Balzians
Balsieros (Neutrality and Males), Balsieras (Femininity) | |
---|---|
Total population | |
57 | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Philippines | 32 citizens |
Thailand | 10 citizens |
Vietnam | 8 citizens |
Laos | 5 citizens |
Iraq | 3 citizens |
Japan | 1 citizen |
Languages | |
De Jure: English Native Languages: Filipino, Thai, Vietnamese, Lao, Japanese, Balzian (in development) | |
Religion | |
Majority: Roman Catholicism Minorities: Protestantism, Irreligion, Buddhism, Islam, Iglesia ni Cristo, Jehovah’s Witnesses | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Filipinos, Lao, Vietnamese, Thais, Japanese, Americans | |
The name "Balzian" originates from the term "Balzi" used after the Civil War of 2020, signifying the establishment of the First Unified Balzian Republic. According to President Carl Miguel Salgado Victa, the term has no known roots or meaning but was adopted to avoid further conflict. |
Balzians, also known as Balsieros (for neutrality and males) and Balsieras (for femininity), are citizens or people identified as holding citizenship with the Republic of Balzi. Balzi is a nation that simulates an unitary full presidential republic. Its citizens predominantly come from the Philippines, but individuals from other nationalities are also eligible to become Balzians.
Demographics
According to the National Statistical Institute of Balzi, the majority of Balzians are Roman Catholic, followed by Protestantism, irreligion, Buddhism, and Islam. The population of Balzi is ethnically and religiously diverse. The total population is currently 57 individuals, with notable ethnic and national breakdowns:
- Filipino: 32 citizens
- Lao: 5 citizens
- Vietnamese: 8 citizens
- Thai: 10 citizens
- Japanese: 1 citizen
- American: 1 citizen
Languages
The primary language spoken by Balzians is English, which serves as the national language of Balzi. Other significant languages include Tagalog, Vietnamese, Thai, Lao, and Japanese.[1] While there is a developing Balzian language, it is not yet widely spoken, and most citizens are not fluent.
Religion
Balzians are predominantly Roman Catholic, reflecting the influence of the Philippines, the country from which the majority of Balzians originate. Minority religious affiliations include Protestantism, irreligion, Buddhism, Islam, Iglesia ni Cristo, and Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Related Ethnic Groups
Balzians are related to several ethnic groups based on their national origins. These include:
- Filipinos
- Lao people
- Vietnamese people
- Thai people
- Japanese people
- Americans
Etymology
The term “Balzian” originates from the name “Balzi,” a community to which these citizens belong. The demonym “Balzian” began to be used after the establishment of the First Unified Balzian Republic following the Civil War of 2020. According to President Carl Miguel Salgado Victa, the term “Balzi” has unknown roots, but it was introduced to create a unified identity for the citizens and avoid further internal conflict.
Prehistory and Origins
While the Balzians are a modern political and social group, the origins of their ethnic composition trace back to various real-world macronations. These include the Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and the United States. Historically, these regions were home to ancient civilizations, each with its own distinct cultural and religious practices.
- Filipinos: The Filipino people are descendants of Austronesian-speaking settlers who migrated to the Philippine archipelago thousands of years ago. The influence of Spanish colonization in the 16th century shaped the Roman Catholic identity that persists among Filipinos today.
- Lao: The Lao people have ancient roots in the Lan Xang kingdom, which was established in the 14th century. Buddhism became the dominant religion in the region, although modern Lao citizens of Balzi are religiously diverse.
- Vietnamese: Vietnamese civilization dates back to the Đông Sơn culture and was significantly influenced by Chinese colonization and Confucianism. Contemporary Vietnamese Balzians maintain a connection to this heritage.
- Thai: The Thai people have their origins in the ancient kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. Thailand’s strong Buddhist traditions remain influential, though the Thai citizens of Balzi belong to a range of religions.
- Japanese: The Japanese people have an ancient culture rooted in the Jomon and Yayoi periods. While Shinto and Buddhism are dominant religions in Japan, the sole Japanese citizen of Balzi identifies with a different faith.
- Americans: The single American citizen of Balzi traces their origins to a nation known for its diverse population and cultural melting pot.
Citizenship and Identification
Becoming a Balzian citizen is a personal choice rather than a birthright. The 2024 Constitution of Balzi prohibits dual allegiance or citizenship. Any individual, regardless of their age or macronational nationality, is eligible to apply for Balzian citizenship.
In terms of identification, Balzi previously attempted to implement a national identification system in March 2023. However, the initiative was discontinued due to administrative challenges. Balzi also explored the creation of national passports, but the project was paused during the political crisis of 2023. As of 2024, the government temporarily uses a system of recording for citizen identification.
Reference
- ↑ Benedick Ganzaloa (August 23, 2024). "Demographic Report of the Republic of Balzi". National Statistics Institute of Balzi. Retrieved August 23, 2024.