Kingdom of Norgaardia
Kingdom of Norgaardia | |
---|---|
Capital and largest city | Nordheim |
Official languages | English |
Demonym(s) | Norgaardian |
Government | Parliamentary Monarchy |
• Monarch | Eugene I |
Legislature | National Assembly |
Establishment | August 19, 2024 |
Population | |
• November, 2023 census | 60 |
Currency | Nordmark |
Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
Website Government Discord server |
Norgaardia, or officially Kongeriket Norgaardia is a micronation established in August 2024 in Savannah, Georgia. Norgaardia was created after the fall of the Kingdom of Serramwen process, with the founders focused on the idea planning to establish a new Norwegianic identity associated with Germanic and Scandinavian backgrounds. Today, it has a population of about 50 citizens, even though the country conducts business from the royal palace, which is also the capital and centre of power. Norgaardia’s beliefs mimic both traditional monarchism and contemporary parliamentarism, while maintaining cultural tradition and acknowledging the interests of all its citizens, as well as promoting the idea of autarky. Despite its non-membership in the list of major micronations, it is fully involved in micronationalism and seeks to spread its culture all over the world. Furthermore, Norgaardia has cultural heritage apart from following federal constitutional monarchy system with parliamentary democracy system. The nation consists of three realms: Therin, Duronia, and Wintoria, each operating as sub-states under the guidance of the crown.
History
Origins of Norgaardia
The history of Norgaardia began with the establishment of the Kingdom of Serramwen in January 2021 in Caldwell County of North Carolina. Originally established as a constitutional monarchy, Serramwen became a place where political and cultural concepts could be tried out. As a result of this, by mid of 2024, the United Kingdom of Serramwen was dissolved and Norgaardia was formed as Eugene had realized that he had a new mission that would better express his intentions with his community within the micronational community.
Founding and early milestones
Norgaardia was officially established on 29 March 2024 after the dissolution of the United Kingdom of Serramwen. The constitution was approved by a group of six founding members, the Ruling Family was then installed on 30 March 2024. Several initial steps were taken after the establishment of a government, including several laws that define the legal culture and principles. The Uniform Law Code, the Kingdom of Norgaardia Act is the founding legal principle within the realm. One of the first civil codes adopted was the Promotion of Scandinavian and German Heritage and Culture Act, which was crucial for the adoption and establishment of a national culture and purpose. The Norgaardian Citizenship Act was also a major milestone within the nation as it laid down the proper ways to accept and recognize citizens. The Diplomatic Immunity Act is another piece of legislation that was integral for the realm as it helped establish ways to recognize all the new diplomats and micronational leaders who had joined the community and had established relations with the Realm.The Revenue Collection Act and Commerce and Economic Development Act are two acts that established the economic systems within the Realm, creating economic and fiscal policies that help regulate the internal commercial trade within Norgaardia. The Instrument of Accession and Zymylpathian Marches Special Autonomous Region Act is also a major accomplishment of the realm, it allowed for the formation of a new prince-bishopric within the realm and added several new and active members within the community. The most recent addition to the legislative code is the Crown Holdings and Residencies Act which established the Crown holdings within the community and how they are cared for.
Key figures and contributions
The Crown Eugene I is the inaugural and current Monarch, who took over on the first day of the nation's establishment, as affirmed in the constitution and the Crown Acknowledgment of Norgaardia his family remains the rightful rulers of Norgaardia.
Governance structure
Norgaardia is a constitutional monarchy, based on both traditional monarchist foundations and modern democratic practices. At the centre of governance is the Crown, vested through the Office of the Crown, it is the chief representative of and Head of State, embodying the culture and founding principles of the Realm. There is also the Great Offices of State who aids the Crown in its day-to-day duties, including but limited to the Office of the Lord High Steward, The Earl Marshal and various Secretaries of State. There is also a Legislature vested int the National Assembly, which is a unicameral body and has the ultimate authority regarding legislative matters. The Chief Executive is vested in the Prime Minister who also sits in the National Assembly and has a Cabinet that aids ib his or her day-to-day duties. There, lastly, is a Judiciary, vested in the Crown, the Judiciary embodies and represents the founding principles of life, liberty and equality among our citizens.
The Crown
The Crown, exercized through the Office of the Crown, represents the micronation in matters of state, diplomacy, and ceremonial functions, they serve as the guardian of Norgaardia's traditions, culture, and heritage. The Crown shall also issue royal decrees, proclamations, and honours, subject to the Constitution and laws of the micronation. The Crown also exercises executive powers, including the appointmentment and dismissal of the Prime Minister and other government officials, dissolution of the Council of Ministers, and granting of pardons. The Crown may also convene and prorogue sessions of Parliament, and dissolve the Parliament in the event of extraordinary circumstances or failure to form a government.Refuse Assent to legislation passed by the Parliament. The Crown may also declare a state of emergency in times of crisis, subject to review and approval by the Parliament. The Crown shall maintain authoritarian control over all governance matters within the nation. The Crown also retains sole authority for the appointment of ministers, the dissolution of the National Assembly, and the granting of royal assent to legislation enacted by the National Assembly. The declaration of war, negotiation, and ratification of treaties, issuance of pardons, regulation of foreign affairs, management of the military and law enforcement, control of media and communication channels, supervision of economic policies, and enactment of emergency measures shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Crown. The Crown shall exercise its authority as deemed necessary for the preservation of order and stability within the nation.
National Assembly
The legislative power of Norgaardia is vested in the Parliament, which is called the National Assembly, consisting of elected representatives of the people. As the sole natioal legislature it holds the sole authority to make national laws, approve the national budget, oversee the government, and represent the interests of the citizens. The Parliament is composed of a single chamber, known as the National Assembly. Members of the National Assembly are elected through democratic elections, with representation based on proportional representation. Members arealways elected through democratic election and based on proportional representation.
Executive branch
The executive power of Norgaardia shall be vested in the Crown, Prime Minisrer and the Council of Ministers. The Monarch shall serve as the ceremonial head of state, representing unity, continuity, and tradition, and delegates that authority through the Office of the Prime Mnister.The Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is responsible for the implementation of laws and policies, administration of government affairs, and execution of any Crown decrees. The Crown holds authority to appoint the Prime Minister and other ministers and may dissolve the Council of Ministers in the event of a vote of no confidence by the Parliament.
Judiciary
The judicial power of Norgaardia is vested in the Crown, which shall interpret and apply the laws of the micronation. The judiciary is independent of the legislative branch, ensuring impartial administration of justice and protection of individual rights. The Supreme Court of Norgaardia is the highest judicial authority, responsible for interpreting the Constitution, resolving legal disputes, and ensuring consistency in the application of laws. Lower courts are able to be established to handle civil, criminal, and administrative cases at the local and regional levels, ensuring access to justice for all citizens, however none have been as of yet.
Local Governance and Citizen Involvement
The local government enables citizens to give out the local concerns of their areas through the local councils thus enhancing neighborhood participation. The ”Protectors of the Commons” are responsible for the constant monitoring of the governmental actions that concern the Commons.
Culture
A number of the cultural aspects of Norgaardia originate from the Germanic and Scandinavian regions, with a lot of influence from Vikings and an emphasis on historical arts as the main cultural asset. All these qualities are incorporated into the Kingdom’s festivities, artistic expression, speech, and daily interactions. The Nordheim Festival is an annual celebration of the kingdom’s birthday with food, music, and other forms of performance. The last association with the Yule is held on the winter solstice, and it predates the Norse and Germanic countries, where people of these regions would come closer in celebrating. These festivals are in memory of the kingdom tradition but have changed with the modern-day twist of the traditions. True to the recommendations of Norgaard, art is central to people’s lives in this area. Artists within the Norgaard region, which are organized by the Arts Council, develop media artworks that address identity. Music and theatre, musicals are popular and are performed in modern and folk or traditional styles. Writing, too, is important in Norgaardia as public reading shows concern for historical and contemporary writing. The official language used by Norgaardia is a mix of old Norse and Germanic and English, which may be a mark of the country's cultural background. The Kingdom has made efforts to educate and maintain the language.
References
- "Laws of Norgaardia". Norgaardian Government. August 2024. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
- "Constitution of Norgaardia". Norgaardian Government. August 2024. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
- "Crown Acknowledgment of Norgaardia". Norgaardian Government. August 2024. Retrieved August 26, 2024.