Varanian Factbook (Very Much a WIP)

[Varanius]

General

Location: Northwest most corner of Andolia. 

Official Language: Common

Official Religion: None, but the plurality of Varanians of Violetist

Demonyms: Varanian, Varanians

Capital: Zygotia

 

Government:

The Varanian political scene is largely focused around its unicameral legislature, the Varanian Parliament, or VP. The VP has a grand total of 500 members proportioned according to population across the 7 districts(district map is a WIP). Prime Minister qualifiers are held by Parliament. Specifically, the VP holds a series of ranked elections until only 3 candidates remain, those 3 candidates are then voted on by the national populace. VP and PM elections take place every 3 years. 

Freedom:

In April 1204, Varanius declared independence from Giovanniland. For years prior, democratic furor had lead to the election of government officials who campaigned primarily on the promise that they would bring democracy to the lands once making up  northern Varanius before their colonization. The states now making up modern Varanius came together with a set of demands. The most import one being the removal of the Giovannilandian monarchy. Giovanniland, finding these terms unacceptable, denied the petition. Thus, Varanius decided it was time to declare its independence. Lead by Conus Varan (an ethnically Varanian name which later went on to inspire the name “Varanius”), the coalition fought primarily using underhanded naval tactics, disrupting communication between Lavender and Andolian Giovanniland. After such furor began to spread to certain areas of Andolian Giovanniland, the Giovanniland government granted northern Varanius their independence. After reuniting with its southern counterpart, Varanius was whole again. True, free, and with democracy at its core.

 

Economy:

The economy of Varanius is internationally a more mid-sized economy,made largely off the back of the Manufacturing industry. The computer parts industry also contributes quite a bit, as well as the fishing and maritime industries, which are extremely popular in the islands and along the coast. This coastal area is also of course where most trade takes place, and includes numerous ports, including in the capital: Zygotia. Meanwhile the aforementioned manufacturing industry usually takes place large in the more urban and industrialized areas of the mainland. Not to mention the exptic flavors and fruits gathered in the northern forests, the most rural part. Varanius views itself as a sort of “link” between West Andolia, the Alcheran Sea, and the Darkesian Sea, and attempts to take a fair amount of advantage of this in continental trade. 

 

Culture: 

Culturally speaking, Varanius in many ways identifies equally with the Darkesian Sea as it does with Andolia. It’s capital for example, is located in the coastal city of Zygotia, due to the cultural significance of the maritime city more than population and industrialization, which would suggest a capital further inland. Many in the more inland areas raise concerns regarding perceived elitism within the coastal areas, and this tends to cause some amount of tension between the two. This is again not to mention the tension felt between these groups and the rural forests, who often find themselves underfunded in infrastructure and administrative services. 

 

Politics:

The Varanian political arena is largely dominated by the New Democrats. The large, interventionist, more status quo centered government. It’s main selling point is the continuous advancement of true democracy throughout the world. The exact description of “true democracy” being iffy to non-existent, but largely represents the idea of Varanian styled social democracy. 

 

Welfare: 

Varanius prides itself on its extremely well-developed welfare system. The Varanian welfare system largely works to ensure that the poorer members of society are able to participate in everyday life and democratic systems. However, it also serves to promote careers the Varanian government has found to be worthy (tax benefits and increases in government funding have been offered to those in STEM careers for example).

 

Military: 

The Varanian military is adiverse, though navally focused force. The Varanian Assembled Republican Army (VARA) receives  $4,642,000,000 in funding, or 25.0% of Varanius' total military spending. The VARA is approximately comprised of 26,000 active enlisted, and 17,000 reserves, though the government rarely discloses exact numbers. The Varanian Republican Maritime Forces (VRMF) receives  $6,034,600,000, or 32.5% of the Varanian defense budget. The Varanian Republican Celesital Forces ( VRCF) receives  $4,883,384,000, or 26.3%. The  Varanian Agents of Democracy (VAD), the special forces arm of the Varanian Defense Ministry, recieves about  $612,744,000 or  3.3% of the budget. The  Varanian Internal Managerial Operators (VIMO), the National Guard-esque arm, receives about $594,176,000.

 

Diplomacy:

Varanius prides itself on being the Andolia and Darkesian purveyor of true democracy. However, it’s relations with Giovanniland are unfriendly, but not quite outright hostile. Possibly due to leftover cultural differences from the Giovanni occupation of Varanius those centuries ago. Relations with Fhaengshia, however, are unusually positive given the undemocratic nature of the nation. Despite this, Varanius and Fhaengshia have maintained a mutual defence pact since 1362.

 

True Democracy: 

And finally for the big term itself! In Varanian eyes, true democracy is the term for a parliamentary democracy, with no monarchical influence, dedicated to providing equal representation to every citizen. A unicameral legislature, and various social and economic policies ensuring every citizen has equal rights, and equal ability to participate in society. This includes a strong welfare state, and free healthcare. To Varanians, this represents the best a society can be. Kind, egalitarian, and Democratic. While many politicians don’t shy away from misusing the term for foreign goals, it largely serves as a buzzword for whether or not Varanius likes said thing.