Duchy of Pontunia

Not to be confused with New Pontunia.

Duchy of Pontunia Herzogen Puntuniaska-Maerpos (pon) Duché de Pontchartrain-Maurepas (fr)
Duchy of Pontchartrain-Maurepas
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto(s):  Tu es Tutus (Latin: "You are safe") “Let the Good Times Roll” (tourism)
Anthem: God Save Our Blessed Duke
Ducal Residence
Establishment	12 January 2020
Boundaries defined	2 September 2020
Austenasian Crown Dependency	27 October 2020
Independence from Austenasia	13 February 2021
Administrative seat	Ducal Residence
Largest city	Lafeniere Park
Official languages	English, French, Pontunian
Ethnic groups	German, Italian, English, Swedish, Arab
Religion	Roman Catholicism Arbyism
Demonym(s)	Pontunian
Government	Multi-party Semi-Constitutional Monarchy (de jure) Royal Dictatorship (de facto)
• Duke	Andrew I
• Chancellor	vacant
• Heir apparent	Ludwig Brenovic
• Deputy Chancellor	vacant
Legislature	Pontunian Parliament
Area
• Total	0.632 km2 (0.244 sq mi)
Population
• Estimate	20 residents, 57 total citizens
Currency	US Dollar (USD $), de facto; Dukaten (DKN Đ), Normano-Nichish Crown de jure
Time zone	US Central Time (UTC-6)
Date format	MM-DD-YYYY
Driving side	right

Pontunia, officially the Duchy of Pontchartrain-Maurepas, is an independent micronation that amicably seceded from the Austenasian Crown Dependency of New Pontunia in February 2021. It is comprised of various residential properties and two public parks declared independent from Metairie, Louisiana under the leadership of Duke Andrew I.

Etymology

Pontchartrain and Maurepas are the names of two lakes situated to the north of Pontunia, which upon its creation in January 2020 was founded with the name "Pontchartrain-Maurepas". The shorter name "Pontunia" was soon derived from this as a nickname. Etymologies retrospectively assigned to Pontunia alone include the Greek primordial deity of the sea Pontus, or the Latin pōns ("bridge") in reference to the nearby Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. When annexed by Austenasia, the Crown Dependency was officially named Pontunia, but it is known by its full name of Pontchartrain-Maurepas locally in official contexts.

History

On 12 January 2020, Andrew Perdomo, inspired after learning about the micronations of Molossia and Sealand, signed a Declaration of Independence to “preserve the culture and beauty of Southern Louisiana”, and became Duke of Pontchartrain-Maurepas, with his father Eric Perdomo, Lord of the Floridian March, as his regent. However, the Regency was abolished shortly afterwards on the 16th after a committee of vassals debated Andrew I’s minority, and decided that Andrew was not incapable of ruling and therefore did not require a regency. Eric was named heir apparent.

The Duchy had been founded with vague territorial claims, ill-defined other than a plan for an optimum future extent. On 2 September, the actual territorial extent of the Duchy was defined, with the name of the Ducal Domain. Shortly after this, a communist insurrection broke out against the ducal government, but was successfully quashed on 7 October.

The Duchy then began attempting to search for allies, and decided to enter the sphere of influence of the Empire of Austenasia. Discussions were initiated between Andrew I and Austenasian Emperor Jonathan I, and by 23 October, Pontunia had effectively become an Austenasian Crown Dependency, formally being annexed as such on the 27th later that month. On November 28th, a second crisis rose from the power vacuum due to the reformation of the Regency, though the Duke was reinstated by the 30th. The First Pontunia Day was held on 12 January 2021, alongside the formation of the Cult of the Hidden Arby’s, a religion based on Arby’s, the restaurant chain famous for its roast beef, with the Duke made Ecumenical Meatriarch. On 13 February Pontunia was partitioned between an independent micronation and New Pontunia.

Eras

Era			Full Organization Name	Length of Era	Notes	Type of Government
	Regency Era	12 January 2020 - 15 January 2020	Duchy of Ponchartrain-Maurepas	3 days	The Duchy was founded with a Regency, but it was dissolved as divisions undermined the government.	Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy under a regency.
	Absolutist Era	15 January 2020 - 1 October 2020	Duchy of Ponchartrain-Maurepas (Pontunia)	260 days	During this era, the authority and stability of the Duchy was consolidated in the Duke, leading to problems later down the line.	Unitary absolute monarchy
	1st Pontunian Crisis	1 October 2020 - 7 October 2020	Duchy of Ponchartrain-Maurepas (Pontunia)	6 days	The Kommunia For The Uniti af Puntunan, a communist activist group, attempted to force the abdication of the Duke. They were crushed and outlawed by the Army.	Unitary absolute monarchy
	Miltary Era (Regency of Terror)	7 October 2020 - 3 December	Crown Dependency of Pontunia	57 days	The Army’s influence was at its peak. The Duchy became an Austenasian Crown Dependency in this period, but civil unrest lead to the Battle of The Levee, when the army was banned from the political process.	Unitary constitutional monarchy under military dictatorship
	Stagnant Era	3 December 2020 - 12 January 2021	Crown Dependency of Pontunia		A lack of purpose and fulfillment of the Pontunian people caused a lack of major activity.	Unitary semi-constitutional monarchy
	Twilight Era	12 January 2021 - 18 February 2021	Duchy of Ponchartrain-Maurepas (Pontunia)		The physical activity of Pontunia comes to an almost complete stop. Pontunia partitioned.	Unitary semi-constitutional monarchy
	Online Explosion	18 February 2021 - 20 February 2021	Duchy of Ponchartrain-Maurepas (Pontunia)		The Online Presence of Pontunia greatly increases. The Amogus Party is formed and immediately becomes the dominant party.	Unitary constitutional monarchy
	Communist Era	20 February 2021 - 21 February 2021	People's Republic of Pontunia		The Amogus Party “coups” the Duke and forms the People’s Republic. This period is considered a joke for most intentions. Jeff Pontus is the “Supreme Leader”	Satirical “Anarcho-communism”
	Era of Near Collapse	21 February 2021 - 26 February 2021	Duchy of Ponchartrain-Maurepas (Pontunia)		The Online Presence of Pontunia breaks down due to accusations of racism in this period. The Free Birds Party is dissolved due to the ban of Hunt P. from the Pontunia server among other accusations of censorship by the government.	Unitary constitutional monarchy
	Pontunian Renaissance	27 February 2021 - 29 March 2021	Duchy of Ponchartrain-Maurepas (Pontunia)		The Online Presence of Pontunia stablizes and physical administration of the Duchy returns somewhat. Pontunia becomes a dominion of Fesmar.	Unitary constitutional monarchy
	Era of Reactionaries	29 March 2021 -	Duchy of Ponchartrain-Maurepas (Pontunia)		A coup leads to the reestablishment of Ducal Supremacy, and Independence from Fesmar.	Unitary absolute monarchy

Government and politics

Pontunia is often called a 'Hybrid Regime', with Right wing beliefs being the most popular ideology. Autarky and Statism are also popular, with Left-wing politics highly discouraged, but not illegal. Socialism, Anarchy, and Social democracy are very disliked topics in Pontunia. The state religion is Arbyism, with the Duke as Ecumenical Meatriarch, though the constitution of Pontunia grants individuals freedom of religion, including the freedom to practice and the freedom to change religion.

LGBTQ Rights

Being a nation driven by Judeo-Christian Values, LGBT is highly discouraged, and the few reforms that had been made regarding the community have been reversed.

• Same-Sex relationships are not recognized as civil unions, and marriage must go though a religious process. Atheist “Marriages” can only be Civil Unions.
• LGBT adoption is illegal,
• Neither anti-discrimination laws nor anti-bullying legislation implemented.
• LGBT people can Serve in the Military, in a special division, the Brigayds.
• Sodomy laws are in effect in Ecclesiastical Areas and Ducal Domains.
• Transgender people cannot have gender reassignment surgery, nor have legal accommodations.

Pontunia is a Duchy, and the current Duke is Andrew I, who serves as the head of government. The current Chancellor, Ian, is serving a his first term.

Administration

Flag	Arms	Picture	Name	Established	Population	Official(s)
Constituents
			Ducal Domain		6	Duke HDM Andrew I
			Incorporated and Unincorporated Territories		10	various
			Special Administrative Division of New Nidaros		6	Prince HH Andrew I
Cities
			Ducal Residence Ducal Domain	12 January 2020	3	Duke Andrew I	Mayor Eric Perdomo, Lord of the Floridian March DSM
			New Borlänge New Nidaros		2	Prince Andrew I	Mayor Leif Olson
Towns
			Girard-Bissonet Incorporated		2	Governer Leif Olson
			Landavfält New Nidaros		1	Governer vacant
			Woodsprings Incorporated		2	Governor James Hitzman
			Kawanee Unincorporated		1	Governor vacant
			Cornerstone Unincorporated		1	Governer vacant
Territories
			Lafeniere Incorporated		0	Minister vacant
			Ragnarstad New Nidaros		0	Kommissar vacant
			Ingenmannsland New Nidaros		0	Kommissar vacant
			Södrasjön New Nidaros		0	Kommissar vacant
			Dixie Island Unincorporated		0	Minister vacant
Lands with Special Privileges
			New Cathay Ecclesiastical Area		2	Ecumenical Patriarch of Arbyism Andronicus I
			The Holy Land Ecclesiastical Area		2	Patriarch of the Holy Land Andrew I

Political parties

Pontunia has a unicameral legislature, called the Parliament, with 20 seats. Elections occur on the first of January, April, July, and October through a single transferrable voting system, as defined in the newly made Constitution. Generally speaking, voters rank the cantidates in order of which they prefer the most. A candidate must reach 5 percent of the vote to obtain a seat in Hochkouncil. If a candidate does not reach the threshold, there votes will be donated to their voters next most popular choice with a higher percentage of the vote. If a cantidate surpasses the threshold, their excess votes will be donated to the next most popular choice amongst their voters. This system allows voters to not worry about how their fellow voter is voting.

While political parties have existed in the past, they are subservient to the Duke as a part of the concept of Ducal Supremacy

Law and order

The Pontunian police was formed on 19 January 2020 in response to instances of cyber-crime. It is predominantly an organization to keep tabs on civilians. Prior to becoming a Crown Dependency, Pontunia claimed the right to administer the death penalty with ducal approval. The Duchy nominally threatens castration as an equivalent to capital punishment.

The Pontunian military is ultimately responsible for the defence of the Duchy, and has significant political influence. The Army is not a standing army, but called upon in times of need. It is divided into two divisions: Division I “Bayou Battlers” and Division II “Ragin Cajuns”. The Navy is comprised of 10 civilian speedboats, and a rowboat. The Air Force is a work in progress, but includes paper airplanes to annoy invaders. All weapons are nerf guns and wooden batons. The Army got involved with a rebel cell in Mandeville.

Foreign relations and defence

The diplomatic relations of Pontchartrain-Maurepas are implemented by the Duke of Duchy of Pontchartrain-Maurepas, . The power to grant official diplomatic recognition of sovereignty lies primarily with the Duke.

Sovereignty disputes

The United States of America claims ownership of all land comprising Pontchartrain-Maurepas, as does British West Florida.

Nations Recognized by The Duchy of Pontchartrain-Maurepas

• Empire of Austenasia
• Empire of Laguna
• Misberia

• The Kingdom of Peeland
• Commonwealth of Naveria
• All member states of the United Nations except Laos, Venezuela, the PRC, Cuba and the DPRK.
• Vatican City State
• Republic of China (Taiwan)
• Republic of Molossia
• Principality of Sealand
• Republic of Abkhazia
• Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
• Republic of South Ossetia
• Republic of Somaliland
• People's Democratic Autocracy of Arborea
• Kingdom of Florenia
• Sovereign Military Order of Malta (recognised as a "sovereign entity under international law")
• Volfa (recognised as a "sovereign entity under international law")
• Principality of Seborga
• Principality of Nichensburg

Condemned Nations and Organizations

Gayveria- Duke has stated that Gayvaria is condemned for “trying to force LGBT rights in a nation that does not want them”

Desert District- Condemned for being “Against Pontunian Ideals and antagonistic behavior towards the people, politics, and foreign policy of Pontunia”

New Virginia- Long considered an "evil empire" by Pontunia, the Duke of Pontunia and the majority of the current government consider it a “...threat to morality and the biggest hurdle the micronational community has to overcome.”

Laos, Venezuela, Iran, the PRC, Cuba and the DPRK, for being “oppressive dictatorships against the world.”

Geography, territory and climate

Pontunia is mostly flat and built on drained swamp: the city of New Orleans is below sea level. The climate is subtropical and warm most of the year.

Economy

The Dukaten is pegged at a 2:1 ratio to the US Dollar and a 1:1.54 ratio to the Pound Sterling, the currency of Austenasia.

Economy of Potunia
Currency	Dukaten (Đ)
Fixed exchange rates	10 Đ= 0.69 Troy Ounces Silver
Fiscal year	March-February
Statistics
GDP	71 Đ ($142)
Inflation	2.49 %
Main industries	Tourism, Fishing, Oil (offshore, not controlled)
External
Exports	None
Imports	Electricity, most commodities
Public finances
Public debt	25 Đ ($50)
Credit rating	BBB+
Foreign reserves	125 Đ ($250)
All values, unless otherwise stated, are in USD

Culture and media

The Nerf gun named the Knockout is termed the Pontus in the nation. The Duke is fluent in English, Castilian Spanish and Latin and plays piano And is involved in Shōrin-ryū Karate. Many Hollywood films are shot in Pontunia. Pontunia has US television and cable, and no restrictions on censorship are in place. There is a playlist of songs named Andrew’s Speed Machine, of which citizens are required to approve as a condition of their citizenship. American Football is the national sport.

The citizens of Pontunia are avid consumers and capitalist, with the belief of “laissez le bon temps rouler“ (French for “let the good times roll“) predominant. Life is somewhat indulgent, but moderation still exists.

Typical music of the area includes jazz and zydeco. The National Dance is called “bōenska”, or Quarterstaff Dance. It also functions as a martial art of sorts, and is taught to the army, as well as privately.

Classification of Pontunia

• Bricks and Mortar, Tiny, Statehood — 6th World (Boodlesmythe-Tallini)
• 3.0 (Dresner's)
• 1.9 (Economic Potential Index)
• 4.48 (Democracy Index)

See also

• House of Perdomo
• Andrew I of Pontchartrain-Maurepas
• Empire of Austenasia

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