Jump to content

Enciclopedia Geográfica e Histórico de Aguacenta


Aguacenta
 Share

Recommended Posts

Enciclopedia Geográfica e Histórico de Aguacenta

(Geographical and Historical Encyclopedia of Aguacenta - The Definitive Information Source of the Republic)

Table of Contents:

  1. General Information
  2. Etymology
  3. History
  4. Geography
  5. Government 
    1. Constitution
    2. National Council 
    3. National Assembly 
    4. Office of the First Minister
    5. Cabinet of Ministers
    6.  Constitutional Court
    7. Federal Courts
  6. Politics
    1. Elections
    2. Political Parties
  7. Federalism & Sub-National Governments
    1. Federal Entities
    2. Localities 
  8. Foreign Relations
  9. Armed Forces
    1. Overview
    2. Manpower
    3. Doctrine
    4. Grand Army of the Republic
      1. Structure
      2. Uniforms
      3. Equipment
    5. Armada of the Republic
      1. Structure
      2. Uniforms
      3. Equipment
    6. Air Corps of the Republic
      1. Structure
      2. Uniforms
      3. Equipment
    7. Intelligence Agencies
    8. Economy
      1. Industries
      2. Economic Policy
      3. Currency
  10. People & Culture
  11. Sport
  12. Demographics

96EOH12.png?1

(Flag & Coat of Arms)

General Information

Republic of Aguacenta (República de Aguacenta)

Long Name: The Indepedent Republic of Aguacenta (Indepedente República de Aguacenta)
Short Name: Aguacenta (Aguacenta)

Anthem: Forward, Aguacenta.
Motto:  Unidad y Patria

srlOntD.png?1

Location of Aguacenta in Green

Capital City: Ciudad Nuevo
Largest City: Ciudad Nuevo

Languages & Peoples

Official Language: Spanish
Recognized Languages: German, Italian

Ethnic Groups: Iberian (68.2%), German (23.6%), Italian (4.9%)

Religion: Aguacentian Catholic Church (92.4%), Protestantism (5.7%), Other Religions (1.9%)

Demonym: Aguacentian, Aguanian

Government

Government: Theocratic federal parliamentary republic

Important Documents: Articles of Unification, Constitution of the Republic of Aguacenta, Declarations of Empowerment
Jurisdiction: Aguacenta

First Minister: Emiliano Cabrera (PN)
Deputy First Minister: Rafael Romero (UDC)

Legislature:

  • Upper House - National Council
  • Lower House - National Assembly
  • Meeting Place - National Parliament Building
  • Appointer - The political party winning the largest share of popular vote is invited by the National Council to form a government. The party puts forth its nomination for First Minister which is then confirmed by the Council. Secretaries and Ministers are recommended by the First Minister and approved by the Council.

Judiciary:

  • Constitutional Court
  • Federal Courts
  • Provincial Courts
  • Parochial Courts

Administrative Divisions:

  • Provinces: Vigo, Lograno, Utrera, Nijar, Antequera, Siero, Capital Territory
  • Federal Districts: Ciudad Nuevo 
  • Cities: Siero, Olivia
  • Communes: Puerto Libre, Punto Algido, Merida, Alicante, Nuevo Barcelona, La Paz, Seville, Callao
  • Protectorates: Isla de Santiago

Area & Population

Area: 1,578,467  km2
Population: 5,548,000

Economy

GDP:  136.8 billion USD
Per Capita: 24,859 USD

Gini: 45.8
HDI: 0.674

Currency: Peso (AGP)

Other

Time Zone: UTC+11:00 / UTC+12:00
Drives: Right
Date Format: yyyy.mm.dd
TLD: .ag
Calling Code: +997
Patron Saint: St. Sebaldus

Etymology

While the name Aguacenta has unknown origins, it is believed be a corruption of the name given to the region by Iberian Merchant sailors. Iberian explorers arrived in the area sometime during the early 1500's CE. Maps of the area created during this time period often show the area labeled as "Tierra de Cientos de Aguas" (The Land of Hundreds of Waters). This was likely an allusion by early Iberian explorers to the the plentiful navigable rivers and coastline. Later maps show this name shortened to "Cientos de Aguas". Written logs from the mid-1600s show the area being referred to in common shorthand as both Cientaguas and Aguacientas. By the time the first permanent Iberian settlements were established in the area in the early 1700's CE most written documents referred to the area as Aguacenta.

 

People & Culture

Overview

Aguacentian culture is a mixture of Iberian, German, and indigenous cultures. Aguacentian culture has been heavily influenced by the Iberian sailors and explorers that came to the region starting in the 1500s. Aguacentians are known for being consumed by a need for order, an inherently serious outward demeanor, and lack a sense of humor. In Aguacentian culture this is the concept of "La Duerza" or "The Hardness", which is said to reflect the seriousness and harshness of the lands that make up Aguacenta. Aguacentians are also known for being extremely generous hosts and extremely courteous guests. The common Aguacentian proverb "Offer much, accept little" is reflective of this underlying cultural trend that originated with settlers on the Aguacentian frontiers.

Iberian music, dance, and literature are dominant in Aguacenta. However, later waves of immigration from north-central Europe left a substantive impact on Aguacentian culture. This includes a presence of a sizable German ethnic community. This group has had a major impact on Aguacentian food culture, introducing brewing as well as various methods of food preparation not common among the original settlers.

Catholic social teachings and doctrine are pervasive in Aguacentian society. Almost all Aguacentians have some roots in the Catholic Church and the majority of Aguacentians are active church goers. Many Catholic festival days and holidays are recognized as state holidays. However, since the implementation of democratic rule, the influence of the Catholic Church has been diminished slightly.

Spanish is the official language of the Republic and nearly all Aguacentians speak Spanish at home. Aguacentian Spanish is noted for its slow drawl, lack of proper verb endings, common use of contractions, and irregular word splices. It features many loan words from both German and Latin. The use of pronouns, even when they are not necessary is the norm for Aguacentian Spanish. These features often make Aguacentian Spanish difficult for other Spanish speakers to comprehend. A notable Spanish Linguist was quoted as saying "the best way to teach someone to speak the Aguacentian dialect is to force them to drink two liters of whiskey and lay in the snow for an hour. After that a native Iberian's pattern of speech would be no different than of an Aguacentian".  

Sport

Popular sports in Aguacenta include football (soccer), skiing, boxing, cycling, and over road motor sports. However, sport in modern Aguacenta has always been dominated by Rugby. While Rugby is popular domestically, historically Aguacenta's national team has been poorly represented. Aguacenta is home to many Rugby competitions, ranging from neighborhood youth competitions to high paying professional competitions. Aguacenta has three main professional leagues, these include Premiership Rugby, Championship Rugby, and Homeland Cup Rugby. Aguacenta's top professional competition, Aguacentian Premiership Rugby features 16 teams located across the country.

List of Premiership Rugby Teams:

rT67rto.png

Demographics

Overview

The current population of Aguacenta as of the last census was 5,503,012. This represents an 11% increase over 10 years from the previous census. The majority of the population is of Iberian ancestry. On the last census, 68.2% of the population identified as Iberian, 23.6% as German, 4.9% as Italian, and 3.3% as other. The Catholicism is the official religion of the state in Aguacenta. On the last census 92.4% identified as Catholic, 5.7% identified as Protestant, and 1.9% identified as other religions or non-religious. While census figures suggest a high degree of religiousity within the Republic, Church attendance has fallen in recent years. Furthermore, it is difficult to determine correct distributions of religious beliefs in Aguacenta due to the social stigma associated with being a non-Catholic. The majority of Aguacenta's popular is concentrated in the southern provinces. Aguacenta's largest city is Ciudad Nuevo with as population of 2.25 million people. It's second largest city is the Siero with a population of 985,000.

Province & Settlement Population:

P5Q4bz3.png

 

Notes - I need to proofread. Cleanup is almost certainly required. Sections to be expanded. Dont drink and type kids.

Change-log: 

  1. 20180405 - Updated maps to reflect new information. Changed some headers under politics. Added additional section on Federalism
  2. 20180406 - Updated history section with new content. Split history into it's own post.
  3. 20180407 - Updated geography with new content. Split geography into it's own post.
  4. 20180410 - Updated government and politics with new content. Split government and politics into it's own post.
  5. 20180411 - Updated armed forces with new content. Split armed forces into its own post.
  6. 20180412 - Updated economy with new content. Split economy into its own post.

 

 

 

 

Edited by Aguacenta
See update log.
  • Upvote 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

History

pCvLB0w.png

(Eras in Aguacentian History - Larger Version)

Pre - Historic Era

There is little known about the the area of far eastern Asia, now occupied by the Republic of Aguacenta, prior to the arrival Iberian settlers in the 1500s CE. However, archaeological digs have unearthed several prehistoric animals from the Pleistocene Epoch, preserved in ice or permafrost. These include cave lions, mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses, bison, and horses.

When the first Iberian explorers arrived in the areas, there were many small indigenous groups inhabited this region. Many of these groups traditionally lived in small fishing villages along the Sea of Cadiz, while other indigenous semi-nomadic groups made a living from reindeer herding in the river valleys of the interior.

Settlement

a4u0oQE.png?1

(Area of Early Settlement)

Settlement

It is not known when the first Iberians arrived in Aguacenta. However, local oral tradition suggests they may have arrived by accident as the result of a navigational error. According to Aguacentian legend, the first Spaniards to arrive in Aguacenta set sail fro Central America as park of a drunken stag night cruise. Having boarded their ship, rightfully dubbed José Cuervo, they vowed not to return to their wives until the Orujo and tapas had run out. Unfortunately, after ritualistically consuming a great many iced malted fruit flavored beverages of Russian origin that he had the misfortune of accidentally accepting possesion, their appointed sober navigator veered off course and headed out to sea. The men, who had enjoyed many libations the previous night, awoke on the deck nearest the head of the ship, only to realize that during the night a strong gale had kicked up. In their diminished state the men rushed frantically to pull down their canvas and raise their storm sails. Unfortunately, they reacted to slowly and the mast of their ship fractured. Adrift for many days, they eventually drifted into the Bay of Cadiz.

Seeing that the coastline was full of large trees they anchored the José Cuervo, launched their dinghy, and rowed toward shore. When they landed on the shore, they were met by a group of friendly locals who offered them food and shelter. Having spent many days among the natives fishing and hunting to restock the José Cuervo's food stores, they decided they should return home. However, a debate emerged among the men, as many of them fancied themselves skilled wood-works, about who could erect the stiffest and most magnificent mast. To settle this debate they decided to hold a competition, each man would have the opportunity to erect his mast, and each mast would be judged by the local women to determine which was most suited to be used. The men spent many days erecting their masts, insuring they were of sufficient length, girth, and stiffness so as to be adequate for a sailing ship the size of the José Cuervo. Eventually, the local women decided that Diego has the most suitable mast. As such, the men, having impressed many local women with their masts, fastened Diego's mast to the gunnels of the dinghy and rowed back to the José Cuervo, affixed the new mast and sailed home.

Form many year, the legend of José Cuervo's crew and their story of the adeptness of the native women of Aguacenta at juding nautical carpentry brought sailors to the area. The legend became so pervasive that Iberian sailors began regularly coming to the lands that now compose the Republic of Aguacenta in the 1520s to trade with the coastal indigenous tribes for cured fish, fresh meat, and rare pelts. By the 1540s, the Iberians had established seasonal hunting camps along the southern coast. The densest concentration of these camps was on the mid-southern coast between what are now Alicante and Merida. By the early 1560s, trappers had mapped the Rio Negro and the Rio Oro from their southern most points to the northern coast. In the later 1560s, Fort Mendoza, a seasonal camp for trappers and hunters inhabited during the Spring and Summer months, was established at Punto Verde, south-east of modern day Merida. Fort Mendoza became an important resupply and repair station for the merchant fleets of far north-east asia.

In the 1590s, gold and silver deposits in the Hueco, the area between the Rio Negro and the Rio Oro,  were discovered. This discovery coupled with the regions lucrative fur trade lead to the first permanent settlement being established on the south-western coast at Cadiz, which now makes up part of Ciudad Nuevo, in 1610s. Shortly thereafter, the first Dominican friars arrived in Aguacenta. Cadiz grew into a wealth regional hub, serving as a re-supply point for merchant ships and a starting off point for trappers and prospectors looking to make their way into the hinterlands. Migration continued steadily through much of this period and new settlements emerged at Puerto Libre and Punto Agido.

Early Colonial Period

39vIsqv.jpg?1

 

As a result of the the natural wealth found in the Heuco, Aguacenta saw a steady influx of settlers from foreign lands. The coastal settlements began to grow rapidly, and by 1640 the population of Cadiz had reached around 40,000. Because of the short growing season at northern latitudes, populations pressures in the coastal towns caused people to move interior where wild game, fish, and open farmland were more readily available. In 1644, the first major settlement in the interior was founded at La Paz. By the end of the 1640s, new gold deposits were found in the interior leading to an increase in mining. By 1650, most of the mineral rich lands of the interior had been staked. 

Because of Aguacenta's geographic distance from the Iberian peninsula and low settlement populations, it remained largely unorganized and independent from its parent nations. However, because these colonies were not granted charters by the Crown, they were reluctant to form substantive local governments. However, lack of local charters meant that mining stakes and land deeds had no standing in law. This resulted in competing claims on farmland near the coast and metal deposits in the interior and created serve social and economic turmoil in the region.  As a result, locals began to rely on clergy, who were largely immune to repercussions from the Crown, to settle disputes. As populations grew, local parishes began to form judicial councils to alleviate the burden on local priests and formed church constabularies to enforce council rulings. These councils would become the de facto governing bodies for most of the region's settlements. Under the administration of the parish councils, social order returned to the region and the settlements of the southern coast began to accumulate great wealth.

Late Colonial Period

27YTqgn.jpg?1

 

As local economies grew, the largely ignored Spanish settlements in Northern Far East Asia began to draw greater attention from the Crown, which sought to derive revenue from them. However, because these settlements were not technically colonies of the Crown, there was no effective method to levy taxes on them. In order to bring the Spanish settlements under its influence, in 1671 the Crown granted charters to the towns of Cadiz, La Paz, Merida, and Punto Agido incorporating them as Colonial Free Cities. Because the Crown had little interest in these colonies other than to extract revenue from them, the existing church councils remained largely in tact and maintained responsibility for governing.

The Colonial Free Cities began to expand, gobbling up surrounding communities and farmland. Inspired by the success of the southern colonies, new settlements were founded along the eastern coastline at Siero, and along the northern coastline at Seville and Olivia. Soon after they were established, the cities of the north were granted charters and incorporated as Colonial Free Cities in 1690, 1691, and 1965 respectively. It was the inhabitants of these towns that were largely responsible for settling the northern portion of what would become the Republic. As a result of expansion from both the north and the south, nearly all of the lands now occupied by the Republic of Aguacenta had been mapped by 1705.

By 1725 the Colonial Free Cities had expanded their land holdings to the point where all of the land within the original borders of the Republic of Aguacenta had been claimed. By 1728 the borders of the zones of influence for each of the Chartered Free Cities had been fixed. These zones of influence are reflected in the borders of the seven original provinces of Aguacenta, which were formed out of the holdings of the Free Cities; Cadiz (Aguacentian Capital Territory), Merida (Vigo), La Paz (Lograno), Punto Agido  (Utrera), Olivia (Nijar), Seville (Antequera) and Siero (Siero). 

In the 1730s, a new wave of immigration to the region began. However, this time it German speaking Catholics arriving from central-western Europe. Immigrants came in such vast numbers that it destabilized local labor markets and upset the economy of the southern coast. However, fortuitously enough, it was around this time that the a great fire swept the city of Cadiz, which built predominately of wood, burned to the ground. This new group of immigrants provided most of the labor for the reconstruction of the city, which largely rebuilt using limestone and marble quarried from the interior.

Small scale mining and logging continued to be the life-blood of the Aguacentian economy until the mid-1800s when the Pan-Aguacenta Mining Cooperative (PAMC) was formed by the colonial governments of Aguacenta in an effort to improve production. The well-funded PAMC began purchasing the established community-based mines and buying the mineral rights to large swaths of the country-side, especially in the northern provinces. Centralization and capital investment was responsible for modernizing Agaucenta's antiquated mining industry. Mining production increased rapidly under the PAMC. Under the PAMC's leadership, mineral extraction in Aguacenta became a global business and capital inflows lead to the moderate industrialization of the region in the late 1890s and early 1900s. As the world industrialized in the 1900s, it demanded new sources of energy, and new mines were established to extract coal and oil creating a new source of wealth for the Colonial Free Cities.  

As the Colonial Free Cities became more wealthy, their parent nations began to levee new taxes on the resources they produced. By the early 20th century the Colonial Free Cities of Aguacenta had become well established hubs of commerce, producing large amounts of ores, metals, and minerals. Their parent states began to steadily increase duties on mineral exports from these territories in order to make up for shortfalls at home. Feelings of exploitation grew within the Free Cities.

Independence 

bRkWmts.jpg?1

In 1921, the Free Cities in the southern territories of Utrera, Lograno, Vigo, and Cadiz requested an audience with the leaders of the Iberian state in order to negotiate for greater autonomy and lower taxes. These requests went unanswered the southern territories of Aguacenta announced they would no longer pay the annual tributes demanded by their colonial stakeholders. Soon thereafter, Crown troops landed on the shores of Aguacenta. By early 1922 imperial forces had pushed the unorganized rebels out of the major urban centers of the south and into the hinterlands.

Fearful that insurrection would spread to the northern territories imperial commanders began to garrison troops in most northern population centers. For the fiercely independent citizens of the northern territories this created a great deal of tension. Tensions boiled over in June of 1922 when imperial troops open fire on unarmed people protesting soldiers being quartered in their homes in the port of Siero. In July of 1922, the northern territories of Siero, Nijar, and Antequera declared their independence and joined the rebelling southern provinces. Bolstered by an influx of money and manpower the rebels began to push back against their imperial occupiers. Finally, in September of 1923 rebels under the command of Ernesto Celestino Rios de Aguacenta encircled the battered imperial forces who were camped outside of Puerto Libre in the southern territory of Vigo. Later that month, an armistice was signed and the seven territories of Aguacenta officially gained independence.

Between 1923 and 1935, Aguacenta remained politically fractured. Each of the former Colonial Free Cities established their own governments and systems of law for their within the confines of their previously established colonial borders. Feelings in the newly formed states remained tense as regional differences and the after-effects of colonialism created animosity between the territories. Without a single governing body, relations between the territories were governed by individual bi-lateral agreements. The bi-lateral system broke down in late-1934 after the Utreran government barred any goods from transiting the territory after its neighbors refused to pay a tax on all goods moving through Utreran lands. Agricultural and manufactured goods from the south ceased to reach the northern territories, while raw resources from the north ceased to reach the industrial cities of the south. Trade intra-regional trade resumed when the southern provinces threatened military action against Utrera. However, by the beginning of 1935, it became apparent that a new system was necessary and a convention was held to draft the constitution for a new unified government. 

Confederation

Q8ItoEe.jpg?1

With the economy in a deep recession, the governments of the Aguacentian territories spent nearly nine months negotiating the terms for a unified government. The southern provinces wanted a strong centralized government in order to insure continued access to the resources of the north. Wary of being dominated by the more populous and economically developed south, the northern territories favored a loose association. In late December of 1935, all parties reached an agreement and the Articles of Unification were signed.

What emerged was the United Confederation of Aguacentian Territories, a union based which tried to maintain the sovereignty of the individual territories while creating a central authority for the resolution of disputes. Under the Articles of Unification, a central government that provided a single body responsible for foreign relations, defense was formed. More importantly, the Articles provided the territories with a body capable of resolving disputes between the territories and created a monetary union. However, individual territories still remained relatively independent, maintaining fiscal and legislative autonomy, and in some cases their own national banks and militias.  

For a time, the Confederation government was successful in bringing stability to Aguacenta. With support from its constituent territories, the Confederation Council resolved many of the existing issues between the territories, reducing trade barriers, increasing social integration, and creating economic growth. Under the Confederation, Aguacenta  began the transition from a under-developed backwater economy based almost exclusively on exporting raw materials to a more balanced economy with a strong industrial sector. The quality of life for the average Aguacentian increased rapidly between 1935 and the early 1980s, and the country grew more and more prosperous.

However, despite its successes, the Confederation Council was at times slow and inefficient, requiring the consensus of all seven territories to enact legislation. Furthermore, many old problems began to emerge as the high degree of autonomy granted to the territories under the Articles of Unification resulted in preferential agreements between certain territories. Eventually, the strain of industrialization and political disunity began to take its toll, and by the early 1980s, the Aguacenta's economy began to stagnate. In 1986 disparities in economic growth across the territories created a major economic and social crisis. In early 1987, representatives met in an effort to revise the Articles of Unification in an effort to create a more homogeneous and equitable system of trade between the territories. By late 1987, the congress of representatives had stalled. With no agreement reached, the territorial representatives sought new instructions from their home governments. By late 1987, the decision had been reached to form a new unified government, and the Constitution of the Republic of Aguacenta was drafted.

Early Republic

The Constitution of the Republic created a powerful central government and established a new seat of national government in the newest portion of the city of Cadiz, often referred to as Ciudad Nuevo. Under the new constitution, the National Council began a campaign of policies designed to modernize and integrate the country. The state began to gobble up large swaths of the Aguacentian economy, nationalizing the mining, logging, energy, and defense sectors of the economy. New public works projects began, state owned housing was built, roads were paved, and old region rail networks were modernized and integrated into a single national network. However, this period of rapid economic growth and modernization also exposed Aguacentians to the broader world and created a demand for a more inclusive system of government.

Modern Republic

In January of 1994, under the threat of popular insurrection, the National Council began the process of democratizing the Republic by ratifying the Declaration of Empowerment. Political parties were allowed to form, the National Assembly was formed, an impartial court system was created, and the countries first elections were held. In March of 1994 the first democratically elected leader of the Republic, Ernesto Celestino Rios of the Christian Democratic Union, was confirmed by the National Council. Rios would be elected to a total of 4 terms in office before he was ousted. 

Since the inception of democracy, politics has been dominated by the Christian Democratic Union and the National Party. Under their rule, the economy of the Republic saw greater degrees of privatization and a move toward a less state-centered economic policies. Additionally, new laws were passed to protect minority populations and encourage civic engagement. Despite these changes, the Republic of Aguacenta faces many political problems and social challenges. Economic disparities between the economic core and outlying territories remain high. Demographic changes have lead to greater social disunity and higher education rates have caused a demand for a universal suffrage.

Edited by Aguacenta
  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Geography

Climate

JoU6Mjd.png?1

 

Northern Aguacenta's climate is influenced by its location on the three neighboring seas. The weather is characterized by cold northerly winds that can quickly change to wet southern winds. The north eastern coast is prone to hurricanes and storms. The coastal areas are windy with little precipitation. Temperatures are generally cold, remaining well below zero degrees celsius during the Winter,  highs of mid-teens celsius in the Summers. The climate of eastern Aguacenta is mostly subarctic, with a more continental climate in the interior. Southern Aguacenta tends to be warmer than other parts of the country. Temperatures Aguacenta are generally cold, remaining well below zero degrees celsius during the Winter, highs of mid-teens celsius in the Summers.

 

Terrain

1vlfL8S.png?1

 

Eastern Aguacenta is unique in that it is home to an extensive mountain range, that runs down the center of the Cordoba Peninsula. This range is separated from a second coastal range to the east by a geological depression. The mountains are currently occupied by small mountain glaciers. The range is made up of volcanoes, mostly shield volcanoes and stratovolcanoes. The total glaciated area of the peninsula is approximately 600 sq kilometers. The Cordoba Peninsula is a zone of high volcanic activity, with approximately 300 large and medium-sized volcanoes, 29 of them are active. It is also home to Eurasia's largest volcano. The south-western portion of Aguacenta is also home to high mountain ranges and the norther part of the Province of Lograno is home to some of the highest mountains in the country. The northern and north-eastern portions of the country are less mountainous.

 

Aguacent is defined by its many rivers, as they provided convenient means of transportation to the interior of the country during the colonial period. The Rio Negro and the Rio Oro in the central north of the country were pivotal in the development of the countries interior and the development of the mining industry there.  The Hueca, the area between the Oro and the Negro are often referred to as Aguacenta's economic heartland. The north-eastern Rio Mamut just south of Siero is home to many small fishing and trapping villages. 

Resources

Wh3bUX2.png?1

Aguacenta's is plentiful with natural resources. The biodiversity in the south of the country is what initially brought settlers to the region. Snow sheep, reindeer, moose, and brown bears are common. There are also many varieties of birds, including ducks and seabirds. The coastal waters of the Sea of Cadiz are notable for their marine life and rich fishing grounds for whale, pollock, herring, cod, flounder and salmon, as well as crabs and shellfish. Hunting, herding, and trapping are also key industries in Aguacenta. In the north reindeer herds are abundant. In the south, trapping is popular due to the abundance of animal life. Squirrel, sable, white fox, beaver, lynx, and rabbit are all found in varying degrees.

Aguacenta's forests were crucial to its early development. Logging provided both cheap and abundant materials for construction and shipbuilding. Lumber was one of the countries first major export goods. Paper and pulping industries based on logging did not develop until later. The southern and eastern portions of the Republic are heavily forested with both hard and soft woods. Forest types vary by altitude and distance from the coast. In contrast the northern portions of Aguacenta tend to be too cold and arid to sustain large forests.

Aguacenta is also home to a number of metal and mineral deposits. The Gold and Tin deposits in the the south of the country were some of the first mined. Gold, Silver, and Tin also drew early settlers to the northern coast. After industrialization, Tungsten and Uranium became important resources in the north. There are several large coal deposits in Aguacenta, the three largest are along the southern coast, along the eastern boarder of the Cordoba Peninsula, and in the northern valleys. Other smaller deposits are present in the country's interior. Recently, petroleum has begun to play an important role in Aguacenta's economy. Large petroleum deposits are present under the northern provinces and along the northern sea coast.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by Aguacenta
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Government

 

wHMyixE.png?1

(Diagram of the Government of Aguacenta - Larger Diagram)

Overview

Despite its name, the Republic of Aguacenta is not a true constitutional republic. The Constitution of the Republic places the responsibility for governing in the un-elected National Council and grants it nearly unrestricted legislative powers. However, due to internal political pressures and several popular pro-democratic movements within the Republic, the National Council has opted to take on the role of national overseer and instead created several other governmental bodies to handle the day-to-day business through a series of edicts. Collectively known as the Declarations of Empowerment these edicts created the popularly elected National Assembly, independent federal courts, and a set of cabinet ministries. While the country has begun to democratize, is best classified as a semi-democracy or illiberal democracy. Elections within the Republic are subject to limited suffrage, political parties require prior approval from the state, and very few protections for individual rights are constitutionally mandated. 

Aguacenta is a theocratic oligarchy, governed within the legal framework of a federal parliamentary republic. The current head of government is First Minister is Emiliano Cabrera. Executive power is wielded by the Government of Aguacenta on behalf of the National Council. Legislative power is exercised by the National Assembly, with approval from the National Council. The court systems are semi-independent. The highest courts are the High Criminal Court, which oversees criminal matters, and the Constitutional Court, which oversees administrative and constitutional matters.

The Aguacentian political system is a multi-party system. Since, the inception of democracy in 1994, politics has been dominated by the Christian Democratic Union and the National Party.  Historically, the system has been characterized by majority governments, although majority-coalition governments have existed. Currently, a National Party - Christian Democratic Union coalition maintains a slight majority in the National Assembly, with the National Party being the senior coalition partner.

Constitution

At 656 words, the Constitution of the Republic of Aguacenta is exceptionally brief. It consists of a total of five sections containing a combined twenty-five articles. The Constitution establishes the basic framework for the government of Aguacenta, the identity of the Republic, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the role of territorial/provincial governments within the Republic, and mechanisms for altering the Constitution. The Constitution of the Republic differs from most written constitutions in that it provides very few constraints on the nature and scope of government and provides very few protections for individuals. The sparse details provided in the constitution was the result of the difficulties experienced by the territories of the union in reaching a consensus on a more robust constitution. In order to prevent a dead-lock at the Constitutional Convention of 1987 and bring order to the region, the territories agreed to a minimalist framework in the belief that the National Council could rule justly and effectively. 

 

Quote

 

CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC

Section 1 - The State

Art.1.- The Republic of Aguacenta is a sovereign and independent state within the framework of the general principles of international law. The territory of the Republic is unalienable.

Art.2.- The Republic shall be a comprised of the union of the independent territories of  Nueva Cadiz, Vigo, Lograno, Utrera, Nijar, Antequera, and Siero.

Art.3.- The Republic is a state under the rule of law. The Constitution of the Republic shall be the supreme law of the land. No law, ordinance, edict or treaty enacted by the Republic or any territories within the union or  shall be in contravention of this document.

Art.4.- Legislative powers within the Republic shall be vested in the National Council, which shall make laws in the interest of the public interest. The Council shall be composed of one member of clergy from each diocese of the Aguacentian Catholic Church. Laws may be enacted by agreement of the majority of the council.

Art.5.- The final arbiter of this document shall be the Constitutional Court. Each of the territories within the Union shall be entitled to appoint one representative to this court. The representative will serve for a life term. When questions of  constitutionality arise, the court shall hear relevant arguments and the justices of the court shall vote. Constitutionality shall be determined by agreement of the majority Court.

Section 2 - Identity

Art.1. - The official name of the union shall be the Independent Republic of Aguacenta.

Art.2.- The official language of the state shall be the Spanish language.

Art.3.- The official religion of the state shall be the Aguacentian Catholic faith.

Art.4.- The official anthem of the state shall be the traditional ballad "Forward, Agauacenta".

Art.5.- The National Flag shall consist of three equal horizontal stripes.  The lower and upper stripes shall be blue and the middle stripe white. The stripes shall be adorned by the national crest.

Section 3 - Rights & Responsibilities

Art.1.- All persons born within the borders of the Republic shall be citizens of the Republic. Individuals may also be naturalized as prescribed in law. Once granted, citizenship may not be revoked.

Art.2.-  No person within the Republic may be prosecuted except in cases provided for by law, before legally appointed judges and in the manner prescribed by law. No penalty may be introduced or applied except by law.

Art.3.- All persons within the Republic have the right to assemble peacefully and without arms, in accordance with the laws that may regulate the exercise of this right. 

Art.4.- All persons within the Republic may address petitions to the public authorities. 

Art.5.- All citizens of the Republic shall render service to the state when prescribed by law.

Section 4 - Territories of the Union.

Art.1.- Named territories within the Union may maintain governments in accordance with local sensibilities.

Art.2.- Territorial governments may make laws to further the public good in accordance with their established practices, except when those laws are in contravention of national law.

Art.3.- All laws, ordinances, and edicts established under this constitution including those enacted by the territories themselves must apply equally to all territories within the Union.

Art.4.- No territory or territories within the union may enter into a treaty or agreement with a foreign power unilaterally.

Art.5.- Once established, no signatory to this document may secede from the union without consent of all other extant signatories.

Section 5 - Continuity and Amendment

Art.1.- In order to become legally binding, this document must be ratified by each of the seven named territories. Once enacted this constitution may not be suspended.

Art.2.- Once ratified, all prior agreements between the territories are repealed and the present constitution enters into force immediately.

Art.3.- Existing laws may remain in force as long as they are not in contravention of this document.

Art.4.- New territories may be added to the Union with the consent of all extant signatories.

Art.5.- A convention may be held to amended or replaced this constitution with the consent of extant signatories.

 

National Council

The National Council is one of two political bodies mandated by the Constitution of the Republic. The National Council is composed of one member of clergy from each of Catholic Church of Aguacenta's dioceses. The process of selecting a representative varies between diocese, in some instances representatives are elected and in others they are appointed. The 1987 Constitution of the Republic imbues the National Council with nearly unlimited legal authority. Historically, the National Council has been the sole source of political power within the Republic. However, beginning in 1994 the National Council began to established independent political institutions and delegated much of the responsibility for governing.

National Assembly

The National Assembly or National Parliament of the Republic of Aguacenta is the main legislative body of the Republic. The National Assembly is not a constitutionally mandated body, but instead was created by a National Council edict. The National Assembly handles most of the day-to-day legislating of the Republic. While technically the National Assembly only recommends legislation for the consideration of the National Council, in recent years council approval has largely become pro-forma. The National Assembly consists of 200 delegates who are elected for a term of three years using the proportional system.

q8HvyAv.png

(History of the National Assembly of Aguacenta. UDC (White), PN (Blue), PS (Red), PLD (Yellow), PEV (Green))

Since its inception, the National Assembly has been dominated by the Christian Democratic Union and the National Party. These two parties have lead every government since the establishment of democratic rule. Typically these governments were formed with a single-party majority, with the exception of between 2012 - 2015, where the UDC governed in coalition with the PLD, and the current government, a coalition between the NP and UDC. Political experts have speculated that given the intense economic, social, and regional divisions present in the Republic, that coalition governments are likely to become the norm as more serious challengers to the UDC and PN begin to emerge.

 

306uYVb.png

Following the 2018 general election, the National Party is currently the largest party in the National Assembly with 70 seats. The second largest party is the Liberal Democratic Party. After the general election, rumors circulated that a potential PN - PLD governing coalition could emerge. However, talks between the parties broke down after a failure to reach an agreement on several key issues, including the future status of the Eastern Frontier Territories. Soon thereafter talks began between the NP and the UDC about the potential of entering into a governing coalition for a second time. Initially it looked as if an agreement could not be made, however the potential of ruling in the minority encouraged the National Party to give up concessions on a variety of points of contention. A power-sharing agreement and terms of government were written, and the National Party and Christian Democratic Union currently formed the current governing coalition. The Liberal Democratic Party, Socialist Party, and Green Party currently form the opposition. Cooperation between the PLD and the PS has been sporadic, and the NP-UDC coalition has managed to pursue key campaign promises.

Office of First Minister

reO7sX3.png

(UDC - Blue, PN - White, PLD - Yellow, PS - Red, PEV - Green. Large Version)

The First Minister of Republic is the Head of Government of the Republic of Aguacenta. The Office of the First Minister is not a constitutionally mandated position, but instead was created by National Council edict. The First Minister is elected by the National Assembly and approved by the National Council. Traditionally the First Minister is a member of the party with the greatest number of seats in the National Assembly. There have only been 4 different First Ministers since the office was established. The longest serving First Minister was Ernesto Celestino Rios of the Christian Democratic Union, who served for 12 years (4 consecutive terms).  Celestino is widely regarded as the father of the Aguacentian state. The current First Minister is Emiliano Cabrera of the National Party. The First Minister appoints the Cabinet of Ministers, some of whom are head governmental departments, which are then approved by the National Council. The First Minister can be removed by a Vote of No Confidence by the National Assembly or by Edict from the National Council.

Cabinet of Ministers

The Cabinet of Ministers function as administrative and political experts and are responsible for making decisions within their respective areas, and are given substantial autonomy. They also represent their areas of expertise in domestically and internationally in matters of joint cooperation. New public policy and laws are drafted by ministries. The drafts are then reviewed by other government departments, the National Council, and National Assembly before being brought to the floor for a vote.The cabinet of ministers is appointed the First Minister and approved by the National Council. Some Ministers also head governmental departments. There is no mandated number of ministries, instead ministries are created and dissolve as the need arises. There are currently 19 legally constituted cabinet ministries. Traditionally, the First Minister also appoints a Deputy First Minister, who is responsible for maintaining the government in the absence of the First Minister, however there is no requirement to appoint a deputy. The current Deputy First Minister is Rafael Ramero of the Christian Democratic Union. Under the current governing agreement between the Christian Democratic Union and the National Party, the National Party occupies 13 ministries and the UDC occupies 6 ministries. 

List of Ministers:

Quote


Minister of the Home Office: Teodoro Ojeda (PN)
Minister of the Foreign Office: Jonatan Valentín (PN)
Minister of National Defense: Abel Valencia (PN)
Ministry of Finance: Pablo Andrés (PN)
Minister of the Economy and Development: Gabriel Cardozo (PN)
Minister of Social Development: Quirino Ybarra (UDC)
Minister of Justice and Human Rights: Alberto Acosta (UDC)
Minister of Labor: Fabián Cruz (UDC)
Minister of Public Works: Fortunato Robles (UDC)
Minister of Health: Eberardo Ortega (PN)
Minister of Agriculture: Ceferino Arriola (PN)
Minister of Mining: Ale Flores (PN)
Minister of Transport: Norberto Herrera (PN)
Minister of Communications: Lázaro Lobo (PN)
Minister of Energy: Godofredo Losa (PN)
Minister of the Environment: Luisa de Cuerva (PN)
Minister of Sport: Porfirio Bautista (PN)
Minister of Culture: Eusebio Perez (UDC)
Minister of Science and Technology: Gerardo Vázquez (UDC)

 

Constitutional Court

The Constitutional Court is one of two political bodies mandated by the Constitution of the Republic. The Constitutional Court is responsible for arbitrating disputes related to the constitutionality of legislation, legal processes, and administrative actions. Constitutionality is determined by a simple majority. Because the National Council is granted broad legislative powers by the constitution, Constitutional Court rulings tend to primarily concern equal application of the law as mandated by the constitution, whether laws are in the public interest, and resolving disputes between provincial governments. Each province is responsible for appointing a justice to the Constitutional Court. There are currently seven justices on the Constitutional Court. By tradition, the position of Chief Justice rotates between the justices on a bi-annual basis. Currently, the Chief Justice the Constitutional Court is Gustavo René Giese of Antequera.

Federal Courts 

The Unified Federal Court System is responsible for arbitrating matters of both civil and criminal national law. Federal Courts are not a constitutionally mandated bodies, but instead were created by a National Council edict. Separate courts exist for criminal, civil, and administrative matters. Federal Judges are recommended by the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, vetted by the National Assembly, and approved by the National Council. Federal Judges are appointed for 10 year terms. The Unified Federal Court System is largely independent and non-political. It is viewed by fair, impartial, and transparent. Surveys shows that the courts are Aguacenta's most trusted government institution.

 

Politics

Overview

Aguacentian Politics is dominated by Catholic social teachings. The majority of Aguacentians tend be socially conservative while favoring a moderate degree of economic intervention by the state. Historically, the Aguacentian Catholic Church has played a key role in politics. Early elections were dominated by the Christian Democratic Union, which maintained a single-party majority for 12 years following the implementation of democratic rule. While still playing a crucial role in politics, in recent years the Catholic Church has begun to wane in influence as demographic shift and political opening to the outside world has lead to an infusion of new political ideas. At times Aguacentian politics can be divisive. Major debates exist over the appropriate scope of democracy, the influence of the church in society, and the role of the state.    

Elections

Elections for the National Assembly are held every three years by all eligible voters. Representatives are elected using a closed-list proportional representative system that utilizes a multi-vote ballot. Voters may cast up five votes on a ballot. These votes may be for a single party or multiple parties. The D'Hondt method is used to apportion seats to each party. Parties that receive less than 5 percent of the total votes cast are omitted from the allocation process.

Suffrage is not universal in the Republic. Only married men in good standing within the Catholic Church may vote. Good standing is determined on a by each diocese. What constitutes good standing varies dramatically between diocese. For instance, the Archdiocese of Cadiz considers all citizens of the Republic who promise to live a moral life in good standing, while the Diocese of Greater Antequera requires regular church attendance to be considered in good standing.

Political Parties

Functionally, Aguacenta is a multi-party majoritarian democracy. All political parties must be registered with and approved by the National Council.  In early elections, only parties espoused Catholic doctrine were permitted to run for national office. As such, the number of parties was limited, and the first few electoral contests featured only the Christian Democratic Union and the National Party. In 2003, the rules governing acceptable parties were relaxed, allowing for the introduction of secular parties, so long as they do not openly advocate a platform that is hostile to the Catholic Church. The first secular parties to be formed were the Miners and Farmers Party, the Socialist Party, and the Liberal Democratic Party. There are currently twelve legally constituted political parties within the Republic. There are currently five political parties represented in the National Assembly.

Major Parties:

XAzloyr.png

 

In addition to Aguacenta's five parties with representation in the National Assembly, there are seven other legally constituted political parties. These are the Communist Party of Aguacenta, the Miners and Farmers Party, the Progressive Party, the Citizen's United Party, the Party for the Restoration of Clerical Rule, the Northern Territories Development Party, and the Popular Front. A number of now defunct political parties have also existed. In addition to legally constituted parties, there have been popular political movements that never resulted in a formal party and many political advocacy groups that have been denied legal party status.

 

Federalism & Sub-National Governments

Overview

The Republic of Aguacenta has a weak federal system. There are currently seven provinces; Vigo, Lograno, Utrera, Nijar, Antequera, Siero, and the Capital Territory in the federal system. Each province maintains their own government within the federal system of the Republic. Provincial governments are granted limited protections by the Constitution of the Republic and are granted a great deal of autonomy in Aguacentian law. Provinces maintain governments in accordance with local sensibilities and tradition. Therefore, the style of government varies from province to province. For example the industrial province of Siero maintains a government with both a provincial governor and legislature that are elected by universal male suffrage. In contrast, the neighboring province of Antequera maintains a government government based on the historically un-elected council of elders who appoint a Provincial Administrator.

Certain localities are also granted special privileges under Aguacentian law. For example, the Federal District of Ciudad Nuevo maintains a city council with a broad legislative and administrative mandate. Cities are also granted special privileges under Aguacentian law. Ciudad Nuevo, Olivia, and Siero are the only three federally recognized cities. Communes are granted limited powers of governance, but are not federally recognized  and often relying on provincial governments for most needs.

Federal Entities

Currently the Republic of Aguacenta is composed of fourteen federal subjects. These include seven provinces - Aguacentian Capital Territory (also: ACT, Capital Territory, Cadiz), Vigo, Lograno, Utrera, Nijar, Antequera, Siero; Three Federal Cities - Ciudad Nuevo, Siero, and Olivia; One Unorganized Territory - Córdoba (also: Cordoba, Cordova, Frontera Costa); one Unincorporated Territory - Frontera Occidental, one Area of Economic Concern -  Borde Occidental; and one Protected Territory - Isla de Santiago. In total, the incorporated territories of the Republic occupy 1.57 million km2 of land and are home to 5.54 million people. The Capital Territory is the most populated of Aguacenta's Provinces, containing roughly half of the Republic's inhabitants and Antequera is the least populated, with fewer than 31,000 inhabitants.

Aguacenta has an asymmetric federal system in which federal entities of the Republic exercise different degrees of political power and autonomy. There are seven types of federal subjects under Aguacentian law. 

  • Province (Provincia) - Pronvince is the highest status of the legally incorporated federal subjects and is the only constitutionally mandated type of federal subject. Provinces are the most developed and populated federal entities. The Constitution of the Republic gives specific recognition and protection to Provinces. Provinces have normally constituted governments that are structured based on local sensibilities and needs. Provinces are considered full members of the federation that forms the Republic. There are currently seven federal subjects with the status of Province.
  • Federal City (Ciudad Federal) - Federal City is a hybrid federal subject. Federal Cities have normally constituted governments that are structured based on local sensibilities and needs. Federal Cities exist within provincial boundaries and are subject to provincial legislatures, however they are given special legal powers and greater autonomy than other types of settlement due to their economic and cultural importance within the Republic. There are currently three federal subjects with the status of Federal City.
  • Organized Territory (Territorio Organizado) - Organized territories are a lesser incorporated federal subject. Organized Territories have normally constituted governments that are structured based on local sensibilities and needs. Organized territories function almost identically to Provinces, but have not been granted the legal status of Province. As a result, they they lack the same legal and constitutional protections as Provinces. Organized Territories are considered full members of the federation that forms the Republic. There are currently no federal subjects with the status of Organized Territory.
  • Unorganized Territory (Territorio Desorganizado) - Unorganized Territories are a lesser incorporated federal subject. Unorganized Territories may have no official government structure or may have irregularly constituted governments. Unorganized Territories are considered full members of the deration that forms the Republic, however they are afforded limited legal status within the Republic and their administration is subject to direct legal authority of the National Assembly. People born in Unorganized Territories are eligible for Aguacentian citizenship, however citizenship is not conveyed at birth. Cordoba is currently the only federal subject with the status of Unorganized Territory.
  • Unincorporated Territory (Territorio No Incorporado) -  Unincorporated Territories are a form of unincorporated federal subject. Unincorporated Territories may or may not have organized governments. Unincorporated Territories do not officially fall within the borders of the Republic, but are considered part of the Greater Republic of Aguacenta because the government maintains unofficial territorial claims to these regions. Unincorporated Territories enjoy special economic and political ties to the Republic, and the government of the Republic often provides monetary support for the development of infrastructure and maintains military garrisons in these regions. The Western Frontier Territory (Frontera Occidental) is currently the only federal subject with the status of Unincorporated Territory. 
  • Area of Economic Concern (Área de Preocupación Económica) - Areas of Economic Concern (AEC) are a form of unincorporated federal subject. AECs may or may not have organized governments. They do not fall within the borders of the Republic and not subject to Aguacentian territorial claims. The National Assembly has granted AECs special economic and trade rights when doing business with companies within the Republic. AECs often serve as political and economic buffer zones between the Republic of Aguacenta and neighboring states. The Western Rim Territory (Territorio del Borde Occidental) is currently the only federal subject with the status of Area of Economic Concern.
  • Protected Territory (Territorio Protegido) - Protected territories are a hybrid federal subject. They may exist both within and outside of the borders of the Republic. Protected Territories may be subject to the governments of other federal entities. Protected Territories face increased scrutiny by the Ministry of Defense for the purposes of national security and any residents of of these federal entities face additional legal restrictions. Santiago Island (Isla de Santiago), located within the Province of Antequera, is currently the only federal subject with the status of Protected Territory.

List of Federal Subjects

JmgSuRA.png

Localities

Each incorporated federal subject is is further divided into Departments, based on economic and cultural differences. There are currently 23 Departments within the Republic; Aguacenta Capital Territory (5), Vigo (3), Lograno (2), Utrera (1), Nijar (4), Siero (3), Antequera (3), and Cordoba (2). Each Department is in turn divided into many Cantons, the smallest territorial subdivision within the Republic, based loosely on population. There are currently 564 Aguacentian Cantons. 

Foreign Relations

Aguacenta's trade policy is characterized by a program of export oriented growth, free trade, economic liberalism, and fair trade policies. Aguacenta is heavily reliant on foreign trade, particularly for the import of agricultural goods, household goods, and consumer electronics. The country exports a large quantity of raw materials, including lumber, ore, minerals, metals, steel, coal, and petroleum. The country also exports finished products including  smoked meats, winter clothing, heavy machinery, mining equipment, naval vessels, petroleum products, and industrial chemicals. Historically, Aguacenta's strongest trade ties have been with European nations, however since independence the country has become more integrated with its Asian neighbors.

Aguacenta's foreign policy is characterized by a mix of muti-laterialism, institutionalism, international liberalism, legalism, anti-colonialism, Pan-Asianism, and liberation theology.  The Republic is a staunch advocate of the formation of international institutions to bolster cooperation and understanding between nations. Aguacenta is a founding member of the Coalition of East Asian Nations and contributed greatly to its principles and doctrine. The Republic contributes to humanitarian and peace keeping missions. 

 

Edited by Aguacenta
  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Armed Forces

2tA6efp.png

(Banners of the the Aguacenta's Army, Navy, and Air Force)

Overview

The Aguacentian Defense Force (Fuerzas de defensa de la República de Aguacenta) are responsible for guaranteeing the sovereignty and independence of Aguacenta. The armed force are charged with the defense of the Republic's territorial integrity, maintaining civil order, international peacekeeping, and providing humanitarian aid. The Aguacentian Defense Force consists of three main bodies, the Army of the Republic, the Armada of the Republic, and the Air Corps of the Republic. By law the National Council is required to authorize the existence, size, and budget of the Aguacentian Defense Force at least once every 10 years. Operational command of the armed forces is the responsibility of the Chief of Defense, while the administrative and logistical needs of the armed forces are the responsibility of the Minister of Defense.

Manpower

Currently, the National Assembly has mandated universal conscription of all male citizens above the age of 18. Lengths of conscription range in length from 6 months to 24 months. Women may serve in the armed forces, but service is not mandatory. Standing forces are limited. There are currently about 40,000 troops in active service. In times of war, the Councl Guard and Gendarmerie of the Republic also fall under the command of the Chief of Defense. These forces comprise another 5,500 troops and 12,000 troops respectively. Because of the limited size of the Republic's standing forces, it relies heavily on the reserve forces of the Guardia Nacional during times of crisis. All male citizens ages 16 to 49 are required to register with for Guardia Nacional service and take part in regular reserve training. There are approximately 800,000 reserve troops currently fit for service. Total budget for the the Aguacentian Defense Forces typically ranges from 1.3% to 1.8% of Aguacenta's GDP.

Military Doctrine

The Aguacentian Defense Forces are primarily designed for defensive operations within the Republic and the deployment of small contingents abroad for humanitarian purposes. Land-forces doctrine is based on using small well trained, highly mobile, and highly responsive force. In defensive engagements, this force is bolstered by strategic troop reserves, Guardia Nacional units, Council Guard commandos, and the para-military Gendarmerie. Aguacentian forces are designed and trained to make effective use of the country's vast wilderness, rugged terrain, and harsh weather. Cold weather and mountain combat are at the forefront of Aguacentian infantry training.

The Aguacentian Armada is primarily designed for to provide coastal defense, anti-piracy operations, interdiction, customs enforcement, and border protection.  Sea-forces doctrine is based on the principle that a small force of vessels designed to detect and eliminate enemy naval forces can provide an effect deterrent against invasion. The Republic employs a combination fixed and mobile assets for maritime defense.  Fixed assets include coastal observation posts, detection nets, coastal artillery, and land based missile batteries. Mobile assets include: light surface ships, motor torpedo boats, naval patrol boats, mine-layers, and patrol aircraft.   

The Aguacentian Air Corps is primarily designed to support infantry and naval operations close to home. Its primary peace time mandate is to provide support for anti-piracy operations, interdiction, customs enforcement, border protection, and to support civilian agencies. In times of conflict, the Air Corps relies heavily on early warning-dection systems, surface to air missile batteries, and anti-aircraft artillery to limit the movement of potential aggressors. 

Grand Army of the Republic

aeZGRpJ.png?2

(Insignia of the Army of the Republic)

The Army of the Republic is the primary land forces branch of the Aguacentian Defense Force. The Unified Land Forces Command is divided into 5 subordinate commands. These include three regional commands (North, East, and South) and  two general commands (Auxiliary Forces and Unified Support Command). Each regional command has subordinate units. Peacetime standing ground forces are currently comprised of five combat ready divisions. This include 3 infantry divisions and 2 armored divisions.

Structure

 

ncdtgHh.png

(Land Forces Command Structure)

 

The Northern Region contains the provinces of Antequera and Siero.  The 1st Infantry Division, nicknamed Los Zorros Árticos, is based in the city of Seville in Antequera. The Southern Region contains the Capital Territory, Vigo, and Lograno. The 2nd Infantry Division (Las Cabras) is based at La Paz and has units garrisoned along the western frontier. The 1st Armored Division (Los Conquistadores) is stationed in central Vigo. The Eastern Region contains the pronvinces of Utrera, Nijar, and Cordoba. The the 3rd Infantry Division (Los Lanceros) is based at Nueva Barcelona with elements currently garrisoned at Karlshafen. The 2nd Armored Division (Las Tortugas) is based just south of Olivia, and currently units deployed in western Nijar and Utrera along the western frontier. 

qSQMOts.png?1 nmHqoqW.png?1

(Standard Infantry and Armored Division Structure - Larger Images 1 , 2)
 

All divisions are designed to be self-sufficient combat forces and include various support units including artillery, anti-aircraft, engineers, and logistics components. Aguacentian infantry divisions tend to be highly mechanized and well versed in cold weather combat in rough terrain. The three standing infantry divisions average about 10,000 troops each. Aguacentian armored divisions are composed of approximately 5,000 troops per division. Each armored division maintains a combat force of 75 main battle tanks, 100 infantry fighting vehicles, and 100 armored personnel carriers. During times of war the Council Guard, Gendarmerie, and National Guard fall under the jurisdiction of the Unified Ground Force Command.

Uniforms

Dress Uniform. Army dress uniforms resemble those worn originally worn during the colonial era during the 1700s. For enlisted men, tops consist of a white long-sleeve overcoat made of wool with light blue facings and brass buttons, white cartridge belt, white waistcoat, and a white neckstock. Officers wear a longer dark blue long-sleeve overcoat with white facings. Both wear similar bottoms. Bottoms consist of white breeches, white gaiters with brass buttons, and black leather shoes. Infantry divisions wear a black tri-point hat with gold fringe, while armored divisions where a black kepi with a black bill and blue top adorned with gold chord. Officers of all divisions wear a a black forward facing bicorne with a blue or white feather plume. Aguacentian soldiers often comment on how much they hate their dress uniforms.

Standard Uniform. The standard land forces combat uniform consists of jacket and trouser. All are water and flame resistant. The jacket features a zippered front with velcro zipper cover and velcor pockets. It has velcro attachments for unit insignia, rank insignia, national flag, nameplates, and other markers. The uniform features a digitized camoflague pattern. The standard uniform has a grey-brown camol!@#$ue pattern. However, there are three other standard patterns that change based on season and theatre requirements. These patterns are woodland, snow, and dessert. The trouser are worn with a belt and contain front, back, and thigh velcro pockets for storage. Uniforms are available in cold, temperate, and warm weather variants. A matching single-color undershirt is required. A combat vest is often worn when operating in the field. Various accessories are available for different weather conditions. Other uniforms are used by units based on need.

Unit Markers. Each division is idenitifed by a colored rectangular formation patch. The colors currently in use are Royal Blue (1st Infantry), Emerald (2nd Infantry), Burgundy (3rd Infantry), Blue-Grey (1st Armored) and Gold (2nd Armored). Guardia Nacional troops wear a red formation patch, Gendarmeria wear orange-red formation patch, and Guardia Consejo troops wear a black formation patch. Battalions and service groups have unique unit insignia to differentiate them from other components of their division. 

Headgear. The primary head-wear for Aguacentian land forces was a powder-blue beret. However, as a result of the ubiquity of light-blue berets in international peace-keeping effort, Aguacentian land forces changed their uniform to include a mustard-yellow beret. Camouflaged patrol caps are worn during field operations in place of the beret.  The standard combat helmet for Aguacentian land forces is the M02 Composite Helmet. It is available in the standard camouflage colors. 

Q7ylGiZ.png

(Aguacentian Troops in the Field)

Equipment

Aguacentian forces use a mix of equipment constructed by both foreign firms and constructed domestically with approved manufacturing licenses.

Small Arms. The standard infantry weapon is the RK 62 manufactured in Aguacenta under license agreement. These weapons are ubiquitous in the Republic. The more modern RK 95 TP is also used in a lesser capacity. The Aguacentian military also maintains large stockpiles of the Type 56 variant of the AK - 47 for use of reserve units in the event of activation. However, these weapons remain in long-term storage in regional arsenals. Other weapons are used in lesser capacity for role specific needs. The standard infantry support weapon for land forces is the 7.62 KK PKM.

Artillery and Mortars. Artillery and mortars play a key role in the Repubic's defensive military strategy. Because of the mountainous and heavily forested terrain in much of the country, indirect fire weapons are well suited to warfare in the region. The 81 KRH 71 Y is the standard infantry support motar used by land forces. However, other man-portable mortars are in use. Aguacenta uses a variety of towed including the 155 K 98 and 155 K 83 are in service. The standard support artillery piece for use by reserve forces is the 122 H 63. Self propelled howitzers are also in use. The 122 PSH 74 is currently in service. It is being phased out in favor of the 155 PSH 17.

Tanks and Armor. The PT-91 Twardy is main battle tank currently in use by the Republic. Several variants are in use by Aguacentian land forces for special purposes. Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Amored Personnel Carriers are integral to the Republic's highly mobile forces. The Mitsubishi Type 89 and CV 9030 are the IFVs currently in use. The Patria AMV XA-360 and Pasi XA-185 are both currently being manufactured in Aguacenta under licensing agreement. Because of the harsh weather, particularly in winter, the Republic maintains a large number of all terrain vehicles. The BV206 D6N is currently in use and is the most prevalent of these. A large number are also currently in long term storage for use by reserve forces. 

Partial List of Equipment in Use by Land Forces:

x1JHcb9.png

 

Armada of the Republic

Vj3A3w5.png?1

(Insignia of the Armada of the Republic)

The Armada of the Republic is primary sea forces branch of the Aguacentian Defense Force, it is also responsible for maintaining coastal artillery batteries and anti-piracy operations. Aguacenta has a strong naval tradition dating back to its colonial period, when settlers converted merchant vessels into make-shift patrol craft to deter local pirates. Standing forces are comprised of two main combat divisions. The Northern Fleet (Flota del Norte) is headquartered in the city of Oivia with elements stationed at Seville and is responsible for the territorial waters surrounding Nijar, Antequera, Siero, and the protectorate of Isla de Santiago. The Southern Fleet (Flota del Sur) is headquartered commune of Puetro Libre on Aguacenta's southern coast and is responsible for the Utrera, Lograno, Vigo, Cordoba, and the Capital Territory. The Armada also has two major other comands. Naval Support Command, which is resonsible for coordinating logistics, sustainment efforts, and major maintaince. Naval Support Command is also responsible for training new sailors and officers. It maintains the Aguacentian Naval Academy located in Puerto Libre.  The Coastal Defense Command is a distributed military command responsible for maintaining Aguacenta's early warning systems, radar networks, and coastal artillery emplacements. 

T3jPJPf.png

(Sea-Forces Command Structure)

Uniforms

Dress Uniforms. For enlisted sailors dress uniforms consist of a fitted dark blue top and blue and white striped undershirt. A lighter blue neckerchief with white stripes is worn around the neck. Bottoms consist of a dark blue bell bottom style pant worn with a wide belt. For officers tops consist of a white button up shirt and black tie underneath a dark blue button up overcoat. Bottoms consist of a dark blue straight legged trouser. Enlisted sailors wear a white flat-top hat with a black band, and no bill. Officers wear a white peaked cap with a black band and black bill adorned with gold cord. 

Standard Uniform. For enlisted sailors, the standard uniform consists of a black or dark blue zip up utility blouse and velcro zipper cover. The chest has velcro patches for name and rank insignia. The sleeves have velcro patches for formation and national flag. The shirt has velcro chest pockets and shoulder bands for rank insignia. A black undershirt is typically worn. The bottoms consist of a black fitted pants and black leather boots. Officers wear a similar uniform. Borth officers and enlisted sailors may wear a pea-coat in poor weather. Other uniforms are used by units based on need.

Unit Markers. Naval units use unique formation identifiers. Patches are circular surounded with gold cord. Each vessel has a its own design that has been approved by the Unified Sea-Force Command. Deigns must include the vessels name and a relevant image. Land based naval also have unique identifiers, they are similar to identifiers for vessels. For sailors attached to Naval Support Command, the patch displays the name of the command group and relevant imagery. For sailors attached to the coastal defense command, patches display the battery name.

Headgear.  The official head-dres enlisted sailors wear a dark blue beret. Officers wear a white crusher style cap with a black band and short black bill adorned with gold cord. However, unit specific patrol caps and ball caps are approved for use and are the most common common form of head-wear

.

nzopvJ6.png

(A Provincia Class Frigate and Leyenda Class Corvette both at sea)\

Equipment.

The Armada maintains a modest force primarily designed for patrolling and defending Aguacenta's littoral waters. The Armada maintains two types of rated vessels. The Provencia-class frigate, which is based on the Fridtjof Nasen-Class, and the Leyenda-class corvette, which is based on the Kormata-Class. The Armada currently fields 6 frigates and 8 corvettes, however expansion is likely to occur as a result of increased naval responsibilities in the East Asian Region. The Armada of the Republic also maintains a small number of Aguijon-class diesel-electric attack submarines, which are based Scorpene-Class. There are currently 4 such vessels in the fleet. The Armada recently acquired several motor torpedo boats which are assigned to the Southern Fleet and used for coastal defense. The Armada relies heavily on small fast attack vessels to patrol territorial waters. The current standard patrol craft is the Tapper-Class patrol boat. A number of other support vessels are also in the fleet.

Partial List of Equipment Used by the Armada:

xmumgRl.png

Major Ships of the Armada:

DokhylT.png

 

Air Corps of the Republic

80CwHoO.png?1

(Insignia of the Air Corps of the Republic)

The Air Corps of the Republic was established in the mid-1950s. The Air Corps of the Republic is the primary air forces branch of the Aguacentian Defense Force. It is responsible for maintaining the integrity of Aguacenta's skys, territorial claims, and coastal waters. During times of war the Air Corps supports the Army of the Republic and the Aguacentian Armada. It is responsible for providing close air support,  performing strategic and tactical bombing missions, conducting anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare, and maintaining air superiority. During peace time the Air Corps primarily supports civilian agencies. it is responsible for surveillance, drug interdiction, and humanitarian missions.

The Unified Air-Forces Command consists of three major commands; Combat Operations Command, Air Logistics Command, and Aviation Support Command. Combat Operations Command consists of five main combat units: The 1st Attack Wing (Los Saracenses) based in the Capital Territory, 2rd Attack Wing (Los Cuervos) based in Callao, the 1st Bomber Wing (Lluvia Acero) and 3rd Attack Wings (Las Valquirias) based in western Nijar, and 1st Air Defense Group (La Torre) distributed nationwide. The  Air Corps also contains two support commands; Air Logistics Command and Aviation Support Command. Logistics Command contains two constituent commands, the 1st Air-Lift Group (Mulas Cielo) based in western Nijar and the Air-Surveillance Group (Los Mosquitos) stationed in support of other units nationwide.

Attack wings typically consist of 15 multi-role fighters, while bomb wings consist of 5 heavy bombers.

xjzbQ6l.png

(Air Corps Command Structure)

Uniforms

Dress Uniform. The standard dress inform consists of a white button up collared shirt with black tie worn with a dark blue or grey jacket twith a wide lapel and shoulder straps for rank insignia. Citations and unit medals are often worn. Matching straight legged trousers are worn with the jacket. Officers wear a wide leather belt and cross guard. On the head, enlisted personnel wear a beret that varies by unit type. Officers wear crusher style cap with black band, short black bill, and gold cord.

Standard Uniform. The standard air forces uniform consists of jacket and trouser. All are water and flame resistant. The jacket features a zippered front with velcro zipper cover and velcor pockets. It has velcro attachments for unit insignia, rank insignia, national flag, nameplates, and other markers. The uniform features a digitized camoflague pattern. The standard uniform has a woodland camouflage pattern. The trouser are worn with a belt and contain front, back, and thigh velcro pockets for storage. Uniforms are available in cold, temperate, and warm weather variants. Pilots typically wear a drab green coverall flight-suit. For all uniforms, a matching single-color undershirt is required. Other uniforms are used by units based on need.

Unit Markers. Air units use unique formation identifiers. Patches are circular or shield shaped and feature bands displaying the unit number and nickname. Imagery is related to the unit nickname.

Headgear. With the standard, all personnel wear a beret that varies by unit type. Attack wings wear a blue-grey beret, bomber wings wear a maroon beret, and support units wear a black beret.

UcI1PDJ.png

(Air Corps Planes Conducting Peacetime Operations)

Equipment

Combat Aircraft. The primary Air Corps fighter is the HAL Tejas, built domestically as the AC - 11, and officially designated the Gorrión. An initial run of 55 aircraft was manufactured by the state owned defense firm Fabricantes Aguacentinos under license to replace its fleet of aging Fiat G - 91 aircraft. These aircraft are utilized for various roles including close air support and air superiority missions. The Air Corps also maintains a small number of strategic bombers. In times of war these are primarily used for attacking enemy ground formations, anti-naval warfare, and laying sea-mines. The primary strategic bomber used by the Air Corps is the Rockewell B1-B, imported from abroad and operated domestically as the BA - 21. The BA - 21 is officially designed as the Saíno.

Support Aircraft.   The Air Corps maintains a number of support aircraft to perform a variety of missions. These include: modified versions of the C-295 (des. RAAA - 31, Rayo) equipped with airborne early warning and control systems, and designed for command and control, surveillance, and airspace denial missions; the Lockheed P-3 Orion (des. AA - 31, Marsopa) used for maritime patrol, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare; the Diamond DA42 (des. AA - 32, Aguja) used for coastal patrol, observation, and search and rescue; the C-295M (des. AA - 33, Búfalo) used for transport of men and equipment; and the PZL W-3 used as a general purpose helicopter (des. H - 40, Halcón).

EqG4e9N.png

Council Guard

sosgtTU.png?2

The Council Guard (Guardia Consejo) has its roots in the religious militias that pre-date the unification of Aguacenta. These existed at the behest of local religious councils and served in a role of both law enforcement and community protection. The Council Guard plays a similar role in the modern republic. The Council Guard is mandated with the task of protecting the ideals of the Republic and the sanctity of the Catholic Faith from both internal and external enemies.  This is in contrast to the other military organizations within the Republic who are tasked with protecting the sovereignty of Aguacenta's territory. The Council Guard is composed of approximately 5,500 highly trained commandos who directly serve the interest of the National Council. Council Guard units exist outside the normal military command structures and are not subject to Ministry of Defense rulings. The exception to this is during times of war, when the Council Guard is incorporated into the Unified Ground Forces Command. Guardsmen are known for their fervent religious beliefs and anti-democratic tendencies. Opinions on the role of the Council Guard in the Republic, varying from the belief that the Guard is a no more than a group of militant thugs to the view that the Guard an integral part of maintaining Aguacentian culture and history.

Intelligence Agencies

M9Gp5Zg.png

The Republic of Aguacenta maintains two intelligence agencies, each assigned with a different mission. The Foreign Research Service (Servicio de Investigación Extranjera) is a department of the Foreign Office, and is responsible for collecting information on external threats to Aguacenta's security, carrying out espionage against the enemies of the Republic, and conducting covert operations abroad.  The SIE is the nations primary international intelligence agencies and undertakes operations to support the armed services, council guard, and civilian agencies. It has been known to coordinate with its international counterparts.

The Information and Analysis Group (Grupo de Información y Análisis) is a department of the Home Office, but it is subject to limited regulation and oversight. Its was initially created by the confederation government after the signing of the Articles of Unification, as such, it predates the Republic. It is responsible for collecting information on internal threats to Aguacenta's security. The GIA's official mandate is limited to combating organized crime, counter-terrorism, and counter-intelligence. Despite its limited mandate, the GIA has a rather checkered history of being used to conduct surveillance, psychological warfare, and extrajudicial activities within the Republic.  Its agents are colloquially known as "Las Sambras" among the public.

  • Upvote 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Economy

Aguacenta is classified as a high-income economy by the international authorities. However, Aguacenta has lower degrees of economic freedom, higher perception of corruption, higher poverty rates, and less economic stability than most countries in this category. Pre-tax income inequality in Aguacenta is high. Great disparities in wealth and quality of life exist when comparing the major urban centers in the south and east to the northern interior regions. However, both the Catholic Church and the Aguacentian Government have begun to take steps to encourage a more equitable distribution of wealth and more uniform standards of living.

In the 24 years since the formation of the Republic, GDP growth  has averaged about 3.5% per year. During this period the economy more than doubled in size from 60.5 B USD to 136.8 B USD. During the same period average income increased and income inequality declined substantively. 

Doing business in the country can be difficult due to inefficient government bureaucracy, a shortage of educated workers, and corruption. Depending on industry, regulations can be cumbersome. Taxes on corporations and upper incomes individuals are high. Tax revenues, all together 40.7% of GDP in 2016 place it toward the middle for developed nations. Aguacenta has a large informal economy. In the less populous northern regions estimates suggest between 25 - 30 percent of all transactions remained off the books. In certain areas on the Aguacentian frontier this number has been estimated to be as high as 65 percent. Nationwide unemployment is about 5.5 %.

Industries


XWOqNIj.png?1

(Economy of Aguacenta - Larger Version)

Agriculture. Aguacenta's agricultural industries are limited due to the limited growing season in most of the Republic. Agriculture is one of the least developed areas of Aguacenta's economy, accounting for about 2 percent of GDP. The Republic is highly dependent on imported food from the Greater Asia region. Aguacenta does produce some agricultural goods domestically, including carrots, turnips, leeks, and various bitter greens. One of Aguacenta's primary agricultural exports is a vokda produced from fermenting a mash of carrots and turnips and flavored with garlic chives and peat.

 Fishing, Hunting, & Trapping. Fishing plays an important role in the the Aguacentian economy. The southern coast is home to rich fishing grounds. The most commonly caught fish are pollock, herring, cod, and flounder. Squid, shrimp, and crabs are also caught. Reindeer hunting and herding were some of the first industries to emerge in Aguacenta. Today, the production of reindeer meat for export and domestic consumption represents about 1 percent of total GDP. Trapping was once one of the most important aspects of Aguacenta's economy. However, with the decline of the fur trade it has become a minor part of the economy.

 Forestry. Forestry and related industries play an important role in Aguacenta's economy. Approximately 11 percent of GDP is derived from these industries. The largest portion of this is drawn from the lumber industry, which accounts for about 4 percent of GDP. The most productive logging is done in the south and east of the country. The most commonly logged trees are Pine, Alder, Birch, and Willow. Of these, the most prevalent export woods are pine, used for building material and in paper manufacturing, and Alder, used for furniture making. Aguacenta also has a small domestic furniture manufacturing industry, and Aguacentian hardwood furniure is some of the finest in the world. Paper manufacturing and wood byproducts make up the majority of the income from related industries. Some of the first paper manufacturing facilities in the country were built along the southern coast.

Mining. Mining is Aguacenta's single largest industry. It accounts for approximately 29 percent of GDP. The country produces large amounts of gold, silver, tin, and copper. The discovery of Gold and Silver in the region brought large numbers of settlers to the area during the colonial period. Today, Gold and silver account for 20 percent of GDP. Aguacenta exports both gold and gold dust for use in electronics, jewelry, and chemical industries abroad. Tin mining in southern Aguacenta is one of the oldest industries in the country. In the colonial era, tin was highly sought to be used in the creation of bronze and pewter. Other materials are also mined, most notably uranium, tungsten, and manganese. 

Energy. Aguacenta is an exporter of both raw and refined materials for the production of energy. Coal is mined in the southern and eastern provinces of the Republic. During the early 20th century, coal mining played an important role in the modernization and industrialization of the country. Today, the coal industry accounts for about 8 percent of Aguacenta's GDP. Petroleum extraction and refining are relatively new to the Republic. Newly discovered deposits along the coastline of the northern seas have only just begun to be tapped. Petroleum extraction and its related industries are quickly becoming some of the Republics most important and lucrative industries and currently account for about 10 percent of GDP.

Heavy Equipment & Vehicles. Equipment manufacturing is also important industry in Aguacenta. Aguacenta manufactures a variety of heavy vehicles, primarily for use in mining (including Bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, loaders, roadheaders, and tunnel boring machines) and forestry (including track skidders, yarders, and forwarders). Similarly, a number of vehicles used for transporting goods, including low loaders, dump trucks, and articulated trucks are manufactured by companies in the Republic. Aguacentian heavy equipment and trucks are known for their simple construction, ease of maintenance, performance in cold climates. 

Electronic Equipment. Electronic equipment plays an important role in Aguacentian manufacturing. It represents about 8 percent of the country's GDP. Insulated wire makes up a large portion of this production. The country also manufactures discrete electronic components, including transformers, inductors, resistors, and capacitors, for use in the construction and repair of more complex electronic equipment. Aguacentian electronic equipment is generally considered to be crude compared to that manufactured in other countries and quality control is often poor, however its inexpensive price means they are commonly used in budget electronics.

Technology. Aguacenta has a small but growing tech sector built around providing IT services. In recent years the government has sought to increase the size of the tech sector by providing education and training grants.

Textiles. Textiles and clothing play a small but integral part in Aguacenta's economy. The largest single clothing sector is the production of cold weather clothing for both domestic use and export. In total textile and clothing represent about 3 percent of GDP.

Economic Policy

Aguacenta's economy is characterized by a mix of private investment, public-private partnerships, and state run companies. The Government of Aguacenta owns substantial stakes in many important industries. Among these are mining, petroleum extraction, logging, energy production, and telecommunications. In recent years, the government has sought to divest from many industries in an effort to encourage the development of private enterprise.

The government of Aguacenta has placed an emphasis on encouraging exports, particularly in the East Asian region. Recent multi-lateral efforts have helped to lower trade barriers and encourage more international trade. The government has also attempted to encourage international investment in Aguacenta by offering lower tax rates, start-up grants, and preferential mining rights. These efforts have had mixed degrees of success.

The Aguacentian government has adopted policies of encouraging economic stability, avoiding government debt, insuring a stable currency, and accumulation high international reserves. As a result, economic conditions in Aguacenta are now considered stable, however political crises in the past have caused sudden major economic declines. The government has also adopted a policy of using counter-cyclical economic policies to help it ward off recession in several cases. The effectiveness of these policies has been a matter of much debate within the country.

Currency

The Peso is the official currency if Aguacenta. Common abbreviations for the Aguacentian Peso is AG$ and AGP. Prior to 1994, the currency of the Union of Aguacenta was the Rublo. The Rublo was abandoned after repeated political crises lead to hyper-inflation. The Peso replaced the Rublo at a rate of 1 Pesos per 5,000,000 Rublos. The value of the Peso has remained relatively stable since the mid-1990s. The current exchange rate is approximately 600 Aguacentian Pesos to 1 USD. One ounce of gold buys approximately 789,400 AGP. The government of Aguacenta's target goal for inflation is 2.5% +/- 1%.

3L304zE.png

(Peso Coins Currently in Use)

Until the late-1990s, each Peso is divided into 100 céntimos. As a result of the insignificant buying power of the céntimo it fell into disuse. As a result, the government stopped producing céntimos. Currently, the smallest monetary denomination in active use is 5 peso coin. Aguacentian Pesos are available in 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 3000 peso coins and 10000, 20000, 50000, 100000, and 300000 peso notes. All currency produced in the Republic displays the Eagle of the Republic and the monetary value. Peso coins also have seven stars representing the first seven provinces of Aguacenta. Peso coins vary in shape and metal depending on denomination.

CcEIYTT.png?1

(Peso Notes Currently in Use - Larger Version)

Aguacentian banknotes are printed on a polymer substrate and include embedded security features. All banknotes are small and rectangular, measuring 120 cm x 88 cm. On the rear, Aguacentian notes bear the star image of the north start in addition to the Eagle of the Republic. On the face a colonial soldier and serial number are displayed. The brightly colored notes were widely maligned when first introduced for public use. Most Aguacentian citizens regard the countries banknotes as ugly and the notes are the subject of many local jokes. For example, one of the common nicknames for Aguacentian Pesos is Las Frutas, The currency is often referred to by fruits of similar colors Arándanos (10 K AGP) , Ciruelas (20 K AGP), Aguacate (50 K AGP), Lima-Limon (100 K AGP), and Fresas (300 K AGP). Also due to their bright colors, Aguacentian citizens often refer colloquially to their currency by the color of the center stripe (Blue, Pink. Green, Yellow, and Red) on the rear of the bill. For example, in a transaction requiring a 300 K, a 100 K and a 10 K note, a cashier may ask for "a blue, a yellow, and a red".

 

Edited by Aguacenta
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Honors System of the Republic

The Aguacentian honors system is a means of rewarding individuals' personal bravery, achievement, or service to the Republic of Aguacenta. Honors are bestowed on both military members and civilians to recognize personal accomplishments and contributions to the Republic. The honors system consists of eighteen major honors and numerous lesser honors. Honors can be awarded to both individuals and groups. Major honors currently fall into five categories: High Honors of the Republic, Orders of the Republic, Decorations of the Republic, Service Medals, and Co-fraternities.

TX6ptIB.png


High Honors

  1. Hero of the Republic. Hero of the Republic (1) is the Republic of Aguacenta's highest honor. It is awarded to those who commit heroic actions or deeds that go above and beyond the call of duty in the service of the Republic and its people. It is awarded by the First Minister of the Republic and can be awarded to both civilians and servicemen. The award consists of a light blue ribbon with white stripe and a hand-crafted gold rendition of the the North Star. In the middle of the star is mounted a round cabochon sapphire. Individuals awarded the title of Hero of the Republic also receive a life-long housing stipend, living stipend, pension with survivor benefits, tax-exempt status, free transportation on all public transit systems, medical benefits, and an entertainment subsidy.
  2. Star of the Republic. The Star of the Republic (2) is the Republic of Aguacenta's second highest honor. It is awarded to individuals for exceptional actions, deeds, or achievements that serve the economic or cultural interest of the Republic. It is awarded by the First Minister of the Republic and can be awarded to both civilians and servicemen. The award consists of a white ribbon with light blue stripe and a hand-crafted silver rendition of the the North Star. In the middle of the star is mounted a round cabochon emerald. 

Orders

  1. Order of the Patriarch. The Order of the Patriarch (3) is conferred upon those who have rendered distinguished service in promoting the Aguacentian Catholic faith, or who have contributed to the glory of the Church, either by feat of arms, by writings, or by other illustrious acts. It is awarded by the National Council in consultation with the Patriarch of Cadiz. The award consists of a ribbon and medallion. The ribbon is light blue with white center stripe. The medallion consists of a gold cross with a blue and white roundel in the center. The cross is mounted on a laurel wreath and gold ring bisected by crossed swords.
  2. Order of the Merit. The Order of the Merit (4) is conferred upon those who have made significant contributions to the national security or defense of the Republic. The award consists of a ribbon and a medallion. The ribbon is light blue. The medallion is in the shape of the Aguacentian Eagle adorned with a light blue shield with a white fimbriation.
  3. Order of the Republic. The Order of the Republic (5) is conferred upon those who have made significant contributions to science, art, literature, or for the promotion of Aguacentian culture. The award consists of a ribbon and a medallion. The ribbon is white with a light blue stripe. The medallion is a gold five-pointed star with polished dark-blue Azurite face affixed in a gold ring.  

Decorations

Decorations are awarded to those who demonstrate one of the seven heavenly virtues of the Aguacentian Church. While these virtues are theological in origin, in modern Aguacenta they have also come to represent different aspects of the model citizen. All of the major decorations are civic medals and are awarded by the First Minister's Office.

  1. Medal of Chastity. The Medal of Chastity (6) is awarded for acts of  self-control, discipline, or morality that contribute to the benefit of the People of the Republic. The award consists of a light-grey and white ribbon and a light-grey and white lacquered square plate mounted on a gold frame. 
  2. Medal of Temperance. The Medal of Temperance (7) is awarded for acts of prudence or wisdom that contribute to the benefit of the People of the Republic. The award consists of a purple and white ribbon and a purple and white lacquered square plate mounted on a gold frame. 
  3. Medal of Charity. The Medal of Charity (8) is awarded for acts of altruism or generosity that contribute to the benefit of the People of the Republic. The award consists of a green and white ribbon and a green and white lacquered square plate mounted on a gold frame.
  4. Medal of Diligence. The Medal of Diligence (9) is awarded for acts of persistence, effort, or work ethic that contribute to the benefit of the People of the Republic. The award consists of a yellow and white ribbon and a yellow and white lacquered square plate mounted on a gold frame.
  5. Medal of Patience. The Medal of Patience (10) is awarded for acts of endurance, forgiveness, or mercy that contribute to the benefit of the People of the Republic. The award consists of a blue and white ribbon and a blue and white lacquered square plate mounted on a gold frame.
  6. Medal of Kindness. The Medal of Kindness (11) is awarded for acts of compassion that alleviate emotional or mental suffering and contribute to the benefit of the People of the Republic. The award consists of a orange and white ribbon and a orange and white lacquered square plate mounted on a gold frame.
  7. Medal of Humility. The Medal of Humility (12) is awarded for acts of bravery, modesty, or reverence that contribute to the benefit of the People of the Republic. The award consists of a brown and white ribbon and a brown and white lacquered square plate mounted on a gold frame.

Service Medals

  1. Gold Service Cross. The Gold Service Cross (13) is awarded for an act or acts of extraordinary heroism or gallantry in combat not justifying the awarding of the title of Hero of the Republic. The award consists of a medallion attached to a hexagonal ribbon. The ribbon is light blue and  yellow. The medallion consists of a flat gold cross mounted on a gold ring.
  2. Silver Service Cross. The Silver Service Cross (14) is awarded for an act or acts of heroism or gallantry in the field. The award consists of a medallion attached to a hexagonal ribbon. The ribbon is light blue and  white. The medallion consists of a flat silver cross mounted on a silver ring.
  3. Naval Star. The Naval Star (15) is awarded to to individuals who distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to Armada of the Republic. The award consists of a medallion attached to a hexagonal ribbon. The ribbon is blue with two yellow pin-stripes. The medallion is a silver four-pointed star with a lacquered blue square.
  4. Air Corps Star. The Air Corps Star (16) is awarded to to individuals who distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to Air Corps of the Republic. The award consists of a medallion attached to a hexagonal ribbon. The ribbon has alternating blue, grey, and white stripes. The medallion is a silver four-pointed star with a lacquered grey square.
  5. Land Forces Star. The Land Forces Star (17) is awarded to to individuals who distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to Land Forces of the Republic. The award consists of a medallion attached to a hexagonal ribbon. The ribbon has alternating green, light-green, and white stripes. The medallion is a silver four-pointed star with a lacquered green square.

Co-Fraternities

  1. Brotherhood of the Guiding Star. The Brotherhood of the Guiding Star (18) is a military co-fraternity modeled roughly after medieval chivalric orders. The Brotherhood is official military order of the Republic, but is independently managed by its own internal bylaws. Soldiers, sailors, and airmen are invited by existing members to join the brotherhood. New members are invited when they demonstrate actions of valor that benefit or glorify the Republic. Collectively all members of the brotherhood are referred to by the title of Bellator. Membership is tiered into four ranks, and various sub-ranks based on service and involvement in the brotherhood. The highest level of membership, reserved for those in national leadership roles, is Bellator Magnus; the second highest level of membership, reserved for those in regional leadership roles, is Bellator Exemplar; the third level of membership, reserved for regular members, is Bellator Verum; and the lowest level of membership, reserved for new members of the brotherhood, is Bellator Novicus. The award is a large lozenge-shaped bronze radiant star with a polished ovaloid center-piece. The center-piece is etched with an Aguacentian landscape that features the North Star, a mountain range, a field, and a river. Traditionally, the insignia of the Brotherhood can be worn alone, around the neck of a collar ribbon, on a sash, or with backing ribbons. Rank within the Brotherhood are denoted by stars etched along the bottom of the oval-center, with three stars etched on the medals of the Knights Magnus and no stars etched on Knights Novicus. 
Edited by Aguacenta
  • Upvote 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Military Rank System of the Republic

The military ranks of the Aguacentian Defense Force is derived from the Spanish military rank system. The Land Forces of the Republic and the Air Forces of the Republic use an identical rank system, while the Armada of the Republic uses its own system.

Army & Air Corps Ranks

The enlisted scale for the Army and Air Corps contain eleven ranks. They range from Soldado, the lowest enlisted rank, to Senior Sub-Lieutenant, the highest enlisted rank. The officer scale for the Army and the Air Corps contains ten standard officer ranks. The lowest officer rank is Alferez. The highest standard officer rank is Capitan General, it is equivalent to a five-star general in other armies. Typically the rank of Capitan General is reserved for the Army Chief of Staff and Air Corps Chief of Staff. The officer scale also contains a developmental officer position, Cadete, which is reserved for officers in training.

Naval Ranks

The enlisted scale for the Armada contains nine ranks. They range from Marinero, the lowest enlisted ran, to sub-lieutenant, the highest enlisted rank. The officer scale for the Armada contains eleven standard ranks. These range from Second Lieutenant, the lowest naval officer rank, to Capitan General. Capitan General of the Armada is equivalent to a five-star admiral in other navies. Typically the rank of Capitan General of the Armada is reserved for the Navy Chief of Staff. The officer scale also contains a developmental officer position, Guadiamarina, which is reserved for officers in training.

Special Ranks

In addition to the standard officer ranks, both rank systems include the rank of Cuadillo. Cuadillo is a non-standard military rank that comes with added political, economic, and social powers. During times of war the legislature will appoint a Cuadillo to oversee and coordinate all military activity, and direct economic planning to help meet the needs of the armed forces.

Council Guard Ranks

The Council Guard maintains their own rank system, which contains five standard ranks. Defender, the lowest ranked member of the Council Guard is equivalent to Soldier or Marinero. Rompedor de Lanzas, is the second lowest rank in the Council Guard. The name is derived from the Italian lanzia spezzata, which means "broken spear", the term is used for seasoned Defenders, who are usually responsible for leading units of 5-10 men. This rank is analogous to Lance Corporal in other militaries and Cabo in the other branches of service of the Aguacentian Defense Force. The next rank in the Council Guard is Chief of the Guard, this rank is equivalent to a senior NCO in most other militaries. The Council Guard has one officer rank, the Captain of the Guard, which is equivalent to a Colonel in most other forces. The highest Council Guard rank is Protector of the Republic, which is analogous to a general officer in most other forces. The rank of Protector is reserved for only most senior personnel within the Council Guard. Typically fewer than ten officers with the title Protector exist at any one time.

 

Jlzssms.png

 

Ranks and Insignia of the Aguacentian Defense Forces - Larger Version

 

  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Revenue and Expenditures of the Republic

The Budget of the Republic of Aguacenta is the annual budget set by set by the Treasury of the Republic of Aguacenta for the financial year with the revenues to be gathered by Aguacentian Revenue and Customs Service and the expenditures of the public sector, in compliance with government policy. Budgets are usually set once every year and are announced in the in the National Assembly by the Minister of Finance.

Budget Process

The official start of the financial year of Aguacenta coincides with the calendar year, it begins 1 January and ends 31 December. Historically, the budget is introduced in the November prior to the financial year, the budget is discussed and modified, and legislative action typically begins in the second week of of December. In the event of a budget is not agreed to before the beginning of the financial year, the National Assembly will pass a instrument of financial continuation, which allows the government to continue to operate for a defined period of time.

Government departments submit their funding requests, called a Financial Needs Requirement, to the Treasury in the June before the start of the financial year. The Treasury then aggregates each department's budget request into a single document called the Master Financial Needs Requirement for approval of each of the National Assembly. The current budget of the Republic is approximately 52.2 billion USD. The biggest budget expenditures are social protections, education, and internal economic programs.


Taxation and Public Revenue

Taxation is carried out by the Aguacentian Revenue and Customs Service (ARCS), a department of the Ministry of Finance. ARCS is responsible for collecting  the four main national taxes; the National Income Tax, the National Healthcare Tax, the National Pension Fund Tax, and the National Corporate Dividend Tax. The most recent year resulted in 52.2 billion USD in total revenue. The largest portion of tax revenue is collected as income taxes.

Income Taxes

Aguacenta has a progressive income tax. Under the current National Income Tax Plan, there are five tax bands, these are set at to correspond roughly to the each quintile of income earners. The current tax rates for each bracket from the lowest income bracket to the highest income bracket are 0%, 1%, 20%, 45%, and 65%. Income taxes account for 84.4% of all tax revenue.

DFaKUer.png

 Program Specific Taxes

ARCS collects two program specific taxes to cover expenses related to healthcare and social security. These are both flat taxes. The current National Healthcare Tax is set at 1.25% and the current National Pension Fund Tax is set at 2.5%. Combined Health and Pension taxes account for 10.9% of total tax revenue.

Corporate Tax

ARCS collects a National Corporate Dividend Tax on all corporations incorporated in Aguacenta and corporations doing business within Aguacenta. Currently, corporate taxes are implemented as a single flat tax on all corporate profits. The current National Corporate Tax is set at 20%. Corporate Taxes account for approximately 4.6% of total tax revenue.

External Taxes

In addition to the taxes income, program, and corporate taxes. ARCS is responsible for collecting two taxes for external parties: Provincial Taxes, which are used to fund Provincial governments; and National Religious Contribution Tax, often referred to as the "Church Tax", which is used to support the Aguacentian Church. 

Provincial taxes are marginally progressive. The current Provincial Tax has five brackets based on income. From lowest income bracket to highest income bracket these are 1.00%, 1.10%, 1.15%, 1.20%, and 1.25%. Provincial Taxes are used by each Province to fund local programs not directly funded by the National Treasury. 

Church taxes are currently implemented as a flat tax. All Aguacentians are required to pay 1.5 % of their total income to help support the Aguacentian Church and state religious programs. Exemptions are available for individuals who are not members of the Church of Aguacenta and do not wish to pay the Tax, however in practice such exemptions are almost never granted.

Other Taxes

Other minor taxes and fees do exist in Aguacenta, however they do not contribute substantively to the national treasury and are often not tracked in official government documents. Other taxes, including sales taxes and property taxes are collected independently by localities or municipalities are not subject to monitoring by the central government.

Expenditures

The most recent Budget of the Republic of Aguacenta allocated approximately 52.2 billion USD in total spending. The largest spending segments were social programs, education, and investments in industrial and agricultural supports. Social protections represent the single largest portion of Aguacenta's national budget and account for approximately 30 percent of all government spending. The second biggest spending segment was education at 14.3 percent. Aguacenta devotes about 12 percent of its total public expenditures to industry, agriculture, and employment. This includes industry subsidies, development grants, job training, and employment programs among other things.

Aguacenta maintains various healthcare programs including a largely subsidized national healthcare system. While service fees and co-pays are required for some health services, the majority of the funding comes from the Treasury. In the most recent budget, 9.4 percent of total spending was allocated to healthcare and health related programs. Aguacenta spends modestly on defense. Current spending on defense is estimated at 1.6 percent of GDP, which represents 4.4 percent of total expenditures.

Aguacenta allocates a substantive portion of its budget to foreign investment, development, and humanitarian causes. In total, these expenditures represented 2.5 percent of total expenditures.

By law, all surplus funds a given financial year that are not specifically allocated to a program or need are required to be held in trust by Aguacenta's sovereign wealth fund, the Organization for Aguacentian Sovereign Investments and Stimulus (OASIS), which invests funds in foreign markets, resources, and commodities. Certain profits from state owned companies and resource exploitation are also currently held by OASIS. Strict legal rules exist that govern the use of funds from the sovereign wealth fund. The current market value of funds managed by OASIS is 17.39 billion USD.

 

R7ixhsS.png

 

 

  • Upvote 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and the Guidelines of the game and community.