Giovanniland

Accepting bids to host the tournament is now closed.
Another 24 hours to receive signups for the tournament.

Giovanniland signs up and would also like to host the TWP T20 World Cup.
https://www.nationstates.net/nation=giovanniland

Giovanniland signs up and would also like to host the TWP T20 World Cup.
https://www.nationstates.net/nation=giovanniland

T20 World Cup Signups & OOC
Welcome to the 1st T20 World Cup! As the tournament name suggests, we will be role playing Cricket this time! For those that have been participants of previous sports roleplay (the 1st World Cup of Football, and the Rugby World Cups, among others), then you know there will be something like this. For those that have not, don't you worry!
To enter the 1st T20 World Cup, just add a reply to this topic by saying "I want to sign up for the 1st T20 World Cup", or anything along the lines there. Also include the link of your nation in TWP to ensure that you won't get disqualified when we review entries for signups. Though, same with the RMB, we won't allow double posting (except for me to post my intentions in signing up ). You can always edit your reply at any given time how many times you want. Also, this thread is for signups and OOC (out of context) posts, like questions about the tournament. If you don't like asking questions here, you can ask them in #sports or #roleplay-chat in our RP Discord server (join us here: https://discord.gg/pNNm2amb) or message me there directly. The IC (in context) thread where we will be posting our nations' team information (players, kits, logo, anything related to such), roleplay (preparations, match day events), and results will be separate and shall have the link be announced in Discord or can be viewed here in our forums starting May 8, 2021.
In addition, I will be scorinating this tournament, but if you want your country to host the 1st T20 World Cup, signify the same in your reply for signing up. A little bit of something new from the previous versions of role play, we will be assigning responsibilities for the nation that will host this World Cup (to be selected on May 6, 2021, announced on May 7, 2021), including but not limited to posting info about their nation, posting about venues, the role play during the opening ceremony, and the role play during the closing ceremony.
Bids for hosting will be accepted until May 6, 2021 at 8 PM EDT, while signups will close on May 7, 2021 at 8 PM EDT.
That's all for now. Confused about how we will be doing this? New with scorinating? Taking a page from Resu's book, read below.
 
Nations signed up:
 
Nations who placed a bid to host:
 

I, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, swear that I have, to the best of my knowledge, been completely truthful in applying for citizenship in The West Pacific and that I have no other NationStates identity that has not been made known in this application. I swear my allegiance to The West Pacific and its citizens, and I swear not to engage in hostilities against The West Pacific or to violate The Manners of Governance, or any laws made pursuant to it.

Changes to the Hertfordshire and Jammbo factbook (as of 03/05/2021):
Maps updated to bring them into line with the current situation
       
Addition of Hoddesdon (Legislative Capital) and Maidenhall (Judicial Capital) alongside Great Parndon (Executive Capital)
              
Adoption of a Greater Coat of Arms

 

Retirement life is still good. I miss the heyday of this game. Gen Xers used to be the Young people, but now its Gen Z. Time flies but politics still remain!

Both to be added this weekend.

Hey,
May I have this empty part next to Giovanniland please?
Nation name: Blue Bubble
Discord name: Blue Bubble (Emma)
A couple sentences about your nation: A friendly nation which loved for its warm waters and soft beaches covering most of its boarder on the north of the currently 2 nation Island. The nation operates under elected officials, although there was a crown ruler until civil uprisings at the start of their industrial revolution. Overthrown, the ex-royal family now live as normal citizens, and Leaders are elected every 6 years. The currency is called Blues, after the country itself, which was named for the natural hot springs of the northern Kopai Scarp Volcano

Hey there! Welcome to the West Pacific, as you might know Europeia is one of our treatied allies and we have nice relations between our regions. Feel free to hang out in our Discord server, explore the forums, and participate in our daily RMB activities if you have time! Your forum embassy can be located here:
https://www.westpacific.org/forums/index.php?/topic/96-europeia/ 

Hey all! Just wanted to pop in and say hi. I'm your newly appointed ambassador from Europeia. Excited to get to know you all better!

President Goldberg announces the Ten Stars Award Programme to encourage youth development
Today, President Paul Goldberg announced that after much consideration, he would be officially creating the Ten Stars Award. Set to be the Federal Republic's official youth awards programme, the Ten Stars Award would be awarded to adolescents, youths and teenagers of various ages for completing a multifarious array of extra-curricular activities. The Ten Stars Award programme is set to begin in six months, during which the Government would be accumulating funds and collecting taxpayer money from the Treasury to set up and kickstart the programme.
Speaking to SDCSN Channel 1 reporters at the Fribernese Fortress, President Goldberg stated that the programme "will ideally contribute to further and enhanced youth development in Santos-Dominius" as well as "usher in a certain trendiness that will hopefully make this Award and extra-curricular activities in general more popular and attractive to teens". The President acknowledged that "extra-curricular activities may sound boring, tiring and uninteresting to many youths who are more invested in video games and social media", but noted that "with a little encouragement and a good marketing campaign, Santo-Dominian youths should flock to join and excel in the programme".
Later in the day, Senator Pierre Theron(DCB-FR), Minister of Social Services, announced that his ministry would be spearheading the kickstarting, implementation and operation of the Ten Stars Award. He went into detail regarding its arrangements, and provided additional information and clarification. Sen. Theron revealed that the Ten Stars Award programme would be divided into seven modules: "Leadership, Athleticism, Forte, Charity, Exploration, Intelligence and Entrepreneurship". The Ten Stars Award itself would also be divided into five classes, which in ascending order of prestige are: Ten Bronze Stars Award, Ten Silver Stars Award, Ten Gold Stars Award, Ten Diamond Stars Award and the Grand Comet Award.
Sen. Theron explained that the awards would only be rewarded for completion of the modules, but also revealed that not all modules were required for a participant to attain a Ten Star Award. He revealed that for the Ten Bronze Stars Award, participants would have to complete two of the seven modules. For the Ten Silver Stars Award, participants would have to complete four of the seven modules. For the Ten Gold Stars Award, participants would have to complete six of the seven modules and have previously attained a Ten Bronze/Silver Stars Award. For the Ten Diamond Stars Award, participants would have to complete all seven programmes. To attain the most prestigious and desirable Grand Comet Award, participants would have to complete all seven programmes and be in the national overall top 3 for one of the modules. Sen. Theron also brought along with him a visual aid to better illustrate the aforementioned requirements, and the visual aid has been provided below.
Sen. Theron stated that the Ministry of Social Services(MSS) would be enlisting the help and support of youth organisations, charities, sport organisations, clubs and teams, hiking organisations, schools and businesses and other groups to assist with the operation of the programme. He said that participants would be able to get highly involved with Certified TSA Partners(CTSAP) - organisations that provide activities that would count towards completing the Ten Stars Award modules. He announced that to encourage groups to sign up and become CTSAPs, the MSS would be granting two-year subsidies to the first 150 organisations in the Federal Republic that sign up. The Ten Stars Award programme has received praise from teachers, experts, political commentators, educators and other Santo-Dominians, including Sen. Art Bernstein(CoR-WS), leader of the opposition, who has called the programme "a genuinely great idea".

Education
Giovanniland has lots of educational infrastructure for all counties and provinces, as mentioned above. The students of most Giovannilandian schools have the freedom to choose their own school subjects in order to line up with what they wish to do in the future. Furthermore, they also have the option to do cultural school exchanges with other countries in Aura and the West Pacific once they are 15 years old. High school and college are very competitive in the country, as students give their best to achieve better job opportunities – a claim supported by recent surveys showing that Giovannilandian students have above international average grades on most subjects: including math, physics, biology and history. Therefore, the country has a high note average on national and international tests and an overall high reputation on student happiness and school procedures in the region.

The outside of a modern high school and college in Violet Harbor.

Culture
Giovanniland has a very rich culture. The most known festival abroad is the Giovannilandian Carnival, which has influence from Violetism as well as popular culture, mixing into a week of celebrations and dancing competitions. Giovannilandian music is also well-known, as many musicians have developed a special style that combines classical music from the Empire of Giovanniland's days with modern tunes. Known composers from Giovanniland include Anna Johann Lavanda and Ferdinand von Violetshire. The national cuisine features pasta as its main staple food – though dishes with fish and other seafood, as well as tropical fruits and vegetables, are also well liked by residents. Recently, with an increase of immigration, many different peoples have established their own restaurants, bringing their own ingredients to the table and forming an even more diverse Giovannilandian cuisine.

Pasta with seafood, very common in Giovanniland
In order to preserve culture, state museums over Giovannilandian history and culture are carefully maintained. Citizens and foreigners can visit the museums, which are also an important source of tourism in the country. Some of the historical Giovannilandian holidays include the Empire Day on January 16th (the founding day of the Giovannilandian Empire) and the Kingdom Revolution Day on June 15th in order to celebrate the creation of the Kingdom of Giovanniland. Cultural holidays include the aforementioned Carnival on late February or early March, the Violetmas in December 25th – in which trees are decorated and children gain presents from the Goddess Violet herself – as well as the New Year, where beautiful displays of fireworks can be seen throughout the country.
       
Left: the outside of the National History Museum of Giovannistadt. Right: Carnival celebrations in Urythburg

Economy and Infrastructure
Currency: Golden Orbs (GO$)
Fiscal year: 1st January–31st December
GDP (PPP): $534,927,189,609
GDP per capita: $60,000
Conversion rate: 1 International Dollar = 0.9 Golden Orbs
Labor force: 5,637,451
Unemployment: 3%
Government spending total: $206,267,924,313
Government spending per capita: $23,136
% of GDP: 48.2
The Giovannilandian economy is highly stable and led by the Artwork Trading, Finance, Tourism and Technology sectors. Although a small economy compared to other West Pacifican countries, the country enjoys a high GDP per capita. The country owns the most valuable artwork collection in the region and has a state ministry to coordinate artwork trades. Giovanniland has many finance companies as well, which citizens from all over the world use to hold money in a very secure system, although there is a tax of 1% from all money deposits to the government. Tourism is also a strong sector of the economy, with natural landscapes such as the Garavand rainforest and the Violet waterfalls visited by hundreds of tourists every year, and many entertainment parks also available for those looking to have fun. The country also crafts and exports mostly state-sponsored high-tech products like hardware and nanotechnology. Finally, there are other less important but still significant sectors – the rural population provides agriculture goods for the rest of the country, and there are many factories that produce miscellaneous goods.
Much of the government spending total goes to infrastructure. There are several high-speed rails and roads across the entire country with daily travels, as well as four international airports for all special cities and smaller airports on other cities. The busiest ports for trade are the major cities of Violet Harbor and Urythburg – the former is located on the south and trades with all continents, while the latter is a smaller port that serves as a trade point for other Auran countries. The health infrastructure includes at least five Basic Health Units and one major hospital with advanced technology per county, while educational infrastructure includes at least five schools up to highschool, as well as one college and one university per county. Furthermore, the government also sponsors a very modern energy and internet grid. There are power and signal stations on every county, except for nature reserves, in order to ensure the citizens can be connected to the world if they wish to.

Government
Giovanniland is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. King Giovanni I is the current Head of State, while the Prime Minister Amore Gil Albrecht is current the Head of Government. The Prime Minister can appoint and remove Ministers to/from the Cabinet at their discretion, and is elected every four years by popular vote, with one reelection term possible. The Cabinet is composed by 10 to 20 Ministers and forms the whole Executive branch of the Giovannilandian democracy.
The country also features two other houses at federal level: the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, with 100 and 500 seats respectively. They form the Legislative branch of Giovanniland. Proposals can be crafted by the Chamber of Deputies and need a simple majority to pass, while any amendment needs a 2/3 majority – except Constitution ones, which need 3/4 of the vote. All laws passed by the Chamber need further confirmation by the Federal Senate, with the same majority requirements. After that, the Prime Minister can turn the proposal into law or veto it. In case of a veto, it can be overruled by a 2/3 vote in both legislative houses, in which case it will also become national law. Members of both Houses are elected by popular votes and serve 4 year terms. The majority party in both houses is the Green Social Party, a left-wing party with a strong environmental agenda and social policies, which is also the current Prime Minister's party. Here is a list of major political parties in Giovanniland and their seats in both Houses, ranked by Senate seats: 
Party Federal Senate Chamber of Deputies Alignment Green Social Party 48 253 Left-wing Giovannilandian Communist Party 22 119 Far-left Republican Giovanniland Party 10 50 Center-right Democratic Coalition 9 53 Center Theocratic Violetist Party 9 24 Right-wing Patriot Party 2 10 Far-right        
Left: Chamber of Deputies; Right: Federal Senate
At regional level, the country is divided into provinces and counties. Each province has a Governor elected every 4 years and a Regional Chamber with 50 members. Provinces are further divided into several counties, each one with a Mayor elected every 2 years and a Councillor Chamber with 10 members. Both provincial and county-level chambers work the same as the federal-level houses. There are a number of small regional parties in some parts of the country, however they do not have significant national importance.   
Diplomacy
Giovannilandian diplomacy is headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, currently Carlos Schneider. Giovannilandian is a member of the Auran League, thus maintains good economic relations with most Auran countries, such as the Confederacy of Zoran, a country which Giovanniland has formally signed a trade deal. Trade with other continents of the West Pacific is also common, especially Andolia, due to the proximity between Lavender Island and the Andolian continent. The nation also maintains a force of 167,611 people in its military – over 18 personal per 1,000 population. Compulsory service is not required, thus a large amount of money is spent on military technology to increase the nation's strength, with GO$3,423,543,016 total and GO$384 per capita. The current iteration of the Giovannilandian Army, Navy and Air Force were created in 1347 AF after passage of the National Security Law. Since then, other than peacekeeping efforts abroad, the major conflict the Giovannilandian military has been involved into is the intervention against Achin. 
Administrative Divisions
Giovanniland is a kingdom divided in 33 provinces and 4 special cities. The provinces are further divided into counties, with counties being a group of nearby cities that are connected with others. The four special cities are the capital Giovannistadt, the largest city of Violet Harbor, as well as important ports of Urythburg and Anneville. Below are a map and a table of provinces/special cities ranked by population:  

Giovannilandian Provinces and Special Cities
Rank Name Number/Letter Population Capital #1 Florynstair 28 607,592 Amorant #2 Violet Harbor D 562,124 - #3 Giovannistadt B 509,523 - #4 Zyraliukh 30 465,309 Cybraluw #5 Erwaidestatin 11 449,475 Arlavontei #6 Edristania 1 418,322 Quoriv #7 Hatiandrive 19 384,576 Loshyre  #8 Clegouskya 3 341,356 Vrosa #9 Urythburg A 316,291 - #10 Athurelt 15 287,513 Altadia #11 Merentland 2 260,725 Rimekalyn #12 Lavrendalia 29 241,234 Lavanday #13 Anneville C 234,816 - #14 Borbania 32 225,329 Manariaus #15 Violetstone 5 219,341 Violetople #16 Dezesseis 16 212,016 Giovanoria #17 Astrolane 14 207,235 Kosimyce #18 Maravista 33 185,942 Ceaslond #19 Xadriolun 18 180,627 Sonseran #20 Desniowana 4 179,413 New Bwaryk #21 Befleist 20 176,926 Zoprouca #22 Abreustein 31 174,002 Spoyburg #23 Narviklum 26 170,235 Narviklum City #24 Oryantal 17 168,212 Ostlundia #25 Gogmosion 10 164,293 Ulunboryn #26 Grolbart 12 163,275 Ruchatal #27 Tachiesya 6 159,990 New Elysthin #28 Rolmawind 27 158,807 Serobergi #29 Pobruylor 9 154,912 Taspein #30 Vocloqua 25 146,874 Vocloqua City #31 Kandray 24 144,568 Froulyen #32 Yurraltan 8 141,421 Cadrina #33 Ashistan 7 132,140 Flauwana #34 Morgukleni 13 125,310 Khuilash #35 Farlinjenn 23 98,421 Uprinestopia #36 North Garavand 22 83,294 Voskysall #37 South Garavand 21 64,014 Lothampe - Giovanniland - 8,915,453 Giovannistadt

Demographics
A total of 8,915,453 people reside in the Kingdom of Giovanniland. Over 1.4 million of those live in the four largest cities of Violet Harbor, Giovannistadt, Urythburg, and Anneville. Another 6.5 million live in other cities across the country, and the other million people are rural, giving Giovanniland a 88% urban rate. Most citizens are native Giovannilandians, although 5% are immigrants, mostly from other Auran and Andolian countries. 
The main language spoken is Giovannilandese, which is part of the same language family of Saint Markian due to heavy influences from the latter language. A few words keep their Lavandulan ancestry, and some others have been adapted from local indigenous languages. Common is teached as a second language in most schools and is very used in foreign affairs and trade. Additionally, although the Lavandulan language has no current speakers, it maintains important use for religious Violetist affairs, where many ancient texts are written in said language. Study of Lavandulan is optional and not many schools and universities provide it.
The national religion is Violetism, although 20% of the population is atheist. Violetism is a monotheist language, with the Goddess Violet as its main deity. In Giovanniland, the religion spread through most of the territory since the 35th century BF, making it one of the oldest religions in the West Pacific. The place of origin of Violetism is disputed between the rival cities of Vrosa and Quoriv, ancient city-states that still maintain significant populations in the modern day.

Geography and Environment
Giovanniland's total area is 52,911 sq mi or 137,038 km². Most of said area is land (134,088 km²), while the remaining 2.15% or 2,950 km² is the country's water area. Although not a part of Auran mainland, the country is generally considered as part of Aura. Except for a few places, the national borders are defined by natural features. The western border is defined by two rivers – the Violet in the south and the Quoriv in the north. The former starts flowing near the city of Ulunboryn and debouches into the Darkesian Sea in the coastal town of Manariaus; while the latter flows on the opposite direction until the city of Quoriv, where it debouches into the larger Dragon River flowing from the west. The larger eastern border has large straight sections unlike its western counterpart – it starts near the town of Narviklum, cuts through the middle of the Garavand rainforest, follows the Lavandula River until the border city of Violetople and finally ends near the ancient city of Vrosa.
       
Left: the Violet River flowing in a rural area near the Giovannilandian border. Right: large trees in the Garavand rainforest
The coastal parts of the country are more densely populated, due to the fact that they are mostly plains. The inner, less populated part of the country has higher altitudes and features the Garavand tropical rainforest in the southeastern part of the country, with great natural diversity. The climate is equatorial on the northern parts and tropical on the rest. The year is usually divided in two seasons: the rainy and the dry, and high temperatures are common, due to the closeness of the country to the Equator. The country is far from any tectonic plate boundaries, which makes earthquakes very rare. However, the country is prone to hurricanes and floods, especially in the rainy season. The country's national flower is the Violet, shown below.

Beautiful violet flowers in the capital Giovannistadt
The Giovannilandian state policy has included an extensive environmental protection program for the last 50 years. There are several designated national parks, in which sustainable tourism is allowed but no farming or mining can take place there. Giovanniland has also strong industrial regulations to ensure the smallest possible carbon footprint, deforestation and water pollution levels. Furthermore, students in state schools are encouraged to create projects regarding the protection of the environment. 

History
Ancient History
The earliest archaeological registers in the Lavender Island point out to the start of the Lavandulan civilization during approximately 3750 BF. The Lavandulans spoke a now extinct but well-researched language and built several city-states, such as Vrosa, Elysthin, Bwaryk, and Urythburg. Life in the many Lavandulan city-states was said to be interesting, as their societies favored knowledge and education. The religion of Violetism appeared in Lavender Island during the 35th century BF and most city-states adopted it throughout the following decades, with the notable exception of Elysthin. Most city-states were located in northern Giovanniland, as the expansion to the south would only happen some millennia later.
War then ensued between Elysthin and the strongly Violetist city-state of Vrosa in the 30th century BF, the two most populated cities at the time. In the end, the Vrosan army (captained by King Tavalian II) conquered Elysthin and established the first empire within the modern-day borders of Giovanniland. The Vrosan Empire did not last long, though, because war ensued between Vrosa and an alliance of other city states such as Quoriv and Urythburg. The reason was a religious dispute over the true birthplace of Violetism. The winner city-states guaranteed peace within the Lavender Island for some 200 years, until the Urythburgian king Lavro I changed their own city's name to Lavenderburg and went on a conquest of all other city-states in around 2500 BF. Lavro I then claimed the title of Emperor and created the Lavandulan Empire.
Rise and Fall of Lavandula
The Lavandulan Empire, unlike its previous city-state counterparts, managed to keep peace in the Lavender Island for almost two millennia. Lavandula's peak extension covered not only the whole of modern-day Giovanniland, but also some lands to the west and south of it. A lot of the empire's resources were spent in the military in order to crush any rebellions. Significant part of its revenue was also given to education, because the Lavandulans favored scientific development. The capital city of Lavenderburg (modern-day Urythburg) reached 100 thousand inhabitants at the city's peak, and each Lavandulan citizen had an average lifespan of 50 years. Furthermore, a vast network of roads was built to connect all major cities and increase trade within the empire, though outside connection with other West Pacifican countries was avoided. 

Peak extension of the Lavandulan Empire in the 16th century BF under Emperor Ruwibert III
The Lavandulan Empire started getting attacks from barbarians in its south and east in 1000 BF. The emperor, at the time Ruwibert VI, ordered the Lavandulan army to build a massive wall to prevent further attacks. However, in the following centuries, more and more resources had to be spent in order to maintain the army and the fortresses to protect from an ever-expanding enemy. Following this, the Empire started losing land to city-states and small kingdoms declaring their independence in the north, as well as barbarians advancing in the southeast. The last two centuries of Lavandula were plagued with wars and uprisings, as the emperors continued living luxurious lives while the general populace struggled with maintaining their wealth. The last Lavandulan emperor, Lavro XVIII, was captured and killed in his palace at Lavenderburg, and the city was razed shortly after.
Trade Era
The period of Lavender Island history from 500 BF onward featured an opening of the island to foreign merchants, introducing new goods to its population. Major states from the Earlier Trade Era include the Second Vrosan Empire and the Duchy of Quoriv, although none of them was able to dominate the whole island as Lavandula had done earlier. The states grew more isolated day by day, and the sole aspects keeping them related were Violetism and the Lavandulan language. After the founding of the Holy Principality of Saint Mark at 0 AF, traders from Saint Mark visited Lavender Island more frequently, although the island itself was not conquered by the Saint Markians. However, city-states started incorporating the Markian language to such an extent Lavandulan was quickly replaced at around 200 AF, with few words of the latter language remaining in modern Giovannilandese. 
Soon-to-be important cities were founded during the latter part of the Trade Era, such as Anneville, Harvonia, and Violet Harbor. The barbarians that had invaded Lavandula established in 252 AF the Kingdom of Abrantia in modern-day southern Giovanniland. Meanwhile, the Second Vrosan Empire fell in 468 AF after an invasion by Quoriv. At the start of the 6th century AF, the major powers in Lavender Islands were Quoriv, Harvonia and Abrantia – all of them with parts of their territories within the modern borders of Giovanniland. The Abrantians frequently raided border towns in Harvonia, however no actual war occurred between the two states due to peacekeeping efforts by the Quorivians. The following centuries did not see many changes in the island's map until 716 AF.

Major states in the island at the start of the 6th century AF. Duchy of Quoriv in lilac, Kingdom of Harvonia in golden, and Kingdom of Abrantia in blue
The Giovannilandian Empire
In the end of 715 AF, a rebellion commanded by Giovanni toppled the Harvonians and created an Empire with unforeseen might. The rebellion went on for two months until 16th January of 716 AF, when Giovanni invaded the palace where the Harvonian kings resided, quickly imprisoned the royal family, and changed the city's name to Giovannistadt. After that, he claimed the throne as Emperor Giovanni and proclaimed the Giovannilandian Empire. In 10 years, the Duchy of Quoriv and the Kingdom of Abrantia were conquered; and the complete conquest of Lavender Island was finished in 756 AF. Following Emperors managed to conquer nearby islands and establish forts, a colony was created after the invasion of some northern areas of Andolia in modern-day Varanius. An expedition to Auran mainland was also made, although Giovanniland failed to establish any colony there. The Empire reached its peak around 950 AF, when it had a total population of over 20 million inhabitants (a million of those on the capital Giovannistadt alone). 
The Empire's economy was mostly agrarian, although technological development and trade with post-Markian states after 800 AF (such as Zoran) boosted the average citizen's income. Welfare and education quality increased a lot, and most people lived a prosperous live. The era of the Giovannilandian Empire was very rich culturally, as many composers, writers and artists were born in the empire and their works financed by the government. The Epic of Giovanniland was published in 860 AF, and gold was found in eastern Giovanniland 60 years later, to be used in the building of Violetist churches and museums about Lavender Island history. This was also the time when the modern Giovannilandese language was formally created with influences from Markian, Lavandulan and other local languages. 

Major cities and regions of the Giovannilandian Empire in 950 AF, colonies outside Lavender Island not shown
Fall of the Empire and Industrial Revolution
The Giovannilandian Empire started showing signs of decline after 1040 AF. First all overseas territories were lost, then eastern kingdoms started declaring independence. Emperor Pietro, the last holder of said title, was unseated in 1095 AF after a peaceful republican revolution. It was then agreed for Giovanniland to become a parliamentary constitutional republic – the former Emperors would be replaced with the title of King and the position of Head of State, and a Prime Minister would be the executive Head of Government. Since then, the national borders have lasted to the present day. The Giovannilandian state soon started technological progress, starting the Industrial Revolution in 1155 AF. For the two next centuries, the Kingdom of Giovanniland heavily focused on increasing life standards for its population, around 6.2 million in the first ever census of 1280 AF. Electricity was soon brought into the country, and a full rail network was finished in 1315 AF to connect the major port of Urythburg in the north, the capital of Giovannistadt in the center, and the largest city of Violet Harbor in the southwest. Giovanniland ceremonially joined the Commonwealth of Saint Mark in 1340 AF (changed into the Auran League 40 years later).
The modern history of Giovanniland has been mostly peaceful, with one major exception – the intervention on the neighboring Achinian Empire after Achin's secession and invasion of Yorubrailia during 1380 to 1400 AF. Although this conflict didn't take place in any Giovannilandian territory, the then Prime Minister Anne Amaral ordered the small but technologically powerful Giovannilandian army to aid the war efforts against Achin, resulting in a successful intervention. Otherwise, modern Giovannilandian foreign policy has had two main goals: secure peace in Aura, and maintain its status of trading point between both Aura and Andolia. 

Modern borders of Giovanniland (1420 AF) within the Lavender Island

Overview
Motto: All hail Giovanniland, the glory of the West!

Giovanniland (dark green) in the West Pacifican continent of Aura.
Population: 8,915,453
Density: 65.1/km² or 168.5/sq mi
Capital City: Giovannistadt (population: 509,523)
Largest City: Violet Harbor (population: 562,124)
Official Language: Giovannilandese
National Language: Giovannilandese, Common
Demonym: Giovannilandian
Head of State: King Giovanni I
Head of Government: PM Amore Gil Albrecht
Minister of Interior: Clara E. Wright
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Carlos Schneider
Total Area: 137,038 km²
Land Area: 134,088 km²
Water Area: 2,950 km² 
Currency: Golden Orbs (GO$)
GDP (PPP): GO$534,927,189,609
GDP per capita: GO$60,000 
National Animal: Elephant
National Religion: Violetism
Time Zone: IAT+0
Drives on the: right
Calling code: +2 16
Internet TLD: .gl
The Kingdom of Giovanniland (commonly called Giovanniland) is a kingdom in the Lavender Island of the continent of Aura, in the West Pacific. Giovanniland covers 137,038 square kilometers and has a population of 8,915,453, divided in 33 provinces and 4 special cities. It is bordered on the north and west by the Darkesian Sea, while the nearest countries are Yorubrailia and Zoran. The name of Giovanniland refers to Emperor Giovanni, a key person on the creation of the Giovannilandian Empire at 716 AF. 
Ancient history in the land that's now Giovanniland starts with the founding of Lavandulan-speaking city-states in 3750 BF. For a millennium, these city-states had several wars and conflicts until the unification of the Lavandulan Empire in around 2500 BF, creating an era of peace that lasted until 500 BF. The following centuries started a period of several kingdoms and other states battling for power, as well as cultural and language influence from Saint Mark. This period ended with the unification of the Giovannilandian Empire by Emperor Giovanni in 716 AF, a powerful state that lasted until 1095 AF, when a peaceful revolution transitioned Giovannilandian into a parliamentary constitutional monarchy that stands today.
Giovanniland is a developed country with a national GDP of $534,927,189,609, led by Finances, Tourism and Technology. It is also ranked highly in GDP per capita among other nations in the West Pacific, with approximately $60,000. The country is a strong trade connection between the West Pacifican continents of Aura and Andolia, and a member of the World Assembly. Furthermore, it is a former ceremonial member of the Commonwealth of Saint Mark and current member of the Auran League.

Looks like a lot of love for Spiderman. 

I picked Batman. My daughter called my Metallic Navy Blue Firebird the Batmobile.

There's no accounting for taste. Or is there?  My DNA test accurately described my preference.
Which would you rather snack on : Savory or Sweet?

Welcome to our regional forum! You don't need to register for ambassador status here, and since the United Kingdom already has an existing forum embassy you can post updates and announcements there when needed. Here is your embassy:
 

Greetings! My name is Mayim, and I've been tasked by His Majesty's Government to serve as the Ambassador to the West Pacific. I apologize on behalf of HMG for the seemingly frequent turnover of our ambassadors in this community; I am suspecting I will be a more permanent fixture here. I'm also currently Deputy Prime Minister, so I can serve as a potential liaison between our two communities for issues beyond foreign affairs.
I do have a question, however - is there a thread where I can apply for ambassador status? I can't seem to find it - I'm new to this kind of forum software. 
All in all, I'm happy to be here, and I look forward to representing NSUK here.

Nation Name: Inner Ryxtylopia
Discord Info: Inner Ryxtylopia#1269
A few Sentences about your Nation:
Inner Ryxtylopia is a flawed democracy. It has suffered economic depressions, and political instability not to mention many cases of corruption, however it has a beutiful enviroment and a very incusive population, Inner Ryxtylopia has 4 political parties, and a thriving tourism industry, its economy is recovering from a depression, but the people of Inner Ryxtylopia are willing to do anything to help their nation recover from theese hard times. 
Map Claim (outlined in red):