Kingdom of the Golliez
Kingdom of the Golliez Royaume du Golliez (fr) Rouèômo dou Golliez (frp) | |
---|---|
Motto: "Tozo mi louéin, tozo mi hâtt" "Always further, always higher" | |
Anthem: Lôn evèr | |
Status | Active |
Location | Lens, Switzerland |
Capital | Ardoises |
Largest village | Ardoises |
Official languages | Franco-Provençal, French |
Recognised national languages | Franco-Provençal, French, Neapolitan, Italian |
Ethnic groups (2023) |
|
Religion (2023) |
|
Demonym(s) | Golliatzons |
Government | Hereditary monarchy |
• King | Maxime I |
Legislature | Parliament |
Independence from Switzerland | |
• Independence | 26 November 2022 |
• Constitution ratified | 14 December 2022 |
Area | |
• Total | 0.0004 km2 (0.00015 sq mi) |
Population | |
• 2022 census | 4 |
Membership | 6 |
Currency | Rondin (R) |
Time zone | GMT+2 |
Date format | dd/mm/yyyy |
Driving side | right |
Calling code | +41 |
Website Official website | |
The Kingdom of the Golliez (French: Royaume du Golliez; Franco-Provençal: Rouèômo dou Golliez), more commonly known as The Golliez, is a micronation enclaved in southern Switzerland established in 2022.
Etymology
Golliez means puddle in Franco-Provençal. It's the only state in the world that recognise this language as a national one and that uses it for administration and so on.
Franco-Provençal was spoken in the area (Canton of Valais) for centuries before that French was the only language admitted at school in the 19th century. Since this time, the number of native locutors of Franco-Provençal began to decrease and is nowadays known only by the elderly and a very few young people.
As an effort of conservation, the government chose this name to encourage its inhabitants to rediscover their language.
History
The kingdom is founded on the 26th of November 2022 by the king Maxime I. Independence has always been obvious. The lack of freedom and the ever-increasing cost of living motivated this decision.
The constitution is ratified by the king and the parliament's president on the 14th of December of the same year.
On the 31st of May 2023, the kingdom became a member of the Union Against Micronational War (UAMW). In a statement the same day, the king declared that the entry into the union was decided because "... our country was created for the purpose of peace and goodwill towards the nations of the whole world."
The Golliez has also been an observer member of the Union of Micronations of Central Europe (UMCE) between 8 September 2023 and 26 September 2024, when full membership was granted to the kingdom after the publication of vote results.
On the 19th of December 2023, after months of tractations to become a member of the Grand Unified Micronational (GUM), the kingdom withdrawed his application as it has never been mentioned in any quorum sessions despite the numerous requests.
On the 16th of February 2024, the kingdom sent a request to become a member of the League of Independent Nations (LIN), which was approved on the 13th of April[1].
Geography and climate
The kingdom is situated at an altitude of 999 meters for its lowest point and 1006 meters above the sea for its highest point. It has no water in it, except the puddle on the top of the kingdom from which it takes his name. This puddle is used to water trees and plants across the kingdom with a small canal.
It is common in summer to have temperatures higher than 35 °C but winters are cold ones with common temperatures which gets lower than -20 °C, especially in January and February. However, its climate is very dry and is described as a mediterranean one.
Environment
Fauna and flora has always been monitored. The Royal Office of Environment (ROEV) published a list of the animals and insects that have been caught on camera and the plants growing inside the kingdom.
This aims to know the diversity of fauna and thus allow the implementation of strategies to guarantee its conservation. It is also a way to prevent damage caused by various animals to crops and homes.
The list is accessible on the kingdom's website, in both Franco-Provençal and French languages.
Politics and administration
The Royal Parliament exercises the legislative power while the king exercises the executive power. Law projects can be proposed by either the parliament or the king.
The territory is subdivided in two arrondissements, three districts and eight municipalities called "communes".
The capital of the kingdom is the village of Ardoises. The king's palace, which also serves as the government palace, is located there.
Economy
The majority of workers are commuters working outside the kingdom.
Currency
The currency of the Golliez is the Rondin (R). Coins are made of aluminium and casted by the Royal Bank. The first serie was made in 2022 and is still in use.
Banknotes are currently under study and should be put into circulation during the year 2024.
Agriculture
The agriculture is the main part of the kingdom's economy. It consists of wheat, barley and spelt fields and orchards of fruit trees.
Culture
Public holidays are New Year festivals, Catholic festivals and Independence Day.
Name | Date | Notes |
---|---|---|
New Year's Day | 1 January | The first day of the Gregorian year. |
Saint Joseph's Day | 19 March | Fathers's day; Celebrates Joseph, father of Jesus. |
Easter Day | Between 22 March and 25 April | Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. |
Corpus Christi | 60 days after Easter | Celebrates the real presence of Jesus. |
Assumption of Mary | 15 August | Celebrates the rise to heaven of Mary, mother of Jesus. |
Independence Day | 26 November | The day of the foundation of the kingdom. |
Christmas Day | 25 December | Traditional commemoration of the birth of Jesus. |
New Year's Eve | 31 December | The final day of the Gregorian year; Saint Sylvester's Day. |
National emblem
The red deer is the national emblem of the kingdom. That's the most representative animal of the nation which is situated in the middle of the forest, in a glade. Although the red deer is the emblem of the kingdom, it causes a lot of damage to young trees. This is why the government encourages homeowners to plant tall trees instead of small ones.
Military and security
The Royal Armed Forces of the Golliez consists in a single infantry company which was created to prevent enemy attacks and support the population in case of natural disasters. Being a pacific country, the Royal Army will never lead attacks against any other state but will be only deployed in case of invasion attempt.
As the territory is enclaved in Switzerland, it's protected de facto by the Swiss Armed Forces, but no foreign military forces are tolerated inside the kingdom as proclamated in the 7th article of the constitution (except if a treaty was concluded before).
The Golliez has a police which guarantees people's safety and infrastructures. It's based in the village of Ardoises and is competent for the whole territory.
Foreign relations
All micronations and nations around the world are considered friendly by the government.
Mutual recognition
- Principality of Atlantida
- Rank Republic of Bolgajna
- Grand Duchy of the Burgundians
- Empire of Imvrassia
- Karno-Ruthenian Empire
- Principality of Mendersia
- Free Nation of New Athens
- Principality of Northern Salaboda
- Principality of Sancratosia
- Principality of Sivland
- Republic of Upper Shwartz Morgen Lorgen Land
- Parliamentary Republic of Zenith
Diplomatic and informal relations
Religion
The state religion is the Roman Catholic Church, however, other religions are tolerated.
The patron saint of the kingdom is Siricius, pope between 384 and 399. An oratory and a statue representing him are being developed (late 2023). The oratory is built of dry stone and the statue of wood, partly covered with gold paint. These objects are entirely made with raw materials from the kingdom.