Basque Republic
République Basque | |
|---|---|
 Flag
 Coat of arms
| |
| Anthem: Auferstanden aus Ruinen (Instrumental) | |
| Location | Melbourne, Australia |
| Capital | Almersburg |
| Largest city | Wilsonsville |
| Official languages | French, English |
| Demonym(s) | Basquesi |
| Government | Constitutional Confederate Republic |
| Legislature | Senate |
| Establishment | Late 2018 |
| Population | |
• (as of 2021 census) census | 5 |
| Currency | Basquero |
| Time zone | Eastern Standard Time |
The Basque Republic, or the Republic of Basque, is a micronation based in Melbourne, Australia. It is run by a senate and governed by a “chancellor”, similar to other democracies. It claims to be a simulationist micronation but also has said they are an aspiring secessionist state.
It briefly headed a micronational organisation named the MMDP, the Micronations of Melbourne Defence Pact, with 2 member nations at its peak, but the MMDP was dissolved due to poor management. The Republic has just opened up online interactions.
Etymology
The Basque Republic was named after the ancient European Basque people and follows Napoleon Bonaparte’s habit of naming republics after ancient people. Its original name was the Assyrian Catholic Republic but was changed a few months after its foundation. The government prefers to call it the Basque Catholic Republic.
It is formally known as the People’s Republic of Basque, although the Socialist Republic of Basque is used occasionally.
History
Basque was founded in 2019. At the time, it was called the Assyrian Catholic Republic, but after several citizens complained about the name, it was changed to the Basilican Republic, and then to the Basque Republic.
In early 2020, the republic shifted from a theocracy to a true democracy. This event was known as the Basquesi Revolution. The COVID-19 pandemic sent the micronation into lockdown, and for the rest of the year, it was mainly an online micronation.
In early 2020, the nation acquired another province in Melbourne, which would later become Almersburg. Wilsonsville was still the largest city, though.
The capitals rotate on a seasonal basis. Wilsonsville is the capital for a few days, then for the rest of the year, the capital is Almersburg. This is because Wilsonsville is based in Wilsons Promontory, and the government can only manage to travel there once every year, over summer holidays. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Almersburg has been the capital for one and a half years now.
In early 2021, the Basquesi Socialist Movement commissioned the building of a new capital, Michsgrad-Almersburg, to replace Almersburg as the capital. The decision was somewhat controversial but no public objections were made. The formal opening ceremony is due to take place on August 16. As a result Almersburg has descended into inactivity.
Politics and government
The republic is run by a single-party system. The only party is the Basquesi Socialist Movement. However, lately, a growing centrist movement has been gaining traction.
The Basquesi Socialist Movement, formally known as the Party for the Establishment of Democratic Socialism and its Principles in Micronations (PEDSPM) came to power in December 2018, in a coup that was known as the Christmas Revolution. There was almost no resistance.
Law and order
There is no crime in the republic, though the infrastructure is in place to create a police system if need be. The Basquesi People’s Army serves as part-time law enforcement and generally keep the peace.
Foreign relations
The socialist government has in place a strict isolationism policy. No foreign interactions are to be made without government consent, and citizens cannot travel to other micronations without a valid reason. Since the dissolution of the ACR (Assyrian Catholic Republic) the government has ended all foreign relations.
Military
The Basquesi People’s Army has one active member, and it enforces a strict policy of neutrality, only using the army to defend home territory. They tend to purchase products from websites selling replica WW1 Ottoman Empire uniforms. Helmets are Turkish Fez hats, and while they offer little protection the government insists on keeping it.
The military owns one heavy weaponry piece, a TBMG-50 that launches tennis balls.
Military branches
Basquesi People’s Army: The main branch of the armed forces. Conducts conventional warfare.
Special Operations Squad: conducts covert ops.
OCD: Online Combat Division- fights online wars and specialises in discord raids.
Geography and climate
Basque has a typical Southern climate: summers are very hot and dry, and winters usually tend to be humid, cold and wet. Basque”s land claims are 95% forest; only 5% of its claim has been settled. It has vast untapped reserves of timber.
Economy
The economy is centrally planned and most corporations are owned by the government. Almersburg handles most products (herbs, consumer goods, agriculture) while Wilsonsville makes seasonal products like munitions. Wilsonsville has been known to make Basque-21 Cruise Missles, which are widely used in the Basquesi military.
The currency, the Basquero, has little value but is backed up by the Australian dollar. Most domestic transactions are made using Basquero.
Manufacturing industry
The manufacturing industry is widely centred around munitions. Some products are artillery pieces like ball launchers. Recently the government has expanded its interests, developing cities and centralising the economy. A team of researchers are currently planning on starting the Basquesi Space program, and have launched 5 rockets into the atmosphere as part of the Bottle Rocket Program.
Culture and media
Basque has no official religion, although most of its inhabitants are Roman Catholics. The country draws heavily from French and Byzantine culture. Religion has no role in the everyday running of the nation. A 2020 census recorded that 60% of Basquesi citizens were Chinese, and 40% were Australian. As a result, Chinese food and culture have a major role in Basquesi society.
Basquesi Lineball
Basquesi Lineball, or just Lineball, is a unique sport devised by citizens of the Basque Republic. The rules are simple: players have to skip along the lines of a 9-square court, and pass the ball to a member of their team whilst standing on a line. If a team (2-3 players) can continuously pass and receive the ball 10 times, then that team wins the match. There are 5 matches, and the first team to get to 5 wins is the victor.
Recognition
The Basque Republic formally recognises these nations:
Socialist States of Tinakula- The Nexan Republic
Principality of Hutt River
Republic of Molossia
Dominion of Vancouver Island
Empire of Austenasia
Ausveria
All Members of the United Nations (most)
Empire of Kapreburg
The Basque Republic refuses to recognise these nations:
