Empire of Pacifico

This article is about the present state of Pacifico. For its time as a republic, see Republic of Pacifico.

Empire of Pacifico Imperivm Pacificvm (Latin) Imperio del Pacifico (Spanish)
Flag
Anthem: "The Radetzky March"
Status	Active
Capital	Pacifico City
Ethnic groups (2024)	55.55% British 16.66% Spanish 13.88% Indian 2.77% Pakistani 2.77% Egyptian 2.77% Chinese 2.77% Singaporean 2.77% Ukrainian
Religion (2024)	79.31% Unaffiliated 6.9% Christian 6.9% Muslim 6.9% Hindu
Demonym(s)	Pacifican
Government	Elective imperial monarchy
• Emperor	Diego I
• Prime Minister	Jude, Duke of Bacon
Legislature	Emperor and Parliament
Independence  from the United Kingdom
• Independence	15 July 2023 (Republic of Pacifico)
• Formation	22 May 2024 (Empire of Pacifico)
• Constitution ratified	11 June 2024
Area
• Total	0.397 km2 (0.153 sq mi)
Population
• October 2024 census	31
Time zone	UTC+0 (GMT)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+1 (BST)
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy
Driving side	left
Calling code	+44
Internet TLD	.co.uk
Preceded by Republic of Pacifico

Pacifico (/pəˈsɪ.fɪ.koʊ/ (listen)), officially the Empire of Pacifico, is a self-declared sovereign state, often known as a micronation, located entirely within the United Kingdom, with territories mostly spread throughout the city of Gloucester and the villages of Longford, Innsworth, and Longlevens. The empire, in total, consists of fourteen non-contiguous claims, six provinces, five colonies, two towns, and one military zone. Pacifico City is the national capital, the country's largest city, only city, and the seat of the legislative branch of the unitary government. It styles itself an imperial monarchy.

In July 2023, the Republic of Soragal, now Pacifico, was established in Pacifico City. Rapid expansion followed, with new territories symbolically claimed and internal governance swiftly formalised. Renamed the Empire of Pacifico by May 2024, the nation centralised power under an Emperor and pursued further symbolic land expansions. By August, administrative and territorial changes solidified Pacifico’s governance structure. The ratification of a constitution, establishment of noble titles, and the introduction of legislative reforms completed its transformation into an imperial state.

The country is multiethnic and multicultural, which has a significant effect on its politics. About half the population is ethnically British, with minorities of Spaniards, Indians, Pakistanis, Chinese, Singaporeans, and Ukrainians. Pacifico has not been recognized by the United Nations or the government of any of its member states, but cites the declarative theory of statehood, outlined in the 1933 Montevideo Convention, as legal justification for its right to self-determination since it meets all of the criteria to be considered a sovereign nation.

Etymology

The name "Pacifico" is derived from the Latin term "pacificus", which translates to "peaceful" or "peace-bringing".

Prior to adopting the name "Pacifico," the empire's core territories were successively referred-to by the names "Soragal" and "Mincar." These names were generated a priori by a random name generator, and were originally intended to be labels on a fictional map created by now-Emperor Diego I. Accordingly, they possess neither etymology nor great historical import.

Timeline of official names

• 15 – 16 July 2023: Republic of Soragal
• 16 – 17 July 2023: Holy Mincar Empire
• 17 July 2023 – c. August 2023: Republic of Pacifico
• August 2023 – 22 May 2024: Parliamentary Republic of Pacifico
• 22 May 2024 – present: Empire of Pacifico

History

Pre-imperial

The Republic of Soragal was officially established in the region now known as Pacifico City, which would later become the capital of the Empire of Pacifico, on 15 July 2023. Shortly after its establishment, Pacifico organized a small group of citizens to expand its claimed territories. Inspired by historical strategies like the Schlieffen Plan and Blitzkrieg, Pacifico’s leadership adopted a rapid expansion approach, focusing on claiming nearby, unoccupied spaces that would later become known as Upperland, Centroland, Lunisa, and Graland. These expansions were achieved without external opposition, mainly through formal declarations and symbolic ceremonies to mark the new territories. In what is humorously referred to as the ‘Battle of the Kitchen,’ Pacifico's early settlers faced a moment of internal disagreement over territorial claims within a central gathering space. This lighthearted conflict was resolved amicably, and it became a symbolic moment in the nation’s early lore, representing the challenges of expansion even in small spaces. And so it was that, within thirty minutes of the nation’s founding, a permanent population had been established. To provide governance and leadership to these people, the office of President was shortly thereafter created.

The following day, the nation’s official name was changed to "the Holy Mincar Empire" to reflect its recent territorial acquisitions, on 16 July 2023. In quick succession, a Vice President was appointed on 17 July, and the nation's name was changed again, this time to "the Republic of Pacifico". The nation was renamed once more in August 2023 to "the Parliamentary Republic of Pacifico."

September 2023 marked a period of profound transformation for the young nation. Its population increased five-fold, from 5 to 24 citizens. During this time, plans were introduced to annex citizens' homes as part of the national territory, further expanding Pacifico’s borders. The creation of modern administrative states contributed to more-efficient governance and enhanced the overall stability of the nation.

By the year 2024, Pacifico had successfully acquired additional lands, which then became the de facto meeting place for its leaders and residents. While this arrangement worked for a time, the logistical challenge of regularly gathering all representatives at a single location eventually became too great for things to continue as they were. To solve this, the President and Vice President began using virtual meetings to discuss laws, manage states, and address emerging issues, in lieu of physical gatherings.

The President introduced a Territorial Expansion Act on 28 April 2024, which set forth guidelines for Pacifico to symbolically claim nearby public spaces, such as parks and paths, as part of its territory. To support this effort, the nation organized a ceremonial military group, led by the newly appointed head of the 'Triangle Man Clan.' This group served primarily as a symbolic guard, formalizing claims without physical confrontation. A hierarchical structure was established the following day to define roles within Pacifico, including the creation of a Presidential Line of Succession and a list of the most important individuals in the nation.

A citizen of Pacifico defected to establish a new nation, the Democratic Realm of Pacifists, on 2 May 2024. In response, Pacifico immediately issued a total economic embargo of the breakaway state and refused to recognize it as independent, all the while working to avoid a direct conflict. A mere three days later, tensions thawed, and the President and Vice President ratified a historic alliance with the Democratic Realm of Pacifists, ensuring lasting peace between the two nations. This treaty was formally signed on 7 May.

On 10 May, both the Vice President and President Pro Tempore resigned from their positions, citing concerns that the President wielded too much power. In response to this potential crisis, the President proposed a compromise: all three of the nation's most-important powerbrokers would share equal power. This deal averted a potential crisis and restored stability to the nation.

The President announced plans for a state visit to Portugalete, Spain on 13 May 2024. The following day, the Vice President and President Pro Tempore established a clan called "Knockback Nemofists." Despite initial opposition, the President eventually accepted the clan’s formation and sought to create an alliance between Pacifico and the new clan. However, tensions soon arose when the President was accused of "disrespecting" the clan's name, nearly leading to a breakdown in relations. The President initiated a collaborative project on 22 May 2024 with the Democratic Realm of Pacifists and Knockback Nemofists, aiming to acquire more land by constructing forts and claiming the surrounding territories.

Empire of Pacifico

The logo of the government of Pacifico

On 22 May 2024, the Empire of Pacifico was officially proclaimed. In a decisive move, the Vice President and President Pro Tempore were exiled to the United Kingdom, and the President was declared Emperor, assuming control over the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. During this proclamation, a controversial law was enacted, prohibiting members of the Knockback Nemofists clan from leaving Pacifico due to concerns about a potential population crisis.

Pacifico confirmed its continued participation in a collaborative project with the Democratic Realm of Pacifists and Knockback Nemofists on 23 May 2024. Later that day, the newly declared Emperor conducted a self-coronation ceremony modeled after Napoleon’s, though without a crown. At 8:00 GMT, the newly appointed Prime Minister took the oath of office, formally establishing the new government structure. Shortly after, on 25 May, Pacifico ceremoniously declared a nearby public park part of its territory. This annexation, performed with no formal claim or change to the actual use of the space, was intended to symbolically expand the empire’s borders from 2.09 to 6.19 hectares, illustrating its growth ambitions. The road leading to this newly acquired park was designated as a new state, named The Imperial Road, inspired by the Imperial Gardens in Cheltenham. An area within this territory was designated as a military base for use in the event of war or other significant incidents.

Key appointments were made within the Empire on 26 May 2024 to govern the newly established states. The Prime Minister became governor of Upperland, the Emperor’s sister took charge of Lunisa, and the Emperor’s mother assumed governance over Terrinal. The following day, these individuals were granted noble titles, further solidifying their authority within the Empire.

The ratification of the Constitution established the fundamental laws governing Pacifico on 11 June 2024. This document became the cornerstone of the Empire’s legal and political systems. Legislative activities formally began with the passage of the first Act by the Senate on 23 June 2024. Two weeks later, on 1 July, three additional Acts were enacted, one of which restructured the Senate into a House of Lords, reshaping the legislative framework.

The Empire expanded its domain on 6 August 2024, with the formal claim of new lands and the renaming of existing territories. Cheston (formerly New Parkia), Oxstalls (the largest land claim in Pacifico), Finchmoor (a newly established town within Parkia), and Plock (a new town in Oxstalls) were all incorporated.

On 11 August 2024, Pacifico’s leaders symbolically incorporated additional lands west of Saintbridge, alongside the creation of two new towns and the removal of Plock Town. Additionally, a designated 'military zone' was created for ceremonial purposes, primarily serving as a symbolic space for the nation’s civic events and gatherings.

The sitting Prime Minister resigned on 15 September, and Jude, Duke of Bacon was appointed by the Emperor. On the same day, he was given his peerage, and a new town (Bacon Town) was created. Eleven days later, on 26 October, the Emperor enacted two constitutional amendments with parliamentary approval. The first amendment revoked Article 14 of the constitution, while the second established the title of Crown Prince, a proposal made by the Emperor on 16 October.

Geography

An example of a minor flood in a colony of Pacifico (Saintbridge).

The Empire of Pacifico spans a total area of approximately 397,000 square meters, equivalent to around 98.10 acres. This sizable territory is exclusively located within the geographic confines of Longford village, the suburb of Longlevens, and Innsworth village, all situated in Gloucestershire, England. The nation lies in the coordinates of 51.883611 and -2.234167. Pacifico spans over the time zone of UTC+00:00 which is also termed as Greenwich Mean Time.

In June 2024, widespread speculation arose concerning the course of the River Severn in relation to Pacifico. These rumors suggested that the river might pass through the Empire. However, the Imperial Government swiftly clarified that the River Severn does not traverse Pacifico. It was confirmed that, although the River Severn itself does not enter the Empire, one of its tributaries borders the regions of Saintbridge and Oxstalls within Pacifico.

The majority of Pacifico's land area is composed of open grassland, which dominates the landscape. Urban development is minimal, covering only about 4% of the total surface area.

Climate

Main article: Climate of Pacifico

The Empire of Pacifico is characterized by a temperate maritime climate, classified as Cfb according to the Köppen system. This climate type is marked by moderate conditions, with winters that are generally mild and wet, and summers that are warm but not excessively hot. Throughout the year, temperatures typically remain below 22°C, influenced by westerly winds and the moderating effects of the North Atlantic Drift.

The average annual temperature across Pacifico is recorded at 10.85°C. During the summer months, the temperature generally ranges between 18°C and 23°C. In contrast, the winter months see temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C. Frost is a relatively rare occurrence, happening on approximately 35.5 days each year, reflecting the overall mildness of the winter season.

In terms of precipitation, Pacifico receives an average of 616.2 millimeters of rainfall annually. The region experiences higher humidity levels during the winter months, contributing to the frequent damp conditions typical of the season. Despite the relatively high levels of rainfall, Pacifico averages about 1,500 hours of sunlight each year, balancing the wet conditions with periods of sunshine.

The geography of Pacifico contributes to notable climatic variations within the country. Coastal regions typically experience milder temperatures and higher humidity levels compared to the inland areas, where the climate can be slightly more variable. Inland regions, particularly those with higher elevations, tend to have cooler winter temperatures and receive more precipitation. These variations underscore the influence of both geographical location and topographical features on the overall climate of the Empire of Pacifico.

Climate data for the Empire of Pacifico
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	13 (55)	17 (63)	19 (66)	24 (75)	26 (79)	29 (84)	30 (86)	31 (88)	26 (79)	25 (77)	17 (63)	14 (57)	31 (88)
Average high °C (°F)	6.46 (43.63)	7.42 (45.36)	9.94 (49.89)	12.99 (55.38)	15.55 (59.99)	18.24 (64.83)	20.7 (69.3)	19.94 (67.89)	17.83 (64.09)	13.99 (57.18)	9.62 (49.32)	7.41 (45.34)	13.34 (56.01)
Daily mean °C (°F)	4.42 (39.96)	5.05 (41.09)	7.05 (44.69)	10.03 (50.05)	13.05 (55.49)	15.87 (60.57)	18.07 (64.53)	17.25 (63.05)	14.83 (58.69)	11.46 (52.63)	7.52 (45.54)	5.58 (42.04)	10.848 (51.527)
Average low °C (°F)	1.55 (34.79)	1.73 (35.11)	2.24 (36.03)	3.93 (39.07)	6.49 (43.68)	6.49 (43.68)	11.7 (53.1)	11.88 (53.38)	9.71 (49.48)	7.71 (45.88)	4.57 (40.23)	2.87 (37.17)	6.15 (43.07)
Record low °C (°F)	-10 (14)	-7 (19)	-7 (19)	-5 (23)	-3 (27)	1 (34)	6 (43)	0 (32)	2 (36)	-1 (30)	-6 (21)	-9 (16)	−10 (14)
Average Precipitation mm (inches)	59.16 (2.3291)	58.32 (2.2961)	48.66 (1.9157)	48.41 (1.9059)	62.82 (2.4732)	72.84 (2.8677)	54.62 (2.1504)	74.77 (2.9437)	45.56 (1.7937)	71.82 (2.8276)	73.0 (2.874)	69.49 (2.7358)	61.62 (2.426)
Average relative humidity (%)	89.63	86.5	84.15	83.23	83.39	84.58	81.04	81.66	83.27	86.91	89.63	90.04	85.34
Average precipitation days	11.27	10.09	9.64	10.91	12.18	12.18	11.36	14.55	9.82	11.45	12.18	12.27	11.49
Average rainy days	18	13.7	16.5	14.8	16	12.8	11.4	13.3	13	15.5	16.5	17.6	179.1
Sunshine hours	54	76	109	155	186	183	199	187	141	109	66	49	1,514
Source no. 1: Weather and Climate
Source no. 2: Weather and Climate

Administrative divisions

Pacifico is a unitary state consisting of two regions, nine territories, three towns, and one military zone. Its territory spans both contiguous and non-contiguous lands, with Pacifico City serving as the most densely populated area and the political nucleus of the state. The Emperor resides in Pacifico City, which also functions as the capital. All subdivisions of Pacifico are located within Gloucestershire, an English county, primarily centered in the village of Longford. However, four territories—Cheston, Saintbridge, Oxstalls, and Dinglewell—extend beyond Longford, intersecting with neighboring villages. All administrative divisions of Pacifico are organized into two primary electoral regions, which are used in parliamentary elections to elect members of parliament. These regions are:

• West Pacifico: Comprising the territories of Horsbere, Parkia, Pacifico City, and Oxstalls.
• East Pacifico: Comprising the territories of Left Hatherley, Saintbridge, The Imperial Road, Cheston, and Dinglewell.

Most settlements are named based on their surroundings (e.g. Horsbere was named after Horsbere Brook).

New teritories will be assigned to a specific region based on geographic criteria: if they are situated west of the westernmost boundary of Horsbere, east of the easternmost boundary of Dinglewell, or between these points, if that happens, they will he assigned to a region based on their closest territory's region. Non-residential subjects are similarly assigned a region according to this geographic rule and are permitted to either stand for election or participate solely as voters.

Each region will initially elect four members of parliament, although this number may increase or decrease annually based on the population of each region. Parliamentary elections will be held every year, from 1 to 30 December.

During Pacifico's time as a Republic, there were states which were located in government officials' houses. When claims were made to new lands, no thoughts were given by those involved to allocating a state to those areas. In the restructured system, all former colonies were redesignated as territories, forming the second administrative level beneath the regions. A new territory, Pacifico City, was established to encompass all previously designated provinces in the area, with these provinces subsequently disestablished. Moving forward, any newly created colonies will be designated as territories.

Seven territories are mostly areas of extensive grassland, and are sized between 9,900 and 163,000 m2 (2.44 and 40.27 acres). They have no people living in them, but many daily visitors, usually about 100. The three towns are smaller administrative entities, each playing a role in the broader governance of the state. Typically, a town is a small urban area within a colony. As mentioned above, no-one lives in any of the three towns, but they have many daily commuters. The military zone, which operates with unrestricted access during peacetime, becomes heavily regulated during periods of war or elevated security, imposing strict controls on entry and activities within the area.

Flag		Name	Area	Population	Established
Regions
		West Pacifico	241,470 m2	approx. 6	11 November 2024
		East Pacifico	220,100 m2	approx. 9	11 November 2024
Territories
		Pacifico City	270 m2	4	17 July 2024
		Parkia	20,700 m2	0	23 June 2024
		The Imperial Road	9,900 m2	0	24 June 2024
		Cheston	33,400 m2	0	28 June 2024
		Saintbridge	56,400 m2	0	10 July 2024
		Left Hatherley	56,100 m2	0	11 August 2024
		Horsbere	57,500 m2	0	11 August 2024
		Dinglewell	64,300 m2	1	19 October 2024
		Oxstalls	163,000 m2	0	6 August 2024
Towns
		Finchmoor	440 m2	0	6 August 2024
		Longford Meadows	780 m2	0	11 August 2024
		Innsworth Meadows	190 m2	0	11 August 2024
		Bacon Town	190 m2	1	15 September 2024
Military Zones
		Cheston Military Zone	50 m2	0	28 June 2024

Government and politics

Legislature

The House of Commons in Pacifico has 7 Independent members.

In the Empire of Pacifico, legislative authority is vested in an institution known as the Parliament of Pacifico. This body is composed of seven members who collaboratively engage in the creation, modification, and repeal of laws. The Prime Minister of Pacifico directs Parliament, serving as both the Head of Government and the chairperson of parliamentary sessions.

The Prime Minister is elected for a term of one year, with the potential for re-election at the end of each term. During this period, the Prime Minister is responsible for overseeing the functions of Parliament and representing the government in its legislative activities. Elections for the Prime Minister are held annually from December 1 to December 30, with results announced on January 1, signaling the start of the new term.

A notable aspect of this parliamentary system is the absence of political parties. All Members of Parliament (MPs) serve as independents, meaning they do not belong to any organized political group. This arrangement is detailed in Chapter 4, Article 13, Section 1 of the Pacifican Constitution, which states: "Political Parties may be created with Imperial Consent, but it is advised to remain independent." This provision emphasizes the intention for MPs to represent their own views rather than adhere to party lines.

The Parliament of Pacifico has the authority to propose, amend, and dissolve legislation. However, it operates under the oversight of the Emperor of Pacifico. This means that while Parliament has the power to enact and revise laws, it must do so in accordance with the Emperor’s guidance, ensuring that its legislative actions align with the broader objectives and governance of the empire.

Executive

Pacifico is governed by an imperial monarchy, a system where all political power is concentrated in the Crown. This means that the Emperor holds the highest authority in the government and has control over both the executive and legislative branches.

In the executive role, the Emperor is in charge of ensuring that laws and policies are carried out across the entire Empire. This involves overseeing the work of various government departments, ensuring that laws are followed, and managing the daily operations of the state. The Emperor's job is to keep the administration running smoothly, coordinating all parts of the government to make sure everything functions efficiently.

On the legislative side, the Emperor has the power to create, change, and enforce laws. This authority allows the Emperor to shape the legal and policy framework of the Empire, deciding on important reforms and setting the direction for the country's future. The Emperor plays a key role in determining what new laws are needed, how existing laws should be adjusted, and what policies should guide the government.

The structure of governance in Pacifico is designed to make sure that the Emperor's decisions are carried out without any opposition or review by other parts of the government. This means that the Emperor's authority is absolute, with no outside interference or checks on power. The system ensures that the Emperor’s decisions are implemented smoothly, creating a unified and consistent approach to governing the Empire. In this way, the Emperor's control over both the executive and legislative functions allows for a strong, centralized government where all power is held by a single, unchallenged leader.

Population

Historical population
Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
2021	25	—
2022	28	+12.00%
2023	24	−14.29%
2024	35	+45.83%

As of the October 2024 census, the Empire of Pacifico reported a total population of thirty-five individuals. This population is categorized into two distinct groups: residents and non-residents. Of the total population, six individuals are officially registered as residents, meaning they live within the Empire's territory. The remaining twenty-nine individuals are classified as non-residents, indicating they are associated with the Empire but do not reside within its borders.

The population of the Empire of Pacifico is composed of individuals from various national backgrounds. A significant portion of the population, specifically 55.55%, consists of British nationals. This group forms the majority within the Empire. Spanish nationals account for 16.66% of the population, making them the second-largest national group. Indian nationals account for 13.88% of the population. Additionally, Singaporean, Pakistani, Egyptian, Chinese and Ukrainian nationals are each represented by 2.77% of the population, contributing to the Empire's overall composition.

In terms of political perspectives, both the resident and non-resident groups generally display support for the existing government. This support is evident in the overall approval of the policies and actions of the ruling authorities. The alignment between the population and the government suggests a stable and cooperative environment within the Empire, where the governing authorities maintain a favorable relationship with the population.

Country	No. of citizens
United Kingdom	20
Spain	6
India	5
Pakistan	1
Egypt	1
China	1
Ukraine	1
Singapore	1

Culture

The Empire of Pacifico maintains a unique culture shaped by its geographic position just north of Gloucester, in the village of Longford. Its proximity to Gloucester has influenced Pacifico’s cultural practices, blending elements of historic English tradition with its own distinct identity. Additionally, the Emperor’s Spanish heritage brings a distinctive influence, introducing customs and perspectives from Spain that enrich the Empire’s cultural tapestry.

Pacifico celebrates its founding with annual events that foster a strong sense of community and reflect the region’s traditions. Inspired by Gloucester’s neighbouring rugby culture, Pacifico shares an appreciation for the sport, making it a part of social life and public gatherings. The Spanish influence is also seen in occasional festivities and traditions that incorporate aspects of Iberian culture, blending seamlessly with the Empire’s existing customs.

At its core, Pacifico values community and tradition, combining local English and Spanish influences with its own customs to create a vibrant and distinctive cultural identity.