Vasurian Republic
Official Names:
Res publicae Vasuriae (Vasurian)
Οὐασυρίας Δημοκρατία (Heclivinian)
Motto: “For the People”
Anthem: Triumphant Song
Ethnic Groups:
– Mammals: 66.7%
– Avians: 9.0%
– Scalies: 6.5%
– Marines: 16.6%
– Arthropods: 0.9%
– Others: 0.3%
Religion (1019 est.):
– Carianism: 32.2%
– Irreligion: 21.8%
– Avecitism: 8.4%
– Moucomitism: 7.0%
– Folk religion: 6.5%
– Madrucism: 6.2%
– Sexenonism: 4.5%
– Deoism: 3.2%
– Other or undeclared: 10.2%
Government:
Unitary parliamentary republic (de jure), federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy (de facto)
– Emperors: Begirdus V, Avex VI
– Consuls: E. Severis Iustus Rorinus Menzo, E. Valaxosta Herevia Raeca Pr.
Legislature:
– Upper house: Senate
– Lower house: Plebeian Tribunate (People’s Assembley)
Capital (and largest city): Vasur
National language: Vasurian
Official languages: Vasurian, Heclivinian
Population: 515,242,783 (1019 estimate)
Area: 12,738,980 km2
Population density: 40.22 /km2
GDP (PPP): US$20.780 trillion
GDP (PPP) per capita: US$40,331
HDI: 0.889 very high
EAFDS: Level I
PHI: Stable
Currencies: Vasurian denarii (VAD), Arrunian Yan (ARY)
Driving side: Left
Calling code: +1
Country’s TLD: .vs
Vasuria, officially the Vasurian Republic (Vasurian: Res publica Vasuriae) is a transcontinental country located entirely within the continent of the same name, as well as parts of the Orumian continent. The country borders Icyria to the south and Caria to the east, and is situated between the Alamanian and Madrucian Oceans. It shares maritime borders with Rudia, Pavanunga, and several Madrucian countries.
According to official government history, Vasuria was established in 873 AV as an independent city-state on the Collis Senex along the Blue Sea. The then leonine Prince of Valax revolted against the declining Carian Empire, successfully establishing an independent polity called the Vasurian Kingdom. The kingdom lasted until 510 AV when Caeilo, its first consul, overthrew King Iocinus, establishing the Vasurian Republic, which continues to this day. A series of territorial expansions followed, including the conquest of the Piregian plains during the Piregian Wars. Vasuria was briefly subjugated by the Heclivinian Empire under the delphine king Azartes III during the 3rd century AV, but maintained its nominal independence throughout. Two centuries later, the Vasurian Republic conquered the remnants of the Heclivinian states, bringing them under its rule.
Between 50 AV and 1 AV, the Vasurian Republic was beset by civil strife and political crises. Rixus F. Q. Remus became the first emperor of the Vasurian Republic, transforming the republic into the Vasurian Empire. The empire underwent further territorial expansion, reaching its greatest height under the co-rule of canine emperor Valaxianus and empress Irmia by the middle of the 7th century PV with the colonisation of the Palsus continent. However, the Vasurian Empire declined during the 8th to the 9th century PV, as political strife and infighting among the lion imperial families undermined its legitimacy. In the 970s, with the conclusion of the Pentarchic Civil War, Vasuria experienced rapid social and economic changes.
Vasuria is a de jure democratic republic, a system of governance enshrined in the Vasurian constitution since 510 AV, making it one of the oldest pieces of active legislation in the world. The Vasurian Senate (one of the oldest legislatures in the world) is the sole deliberative assembly in the country. The head of the senate is led by two consuls. However, since the rise of the emperors in 1 PV, the Vasurian Republic today is de facto a constitutional monarchy, with the two consuls as heads of government, and the emperors as heads of state. The emperorship is hereditary, and in principle, wields absolute power. Between 1 PV and 850 PV, Vasuria experienced fluctuations between systems of absolute monarchy, dictatorship, and democracy. However, modern legislation and conventions ensure that systems of checks and balances work to limit the power of the emperors both constitutionally and politically.
The lands of Vasuria are considered the homeland of the mammal race, from which all other mammalian countries trace their origins. Covering an area of 12,738,980 km2, Vasuria is the 2nd largest country by area, including both land and maritime territories. Due to the country’s massive size, Vasuria exhibits incredible variations in climate, biodiversity, languages, and ethnic groups. The official and national language of Vasuria is Vasurian, while Heclivinian serves as the second official language of the empire. Ethnically diverse, around 70% of Vasuria’s population are mammals, while 30% are distributed among avian, scalie, marine, and a handful of arthropod communities.
Vasuria boasts an advanced economy and possesses one of the largest militaries globally. The country participates in numerous international organisations, being an original member of the International Gatrovian League, Mammalian Co-operation League, Advanced Economy Group, Vasuro-Palsus Defence Treaty, the Gatrovian Bank, the 977 Space Treaty, International Criminal Justice Agreement, and Vasurian Group. As a cultural powerhouse, Vasuria wields significant influence over socioeconomic, philosophical, academic, and cultural aspects in other countries.
Etymology
The name Vasuria originates from its capital city, Vasur, which itself is derived from the Carian word: Washur. However, the etymology Washur is still highly debated amongst historical linguists, although two prevailing theories exist. Washur might be a corruption of the Old Carian word: Udwati Shugruwur, which roughly translates as ‘above the mound’. A second theory comes from the Old Pavanungi word Oshurya, which roughly translates as ‘barren face’. This theory suggests that Oshurya itself was borrowed into Old Carian and was subsequently used to describe the Collis Senex.
The term Vasuria can refer to several geographical meanings: the political entity that is the Vasurian Republic, the continent of Vasuria, and the Province of Vasuria. When used alone, Vasuria generally refers to the sovereign state that is the Vasurian Republic. The term ’empire’ is also used as a disambiguation both within and outside Vasuria. A province with the same name, called the Province of Vasuria, should not be confused with the entire state itself; it is therefore sometimes referred simply as the province. When referring to the continent of Vasuria (which also includes the entire country of Caria), the term Vasurian Continent is used.
Government and politics
As per its constitution, Vasuria is a democratic parliamentary republic with a high degree of devolution among its provinces. In reality, Vasuria is de facto a constitutional monarchy, as the emperors are hereditary heads of state and exist through historic legislation, rather than constitutional obligations or decree. The government is divided into three branches: the executive, legislative, and the judiciary.
Vasuria has a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate (the upper house) and the Plebeian Tribunate (the lower house). Unusually for most Gatrovian countries, the upper house wields greater legislative power than the lower house. The Senate is composed of senators who are directly elected once every five years. The leader of the senate is the censor who officially opens and adjourns the senate at their discretion. Once a year, two senators are elected by the wider public to serve as consuls who become the head of government and the leader of the executive. Consuls are not allowed to serve as consuls again within a 10-year period, though various legal loopholes, imperial interventions and senatorial legislation have resulted in many exceptions.
The lower house is the Plebeian Tribunate (or People’s Assembly), a body of elected officials that oversees and scrutinises bills passed by the senate. The Plebeian Tribunate is presided over by ten Tribunes of the Plebs, with each tribune possessing the power to veto bills passed by the senate through a simple majority. By convention, bills of contentious nature are purposefully tied, and these are then put to the greater public for a vote or referendum.
Elections and Referenda
Elections in Vasuria are organised annually by the Vasurian Electoral Commission. Vasurian citizens are among the most politically active individuals globally, with the average Vasurian voting at least once a year, almost always involving the election of consuls, praetors, aediles, and quaestors. Other elections include senatorial, plebeian tribunate, provincial, municipal, district, and city elections. While voting is deemed a national duty and obligation for all Vasurians, it is not compulsory, except in the Imperial City of Xantiphon.
A wide variety of voting systems are utilised to determine the election of various elected bodies. Since 925, elections to the Senate have been conducted through an open-list proportional representation system across 88 electoral regions, employing the greatest divisors method (D’Hondt method). Election to the magistrates, such as the consulship, praetorship, aedileship, and quaestorship, all employ approval voting, where voters may select as many candidates as they desire. Referenda are frequently held several times a year, more commonly at the provincial level but occasionally at a national level. Referenda occur when legislation in the senate is proposed but fails to pass in the Plebeian Tribunate. In such instances, the tribunate can declare a referendum in which all registered voters are entitled to participate. Both the Senate and the Plebeian Tribunate are obliged to honour the results of referenda.
The frequency of voting among Vasurian citizens often results in low turnout at provincial level elections and referenda, with voter apathy being a significant problem in some provinces. In recent years, provinces and cities have attempted various strategies to increase turnout, including aggressive campaigning, providing free food at polling stations, and, in some extreme cases, offering cash handouts and prizes.
Consuls
[Coming soon]
Foreign relations
[Coming soon]
Law and judicial system
[Coming soon]
Defence
[Coming soon]
Administrative divisions
[Coming soon]
Human Rights
[Coming soon]
Economy
[Coming soon]
Travel
Getting in
Vasurian immigration is complex, onerous, confusing and sometimes involves a great deal of luck. Given Vasuria is an attractive country to visit, work and study, immigration controls are tight. Obtaining a Vasurian visa is also a highly complex process, involving lots of paperwork and more often than not, long waiting times lasting years and in rare cases, decades. It is highly advised one consults the Vasurian Immigration Controls Bureau (VICB) for more information for individual nationalities.
There are 9 types of visas issued by the Vasurian Immigration Controls Bureau (VICB) ranging from type 1 to 6B visas. Type 1A visas are temporary visas (for visiting) and are only valid for 90 days; a majority of visitors are likely to obtain this kind of visa. 1B visas are long stay visas (usually 6 months to 5 years) for visitors with family and relatives residing in Vasuria and are Vasurian nationals. 2A visas are education visas, and are issued to those doing their studies in Vasuria; valid for the duration of their enrolment. 2B visas are work visas, and are valid for 2-10 years depending on the person’s nationality, and/or up to the termination of their employment. 2C visas are issued to those doing volunteer or social work within Vasuria. 2D visas are issued to foreign military personnel who serve, train or visit the Vasurian Armed Forces. Type 3 visas are issued to foreign diplomats and foreign embassy staff. 4A are for asylum seekers and refugees, and 4B is issued to stateless persons (i.e. foreigners whose country has ceased to exist or underwent sudden regime change). Type 5 visas are issued to those who’ve obtain successfully permanent residency status in Vasuria, and is valid for 10 years (until the day they acquire Vasurian citizenship or leave the country for good).
As of 1020, nationals from 47 countries are visa-exempt from entering Vasuria through the Vasuria Enhanced Travel Programme (VETP). The countries include: Ache’qi, Achrypon, Acsylla, Algida Republic, Apak’iom, Bhuchaica, Bulema, Caeboria, Calae, Cazrania, Chakafaki Kingdom, Cotto, Dorania, Dzanamus, East Ebretia, West Ebretia, Gexorrhea, Goduvia, Hanushhlagham, Ichyx, Ilartiensis Nova, Inovisia, Isulund, Itingu, Ka’akani, Kheldesh, Lavania, Lxunggahxa’aqwatum, Masreghera, Norantia, Owanu, Ra’ákanbxa, Rhybalia Nova, Rudia, Rhozodon, Saelon, the Saiai Coast, Senbinqo, Sitipwi, Sorgun, Tanggunia, Thougartana, Unak, Vata-Tama, Vettarica, Wa’ejaqu, Xalyrhe, Xowana, Zadaluma and Zonipora. Nationals who wish to extend their stay can only do so outside Vasuria. It is not possible to extend one’s visa-free stay within Vasuria while entering via VETP.
Nationals of countries not part of the VETP are required to obtain a visa in advanced. Depending on one’s nationality, the fee could range from free to a high 500 Ð for some countries. E-visas can be obtained online at the Vasurian Immigration Controls Bureau (VICB) for Section B1, B2 and B3 countries and are generally approved within a week upon payment of the service fee. Section C1 and C2 countries can apply online, but may require a longer waiting time of 1-2 months in addition to an interview at a designated venue (may be through video conferencing or an on-site interview at a Vasurian diplomatic mission) if need be. Section D countries cannot apply online, and must physically walk into a Vasurian consulate or mission to obtain a visa.
All nationals (even those part of VETP) are required to obtain a visa if they intend to stay for more than 90-days in the country.
By air
Owing the massive size of the country, Vasuria has many international airports servicing numerous airlines. The majority of international arrivals are Vasur, Rixopolis, Baeticia, Paunaeum, Deasporto and Naermisium, with Vasura Vygasana Augustina International being the busiest. Vasurian airports are generally old and brutalist in structure, so do not expect much comfort arriving in them (i.e. airports serve more as a function).
For individuals who can fly (e.g. birds, chiropterans (bats), insects, dragons), one must immediately report to the nearest valid port of entry or any VICB immigration centre located in any major city. It is illegal and highly dangerous to fly across the Vasuro-Icyrian border. Even though some areas of the Vasuro-Icyria border do not appear to be demarcated, they are littered with missiles, avian patrols, snipers, and drones going further into Vasuria.
By land
Vasuria shares land borders with Caria and Icyria. The border between Caria is generally easy to cross, with plenty road connections and relatively few toll roads. Be warned that having a valid visa for Caria does not make you eligible for entry into Vasuria and vice versa. All nationals entering Vasuria from Caria must clear Carian emigration. Non-VETP nationals of B1-B3 countries without visas will be interviewed by adjudicators and/or Vasurian immigration officials at the Cario-Vasurian border, and if successful, can obtain a visa-on-arrival on the spot (albeit for a significantly higher process fee than if one were to apply online).
Driving Carian registered cars into Vasuria is allowed, but only within the Province of Cara. Wanting to drive a Carian registered vehicle into anywhere else in the empire requires an official permit and security clearance by the Vasurian Police. A fee of 110 Ð for cars can be obtained at almost any police station in Cara Province.
Owing to hundreds of years of conflict, the Vasuro-Icyria border is challenging to cross. Given the recent political crisis in Icyria in the last couple of years, border controls between Icyria and Vasuria have intensified. Expect very long queues lasting up to 6 hours at border crossings at Imoëtes Homorus and Terestame as Vasurian immigration go through tedious bag checks and identify verification. For nationals under the VETP programme and Vasurian citizens, they can skip the queue by using biometric clearance gates, though this solution might not be as helpful if you are driving a car in which case you will be travelling with every other car stuck at the toll.
Trains run daily between Icyrian Barzora and Vasurian Barzora, and into the province of Hybatia. Trains are safe, reliable and punctual coming in from the Icyrian side. The Baeticia-Nocha line is a popular line, running parallel to the River Ciphra. Trains run daily from Nocha to the border city of Hystoniocis before passengers disembark to the next train which will cross into Vasuria, entering the town of Terestame and onwards to Nocha. There are no direct train services from Icyria to the provinces of Tsalpus and Icyria. Trains also leave Ctesarta to Imathiona, though services are less frequent and somewhat pricey.
By sea (surface and below surface)
There are many seaports and marine point of entries for those arriving by sea (both surface and suboceanic).
Marine folk (especially those that can breathe underwater) are required to enter Vasuria by legal ports of entries. All underwater dome cities and towns (e.g. Narcelus or Hyphassenon) have local VICB Marine Centres to which nationals can clear immigration, obtain visas and relevant documents. While it is theoretically possible to linger about in a non-enclosed underwater town, it is not possible to enter a dome city without city guards asking for ID (and getting arrested in the process).
When swimming onshore, all nationals, regardless if one has visa-free access or not, are required to report to the closest legal port of entry as soon as possible. Most major coastal city have VICB immigration centres precisely to handle this. However, if you do happen to arrive at a small town or village, the local police station will suffice. Contrary to popular belief, swimming on to shore (even on to some uninhabited beach) is not an illegal offence. The illegal offence comes from being unable to procure a valid visa if discovered by police, the coastguards or immigration officials.
Getting around
Vasuria is connected by a vast array of travel options, from it’s extensive expressway system, its highspeed rail, vibrant domestic flight market, hyperlane submarine fleet and bus network.
Plane
[Coming soon]
Highspeed Rail
[Coming soon]
Bus and metro
[Coming soon]
Taxi
[Coming soon]
Buy
[Coming soon]
Talk
Vasurian is the official and imperial language of Vasuria. It is the language of instruction, communication, religion and commerce. Heclivinian, while a co-official language with Vasurian, is not an imperial language, but is also widely spoken, particularly in the south where it is an official language in many southern provinces. Each province and imperial city has their own official languages alongside Vasurian.
Despite Vasurian being the namesake official language of the country, usage and fluency of Vasurian varies across provinces. Vasurian is the primary language of communication in the central empire, primarily the capital, the provinces of Vasuria, the Piregias, Telodia, Regropia, Pospicuvia and Cuvoria. The further one travels away from the centre of Vasuria, the lower the usage of Vasurian in everyday communication. The province of Ilartia, while having Vasurian as an official provincial language, only has 13%.
Stay safe
[Coming soon]
Respect
[Coming soon]