To whom it may concern,
As the Kingdom of Ryfylke continues to grow more integrated into the world economy, it has come to the government's attention that the kingdom's diplomatic infrastructure is not equipped to deal with the challenges of an increasingly globalized world. As such, the Storting has recently approved the establishment of a diplomatic program that will allow foreign nations to establish permanent embassies in Ryfylke for the purpose of improved relations and more efficient conflict resolution.
These embassies will be subject to certain regulations, which are laid out in the attached documents. Potential applicants are asked to read these regulations thoroughly to ensure that all provisions for the establishment of embassies are acceptable. If a particular regulation seems excessively burdensome for an applicant nation, that nation may telegram an exception request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating the objection and the reasoning behind it. All applications will be analyzed closely on a case-by-case basis and the Ryfylkian government reserves the right to refuse an application for any reason.
We look forward to the establishment of closer diplomatic relations with all nations of the world.
Yours sincerely,
Kristoffer Kvale, Prime Minister of Ryfylke
Overview
The Kingdom of Ryfylke is a unitary, constitutional monarchy whose government is based on the rule of law and respect for human rights. The kingdom, usually referred to simply as Ryfylke, is an island nation bordered by the Norwegian Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. As such, it is among the northernmost nations in the world.
Ryfylke occupies a territory of 137,868 square kilometers, much of which comprises the Kjølen, a mountain range running from north to south down the center of the island. Though the mountainous regions of the country are difficult to traverse and have a harsh climate, the more densely populated coastal areas experience a more moderate maritime climate.
For its size, Ryfylke has a relatively small population at only 1,032,735, the vast majority of whom live in the costal regions of the south. The country's capital and largest city is Sauda, a cosmopolitain economic hub with a population of 401,183. An increasingly diverse economy boasts large sectors in information technology and publication, with traditional industries such as fishing and clothing manufacturing remaining important especially in rural areas. The official language of Ryfylke is Norwegian, though nearly all citizens speak English as well.
Ryfylke traces its earliest origins to Norse settlement in the eighth century, when it existed as an independent commonwealth before coming under the rule first of Norway then of Denmark. Ryfylke gained independence in 1436 after a rebellion against Denmark, with Harald I establishing the Knutsson dynasty, which reigns to this day. After several centuries of relative insignificance, industrialization and democratization in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries made Ryfylke one of the most prosperous countries in Europe and allowed for the development of a mixed-market economy rooted in principles of justice and egalitarianism.
More information about Ryfylke can be found here.
Policies Toward Diplomatic Missions
Diplomatic Immunity
Given that the purpose of the establishment of an embassy program is to foster goodwill and peace between Ryfylke and the other nations of the world, the Ryfylkian government offers full diplomatic immunity to ambassadors and embassy administrative staff. However, the government reserves the right to expel the ambassador and staff for any reason with a guarantee of safe and swift passage home. All other staff members are granted no diplomatic immunity but will be protected by the Ryfylkian Constitution to the same degree as citizens of Ryfylke and by the provisions of GAR #22. Note that traffic fines can be given to any member of the diplomatic mission.
Rules and Regulations
Nations establishing embassies will be asked to limit the embassy staff to no more than a total of forty (40), including administrative staff, service staff, and security. The number of members of the security force may not exceed fifteen (15).
Security forces are permitted to carry handguns for the purpose of defense, but all firearms must be registered with the Ryfylkian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before they may be brought into the country. Each embassy may import up to two (2) semiautomatic rifles, subject to the same regulation as handguns. All firearms will be inspected and catalogued upon their arrival in Ryfylke. Limit no more than two (2) firearms per member of the embassy's security force.
Diplomatic missions may operate up to ten (10) vehicles for the purpose of leisure and transportation. While these vehicles may not be armed or militarized, they may be armored. Vehicles will be given diplomatic plates and all drivers will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in obeying Ryfylkian traffic laws. Embassies may keep up to one (1) rotary-wing aircraft, one (1) fixed wing aircraft, and one (1) watercraft for use in leisure and transportation, subject to the same regulations as vehicles.
Diplomatic missions are permitted to import alcohol into Ryfylke, conditional on it passing through customs. Certain drugs may be permitted if medical necessity can be proven by an independent third party. Plants and pets may be imported on a case-by-case basis.
Location and Construction
All embassies will be established in the capital city of Sauda, located adjacent to the Norwegian Sea in the southern part of Ryfylke. As the most prominent city in the country, embassy staff will find that working in Sauda will best fit the needs of their diplomatic mission. However, applicant nations may give first and second choices as to which neighborhood in Sauda would best suit their needs. The neighborhoods best suitable for embassies are as follows:
Sentrum
At the heart of Sauda is its commercial downtown. Steeped in history, downtown Sauda holds a particular place in the minds of Ryfylkians as the site where independence was declared in 1436. This part of the city is bustling with workers and tourists in all hours of the day and, as such, comes with more security concerns for nations wishing to establish embassies here.
Bjerregård
A mixed-development neighborhood to the north of downtown, Bjerregård offers a nice mixture of the conveniences of being close to the city center and the tranquility of being somewhat removed from the traffic and noise that comes with a central location.
Eidemarken
Eidemarken is a residential neighborhood located off the beaten path in the northeastern part of the city. Its quaint wooden houses and views of the bustling harbor are ideal for smaller nations wishing to establish a presence in Ryfylke without needless pomp and circumstance.
Hesteviken
Though technically not in Sauda proper, the suburb of Hesteviken offers a more rural environment for an embassy. The isolated rolling hills of the surrounding area make it ideal for nations who do not feel that immediate presence in Ryfylke's political circles is necessary.
Embassy Application Form
Please fill out and submit the following form in order to apply for the establishment of an embassy in Ryfylke. Any questions may be submitted via telegram. If at all possible, we ask that completed applications be sent in with a communiqué to the following address:Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Christiansens Gate 45
5012 Sauda
Kingdom of Ryfylke
- Code: Select all
[size=120][b]Embassy Application Form[/b][/size]
[size=85][b]General Information[/b]
- Full Name of Nation:
- Governmental System:
- Economic System:
- Head of State:
- Head of Government (if different):
- Head of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent):
- General Opinion on [url=http://www.nationstates.net/nation=ryfylke]Ryfylke[/url]:
[b]Embassy Information[/b]
- First Choice Location:
- Second Choice Location:
- Requests or Concerns:
[b]Ambassador Information[/b]
- Full Name of Ambassador:
- Qualifications (optional biography):
- Languages Spoken:
- Family (if any):
- If the ambassador has children, will they be attending Ryfylkian schools?
- Health or Security Concerns:
[b]Staff and Equipment Information[/b]
- Number of Administrative Staff:
- Number of Security Staff:
- Number of Support Staff:
- Will you be hiring locally?
- Number and Type of Weapons:
- Number and Type of Vehicles:
[b]Miscellaneous[/b]
Would you like us to establish an embassy in your nation? (If yes, please link)
Do you have any further requests or concerns?
Is there any additional information the Ryfylkian government should know?
In this section, please declare any and all alcohol, drugs, flora, and fauna you intend to bring into the country.[/size]
