National Factbook of the Commonwealth of Great Kingston

[Great Kingston]

National Factbook of The Commonwealth of Great Kingston

Anything herein is part of the National Factbook of the Commonwealth of Great Kingston and so must be kept up to date at all times. As such various areas are to be considered as permanently under construction.

Please also note that all information is RP information, not that as defined by NationStates though all relevant NS information will be used as a guide for the information formulated herein.

Issued by the Ministry for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Spring 2011

National Information

Full Name: The Commonwealth of Great Kingston
Short Name: Great Kingston
Demonym: Kingstonian

National Animal: Eagle
National Tree: Yew
National Flower: White Rose

National Anthem: “The Minstrel Boy”

The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
In the ranks of death ye will find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;
"Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
"Tho' all the world betray thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring his proud soul under;
The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder;
And said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and bravery!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery!"
The Minstrel Boy will return we pray
When we hear the news we all will cheer it,
The minstrel boy will return one day,
Torn perhaps in body, not in spirit.
Then may he play on his harp in peace,
In a world such as heaven intended,
For all the bitterness of man must cease,
And ev'ry battle must be ended.

The National Anthem is based upon the story of a Kingstonian general of the early 18th Century who was charged with seizing control of the North-Western Territory from The City State of Quebadia. His command post was assaulted by a much larger Quebadian force. The story goes that he ordered the regimental band to play rousing Kingstonian pieces throughout the battle, maintaining the morale of the Kingstonian troops and frightening the enemy. The Quebadians eventually won the battle after losing most of their troops. In a sign of defiance the Kingstonian general and his troops had fought to the death. A larger Kingstonian force eventually took control of the North-Western Territory but the story of the general was spread and became a national legend, eventually being adopted as the National Anthem in 1743.

National Flag:


National Motto: “Freedom, Equality, Honour”

[Great Kingston]

Geography

Map of the Commonwealth of Great Kingston

The island of Great Kingston lies at the north west of the continent. Great Kingston controls eleven overseas territories, many of which are islands, as well as various overseas military bases in former Dominions of the Empire. The island of Great Kingston does not have a land border but its closest neighbour is The United Kingdom of Greater Germain just across Kingston Pass.

Area (Metropolitan): 643,427 km sq
Area (Commonwealth): 1,305,629 km sq
Comparative Area: Metropolitan Great Kingston is slightly smaller than Texas. The Commonwealth is double that of Texas.

Land Boundaries (Commonwealth): 3453 km
Coastline (Metropolitan): 4365 km
Coastline (Commonwealth): 16,989 km

Territorial Sea: 12nm
Contiguous Zone: 24 nm
Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nm

Climate: Generally cool winters and warm summers though the northern mountains see colder winters with regular snow.
Terrain: Flat plains and rolling hills to the south with large forested areas to the east. Mountains lie to the north.
Lowest Point: Lake Perceval (-1 m)
Highest Point: Mount Liberty (4705 m)

Natural Resources: Gold, Silver, Uranium, Iron Ore, Coal, Limestone, Fish
Arable Land: 57.39%
Permanent Crops: 37.68%
Irrigated Land: 26,000 sq km
Total Renewable Water Resources: 237 cu km

Natural Hazards: Flooding, Midwinter Windstorms


History

The island of Great Kingston was never a unified nation until 1635. Beforehand a series of barons ruled their lands. To the north the barons frequently engaged in wars with each other resulting in a strong warrior tradition there (many of Great Kingston’s current servicemen were drafted from the north). To the south diplomacy was a major part of relations and the area developed into a series of ‘civilised’ trading cities with strong naval forces and maritime skills.

In 1523, in response to continuing raids, the southern barons temporarily joined forces to lead an invasion of the north. Their superior naval forces allowed them to suppress northern forces and advance quickly, seizing all but the most inaccessible of baronies. From then on the north came under increasing influence from the south and the large wars that characterised the area were all but eradicated.

Baron Henry Bilby-Donningham controlled the largest and most powerful southern barony: the Barony of Theoress. As trade between baronies increased he sought a closer union of the states. After various drafts were rejected by other barons (mainly from the north) a constitution was drawn up for a new nation which included all baronies on the island. The constitution was finally signed on July 9th 1635 and signalled the creation of the Commonwealth of Great Kingston of which Baron Henry would become Head of State and be granted the title of King Henry I. The country would actually be ruled by a Parliament of elected members. The constitution was signed in the capital of King Henry: Port Royal. This became the capital of the entire Commonwealth.

Though ruled by Parliament King Henry I expressed his wish for the democracy within Great Kingston to be spread across the seas. After his death Parliament began a policy of expansion. The first Commonwealth Dominion of Great Kingston was seized in 1678 on the island of Germainia Inferior to the south. Throughout the next century the Commonwealth Empire of Great Kingston was established and became the dominating force in the region. The Empire was associated with the creation of new civil institutions and the spread of democracy and civilisation to barren and ‘backward’ areas. It also brought about the downfall of the slave trade in the region with the Universal Freedom Act of 1699 declaring that Great Kingston would fight slavery throughout the world.

Expansion ceased in the mid 18th century (officially foreign policy ceased to prioritise expansion in 1748) and the Empire remained strong for another 70 years. In 1817 it was decided that denying the right to self-government to the Commonwealth Dominions was a breach of the constitution. It was decided that plebiscites would be held in all Commonwealth Dominions to decide their future. All but five Commonwealth Dominions voted to remain under the control of Great Kingston. His Majesty’s Government funded these nations during their founding and close economic ties remain to this day. The remaining Commonwealth Dominions were then granted the title of Commonwealth Territories and a say in Parliament.

In the past two centuries Great Kingston has remained a major diplomatic and military force in the region. Various summits have been held in Great Kingston in order to prevent full-scale wars breaking out and His Majesty’s Armed Forces have been used as deterrents to various militaristic nations. Great Kingston was one of the first nations to join the United Global States organisation, a union of the world’s nations, and has a permanent seat on the Security Council there.

[Great Kingston]

People

Population (Metropolitan): 168 million (differs from actual NS value)
Population (Commonwealth): 239 million

Male: 49.6%
Female: 50.4%
Median Age: 38 years
Population Growth Rate: 0.79%
Birth Rate: 13.2/1000
Death Rate: 8.3/1000
Life Expectancy (Total): 83 years
Life Expectancy (Male): 81 years
Life Expectance (Female): 85 years

Unemployment Rate: 2.35%
GDP per Capita: $29,686

Top 5 Largest Cities:

Port Royal (Capital City) – 21 million
Georgetown – 19 million
Fort Canter – 19 million
Cheltenford – 17 million
Ely – 16 million

Official State Religion:

The official state religion of the Commonwealth of Great Kingston is Kintarian, the religion of the Church of Kingston as founded in 1570 by Archbishop Anthony Hebblethwaite. The home of the Governor of the Church of Kingston (the Archbishop of Cheltenford) is Cheltenford Cathedral. The Head of the Church of Kingston is the ruling monarch but religion is kept out of the nation’s political structure.

Religions:

Kintarian Christians – 84%
Protestant Christians – 7%
Catholic Christians – 1%
Jews – 3%
Hindus – 2%
Muslims – 1%
Other/None – 2%

Government

Government Type: Parliamentary Democracy/ Constitutional Monarchy

Capital:

The capital city of Great Kingston is Port Royal, the former capital city of Henry I’s own Barony of Theoress. It is home to the Houses of Parliament and the government offices in Knighthall. The city built up around a fishing village and soon became the largest and busiest harbour in Great Kingston. Originally a sprawling mass of different types of clumsy architecture, the city burned down in 1712. The city planners designed a new, safer and rather more beautiful city. All residential buildings were constructed from Shipnal Stone, the local stone. To this day all new buildings in residential areas must be constructed of that same stone.

The financial and trading hub of the city lies slightly in from the dockyards and is the financial capital of the continent. Its modern glass architecture stands out from the traditional surroundings whilst remaining clean and aesthetically pleasing. This area (known as the square mile) is where 80% of Great Kingston’s international financial business occurs and is also home to the Bank of Great Kingston which regulates interest rates to keep inflation under control.

The dockyards is the industrial sector of the city but thanks to clean waste disposal rules and strong environmental movements the area is kept just as clean as the rest of the city, not falling into the fate of the slums as so many other industrial sectors seem to in other countries. This is where Commonwealth Armaments, the international arms manufacturer, bases their factories and shipbuilding yards.

The Mall is the main road of Port Royal, spreading for a mile and a half from Knighthall to St James’ Palace, the official residence of the monarch within the capital city. The road is used for most military parades as it leads to Horse Guards’ Parade, the drill square in which national events requiring military drill are held (such as the monarch’s birthday as well as Remembrance Day). Other than that it is still a main road.

The Houses of Parliament are where the government regularly meets to debate proposed bills. The building is officially called the Palace of Hannington and was constructed specifically for Parliament after the constitution was signed. It looks out onto the banks of the River Merces which flows through the heart of the city.

Pictures of Port Royal

Co-Ordinates: 48 52 N 2 20 E
Time Zone: GMT
Daylight Saving Time: + 1 hour. Begins last Sunday of March, ends last Sunday in October.

Administrative Regions:
Known as Counties there are 17 in Great Kingston (not including the Commonwealth). They are:

Greater Port Royal
Theoress
Blenheim
Cantershire
Cheltenshire
Sandshire
The Highlands
Greenwich
Layton
Newtonshire
Hardyshire
Wattshire
Harrishire
Trentshire
Dowding
Salisbury
Pittshire

Dependant Areas:
All Commonwealth Territories count as dependant areas. There are 11 in total. They are:

St. Michael’s Islands
Outer Cronicles
Kingstonian Germainia Inferior
Eagle Islands
Rutland
North Lathan
Lordrian Islands
Marshall Landing
North-Western Territories
Aurumtesta
Eletical Colonies

Independence:
The Commonwealth of Great Kingston gained independence on July 9th 1635 after the Constitution of The Commonwealth of Great Kingston was signed by all baronies of Great Kingston.

National Holiday: July 9th – Constitution Day

Constitution: Original constitution written and signed on July 9th 1635, amended in 1699 after the Universal Freedom Act declared slavery illegal.

Legal System:

The Commonwealth of Great Kingston uses a common law system based around judges and juries in the local courts. The system did have the possibility of leading to conflicting decisions from different judges until the notion of stare decisis was created, stating that judges have the duty to follow the sentencing of previous cases which followed the same nature as their own. If the judge sees the case as notably different then he can judge on a ‘matter of first impression’, in essence he creates his own sentence specifically for that case.

In cases where parties disagree on what the law is the senior court intervenes. The courts in Great Kingston are ranked thusly:

• The Supreme Court of Great Kingston
• The Crown Courts of Great Kingston
• The Criminal Courts of Great Kingston
• The Judicial Courts of Great Kingston

All judges, magistrates, barristers, solicitors and lawyers must pass stringent examinations after having studied for a Degree in Law at university. The examinations and tests are known to be as stringent as those for the Civil Service.

Suffrage: Universal suffrage at 18 years of age

Executive Branch::
Head of State: King George VI
Head of Government: Prime Minister (The Rt. Hon.) Arthur Spencer-Matthews MP
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the Prime Minister
Elections: General and local elections every 4 years. The next election is due in 2014. Referenda are held when 50% of population or more sign a petition or when Parliament deems it necessary.
Voting System: First Past The Post




Legislative Branch:

The Legislative Branch consists of the Houses of Parliament which includes the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Commons contains (at present) 682 MP’s elected in the general election. MP’s propose and vote on bills to become law discuss how to respond to national issues. Certain bills may be deemed by the MP’s to be important enough as to hold a referendum. Alternatively a referendum may be held if 50% of the population sign a petition with reference to a certain bill.

Once a bill is passed it is sent to the House of Lords to be scrutinised and have amendments proposed. The House of Lords can reject a bill but this may only be done three times before it is carried through. It can be the case, though, that rejection of a bill is enough to put the House of Commons off proposing it again.

Political Parties and Leaders:

The Conservative Party: - Viscount George de Visby Bonningham MP
The Liberal Party: - Prime Minister (The Rt. Hon.) Arthur Spencer-Matthews MP
The Socialist Democratic Party: - Timothy Duncan MP
The Monarchist Party: - Sir Randolph Thomson-Chester MP
The Kingston League: - Sebastian Montague
Kingston Communist Party: - Robert Fellows
The Environmental Action Party: - Laura Smith

International Organisation Participation:

The Commonwealth of Great Kingston is not a member of the World Assembly due to semi-isolationist tendencies however is a member of the Commonwealth of Democracies.

[Great Kingston]

Economy

Economic Overview:

Great Kingston’s economy is based primarily around service industries however there is a strong heavy industry sector in the creation of armaments. The government’s economic theory is that of positive non-interventionism, meaning that the government stays out of the economy as much as possible whilst remaining in to provide public goods such as education, defence and policing as well as providing subsidies for merit goods like healthcare and energy projects. Furthermore only small benefits are given to the unemployed as an incentive for them to find work and a further incentive to work is provided through a flat income tax of 15%.

Corporation tax is kept at 9.5% to encourage private sector investment whilst enough regulations are enforced to maintain standards and safety as well as encouraging quality of goods, but at the same time giving private firms the freedom to move in and out of the market quickly and easily. Almost all parties (except for the Communists) see further government intervention as a form of market failure.

Monetary policy is controlled by the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Great Kingston which has the power to alter interest rates and control the money supply to keep inflation at 1.5%. Usually interest rates are kept at around 5% and the money supply is rarely increased. Methods such as printing money and quantitative easing are seen as wrong and generally immoral by the citizens of Great Kingston.

Currency: GK Pound
GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): £4.37 trillion
GDP Real Growth Rate: 6.3%
GDP per Capita (PPP): £25,046
Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
Population Below Poverty Line: 5.1%

Budget Revenues: £1.57 trillion
Budget Expenditure: £1.49 trillion
Current Account Balance: £800 billion
Public Debt: 0% of GDP
Inflation (CPI): 1.38%

Stock of Narrow Money (M0): £1.6 trillion
Stock of Broad Money (M4): £4.2 trillion
Market Value of Publicly Traded Shares: £1.3 trillion

Agricultural Products: Wheat, Barley, Hops, Cabbage, Cattle, Pigs, Poultry
Industries: One of the worlds’ most technologically advanced producers of steel products, has a strong service and financial industry and has a leading armaments producer.
Electricity Production: 736 billion kWh
Electricity Consumption: 725 billion kWh
Electricity Exports: 6 billion kWh

Communications

Telephone System: Highly developed and in the middle of a nationwide switchover from cable and microwave radio relay to fibre-optic cable and a domestic satellite system. Numerous undersea fibre-optic cables provide links to other continents as do various satellites.

Country Code: 44
Commonwealth Territories Codes:

St. Michael Islands – 441
Kingstonian Germainia Inferior – 442
Outer Cronicles – 443
Eagle Islands – 445
Rutland – 701
North Lathan – 702
Lordrian Islands – 703
North-Western Territories – 704
Marshall Landing – 705
Aurumtesta – 706
Eletical Colonies – 707
Overseas Military Bases – 901

Broadcast Media: Mainly privately run channel providers using cable and satellite to broadcast. KBC (Kingstonian Broadcasting Corporation) is a publicly owned TV and radio provider which operates various channels. The KBC World Service broadcasts throughout the world and is jointly operated by the Ministry for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs as well as the Ministry for Culture.

Internet Country Code: .gk

Transportation

Airports: 586
Heliports: 38

Oil Pipelines: 10,153 km
Gas Pipelines: 34,961 km

Railways: 37, 360 km
Roadways: 1,750,000 km
Waterways: 14,098 km
Ports and Terminals: 25

National Airline: Kingstonian Airways (note: Kingstonian Airways is a private company but is the flag-carrying airline).
Main Railway Operator: Great Southern Rail (note: Great Southern Rail is also a private company but has the greatest share and responsibility for the railways. Other train operators also run on these lines but must pay GSR maintenance costs to do so).

Military

Branches: Royal Navy (includes Royal Marines)
Kingstonian Army
Royal Air Force (including Great Kingston’s Special Forces unit Ghost Force)
Known Collectively As: His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF)

Military Service: Compulsory for 18 year olds (unless carrying on at university in which case they join upon completion of their degree – does not include medical or law students) and lasts for 2 years. Anyone may volunteer from the ages of 17 to 40 for a minimum of 6 years.

Military Expenditure (Percentage of GDP): 2.6%

Main Battle Tank: H7 Paladin Mk. 2
Main Infantry Weapon: ARC-1 Assault Rifle
Main Fighter Aircraft: F-22 Raptor
Main Bomber Aircraft: B2 Spirit
Pride of the Fleet: HMS Endeavour, Endeavour Class Aircraft Carrier

Current Military Operations:

His Majesty’s Armed Forces is currently used to defend the sovereign territory of the Commonwealth of Great Kingston, its airspace and its territorial waters. This includes all Commonwealth Territories Overseas.

HMAF is also used in counter-piracy, counter-smuggling and counter-slavery operations throughout the world against both criminals (slave traders, pirates and smugglers) as well as national governments who break rules laid down by the Universal Bill of Rights 1678 (such as slavery).