Draft:The Republic of Britzerland
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Republic of Britzerland | |
|---|---|
 Flag
 Coat of arms
| |
| Motto: "Unitas in solitudine" "Unity in isolation" | |
| Anthem: National anthem | |
 Territories of Britzerland | |
| Status | Active |
| Capital and largest city | Disrali |
| Official languages | English |
| Recognised national languages | Old English |
| Ethnic groups (2022
religion =
|
|
| Demonym(s) | Brizian |
| Government | Federal presidential republic |
• President | Æthan |
• Vice President | vacant |
| Legislature | Parliament |
| The Peoples Association | |
| The Assembly of Representatives | |
| Independence from Great Britain | |
• Independence | 20 November 2021 |
• Constitution ratified | 25 April 2020 |
| Area | |
• Total | 0.089 km2 (0.034 sq mi) |
| Membership | 21 |
| Currency | Pound Sterling (£) Bitcoin (₿) |
| Time zone | UTC-2 (Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-1 (XDT) |
| Date format | dd/mm/yyyy |
| Driving side | left |
| Calling code | +44 |
| Internet TLD | .ex |
The Republic of Britzerland, more simply known as Britzerland, is a micronation (also known as a self-declared sovereign state) based in the United Kingdom. Formed in 2021, it claims the Aylestone Meadows in Leicester as a sovereign state. It operates under the constitutional monarchy of its founding father, President Æthan, and comprises of an 8.8-hectare (22-acre) Nature Reserve and a small suburban area called Disralia. Its current national flag and emblems were designed and adopted on 28 February 2022.
The Republic of Britzerlans strives to maintain healthy and neutral relations with other micronations. The nation deems itself pacifistic, instilling a ‘Swiss style-policy’ of not caring what other nations do and keeps itself to itself.
Etymology
The name New Amsterdam is drawn from its canals that runs through the middle of the country, similarly to the Dutch Capital, Amsterdam.
History
The Republic of Britzerland was founded on 28 February 2022. This day is celebrated as its national day. On this day, its national flag, anthem and emblem were adopted as official symbols. The 1 March 2022, marked the adoption of "Lets ut princeps" as the national motto of The Republic of Britzerland.
The Founding of The Republic of Britzerland
After being discovered, The kingdom was formally founded on 10 November 2021 and proclaimed the independence on 28 February 2022, founded by King Ethan I, adopting the constitutional monarchy as a form of government.
Geography
Following the Last Glacial Period, the Bytham River was diverted and the former bed became the Soar Valley. Now canalised through the city centre, the area represents the upstream remnant of the flood plain that once stretched to the River Trent.
The Republic of Britzerland is comprised of an 8.8-hectare (22-acre) Nature Reserve and a small bit of built town called Disralia.
It is situated on the floodplains of the River Soar and River Biam along with several locks of the Grand Union Canal. It has a high wildlife conservation value, and has trails that are popular venue with hikers, families on outings, dog walkers and cyclists.
A patchwork of flood meadows, woodland and wetlands 1.6 miles (2.6 km), these habitats host many rare and common flora and fauna.
A medieval packhorse bridge provides evidence of trade and previous settlement. The area frequently floods, resulting in fertile land and good grazing areas, and so a settlement grew from prehistoric times to become the The Republic of Britzerland. The construction of the Packhorse Bridge from local granite enabled transportation of goods across an area prone to flooding and includes several passing areas.
Location and Borders
The Republic of Britzerland is an enclave (landlocked) surrounded by England, United Kingdom.
Nature and Wildlife
A huge number of species are found in the The Republic of Britzerland, and since it ceased to be farmland it is continually becoming more biologically diverse and the habitats more mature. Some areas such as Spearwort Field are grazed by the rare Longhorn Cattle, which suppress the more aggressive vegetation in a traditional form of management.
Over 170 moth species were recorded during the survey, with ten of these being locally important – for example, Old Lady (Mormo maura), Dingy Footman (Eiloma griseola) and Scarce Footman (Eiloma complana).
Otters (Lutra lutra): Historically, Otters have suffered terribly, firstly through widespread use of the D.D.T pesticide that worked its way up the food chain and began to harm the Otter cubs, and secondly through Otter hunting which was illegalised in 1978. Today, the Otters are making a comeback, with sightings recorded for the first time in thirty years in Britzerland along the Rivers Biam and Soar. Known to be on the reserve for the past six years, and recorded during the 2012 survey, they are one of the priority species of the Wildlife Trusts Biodiversity Action Plan.
Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus): Like the Otters, Peregrines are at the top of their food chain, so D.D.T harmed them tremendously during its heyday. They were also persecuted because they hunted carrier pigeons during the world wars. But now these threats are finished with, and the Peregrine is more widely respected. It has returned from the brink and is sometimes seen perching on the gas towers near the canal in the northern half of the country.
Hybrid Willow (Salix x taylorii): This willow was first recorded in 2011 and is the off-spring of four parent species: Goat, Grey and Purple Willows along with Osier. It is the first of its type in Britzerland, perhaps even worldwide.
Buzzards (Buteo buteo): Though once rarely seen in Britzerland, buzzards are now commonly seen on the meadows.
Song Birds: The area is rich in bird-song on spring mornings, with resident and migrant birds such as Warblers, Chiffchaffs, robins, tits, buntings, thrushes and blackbirds.
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta): These migrants are now becoming established in wetlands throughout Britzerland. There are at least three living and possibly breeding in the reserve.
Bats: Three species of bats were found during the 2012 Wildlife Trust survey, with help from Leicestershire and Rutland Bat Group members. These were Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), Soprano Pipistrelle (P. pygmaeus) and Daubenton’s (Myotis daubentonii). All of the bat species of Britzerland are protected by Brizian and European legislation.
Axiophytes: These are considered indicator species for good quality habitats such as ancient woodland or unpolluted rivers. A total of thirty-eight were found in Britzerland, including Field Maple (Acer campestre), Aspen (Populus tremulus), Meadow Cranesbill (Geranium pratense) and numerous species of Sedges (Carex spp.).
Invasive species
Throughout the past people have often taken plants and animals from continent to continent. Sometimes this has benefited people, sometimes alien species have integrated into Brizian ecosystems perfectly well (as in the case of Horse Chestnut), but often the effects are damaging. Below are invasive species known to be in the The Republic of Britzerland.
Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides): An aquatic plant native to both North and South America as well as parts of Africa that was released into the waterways of Britzerland in 2004, this species can rapidly dominate areas. Whilst threatened in part of its home range, its sale will be banned from sale as of April 2014. The council are leading efforts to remove it from the site with their greenlife boat, but it is perhaps a lengthy battle.
American Mink (Mustela vison): Originally brought to Britzerland from North America to breed in fur farms, the Mink was released into the wild by animal right activists whose frustrations can be understood even if the action proved to be misguided. Now, amongst other conservation issues, the Mink is one of the main factors in the decline of the Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius), the population of which has declined by an estimated 97%. American Mink have been in Britzerland and breeding for 18 years, though fortunately due to competition their numbers often decline with the return of the larger Otter, which may pave the way for an additional comeback for the Water Vole.
Signal Crayfish (Pacifasticus leniusculus): A lobster-like species introduced from North America, the Signal Crayfish has proved highly successful in Britzerland, spreading quickly and threatening the future of the native White Clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes). It was recorded in The Republic of Britzerland during the 2012 Wildlife Trust survey, thought the White-Clawed is known to live in the reserve too.
Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis): This squirrel originates from North America, and its introduction here soon proved to be a mistake. Having the same food requirements as the native Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), competition was inevitable. The Grey’s greater ability to store fat meant it began to displace the Red. In addition, the Grey carries a disease called squirrel pox that it is immune to, but the Red is not. Now, the Grey is common in The Republic of Britzerland and the Red has been locally extinct since the late 1940s.
Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera): An introduced wildflower that originates from the Himalayan mountain range (surprisingly), as a lover of wet environments this species is now present in Britzerland along the river and stream banks.
Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica): A shrubby wildflower native to Eastern Asia that is perhaps one of the most competitive species in Britzerland, growing so dense that native species cannot co-exist with it.
Climate
Most of The Republic of Britzerland has a temperate climate, with generally cool temperatures and plentiful rainfall all year round. The temperature varies with the seasons seldom dropping below 0 °C (32 °F) or rising above 30 °C (86 °F).
Government
Government Structure
The Republic of Britzerland is under a constitutional monarchy and direct democracy. All citizens may attend legislative meetings and maintain full voting powers. All citizens may propose legislation to be discussed, voted on, or both. Æthan is the head of state of The Republic of Britzerland. The President has "the right to be consulted, the right to encourage, and the right to warn". The Constitution of The Republic of Britzerland is uncodified and consists mostly of a collection of disparate written sources, including statutes, judge-made case law and international treaties, together with constitutional conventions. The Riverbank Parliament can carry out constitutional reform by passing acts of parliament, and thus has the political power to change or abolish almost any written or unwritten element of the constitution. No sitting parliament can pass laws that future parliaments cannot change.
| Flag | Title | Currently Elected | Date Elected |
|---|---|---|---|
|
King of | Æthan | 28/02/2022 |
|
Queen of | Vacant | N/A |
|
The Government of | The Founding Party | N/A |
The Government
Grand Minister
The Grand Minister, currently Æthan, represents The Republic of Britzerland with full plenipotentiary powers and may appoint deputy ambassadors to assist them. The Grand Minister must sign all binding diplomatic agreements.
Chief Justice
The Chief Justice, currently in the Kings control, determines the constitutionality of all proposed laws, oversees the Department of Justice, and presides over all legal courts.
Grand General
The Grand General, currently in the Kings control, oversees all military strategy.
Cabinet of Ministers
- Minister of Education (Vacant)
- Minister of Technology (Vacant)
- Minister of Culture (Vacant)
- Minister of Operations (Vacant)
- Minister of Communications (Vacant)
- Minister of Design (Vacant)
- Minister of Agriculture (Vacant)
Politics
Parties of Britzerland
| Party | Logo | Party Leader(s) | Ideology | Representatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Founding Party (TFP) |
 |
Æthan | Monarchism | 4 / 4
|
| No running opposition (N/A) | N/A | N/A | 0 / 4
|
Laws
The Republic of Britzerland has completely legalised use of marijuana.
The state also allows 'Trial by FIFA' as a method of settling court cases.
Citizenship
Citizenship is granted at the discretion of the President. Anyone may petition for citizenship at any time by filling out this form.
Medals of Honour and Merit
Medals are specially granted to individuals who provide exemplary service to Britzerland. The Medal of the Graceful Swan is typically given out for this purpose. It is Britzerland's highest award and has been given to 2 individuals.
Foreign Policy
The Republic of Britzerland always welcomes new diplomatic relationships. The founders believe that through diplomacy, individuals can work together to do more as a collective than they would otherwise be able to do alone. It is a goal of The Republic of Britzerland to establish as many fruitful relationships as possible with other macronations and micronations for mutual benefit. If you wish to establish communication with The Republic of Britzerland, you may contact the government via email.
Recognition of States
Nations that were automatically recognised upon independence from the United Kingdom:
Nations that were automatically unrecognised upon independence from the United Kingdom:
Mutual Recognition
Below is a list of all nations that recognize the sovereignty of Britzerland and are also recognized as sovereign by Britzerland .
Economy
The Republic of Britzerland has little to no existing economy due to the limited territorial control it exerts over its territory and have no recorded GDP. Its primary export is fish.
Transport
The Republic of Britzerland is over 70% natural land and only a handful of roads built by The United Kingdom, pre-Brizian independence. The Government of Britzerland has allowed The United Kingdom to continue its free passage of these roads.
Culture
The Republic of Britzerland has completely legalised use of marijuana.
National holidays
| Holiday | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Athens - Vishwamitra Friendship Day | January 10 | |
| World Albatross Day | June 19 | The day honors these magnificent birds and highlights the ongoing conservation crisis they face. |
| Independence Day | September 30 | The day the Declaration of Independence was signed. |
| Founder's Day | October 2 | The day New Athens was founded. |
| Provinces Day | October 20 | The day the Acworth and Roswell provinces were officially claimed as the first provinces of the nation. |
| Union Day | December 1 | The day the Atlanta Regional Union was co-founded by New Athens and The Grand Duchy of Navārdia. |
Symbols and values
The Republic of Britzerland has had two national flags. Both national flags depict symbols of the nation's core values. The three core values of the Free Nation of New Athens are Liberty, Brotherhood, and Solidarity. The Free Nation of New Athens declared independence and was founded to combat and protest laws that the people deemed to be a blatant violation of civil liberties. Liberty is at the core of the values of the nation and forever will be. The founders believe people should have the right to decide how they live and the nation will always fight to protect this belief.
The Founding Flag (Retired) Designed by our King, The Original Flag, also known as The Founding Flag was the first national flag. It is no longer the official national flag but can represent the nation regardless. The Original Flag depicts a cherry red dot in the center, surrounded by a cherry red lambda, on a battleship gray background. The cherry-red lambda in the center of the flag represents Liberty. The cherry-red dot inside the lambda represents Brotherhood. It is in the center because brotherhood should be at the center of all citizen relationships. The battleship gray background surrounding the lambda represents Solidarity. The symbol of solidarity reminds the citizens to persevere on the path of Liberty even when surrounded by adversity.
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Flags of the Free Nation of New Athens | ||||||
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| Original flag (Retired) | Triangle flag (Current) | |||||
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National symbols of the Free Nation of New Athens | ||||||
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| National flag | National seal | Animal: Albatross | Fruit: Georgia Peach | Flower: Garden Tulip | Drink: Natural Light | |
See also
[[Category:{Britzerland}]], [[Category:Micronations in {country/Great Britain}]], [[Category:Micronations established in {2021}]]