to develop a history of art in Noemia, due to its having developed only recently. The only evidence of older works of art are cave and tribal paintings. Current famous artists in Noemia include the feminist sculptor Lila Benevere and painter Jacques Getorix.
12.5 Sports
Due to Noemia’s cold weather and its proximity to the ocean its people are very fond of hockey and swimming. These are the two most popular sports in Noemia. Soccer is also very popular and American football is practically unheard of. Quidditch is also slowly becoming popular in Noemia.
12.6 Food
Noemian cooking is always very simple. Noemians generally are not fond of spices since not many grow in Noemia. Garlic is the most popular seasoning, closely followed by onions since these are the two most abundant crops in Noemia. Due to a lack of native swine the Noemian palette is not generally accustomed to the taste and so it is a very rare dish in Noemia. Being that Noemia is an island nation, seafood is very popular, especially shrimp and flounder. Typically shrimp is served grilled in butter and laid on a bed of rice cooked with onions and eggs. Flounder is typically served with a side of buttered rice. Rice is perhaps the most popular dish in Noemia, abundantly growing in the district of New New York. Most dishes in Noemia are served on a bed of rice or with rice on the side and with some sort of bread, being that breads and doughs are also very popular with Noemians. Cow stomach and grilled chicken are also popular meats in Noemia, though due to the large population of vegetarians, the popularity of cow’s stomach is shrinking rapidly. Commonly used vegetables include carrots and potatoes.
12.7 Religion
There is no official religion in Noemia, and the government is prohibited from favoring or promoting any religious institution and also prohibited from banning or condemning any religious institution. Religions are however extremely unpopular. Before colonization Noemians did not even understand the concept of religion and thus today only 10% of Noemians are religious. Most Noemians are not necessarily atheists, they just don’t really think about the subject. Propagating religion is considered incredibly rude, though it is worth noting that generally Noemians are not intolerant of others beliefs, they just don’t care about them.
12.8 Dress
The Noemian style of dress reflects the frosty weather in Noemia. Typically Noemians can often be seen wearing very elegant and long cloaks or dresses or both, typically made of dark colors, especially black. This type of clothing is, however, formal wear. Noemians are fond of the look of formal clothing and so formal clothing is commonly worn in informal situations. In Noemia there aren’t any social rules about how people are supposed to dress, and so though elegance is typical Noemian style people will wear nearly anything that they find comfortable. Second to the elegant look, a grungy style of dress is also popular. Noemians are fond of jeans and t-shirts when dressing casually, such as when spending time with friends and family.
12.9 National Holidays
January 1st- New Year’s, March 17th- Saint Patrick’s Day, April 20th- Labor Day, August 1st- Independence Day, August 25th- Founder’s Day, October 31st- Halloween,
The month of November- Nanowrimo- a competition in which people must write a 50,000 word novel in a month.
December 10th- Novelle
Novelle is the celebration of the end of the novel-writing season (the publishing industry is the largest business in Noemia). Noemians have ten days from the end of November to get ready for Novelle. On Novelle Noemians gather to have time at home with their families- to make up for the time spent secluded while working on their novels. Noemians decorate their homes by displaying their book collections and putting up lights outside in the shapes of letters. On the day of Novelle families usually have a feast and exchange presents.

PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:33 pm
by Noemia
13. Drug Laws
Drug laws in Noemia are famous for the laissez-faire attitude. All drugs are completely legal, with only three restrictions. There are age-based restrictions and methamphetamine production is illegal due to the labs’ prevalence of explosion. Private production of recreational drugs is outlawed since the Noemian government uses this industry to supplement the cost of its extensive social welfare programs.

NS Wiki:
http://www.nswiki.net/index.php?title=Noemia

Comment with any questions about Noemia! :)

PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2010 12:01 pm
by Noemia
bump :)