United Kingdom of Itingu

Official Names:
Nje’ṵ̈ṵ̈rnánqħxunã Íicxiènqüü (Itingunese)
Njawa̰a̰nnqqúna Îindèngaw (Unakese)

Ethnic Groups:
– Arthropod: 88%
– Other: 6%
– Scalies: 4%
– Mammals, Avians, Marines: 2%

Religion (1019 est.):
– Zaruism: 38.3%
– Irreligion: 36.1%
– Ouphepism: 11.5%
– Avecitism: 6.8%
– Folk religion: 2.2%
– Carianism: 2.0%
– Other or undeclared: 3.1%

Government:
– Monarch: Melxanti II
– Heir apparent: Nde’eta Melxantinyxu
– Prime Minister: Wéju Ngankargla

– Upper house: Chamber of Councillors
– Lower house: Chamber of Deputies

Capital (and largest city): Vern City
Official languages: Itingunese, Unakese

Population: 13,067,255 (1020 estimate)
Area: 37,761 km²
Population density: 346.1 /km²

GDP (PPP): US$522.937 billion
GDP (PPP) per capita: US$40,019

HDI: 0.901 very high
EAFDS: Level I
PHI: Very stable

Currency: Itingul yopol (INY)

Driving side: Right

Calling code: +43
Country’s TLD: .nq

---

Itingu, officially the United Kingdom of Itingu (Itingunese: Nje’ṵ̈ṵ̈rnánqħxunã Íicxiènqüü; Unakese: Njawa̰a̰nnqqúna Îindèngaw) is a landlocked country located on the Southern Zarynian continent. Itingu shares land borders with 10 countries. It is bordered by Darnit, Enyxochu to the east, Apak’iom and Teroha to the south, Ndzlrlngx (Enzalegia) to the west, and A’áa’a! (Aëa) and Mbxnqqw (Mybouncia) to the north. Itingu nearly surrounds the country of Werapiko, and completely surrounds the countries of Unak and Ra’ákanbxa. Itingu has two exclaves to the north.

The lands of Itingu was formerly made out of hundreds of city states ruled by various insect clans, tribes and hives during the first millennia AV. The first proto-Itingu state, the First Werina Kingdom, emerged in 1650 AV before being conquered by the Old Thamitol Empire in 1140 AV. The Second Werina Kingdom arose after the collapse of the Old Thamitol Empire during the Thamitol Civil War which lasted from 832-796 PV. The Second Werina Kingdom itself fell into civil strife when a local winter caused by the eruption of Mount Qewatxuħi in 660 AV, precipitated the decline of the kingdom. Seven centuries later in 135 PV, Queen Haquntewa V of the Kawéndx Kingdom was crowned queen of the Kingdoms of Werapiko and Teroha. In 155 PV, Queen Haquntewa V formally united the kingdoms of Kawéndx, Werapiko and Teroha into one country and named it Íicxiènqüü (Itingu). In 661, the House of Haquntewa went extinct, and the nations of Teroha and Werapiko subsequently fought several wars of independence against Itingu (formally Kawéndx). In 837, Itingu became a major belligerent during both phases of Southern Zarynian Wars (836-841, 844-853). The economic devastation from the war resulted in territorial losses for Itingu as Teroha and Werapiko gained their independence. In 866, queen Ena III signed the Rights Act, formally handing executive power to the newly established legislature, and establishing a democratic framework. Between 903 and 932, Itingu came under the military dictatorship of Prime Minister Txesunimai Mepaħ who turned Itingu into a totalitarian state. The monarchy was briefly abolished under Directive No. 230 in 928. In the same year, Itingu invaded and annexed the country of Unak, a move widely condemned as illegal. In 932, Itingu launched an unsuccessful invasion of Werapiko which led to the death of 86,000 Itingunese soldiers over the course of three years. Mepaħ was killed in a successful bomb plot led by royalists on 7 Iuvenilis 932. The monarchy was restored in 933. Between 933 and 980, Itingu greatly diversified its economy by expanding its service sector and becoming one of the leading banking nations on the Zarynian continent. In 992, Itingu hosted the Gatrovian Games, and in 998, won the Gatrovian Football World Cup for the first time. The country became a Level I ‘most developed’ country status by the Economic Assessment Forum in 999. In 1015, Itingu became the world’s 2nd largest exporter of semiconductors.

Itingu is a highly advanced free-market economy with some levels of government control on certain state enterprises. With a GDP (PPP) per capita of US$40,019, Itingu is ranked fifth-highest in per capita income on the Zarynian continent. Despite the country’s abundance of natural resources, government policies tend to place great emphasis on human capital. Itingu’s social and welfare policies are generally considered the best in the world. The Itingu Government Pension Service is estimated to hold over US$828 billion in sovereign wealth funds. Its currency, the Itingu yopol is the most valuable currency in the world behind the Owanu owo. Itingu’s low corporate tax rates, business friendly policies and low-levels of corruption make the country a destination of multinational businesses. Itingu gemstones and mana stones are prized around the world; it is estimated that the mana stone industry in Itingu is over US$460 billion as of 1019. Itingunese companies including AQV International, Opalx Electronics, OVM motorbikes, Xixo and Rakoxa Mana are amongst the largest companies in the world.

Itingu is a founding member of the International Gatrovian League, the Southern Zarynian Defence Union, the Zarynian Free Movement Initiative and Arthropodean Council.

While the official name of the country is the United Kingdom of Itingu, the kingdom no longer rules over, or is in personal union with, any other kingdom. The territories of Werapiko and Teroha which were once part of the United Kingdom have been independent since the 850s. Furthermore, Teroha has since become a republic, having abolished their monarchy in 973.

Etymology

The name of Itingu is derived from the Itingunese word Íicxiènqüü which roughly translates as: ‘sweet nectars’ in Old Itingunese. Íicx- means nectar and –ièng means ‘nurture’. The qüü suffix is a stative conjugation which alters the meaning of ‘nurture’ to ‘sweet’.

---

Government and politics

Government

Itingu is a unitary constitutional monarchy in which the monarchy of Itingu is head of state, and the prime minister the head of government. The current monarch is Queen Melixto II, whose role as the monarch is largely ceremonial and lacks any formal power according to the constitution during periods of peace. The queen is responsible for the appointment of ambassadors and the receiving of foreign envoys to the kingdom. When travelling abroad, the queen and members of the royal family are symbols of Itingu culture and identity. The queen also formally opens every new National Assembly once every general election. Unlike most countries, the queen is not the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces; instead, the position is traditionally assigned to the Minister of Defence and/or concurrently with the Prime Minister. Despite the lack of formal power held by the queen, her influence is significant and domestic admiration of her remains a significant factor in policy making. 

The state legislature is the bicameral National Assembly of the Kingdom, which comprises the lower house (the House of Representatives) and the upper house (House of Advisors). The Constitution of 940, the current constitution, establishes that the House of Representative is a democratically elected body with elections held once every five years, and is the dominant chamber. As of the 1015 election, there are 355 members in the House of Representatives elected based on proportional representation. The House of Advisors, a 245 member body, is composed of members from the Itingu Royal Family, priests of the Zaruist religion, politicians, and former prime ministers, and Itingunese citizens of distinguished merit. Its members are appointed by the queen on advise of the prime minister with term limits of 10 years in the chamber. The House of Advisors do not hold ultimate legislative power, and since 962, cannot prevent or veto the passage of bills passed by the House of Representatives; it can, however, pass its own bills which must pass thorough the lower house in order to enact new laws.

Elections in Itingu have been documented as far back as 652. However, suffrage was limited to woman who owned property and members of the pǔkxããmbī (the aristocracy). It was not until 888 when Itingu granted men the right to vote. Again, only men of the pǔkxããmbī were allowed to vote. Itingu extended universal suffrage to all citizens in 900 after then House of Representative Txesunimai Mepaħ campaigned for it. Mepaħ and her party, the Party of the People, were elected into the National Assembly in a landslide result during the 903 election, Itingu’s first election to allow all citizens aged 20 and above to vote. Elections were not held between 908 and 932 when Txesunimai Mepaħ promulgated Emergency Directive 46, seizing power in a self-coup in 908 and banning elections altogether. Democracy was restored after her death, and since then, political power traded between various coalition governments. As of the 1015 election, the Democratic Alliance (a centre-left coalition) controls a slim majority in the House of Representatives.

Foreign relations

Itingu conducts its diplomatic relations with other countries through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is headed by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Itingu is a member of dozens of international organisations, and is considered a ‘middle power’ in international affairs. In geopolitics, Itingu plays an active role in inter-arthropodean relations and plays host to meetings between arthropodean and non-arthropodean states. Itingu is militarily active, and stations 40,000 soldiers a year on peacekeeping operations globally. In 1019, Itingu became the 12th largest arms exporter in the world, mostly in the sail of small arms, radar jammers, drones and cruise missiles. Itingu is a major donor of food aid to developing countries.

Itingu’s international image has fluctuated numerous times across its long history, from international mediator during the 940-80s during an era of Vasurian decolonisation of the Palsan continent, to infamy and pariah status during the country’s ultranationalist dictatorship under prime minister Mepaħ. Today, Itingu is seen as a centre of technological innovation and tertiary education, thanks to its vibrant semiconductor industry. A Qoshimka Perceptions Survey conducted in 1018 was done on people’s perception on Itingu, with 61% of respondents holding positive to very positive views of the country, while 26% stated they are neutral or don’t know, and 13% having negative to very negative views. The vast majority of negative perceptions of towards Itingu come from Teroha and Werapiko, two countries that fought numerous wars of independence against Itingu historically.

The Itingunese government has consistently championed free movement between Southern Zarynian states. However, this has been challenged in the last decade as illegal syndicate activities in Unak, Ra’ákanbxa, Darnit and Teroha have begun using these porous borders to escape and flee persecution. Since the 990s, the Black Crystal Society, one of the largest criminal organisations specialised in the illegal manufacturing of prohibited mana stones and magical terrorism, have become established in Itingu and its surrounding states, complicating Itingu’s relationship with its increasingly protectionist neighbours such as Teroha, Werapiko and Ndzlrlngx.

Law and judicial system

The country’s judicial system is formed off the base off Civil Law with significant influence form Itingunese customary laws. The judicial system is multifaceted and varies slightly by province to province. The Constitution of 940 explicitly calls for the separation of powers between its state legislature and its judiciary. The Itingu Supreme Court is the highest court of arbitration in the country, while provincial courts oversee cases on a provincial level.

The Royal Itingu Police (RIP) is the country’s national and principal law enforcement agency, and is charged with enforcing the law as outlined in the Itingu Penal Code of 995 (amended 1014). In addition to policing, the RIP oversees the Royal Itingu Prison and Probation Service (RIPPS), the Office of Immigration and Border Control (OIBC), and the Central Anticorruption Bureau (CAB). The RIP was formed in 993 as part of the unification of the country’s nine independent provincial police forces that formally enforced law within their respective provincial jurisdiction. As a member of the South Zarynian Judicial Framework, the RIP are entitled by treaty to exercise their judicial duties in the countries of Unak, Darnit, A’áa’a! and Mbxnqqw, albeit limited to persons of Itingu citizenship.

Defence

The Itingu Armed Forces is the national military of the United Kingdom of Itingu. It consists of four service branches: the Royal Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Gendarmerie and the Itingu Intelligence and Digital Service (IIDS). The army forms the oldest branch of the four, with its founding in 646, while the IIDS was founded only as recently as 1012. The philosophy of the IAF is enshrined in it’s military doctrine: defence and deterrence. With centuries of warfare and military experience, Itingu has one of the most technologically sophisticated militaries in Southern Zarynia.

Between 734 and 769, Itingu briefly had a coast, and thus, a nascent navy. When the country became landlocked again, its ships were seized by Apak’iom.

Administrative divisions

Officially, the United Kingdom of Itingu is divided into 1 kingdom, 1 dukedom, 7 principalities, 14 counties and 15 lordships. Confusingly, some of these fiefdoms may overlap with one another, and may even overlap with territory held in other sovereign states. These fiefdoms do not exercise any significant civilian or administrative significance. Instead, civil functions are exercised through 9 provinces across the country. These do not necessarily correspond to the traditional boundaries of the fiefdoms.

The 9 provinces are: Arétla, Cxomi, Embwe’atxí, Isanrt, Mirlataki, Nqqok, Sibunqu’át, Sumbxe’eme and Vern. Each province is further subdivided into municipalities, which itself are subdivided into districts. As of 1020, are 154 municipalities and 1307 districts.

Human Rights

Itingu is one of the founding members of the 961 International Gatrovian Human Right’s Initiative. The country’s constitution guarantees and protects freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of information, freedom of religion, and freedom from oppression of any kind. Additional legislation, including the Bill of Rights of 941, Interspecies Marriage Act of 950, Capital Punishment Abolition Act 967, Protection of Asylum Act 971, Proportional Representation Act of 975 and the Anti-Monopolisation and Business Competitive Act of 990 are amongst the dozens of active legislation that define Itingunese rights.

Since the 960s, Itingu plays an active role in international human rights development, and is considered by many scholars and human rights organisations to be a leading country in the promotion of human rights on the Zarynian continent. According to the International Centre for Human Rights in 1019, Itingu is ranked 8th in the world in terms of freedom of the press and freedom of speech, and is given a classification of ‘respected’ (the highest of 5 levels of individual liberties).

Itingu itself is not without its human rights concerns. Since the 990s, police raids and extrajudicial arrests have been made against suspected syndicate members. Questions have also been raised on the treatment of migrant workers, with local rights group (such as the Migrant Worker Society of Itingu) noted discrimination, racism, subpar accommodation and passport confiscation by some companies. The government of Itingu generated mixed response with the Ethnicity Act of 1017 was passed which formally removed all racial distinction and categorisation in favour of ethnicity on all official documents produced by government institutions.

---

Economy

[Coming soon]

---

Travel

Getting in

Itingu is generally very easy to enter for most nationals traveling into the country (if one does not mind the exorbitant E-visa fees). As Itingu is not only a tourist destination, but a tech hub for many businesses and multinational companies, expect many foreigners to be present, especially in and around Vern City. Nevertheless, most visitors are required to apply for an E-Visa which may be submitted online to the Itingu Immigration and Visa Office prior to arrival. As of 1020, the cost of obtaining an E-Visa is 45 INY (US$142) for nationals from Zarynian countries, and 80 INY (US$252) from countries outside of Zarynia. For visas-on arrival, a flat fee of 90 IPY (US$283) is required.

The countries listed below are those that may enter Itingu visa-free, are required to submit an E-Visa prior to arrival, or may obtain visas on arrival at immigration. Countries not listed must apply for a visa in advance at any Itingu consular office or embassy.

In a vast majority of visa application, E-Visas are approved almost instantaneously. It is possible to submit an E-visa on the day of departure to Itingu, though this is risky. Successful visas can be used for multiple entries in and out of Itingu within a visitor’s duration of stay. Persons with criminal records or passport stamps to ‘problematic countries’ (e.g. Pwemji or Sram) should expect delays and in some cases, questioning during the E-Visa application process (in which case, the user must log in to fulfil additional online declarations).

Itingu immigration law requires that people bringing in more than 3,500 IPY (US$ 11,000) in cash must declare them. Failure to declare may result in fines and/or deportation. When arriving by air, passengers are not allowed to bring in more than 2.25 litres of alcohol, or more than 3 packets of cigarettes. All kinds of plant and foodstuffs are not allowed to be brought into the country due environmental concerns (except for titbits like biscuits and dried foods).

By air

Itingu is served by 2 major international airports: Vern International Airport (VIA) and Met’o Airport (MTO) near the city of Lilp’usi. Virtually all international arrivals land at Vern Int’l.

By land

Itingu is bordered by 10 countries, making travelling into and out of the country by land very common. In fact, the metropolitan area of Vern City straddles across 5 countries, making cross border travel between them a daily occurrence for many residents there. As Itingu is part of the Zarynian Free Movement area, individuals with valid visas into and out of Itingu, are automatically permitted to travel between Itingu and all its neighbouring states (except for Teroha).

Getting around

Public transportation in Itingu is excellent, with no shortage of options both land, river and air.

Plane

While Itingu boasts an excellent countrywide train and bus network, intercity domestic flights are still a popular alternative for Itingu travellers. Almost all flights are between its satellite cities and Vern City. The busiest domestic route which serves Itingu’s largest and third largest city is the Vern City-‘Itlebóhoching route chartered by Layat Air. Expect to pay a hefty price for such a ticket, with fares normally hovering around 37 INY (US$116) for a one-way trip.

Highspeed Rail

The Itingu Rail Services is one of the most common means of transport for intercity travel for many Itingunese citizens. The country is served by 5 main highspeed rail lines: Vern-Bolo’olong, Vern-‘Itlebóhoching, Bolo’olong-Lilp’usí, Vern-Lilp’usí and Anavani-Yaqvangasi. Prices are fairly affordable, with single tickets going as low as 4 3/4 INY (US$30.60) from Vern to ‘Itlebóhoching. Note that, some of these train routes cut through and stop within the country of Werapiko. Expect to pay slightly marked up fares if a route cuts through Werapiko.

Trains in and out of the country are also common. However, expect delays and differing ticketing systems as Itingu’s rail system is not in sync with any of its neighbouring countries (except for Werapiko, Unak and Ra’ákanbxa).

Bus and metro

Buses are plentiful in Itingu, both within major cities, intercity and small towns. Thanks to the punctuality and efficiency of its bus system, do not be surprised if you encounter an Itingunese whose never driven a car in their life. The bus network is incredibly decentralised, expect differing fares even for bus companies driving similar busy routes to maximise passenger traffic. Buses are modern and airconditioned. Fares can vary from a low 1 495/720 IPY (0.299 INY ; US$5.30) per trip within major cities, to 15 60/720 INY (US$47.40) for one-way intercity bus trips.

The good news is that all buses countrywide use OpalCard, a rechargeable contactless smartcard that stores money for use in payments for public transport. OpalCard can also be used on all metro, tram and light rail services in major cities, and even the countries of Unak and Ra’ákanbxa.

Taxi

Locals tend to avoid taxis given the high taxi fares, but when travelling in large groups, taxis can be more bang for your buck. In Vern City, depending on the company, taxi fares generally charge 210/720 INY (US$0.91) per km on top of a flag-down fee of 1 1/2 INY (US$4.70). In Vern City, where areas of the city extend into neighbouring countries, be prepared to pay up an additional 2 INY for ‘border crossing’ (which is really an excuse by taxi companies to squeeze more money).

URDI Cab (which stands for Unak-Ra’ákanbxa-Darnit-Itingu) is one of the most popular ride-hailing app on mobile, and visitors are highly recommended to download it as they generally offer better fares than hailing cabs.

Buy

The national currency of Itingu is the Itingu yopol, and is denoted by it’s symbol: Y or INY. The yopol is a non-decimal currency. 1 INY is divided into 30 luk’o, which itself is further divided into 16 imto. 1 INY therefore equals 480 imto. As of 1020, the INY is the second most valuable currency in the world. For context, 1 Bulemani Karpada (BLC) is 0.55 INY. The currency owes its strong value thanks to its advanced mana, aerospace and semiconductor industries. Naturally, Itingu is considered one of the most expensive countries in the world to visit for the average visitor.

The Itingu yopol can be confusing to use at first for those not used to non-decimal currencies. Coins issued are: 1i, 2i, 4i, 8i, 1ȴ, 5ȴ, 10ȴ, 30ȴ. Banknotes are: Y½ (30ȴ), Y1, Y3, Y5, Y10, and Y20. The Y50 banknote is very uncommon and may be rejected at certain convenience shops and restaurants since these notes have been used by syndicates in the past for money laundering purposes. The Y50 note is almost always accepted for the purchase of over-the-counter train tickets and taxi fares, however.

Eating out is incredibly expensive. If you’re lucky, a simple meal consisting of a (rather disappointing) rice dish, a side of vegetables and some minced meat at a cheap local restaurant outside Vern City can cost around 3 INY (US$9.43). Itingu’s national dish, Inyu-Inyu (a spicy curry dish consisting of steamed maggots, eggplant and capsicum served alongside balsamic rice), a must try food, costs anywhere from 7 INY to 9 INY (US$22 to US$28). For more international foods such as pizza, be prepared to pay up to 17 INY (US$ 53.44) for a 12-inch pepperoni pizza which might be better off consuming in Vasuria.

As locals will advise, food and drinks are best prepared at home for maximum cost effectiveness. Many local supermarkets sell surprisingly very affordable and fresh produce mainly from neighbouring countries. For example, in Vern City, 1kg of bananas grown in neighbouring Darnit may be sold in Itingu for only 30ȴ INY (or US$1.58), while a 250g mackerel steak might cost just 1 ⅛ȴ (US$ 3.54). In other words, when travelling to Itingu on a budget, it’s best to buy food straight from the supermarkets.

For the average tourist, 120 INY should be be sufficient money for the day.

Note, tipping is not obligatory in Itingu. However, as rule of thumb, a gratuity of 2-4% of the bill is generally accepted. As for Value-Added-Tax, the rate as of 1016 is 3.5%. You won’t have to worry about it since by law, all businesses are required to display the price of goods and service as inclusive of VAT.

Talk

[Coming soon]

Stay safe

Like most advanced economies, Itingu is a safe country, especially in its major cities. When applying common sense, the average visitor would generally face little to no problems during their stay. Tap water is potable, and no vaccination is required when entering the country.

However, the last 20 years have seen the rise of criminal syndicate activity primarily perpetuated by the Black Crystal Society. Members of the BCS are usually identifiable by their elaborate mana tattoos that glow in the dark. BCS goons are generally pacifist, however, and attacks on civilians are rare.

BCS members have been reported to have approach tourists by handing them suitcases containing large quantities of cash (and an illegally made mana stone). The tourist is then instructed to bring the goods out of the country so that they may be retrieved by a client at the traveller’s destination. BCS members often use threat, blackmail and intimidation for those who hand such items to police. While rare, if approached, it is best to decline and move on; BCS goons almost never get violent unless you are law enforcement trying to apprehend them. If you feel absolutely threatened, handing them some cash (about 20 INY) might get you out of a pickle.

Respect

[Coming soon]