Gippingland Empire
The Gippingland Empire, more commonly known as Gippingland, is a micronation in the UK founded on the 20/02/2022. It currently consists of Glemsford Province, Orchard Province and Cricket Colony but this will likely expand in the future. The two capital cities are Glemsford and Orchard City with the Imperial Palace, the Imperial Parliament and HIM Treasury located in Glemsford and the Prime Minister's Office, the Imperial Court and most other governmental offices located in Orchard City.
The Gippingland Empire | |
|---|---|
| Capital | Glemsford and Orchard City |
| Largest city | Orchard City |
| Official languages | English |
| Demonym(s) | Gippinglandic |
| Government | Semi-Constitutional Monarchy |
• Emperor | HIM Emperor Harold II |
• Prime Minister | The Right Honourable Sir Ethan Seager MIP IC KOG |
| Legislature | Imperial Parliament |
| Establishment | 2022 |
| Population | |
• (as of 2022) census | 10 |
| Currency | Gippingland Pound |
| Time zone | (UTC) |
Gippingland is a semi-constitutional monarchy with an Emperor, currently HIM Emperor William I who has ruled since independence was declared, as head of state. There is a Prime Minister who leads HIM Government and an Imperial Cabinet. The is a bicameral Imperial Parliament responsible for creating legislation.
Gippingland is yet to enter into foreign relations with any other micronations but it does have the capacity to do so through the Secretary of Foreign and Imperial Affairs however, this office is currently vacant. Gippingland is surrounded entirely by the UK and as such follows all the laws of the UK to avoid invasion.
Etymology
The name of the empire was chosen as the territories it consists of lie within or around the Gipping Valley.
History
The Gippingland Empire was founded on the 20/02/2022 when HIM Emperor William I signed the Declaration of Independence. The same day the Gippingland Act 2022 was passed outlining some very basic principles and governmental function of the nation. A general election was then held but only Orchard Province produced a candidate, Ethan Seager, who was elected as a Member of the Imperial Parliament. This was the only MIP elected so as leader of the largest party in parliament (Gippingland Conservative Party) he was appointed Prime Minister by the Emperor.
Politics and government
The Gippingland Empire is a semi-constitutional monarchy. The current, and so far only, monarch is HIM Emperor William I. The first Prime Minister, Ethan Seager, was elected on the 20/02/2022 and is MIP for Orchard Province. Legislation is created by the Imperial Parliament which consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Legislation can be put forward by MIPs (called a parliamentary act or bill) or the Emperor (called an Imperial Decree). Both types of legislation follow the same process and all legislation must be signed and approved by the Emperor. There is currently only one political party (The Gippingland Conservative Party) however, there is no law against more political parties in the future.
Law and order
The Imperial Police are responsible for law enforcement in Gippingland. There are two police stations: Glemsford Police Station and Orchard City Police Station. The Imperial Court is located in Orchard City and is the only court in the Empire. A jury of 3 randomly selected citizens (provided they are over 18 and have no criminal convictions) who, after evidence is presented decide whether a suspect is guilty. If found guilty the judge will then sentence the suspect. This may be a term in HIM Prison Cooperton, community service or a fine.
Foreign relations
Gippingland has not currently engaged in foreign relations with any other nations or micronations. The Foreign and Imperial Office is responsible for diplomacy.
Military
The Ministry of Defence is responsible for the Gippingland Imperial Forces the Minister of Defence is currently The Right Honourable Benjamin Seager MIP IC. The Emperor is Commander-in-Chief of the military. There are 3 branches, the Gippingland Imperial Army, Gippingland Imperial Navy and Gippingland Imperial Air Force. The Gippingland Imperial Army contains the Gippingland Imperial Marines and is based in Orchard Province they have access to two shotguns and a wide range of training and melee weapons and conduct training exercises regularly. The Gippingland Imperial Air Force is also based in Orchard Province and contains the Gippingland Imperial Space Force. The Gippingland Imperial Navy contains the Gippingland Imperial Coastguard and is based in Glemsford Province and has one boat which was a gift.
Geography and climate
The climate of Gippingland is temperate. It sometimes rains and usually there are a few storms in a year. The summer is often warm and dry. There is occasionally snow in the winter but this is rare. Rain is more frequent in the spring.
Gippingland consists of Provinces which have a population of more than 3, Territories which have a population of 1-2 and Colonies which are unpopulated or are not owned by a Gippingland citizen.
There are currently three Provinces in Gippingland, Glemsford Province, Orchard Province and Ducksen Province. They are all residential properties with outside space such as gardens and driveways. Additionally, there is one Colony, a large area of uninhabited land next to Orchard Province. This land contains a play area, a pond, and an Anderson shelter.
Economy
The economy of Gippingland is limited. It relies heavily on imports for food, medicine, clothes, household goods etc. It currently exports almost nothing although it is likely to begin doing so in the future. The country produces some fruit and vegetables. Potatoes are a more successful crop for Gippingland. Revenue is collected from donations, taxes and fines but little is spent. Taxation and government spending is controlled by HIM Treasury however there is currently no Chancellor. There is a 1% corporation tax.
Culture and media
Education is limited as there are no schools in Gippingland. Any employment is done more on skills than on qualifications. Currently no kind of press exists in Gippingland. English is spoken by all citizens and there is little knowledge of foreign languages. There are several National Holidays in Gippingland they are: New Year's Day, Emperor's Birthday, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, May Day, Harvest Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve. The culture of Gippingland is very similar to that of Britain.