United Kingdoms of Vercelli
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| United Kingdoms of Vercelli Ηνωμένα Βασίλεια τςςι Ικτερίας (Grecco) Regni uniti di Vercelli (Italian) | |||||
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| National Anthem: Bione Parchi | |||||
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| National Motto: Beauty through Prosperity | |||||
| Capital | Prato | ||||
| Largest city | Niccosa | ||||
| Official languages | Grecco, Italian,French | ||||
| Denonym | Vercellian | ||||
| Government | Democratic Kingdom *** *** | ||||
| Important Events| | |||||
| Area • Total | 49,932 km² (131th) | ||||
| Population • 2010 est. • 2008 census • Density | 9,816,764 (89th) 9,832,123 (89th) 189.39/km² (66th) | ||||
| GDP (PPP) • Total • Per capita | 2010 estimate $342.43 billion (37th) $31,432 (25rd) | ||||
| HDI (2007) | 0.944 (20th) – Very High | ||||
| Currency | Unio () | ||||
| Time zone • Summer (DST) | GMT-3 GMT-2 | ||||
| Drives on the | right | ||||
| Internet TLD | .ver | ||||
| Calling code | +912 | ||||
The United Kingdoms of Vercelli (Grecco: Ηνωμένα Βασίλεια τςςι Ικτερίας)(Italian: Regni uniti di Vercelli )(French:Royaumes-Unis de Verceil) are a small kingdom located on the southern peninsula of Atlantica Alba and surrounding 383 small islands, most of which are uninhabited. The United Kingdoms share borders with Buesti and Ravoi, the Monte-Beausoleil, Movia, and is separated from the Kingdom of Murcia by only 8 km. The nation is host to just over 9,000,000 citizens, and follows a strict caste system of Royals, Aristocracy, Marketeers, and Plebeians. The Government is headed by HRH QueenFranca Sozzani and her court.
The United Kingdoms are rated as a top travel destination by magazines such as Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic and Travel + Leisure. Vercelli is a world renowned center for the arts, fashion, and music, and is host to many weeks of culture, namely Prato Fashion Week and the Niccosa Film Festival. The United Kingdoms are also host to some of the strictest criteria for obtaining visa's, and is known for its impossible courts regarding work visa's and citizenship.
Vercelli is divided into 11 Poleis's, and each is headed by a Prince/Princess. The King/Queen title is voted on by each of the 11 prince's/princess', has no set term limit, and can be ended by only death, resignation, or retirement. Citizens directly vote in their duke's, and can host citizen assembly's for government representation. Only members of the Royal caste can hold office at the Grand Duchy level, however all citizens can take part in their own rioni, city and Duchy government.
Vercelli is one of the few nations that is not dominated by one of the major religions in the western world, following the Grecco denomination. The caste system of Vercelli has become one of the most studied portions of the nation, and has been in effect since 1595.
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Etymology
The origin of the term Vercelli is uncertain but many historians agree that the term comes from the tribes located on the landmass before the Romans colonized the Vercellian Basin. The term may be the combination of the Niccosian words Verc meaning fertile and Elliknos meaning "yellow" in an attempt to translate the fertile yellow plains of the Vercellian basin and surrounding areas.
The term Vercelli until the 20th century actually applied to the entire peninsula, and not until the dictatorship that took hold in Buesti did the term then only apply to the nation.
History
- Main article: History of the United Kingdoms of Vercelli
The Kingdom's history can be divided into three major sections, and nine sub-sections. Spanning over a time period of 26000 years, experts know little of the first 21,000 years of life in Vercelli.
The Alban Peninsula was first colonized by the Atrideans of ancient Greece in the 7th century B.C.. The nation was founded in 1618 after the Bon-Piache War and was reunified after the civil war which lasted from 1619 through 1624. It abolished the Royal Family in 1776 and became a fully democratic nation in 1777. Although many critics say that the government is not actually a democracy but in-fact a hybrid, it is still considered to be one of the fore-front nations in history concerning the creation of a democratic government. Vercelli has played a pivotal role in Atlantica Alban history, especially in the southwestern sphere. The nation's small empire in the late 17th and early 18th century lead it to become one of the great leaders of Atlantica Alba, and has to this day held its importance.
Ancient Vercelli
The first signs of life in Vercelli are dated to around 26,000 years ago, with the first signs of cro-magnons from northern Atlantica Alba. Archaeological and genetic evidence strongly suggests that the Montuosian and Vercellian peninsula acted as one of several major refugia from which northern Europe was repopulated following the end of the last ice age.
The first signs of modern human existence in Vercelli are dated to about 6,000 years ago, however scientists know little about life up until about 3300 B.C. when hieroglyphics were first introduced by the Pomezia people. Experts can agree that life was similar to the Greeks in terms of scientific advances, who first talk of ancient Vercellian culture in the 7th century B.C.. Many speculate that the area was first colonized by the Greeks in the late 7th century either on accident or by rebels escaping mainland Greece. The first signs of civilized life in Vercelli are dated to around the 4000 B.C., however it is noted that civilization that existed up until around 3300 B.C. on the peninsula did not use any written form of language. In 2008 a group of researches found a buried temple that dated back to the 4100 B.C., but research is still being conducted on the temple to see if any more knowledge on these mysterious peoples can be learned.
Recorded history in Vercelli begins with the society of Pomezia around 3200 BC, located in the modern day province of Ciampino. At its height the city was home to just under 200,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in the world. The city was founded in 1400 B.C. and quickly conquered the surrounding regions to build the largest society on the peninsula. Around 650 B.C. Greek fleets landed on Vercellian coast, and by 600 B.C. were the most dominate culture group in the area. Little is known about Pomezian culture previous to the Greeks, but it is noted that the society differed greatly. The ruins of Pomezia show that by 501 B.C. the city was designed heavily in Greek architecture, including a large temple complex located above the city that was in honor of Zeus.
The myth of Atlantis is also credited to the Pomezia people, whose city was destroyed by Atlantean rebels.
Grecco Vercelli
After the destruction of Pomezia in 401 B.C. the surviving 11,000 members were dispersed across the peninsula in the Pomezian Diaspora (διασπορά). Little is known of the first 100 years after the diaspora, but by this time the Atredians of Greece were the dominant peoples. The two main poleis' (city-state) of Prato and Castel at the time began to divide the peninsula into two main groups as Pomezia was no longer a player, and a power struggle started to take foot. The first major war between the two began in 195 B.C., with Prato being the noted winner. The second major war took place in 189 B.C. with the complete destruction of Castel. While it is noted that the city was rebuilt, the decline of Castel is evident thanks to no other major reference to the city in written history. Castel does continue to provide athletes of importance in the Vercellian Delian (Vercellian Olympics).
A growing population and shortage of land seems to have created internal strife between the poor and the rich in many city states. In Niccosa, the Lydia Wars resulted in the conquest of Lydia and enslavement of the population. This practice allowed a social revolution to occur. The enslaved population, known as Lacedaemon, farmed and laboured for Niccosa, whilst every Niccosian male citizen became a soldier of the Niccosa Army in a permanently militarized state. Even the elite were obliged to live and train as soldiers, this equality between rich and poor served to diffuse the social conflict.
Gallia suffered a land and agrarian crisis in the late 150 B.C., again resulting in civil strife.
By the 100 B.C. several cities had emerged as dominant in "Vercellian" affairs: Prato, Niccosa, Gallia, Melos and Pylos. Each of them had brought the surrounding rural areas and smaller towns under their control, while Niccosa and Gallia had become major maritime powers, Prato, Melos and Pylos became major mercantile powers. Prato would later become the dominant military land-power while Niccosa would become the major maritime power.
Roman Vercelli
Unlike most of southern Atlantica Alba, Roman advancement and influence came to Vercelli at a much later date. Grecco and Roman forces fought in the battles of Argeon and Pyhsi in 8 B.C. and Nyroes in 7 B.C.. Grecco forces had previously conquered much of the coast that Roman forces inhabited after the withdrawal of Prato and her allies, and the two civilizations signed a peace accord in 6 B.C.. Trade began to flourish between Rome and Prato with the eventual signing of a military alliance against Niccosa and her southern allies.
In 11 A.D. Pratoian forces marched into southern Vercelli and began to consolidate power, finally turning towards Niccosa in 23 A.D.. Roman forces arrived in 24 A.D. with over 100 large galleys and numerous legionaries. With Niccosa surrounded the city surrendered after a two year blockade, the city falling to disease and lowering goods instead of the massive armies that awaited outside her walls. However Roman forces then turned southward and landed on the beaches of Remona, capturing the city and ending their alliance with Prato.
While Niccosa began to rebuild and regain its status, a heated war flared between Prato and Roman forces in the present day duchy of Castel-Pelegrino. Prato's massive forces quickly overwhelmed the small numbers of Romans that had landed in Remona, and by 26 A.D. all Roman forces had been destroyed. In 27 A.D. the cities of Niccosa and Prato signed a military alliance against Roman forces, and in 29 A.D. Grecco forces once again overwhelmed Octavian's navy and army.
While Roman attention turned towards Egypt with the death of Cleopatra and Mark Antony in 31 B.C., Grecco attention turned towards northern Africa, and in 36 B.C. Grecco outposts began to grow into small cities on the coast of Morocco. These cities quickly grew into major trade outposts as merchants moved from Atlantica Alba into the Mediterranean.
Moorish Invasion
In the 8th century Moorish armies began to set foot onto southern Atlantica Alban coasts, with the complete engulfment of Murcia and partial takeover of territories in Demetae, Seldonia and Venteseri. In 783 Moorish armies crossed the Alban bay into Grecco territories, and landed on the beaches of Ciampino. Met with large forces, Prato and her allies were able to hold back any advancement of the Moorish army. Instead the Moors turned their attention south towards Monte-Spaccio which at the time was in a war Niccosa. Moorish armies crushed the remaining army of Monte-Spaccio in 834 and began to build massive fortresses to hold their stake on the Vercellian peninsula.
For the first time in centuries the Vercellian Olympics were not played, with the Moorish government outlawing the games. Niccosa and Prato once again signed a military treaty and declared war on the Moorish kingdom known as Ziyad, in the Oppothicide Wars (876-912). Initially Moorish armies made great strides, however in 889 the Niccosian navy was able to blockade and take control of most Moorish shipping lanes to and from the Vercellian peninsula. Prato's great armies began to set up massive blockades in the mountains of central Vercelli and were soon able to push the Moors back to their original territory.
By 916 most remaining Moors had been pushed back into Murcia, and the religion of Islam was banned in most city states on the peninsula. Not wanting to repeat another Moorish invasion, Grecco armies began to take the offense and were able to capture many Moorish ports and cities on the coast of Southern Atlantica Alba.
At the same time many city-states in Vercelli began to grow and engulf neighboring states, as the strength of major players in the region continued to expand. This era was known as the Guerra di Pace in which major city states would capture smaller city states with as little bloodshed as possible in the hopes of gaining territory that was not heavily damaged. In return these smaller city states would pledge their allegiance to the main city, which would provide currency, protection, and prestige.
Age of the Kingdoms
By 1100 A.D. most of the Vercellian peninsula had been converted to medium sized kingdoms, with Prato controlling most of the north, Niccosa most of the south, Rubbano taking the majority of the far South, Veneto most of central Vercelli and Riga-Turin the east. The time period of 1100 A.D. through 1350 A.D. is often known as the Oro Eto or the golden age. A mutual peace agreement of the major kingdoms ensured that peace would reign supreme over the peninsula until broken. Because of this many projects and works of art were created during this time, with most warfare taking place over seas the general Grecco public no longer feared or held interest in war.
The Grecco religion at this time began to take large leaps, with new temples being built in even the smallest of villages and its strength growing even outside the boundaries of the kingdoms. The religion soon spread from Grecco holdings in northern Morocco into pockets of northern Africa, however tensions rose between Grecco followers and Muslims, which stopped any further expansion.
In 1375 A.D. Prato declared war against the Kingdom of Spezia and soon conquered it. The brief war which lasted from 1375 through 1381 saw destruction on the peninsula not seen in hundreds of years, and many of the main kingdoms worried that warfare would soon sweep the area. In 1401 Niccosa broke off from the treaty and signed a mutual alliance with Rubbano, which in turn caused Prato and the Kingdom of Veneto to combine their forces. The Kingdom of Ciampino was formed in 1423 which combined both Prato and Veneto, making this new kingdom the most powerful on the peninsula. The Kingdom of Riga-Turin signed into agreement with the smaller kingdoms of Romanina and Leva, creating another super-power in the east. The two major kingdoms declared war on Niccosa in 1453 and soon swept through much of southern Vercelli. The two kingdoms then turned their attention northwards to many of the smaller kingdoms that held control of the area, and by 1491 held all power on the peninsula. In 1496 the Kingdom of Ciampino declared war on the Kingdom of Riga-Turin, a war which would last just under 100 years. Both kingdoms held similar strengths, but it was Prato's control over Niccosa and their navy that finally allowed them the upper hand.
In 1590 the Kingdom of Ciampino declared victory over the Kingdom of Riga-Turin and began to consolidate all power in Vercelli. One of the major new laws would be the Ciampino Caste System which had been in place since the founding of the kingdom in 1406. The Kingdom was able to hold power until 1617 when then King Callixtus was assassinated, and the House of Julius took control. The Kingdom of Vercelli was founded with the new throne, however it was only able to hold onto power for one year.
Civil War and Unification
The Grecco Civil war took place between 1619 and 1629 after the assassination of King Callixtus and the rise of the Julius throne. Separatists in Niccosa who despised the Julius family began to organize armies after the assassination, and by 1619 had numbers strong enough to take control of Niccosa and the surrounding area. Soon after the cities of Rubbano and Riga-Turin also pledged their allegiance to Niccosa, breaking away from the Kingdom of Vercelli, and founding the Kingdom of Ponte-Galeria. The two kingdoms split the newly formed nation into two, the north and west versus the south and east.
Although the war formally started in 1619, bloodshed was not seen until 1620 when Vercellian forces attacked the outposts of Ponte-Galeria along the newly formed border. Ponte-Galerian forces responded with the sacking of Veneto in 1621 and soon after the sacking of Nermos. Ponte-Galeria began to shift it's armies towards the weaker northern portion of Vercelli, and were able to work their way up the coast and plains into the mountains. Not used to fighting in mountainous territory Ponte-Galerian generals made many devastating mistakes as Vercellian armies often held higher ground and occupied large fortresses built back when Moorish forces threatened the peninsula. In 1625 Vercellian forces regained the upper hand and marched towards Veneto.
The city of Veneto and Riga-Turin were both taken by Vercellian forces in 1627, splitting the nation of Ponte-Galeria into two pieces. The Vercellian army split it's forces into three, with a small band moving upwards to conquer the northern portion of Ponte-Galeria. The two major forces then began to work towards southern Ponte-Galeria, with the cities of Rubbano and Leva captured in 1628. Vercellian forces then turned all attention towards Niccosa and were able to blockade the city by land. Although the city still had access to the sea thanks to their large and powerful navy, the city was soon captured by the highly skilled Vercellian army.
Renaissance
Age of Imperialism
Modern
Government and Politics
National Level
- Main article: National Government of the United Kingdoms of Vercelli
Duchy Level
- Main article: Duchy Government of the United Kingdoms of Vercelli
City-State Level
- Main article: City-State Government of the United Kingdoms of Vercelli
Rioni Level
- Main article: Rioni Government of the United Kingdoms of Vercelli
A rione (pl. rioni) is a Vercellian term used since the Middle Ages to name the districts of any city or town over the population of 25,000, according to the political divisions of that time. It comes from the Latin regio (pl. regiones, meaning region); during the Middle Ages the Latin word became rejones, from which rione.
The best known examples of Rioni are in Prato and Niccosa, as each city is subdivided into over 15 apiece. The Rioni are the only level of government that a Plebeian can run for office in, and are the lowest level of government in Vercelli. Each Rioni has a council that decided basic regulations such as signage laws and a sindaco which leads the council on all debates and elections.
Caste System
- Main article: The Vercellian Caste System
The Vercellian caste system is a highly structured and ridged system, with considerable control over the daily life and actions of many kingdom citizens. The system has been in place since the late 1500's and has stayed considerably similar in terms of structure, laws and symbolism through today. Movement between the three lower caste levels is possible and is determined by job, wealth, and family linage. It is impossible for a Royal member to loose their title, or for a lower caste member to become a Royal.
Divided between the Royal, Aristocratic, Marketeer and Plebeian class, each major class is subdivided into minor classes within. The Royal caste is commonly referred to as the high caste level, with the three levels under known as the lower or common caste levels. The Aristocratic class is considered to be the wealthy (doctors, lawyers, generals and other high positions), the Marketeer class middle wealth income (teachers, white collar, green collar), and the Plebeian class the low income (blue collar, assembly/manufacturing, "dirty" jobs). The Royal class is situated above the Aristocracy, and many do not hold working jobs. The majority of Royal Caste members make their livings off of inheritance or stock, it is considered taboo for a Royal caste member to be seen working a common caste member job.
Royal Class
- Main article: Royal Caste
The Royal caste is the highest level of the social class system, and are those with great influence, wealth and prestige. Members of this group tend to act as the grand-conceptualizes and have tremendous influence of the nation's institutions. The Royal caste is considered to be the pinnacle of social life, and a majority of the class earn a living off of stocks, inheritance, real estate and savings. Sociologists and commentators have often cited this caste level as the "Gala Caste", for the many extravagant and high-profile parties and balls thrown for the pure amusement of caste members.
Aristocracy Class
- Main article: Aristocratic Caste
The Aristocracy is the highest level of social class those not born into the Royal class can obtain, many however socialize and are even considered to be on the same level as those with Royal blood. The aristocracy hold considerable power over the nation as they are the majority in rule over the Duchy level of government, and number more than the Royal caste level.
Marketeer Class
- Main article: Marketeer Caste
The Marketeer class constitutes the "middle class" in Vercelli, and is the largest caste level in the entire social system. While not considered to be poor, the Marketeer class is looked down upon by members of the Aristocracy and Royal class, and are in terms of wealth, quite far above those in the Plebeian class.
Plebeian Class
- Main article: Plebeian Caste
The Plebeian class is the poorest class in Vercelli, and consists of mainly servants, farm and agricultural workers, and are found mostly in the rural portions of the nation. Members of the Plebeian caste live in specific zones within cities to keep crime and vandalism contained, as well as to provided easier access to public transportation.
Military
The Vercellian Armed Forces are an advanced and highly skilled military with over xxx,xxx active personal. All males from the age of 18 through 21 are conscripted into service, and make-up about 75% of all personal in the military. The Grand Duchy military is broken into four main branches known as the ground forces, air force, navy and Aredian Brigade. The Grand Duchy has one of the highest military expenditures in the world, but provides numerous basic opportunities for not only citizens of the Grand Duchy but those around the world.
Ground Forces
The Vercellian Amry (Esercito Vercelli) is the ground defense force of the The United Kingdoms. It is a professional volunteer/conscripted force of xxx,xxx active duty personnel. Its most famous combat vehicles are Dardo infantry fighting vehicle, Puma tank, Centauro tank destroyer, Ariete tank , Mangusta attack helicopter, and the Muschino tank.
Air Force
The Aeronautica Militare Vercelli (AMV), the air force of Vercelli, was founded as an independent service arm on March 28, 1923, by HRH King Emilo Porsha as the Regia Aeronautica (which equates to "Royal Air Force"). Today the Aeronautica Militare has a strength of xxx,xxx and operates xxx aircraft, including xxx combat jets and xxx helicopters.
Navy
The Marina Militare, or Vercellian Navy, was created in 1676 as the Navy of the United Kingdoms, from the Regia Marina. Today's Marina Militare is a modern navy with a strength of xx,xxx and ships of every type, such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, modern frigates, submarines, amphibious ships and other smaller ships such as oceanographic research ships.
The Marina Militare is now equipping herself with a bigger aircraft carrier, new destroyers (Horizon class frigate Orizzonte class) and Luigi durand de La Penne, Aircraft carriers, submarines (Sauro) and multipurpose frigates. The Guardia Costiera is a component of the Marina Militare.
Aredian Brigade
In Vercelli, the Aredian Brigade is a military institution in charge of public safety with police duties among the civilian population. It is also a military police / provost force. It has a strength of more than xx,xxx persons. The Aredian Brigade works with the other national law enforcement agency, the Police Nazionale.
The Aredian Brigade are also used for security of not only the Royal Caste but also of many high-profile members of the Government. Compared to the rest of the Vercellian military, the Aredian Brigade receive the longest and most grueling training out of all branches in an attempt to weed out those that are not fit to represent the ultimate armed force in the United Kingdoms' military.
Economy
- Main article: Economy of the United Kingdoms of Vercelli
The economy of The United Kingdoms is extremely broad based and varied, and while mostly dependent on tourism, also has sectors of heavy industry, agriculture, manufacturing, banking and logistical services. With one of the most stable economies and governments in southwestern Atlantica Alba, it has been the center of much development and investment for over 50 years by the international world. Today that nation still holds a strong industrial workforce, and are main competitors of eastern European and Asian economies. Along with the strong based economies of the region economists say the local region will escape much of the 2007-2010 financial crisis unscathed. With the adoption of the well developed Unio, experts agree the area, and especially Vercelli, should see growth over the next five years.
Agriculture
The history of agriculture in Vercelli is vast and expansive, dating back to the 7 century B.C.. In ancient times the Greeks, Greccos, and Romans used Vercelli to raise grapes and many various grains for export to other nations and tribes in the vicinity. This lucrative business saw large amounts of money enter into the western and southern portions of the nation, giving the city of Lira and Niccosa great strides over the much cooler and more mountainous Prato. Agriculture continued to expand and diversify throughout the centuries, the technology revolution of the past 50 years has allowed for great strides to be made in making Vercellian agriculture more productive and profitable.
Vercelli produces large amounts of grains, rice, maize corn, sugar beets, soybeans, meat, fruits and dairy products. The central Duchy of San Basilo is the hub of wine production, while the Duchies of Colle, Leva and Castel-Pelegrino hold the majority of other agricultural products and exports.
Of the total surface area in agricultural use (forestry excluded,) grain fields take up 31%, vineyards 8.2%, rice 5.4%, citrus orchards 1%, other orchards 3.8%, sugar beets 1.7%, and horticulture 2.4%. The remainder is primarily dedicated to pastures (25.9%) and feed grains (11.6%.) Livestock includes 2 million head of cattle, 1.6 million head of swine, 1.8 million head of sheep, and 0.4 million head of goats.
Heavy Industry
Heavy industry in the past century has boomed within the Vercellian economy, with the industrial cities of Dolo and Tranio becoming major centers for the production of heavy objects. The cities ports have been overrun with ship construction, and have lead the way for Vercelli to become one of the biggest producers of cruise and commercial container ships in the world. Even with the current financial crisis the two cities have enough contracts between them to continue work through 2012, even though they only received three orders in 2009.
Vercelli currently operates two smelting plants near Dolo, and has a major coal and iron ore mine system in the duchy of Spezia. The concentration of heavy industry cuts through the middle of Vercelli from the cities on the Alban coast, between Niccosa and Prato, north through towards Monte-Beausoleil.
Manufacturing
The Grand Duchy also has a strong manufacturing presence, exporting many of these products to the nations that occupy northern Atlantica Alba. Vercelli is one of the main exporters of vehicles for Atlantica Alba, with many foreign companies owning plants of production in various parts of the nation. Vercelli has a smaller number of world-class multinational corporations than other economies of comparable size, but there are a large number of small and medium companies, which have produced a manufacturing sector often focused on the export of niche market and luxury products, capable of facing the competition from China and other emerging Asian economies based on lower labor costs.
Tourism
- Main article: Tourism in the United Kingdoms of Vercelli
With more than 42.6 million tourists a year, Vercelli is the fifth highest tourist earner, and sixth most visited country in the world, behind France (76.0 million), Spain (55.6 million), United States (49.4 million), China (46.8 million) and Italy (43.7 million). People mainly come to Vercelli for its rich art, cuisine, history, fashion and culture, its beautiful coastline and beaches, its mountains, and priceless ancient monuments, especially those from the Greek civilization and Roman civilization. Tourism is one of Vercelli's fastest growing and most profitable industrial sectors, with an estimated revenue of $40.3 billion.
Geography of Vercelli
- Main article: Geography of the United Kingdoms of Vercelli
Vercelli consists of a mountainous, peninsular mainland jutting out into the sea at the southern end of Atlantica Alba, and numerous islands (383, 127 of which are inhabited), including Lesokos, Boea, Cos, and Chicos.
Eighty percent of Vercelli consists of mountains or hills, making the country one of the most mountainous in Europe and on Atlantica Alba. Mount Physus, a focal point of Vercellian religion culminates at Pitakeas peak (14,570 ft), the highest in the country. Considered the throne of the Gods, it is today extremely popular among hikers and climbers as well as many religious visitors. Western Vercelli contains a number of lakes and wetlands and is dominated by the Mikodos mountain range. The Mikodos reaches a maximum elevation of 2,637 m (8,652 ft) at Mt. Kea and is essentially a prolongation of the Alban Alps. The Vikos-Aoos Gorge is yet another spectacular formation and a popular hotspot for those fond of extreme sports.
Demographics of Vercelli
The United Kingdoms is broken up into 11 semi-independent states known simply as Kingdoms, which hold a majority of the government power. Varying in size and population, many of the Kingdoms have specialized in certain industries that make the United Kingdoms a versatile and intertwined economic and population powerhouse for southwestern Atlantica Alba.
The Kingdom of Mare holds a special autonomous religious status within the United Kingdoms, and operates on a distinct platform not offered to the other Kingdoms. It has released it's right to representation within the National Government of the United Kingdom, and usually is not included in free travel and other agreements between Vercelli and respectable nations.
Mount Physus located within the Duchy of Mare is considered to be fully independent of Vercelli as it is said to house the Grecco gods of the Grecco religion.
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Population
The official Statistical body of Vercelli is the National Court of Statistical Service of Vercelli (NCSSV). According to the NCSSV, Vercelli's total population in 2005 was 9,832,123. That figure is divided into 4,827,682 males and 4,436,338 females. As statistics from 1975, 1985,1995 and 2005 show, the Vercellian population has been growing younger the past several decades.
The birth rate in 2005 stood 16.5 per 1,000 inhabitants (14.5 per 1,000 in 1985). At the same time the mortality rate increased slightly from 7.9 per 1,000 inhabitants in 1981 to 9.6 per 1,000 inhabitants in 2003. In 2001, 16.71% of the population were 65 years old and older, 58.12% between the ages of 18 and 64 years old, and 25.18% were 17 years old and younger.
Vercellian society has also rapidly changed with the passage of time. Marriage rates kept falling from almost 71 per 1,000 inhabitants in 1985 until 2002, only to increase slightly in 2003 to 61 per 1,000 and then fall again to 51 in 2004. Divorce rates on the other hand, have seen an increase – from 191.2 per 1,000 marriages in 1991 to 209.5 per 1,000 marriages in 2004. Almost two-thirds of the Vercellian people live in urban areas. Vercelli's largest municipalities in 2005 were: Niccosa, Prato, Riga-Turin, Veneto, Rubano, Mira, and Dollo.
Cities and Metropolitan areas
The majority of Vercellian citizens live in metropolitan areas, with over half the nations population located in the three most populous cities. Niccosa is the largest city and metropolitan area in Vercelli, Riga-Turin is the second largest city and Prato the second largest metropolitan area. Urban society has long been apart of Vercellian history, Niccosa has held a population of 1 million for over 800 years.
| N° | Metroplex/ Metropolitan area | Population | Area (in km²) | Density (people/km²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Niccosa Metropolitan area | 3,047,125 | 1,969.31 | 2370.64 |
| 2 | Prato Metropolitan area | 1,196,084 | 845.13 | 1415.48 |
| 3 | Riga-Turin Metropolitan area | 739,112 | 414.57 | 1782.12 |
| 4 | Veneto | 603,831 | 516.32 | 1169.32 |
| 5 | Rubano Metropolitan area | 359,068 | 317.32 | 1131.94 |
| 6 | Dolo-Trano | 244,401 | 615.32 | 364.84 |
| 7 | Mira Metropolitan area | 127,975 | 121.32 | 1054.63 |
| 8 | Murano–Spezzia | 74,401 | 78.54 | 947.56 |
| 9 | Giochi | 60,737 | 75.76 | 801.13 |
| 10 | Olympia–Leseko | 53,173 | 56.91 | 892.44 |
Education
Education within the Grand Duchy is highly important and provided free of charge for all citizens. There is no private schooling for the lower caste members, however the Royal class has bypassed this law and now most royal children are taught by private tutors. The Vercellian education separates males and females from the very beginning and not until University do the two sexes actually learn in the same environment. Males are taught with an emphasis on physical strength, history, language, religion, sciences, military history/ tactics and mathematics while females are directed towards the sciences, history, language, religion and mathematics.
Vercellian attitude towards education is incredibly forward and proactive, and although this method may seem to many from the outside as sexist and unfair, in truth each sex is given the same opportunity to succeed and achieve whatever career path they desire. One of the main differences however is that males are taught with a previous knowledge of knowing they will be conscripted at the age of 18, therefore they are prepared from a very early age to be not only healthy but also mentally ready to serve.
All education is compulsory between the ages of 6-18 for both males and females, and is generally seen as having a higher standard than most developed nations.
Male Primary and Secondary Education
Female Primary and Secondary Education
University Education
Transportation
Transport in Vercelli has undergone significant changes in the past two decades, vastly modernizing the country's infrastructure. Although ferry transport between islands remains the prominent method of transport between the nations islands, improvements to the road infrastructure, rail, urban transport, and airports have all led to a vast improvement in transportation. These upgrades have played a key role in supporting The Grand Duchy's economy, which in the past decade has come to rely on the construction industry.
Vercelli aims to put 100,000 electric cars on the road by 2014 as part of the government’s plan to save energy and boost energy efficiency. The Minister of Industry Jean Course said that "the electric vehicle is the future and the engine of an industrial revolution."
Road/Rail
- Main article: High-speed rail in the United Kingdom of Vercelli
High-speed rail in The Grand Duchy of Vercelli is the most used form of transportation in the nation. Vercelli has spent billions of dollars on making its rail streamline and modern, not only for its own citizens but also for the millions of tourists that visit the nation each year.
Travel by road is also an important manner for movement in the nation, and Vercelli has built an impressive road system that loops around the nation and into Buesti and Ravoi. The bus system within The Grand Duchy has in recent years become a much used manner for transport between many of the smaller villages and towns that dot the Vercellian countryside.
There are approximately 42,993 kilometres of serviceable roadway in Vercelli. The Prato and Niccosa regions are enveloped with the most dense network of roads and highways that connect the cities with virtually all parts of the country. Vercellian roads also handle substantial international traffic, connecting with cities in neighboring Buesti, Monte Beausoleil, Movia, and even Murcia. There is no annual registration fee or road tax; however, motorway usage is through tolls except in the vicinity of large communes.
Air
There are approximately 178 airports in Vercelli, including landing fields. Prato Milpansio located in the vicinity of Prato is the largest and busiest airport in the country, handling the vast majority of popular and commercial traffic of the country and connecting Prato with virtually all major cities across the world. Aeroporto di Niccosa also known as Niccosa Alexander Kisos International and Riga-Turin Caselle Centero Airport are the second and third respectively largest airports in terms of passengers.
Albair Vercelli is the national carrier airline, although numerous private airline companies provide domestic and international travel services.
Sea
There are ten major ports in The Grand Duchy, the largest of which is in Port of Niccosa|Niccosa, which is the largest bordering the Alban Bay.
Maritime connections have been improved with modern high-speed craft, including hydrofoils and catamarans. Ferries now run between 30 different islands and many mainland seaports, with hubs out of Kios, Rubano, Niccosa, Riga-Turin and Tranio.
In recent years the hydrofoil has become the main commercial transport for civilians, and numerous ferry providers have switched to the quicker and more streamlined design. There are still connections between major islands and cities that use ferries capable of transporting vehicles and larger numbers, but the ability to run more ferries at quicker time intervals has severely cut down on the number of these slower and larger ferries.
Religion
- Main article: Religion of the United Kingdoms of Vercelli
The constitution of Vercelli recognizes the Grecco faith as the "prevailing" religion of the country, but guarantees freedom of religious belief for all. The Vercellian Government does not keep statistics on religious groups and censuses do not ask for religious affiliation. According to the State Department, an estimated 67% of Vercellian citizens identify themselves as Grecco Vercellian. Buesti immigrants to Vercelli (approximately 400,000) are usually associated with the Christian religion, although most are secular in orientation.
Grecco
- Main article: Grecco
The Grecco religion is a complicated polytheistic religion followed by more than 85% the population in Vercelli and with large pockets of followers around the world. Cities like Austin, Athens, London, Paris, Portland, Seattle and Tokyo all have large followings of the religion which focuses on spiritual body and mind in harmony with nature and the human world. There are Nine Dies (Gods) within; Nicosa, Messina, Avola, Hermes, Eros, Vesta, Ceres, Dionysos, and Minerva along with Six Madres; Gaia, Rhea, Libya, Europa, Ionia, Athknios and Six Padres; Cratos, Eos, Horae, Leto, Morpheos, and Nike.
Culture
- Main article: Culture of the United Kingdoms of Vercelli
Vercelli did not exist as a country until the country's unification in 1618. Due to this comparatively late unification, and the historical autonomy of the regions that comprise the Alban Peninsula, many traditions and customs that are now recognized as distinctly Vercellian can be identified by their regions of origin. Despite the political and social isolation of these regions, Vercelli's contributions to the cultural and historical heritage of Atlantica Alba remain immense.
The United Kingdoms' global and international impact in politics, history, art, culture, philosophy, literature, archaeology, science, opera, cuisine, architecture, fashion, education, religion, cinema, entertainment and music remain vast up to this day. Elements which are famous of the Vercellian culture are its opera and music, its collections of priceless works of art (found mainly in cities such as Prato, Niccosa, Veneto, Riga-Turin and Rubano, to name a few) and its fashion (Prato is regarded as the SCJU fashion capital of the world in 2009).
Architecture
Vercelli boasts a long period of different architectural styles, from Classical Roman and Greek, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Classical, Art Nouveau to Modern. Vercelli has also been home to numerous famous architects, such as Andrea Palladio (who founded Palladianism), Filippo Brunelleschi, Bernini and Renzo Piano.
Visual Art
Vercellian fine art is categorized into three periods known as Ancient Grecco (600 B.C. to 1200 A.D.), Vercellian Renaissance (1456-1831) and finally Modern Vercellian (1891-2010). In ancient Vercelli art and architecture were important parts of daily life and cities were built to both inspire the mind and give peace to the citizens that lived in them. There were many Vercellian artists during the Grecco and post-Grecco periods, and the arts flourished during the Vercellian Renaissance. Later styles in Vercelli included Mannerism, Baroque, and Modernism. Riga-Turin is the Vercellian capitol of visual arts, the Ufiani Museum receives around 1.5 million visitors a year.
Renaissance Vercellian painting is traditionally characterized by a absence of color and light, as exemplified in the works of Miaskia and Lespio, and a preoccupation with religious figures and motifs. Ancient Vercellian Art in contrast is full of color and light, reflecting the golden age of Prato, Niccosa and other city states in the region. Like traditional Vercellian art, ancient Vercellian art also focuses on religious figures and motifs. In more recent years artists have once again turned towards using a plethora of color, and have begun to focus more on nature and cityscape.
Ballet
- Main article: Vercellian Ballet
Vercellian ballet is focused on precision, elegance, and sobriety, and combines the storytelling of a play and the beauty, dance and even singing of a opera. Second only to fashion, ballet is a integral part of Vercellian culture and daily life. Along with French ballet, Italian ballet and Russian ballet, Vercellian ballet is considered to be one of the fore-front signature types of ballet to be preformed. After its spread from Italian courts in the late fifteenth century, ballet spread into many of the Vercellian courts in the late seventeenth century after the unification and civil war of The Grand Duchy had ended. With the decline of French ballet focus began to shift towards Vercelli where many major cities had begun to operate national schools of ballet.
Cusine
Modern Vercellian cuisine has evolved through centuries of social and political changes, with its roots reaching back to the 7th century BC. Significant change occurred with the discovery of the New World, when vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, and maize became available. However, these central ingredients of modern Vercellian cuisine were not introduced in scale before the 18th century.
Ingredients and dishes vary by region. However, many dishes that were once regional have proliferated in different variations across the country. Cheese and wine are major parts of the cuisine, playing different roles both regionally and nationally with their many variations and Denominazione di origine controllata (regulated appellation) laws. Coffee, and more specifically espresso, has become highly important to the cultural cuisine of Vercelli. Some famous dishes and items include pasta, pizza, lasagna, focaccia, and gelato.
Fashion
- Main article: Vercellian Fashion
Vercelli is considered by many to be the center of fashion on A.A. and even the SCJU, with multiple fashion weeks hosted all across the nation. The Grand Duchy is also the only nation to have a specific branch of government dedicated to fashion known as the Vercellian Court of Fashion. The court is responsible for allowing any type of clothing store or brand to open shop, and is the operator of almost every fashion week that takes place in the nation. It is separate from the Vercellian Court of Culture, which is responsible for all other aspects of Vercellian culture.
Music
- Main article: Vercellian Music
From folk music to classical, music has always played an important role in Vercellian culture. Vercelli's most famous composers include the Renaissance composers Markos and Benini, the Baroque composers Alessandro Scarlatti, Mousqu and Tinniani, the Classical composers Lovelu and Rossini, and the Romantic composers Margereto and Puccini. Modern Italian composers such as Berio and Nono proved significant in the development of experimental and electronic music. While the classical music tradition still holds strong in Vercelli, as evidenced by the fame of its innumerable opera houses, such as La Scala of Niccosa and San Carlo of Prato, and performers such as the pianist Maurizio Pollini and the late tenor Luciano Pavarotti, Vercellians have been no less appreciative of their thriving contemporary music scene.
Sport
- Main article: Vercellian Sport
The sport with the highest spectator attendance and number of registered players is football, the Serie 1 being one of the most famous competitions in the world. Vercelli's national football team is one of the most successful teams in the world, with three World Cup victories, the first one of which was in 1954.
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