Principality of Sancratosia

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Principality of Sancratosia
Prinsia de Sancratosia (Lingua Franca Nova)
Motto: Monarcia bonvolente (Lingua Franca Nova)
Benevolent monarchy
Anthem: Imno nasional de Sancratosia
National Anthem of Sancratosia
General location of Sancratosia in North America
Capital
and largest municipality
Sancratosia
Official languagesLingua Franca Nova
Recognised national languages
Promoted languages[a]
Demonym(s)Sancratosian
GovernmentUnitary semi-constitutional monarchy
• Sovereign
Princess Cloe
Cristian Neuton
LegislatureNational Council
Sovereign state
• Declaration of independence
1 December 2021 (2021-12-01)
Area
• Total
574.20 km2 (221.70 sq mi)
Population
• 2023 estimate
79
CurrencySancratosian impresa () (SNI)
Time zoneUTC−05:00 (Eastern Time Zone)
• Summer (DST)
UTC-04:00 (Eastern Daylight Time)
Date format
  • dd-mm-yyyy CE
  • dd/mm/yyyy CE
Driving sideright
Calling code761 (Proposed)
GUM 3-letter codeSNC
IMSO 1 codeSN
Internet TLD.org

Sancratosia (/sɑːn.kræ.t.ʒə/ (About this sound (listen)); Lingua Franca Nova pronunciation: /san.kra.to.sia/ (About this sound (listen))), officially the Principality of Sancratosia (Lingua Franca Nova: Prinsia de Sancratosia), is a sovereign state operating within a self-proclamed extraterritorial territory located in North America. It is classified as a micronation by most external observers. The nation declared its independence on 1 December 2021 (2021-12-01).[1]

The official language of Sancratosia is Lingua Franca Nova, an auxiliary constructed language also known colloquially as Elefen, making it one of the first nations to adopt the language as its official language. Despite Lingua Franca Nova being the official language of Sancratosia, French and English are more commonly used and spoken. The two languages are also recognized as national languages.

The Principality is a semi-constitutional monarchy where the sovereign personally exercises power in concert with other institutions. Unlike traditional monarchies, the monarch does not source their power from a God but from the people.

Sancratosia is a member state of some intermicronational organisations such as the MicroFrancophonie, the Grand Unified Micronational, the Conference of Santiago, the International Aerospace Community and the Micronation Postal Association. The Principality was one of the represented nations at MicroCon 2022, MicroCon 2023 and will co-host MicroCon 2025. Sancratosia is also a co-host of the annual Digi Micro Summit.

Etymology

Sancratosia's name comes from the combination of two Greek words "σαν" and "κράτος" meaning "like a; as a" and "state". The name was chosen from the aspiration in the foundation of a nation that could be considered equal to other nations. On 21 October 2021 (2021-10-21), the name was officially adopted, a date known today as Emergence Day in Sancratosia.

History

Emergence of Sancratosia

Rise of micronational interest

In the early 2000’s, Chloé Fortin Côté began to be interested with the phenomenon of micronations, especially the nations of Sealand and Molossia. Many years later, the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns that resulted revived this interest which was directed at first in hobby worldbuilding.

Brainstorming for an identity

In the later weeks of October 2021, new articles introduced by the Government of Québec to Bill 2, An Act to reform family law with respect to filiation and to amend the Civil Code with respect to personality rights and civil status, articles that would threaten trans rights in the province, Chloé thought of an appropriate response to protest the bill and other acts made by the Government since its election in 2018. The idea came to Chloé that the creation of a micronation could be a perfect way to achieve that goal. The hobby of worldbuilding thus turned to micronational creation and Chloé started the process of formally declaring independence.

Starting on 16 October 2021 (2021-10-16), Chloé began the brainstorming process for the formation of what would be called then, the Constitutional State of Sancratosia. On 21 October 2021 (2021-10-21), the name of "Sancratosia" was settled which is considered as the Emergence of Sancratosia.

The first form of government envisioned was one of a constitutional state, being influenced by the constitutions of lusophone countries such as Cabo Verde or Mozambique. However, the size of the governmental structure of such large states and the desire to be able to exercice some control on the direction of the nation in the long term prevented any of these influences to be applicable to Sancratosia. Other historical constitutions were studied, such as the Constitution of the July Monarchy or the Constitutional Charter of 1826 of Portugal. Chloé settled on the Constitution of Monaco and on the culture of Monaco has its main influences to guide its micronational formation.

Early development

Independence

On 24 November 2021 (2021-11-24), it was established that the form of government would be a principality, switching from the original Constitutional State, with Chloé has Sovereign Princess who would take on the regnal name of Princess Cloe of Sancratosia, dropping the "H" not present in Lingua Franca Nova.

After a week of writing, the Declaration of independence was officially signed by the Sovereign Princess, as her first act in office.

First year

Following the independence of Sancratosia, facing the challenges of establishing a functioning state, a Sovereign Ordinance giving temporary absolute power to the Sovereign Princess was promulgated on 2 December 2021.[2] This ordinance allowed the passing of laws, with the absence of an elected National Council, concerning mostly cultural elements such as the national symbols or the public holidays and most notably the Law on the provisions against discrimination which is considered to be the main legislative piece on LGBT rights in Sancratosia.[3]

On 11 January 2022 (2022-01-11), Cristian Neuton was appointed as the first Minister of State of Sancratosia.[4]

The virtual representation of the Municipality of Sancratosia was launched on 5 February 2022 (2022-02-05), in the form of a Discord server. This was made, at the suggestion of Cristian Neuton, to help gather the Sancratosians in one place where they could exchange on many different topics, as well as to allow foreign heads of states and diplomat to be informed about the Principality.

The Sovereign Princess had her first official meeting with another micronationalist on 19 March 2022 (2022-03-19). Minister-President Dominic Desaintes of Saint-Castin met with Princess Cloe to discuss Québec politics and other micronational topics.[5]

For the 6 months anniversary of Sancratosia, ePorteta was officially launched on 1 June 2022 (2022-06-01). An online platform reserved for citizens, it gave the Principality one more way to reach directly its citizens and offer as special perk to its citizens.

One year anniversary

One year anniversary logo.

Celebrations for the one year anniversary of Sancratosia began on 19 October 2022 (2022-10-19), when the Principality began its countdown to Emergence Day.[6] Celebrations also included the unveiling of the first permanent stamps series issued by Posta de Sancratosia, the first State of the Principality of Sancratosia and the registration of the first private business in the country.[7][8][9] The Principality also unveiled a special logo, which was also the basis of a special stamp series.[10]

Francophone development

In early 2023, the Principality of Sancratosia began a process of developing its francophone presence, especially in Quebec, but also with the international French-speaking community. The Principality formalized its relations with Saint-Castin and Aigues-Mortes, joined the regional Laurentian Micronational Cooperative Union and was admitted in the Organisation de la MicroFrancophonie.[11][12][13]

Politics

Government

Princess Cloe, January 2019.

According to the Constitution, Sancratosia is governed under a constitutional monarchy, with the Sovereign Princess of Sancratosia as head of state. The executive power is exercised by the Minister of State as the head of government, who presides over the Government Council.

The prerogative to propose and promulgate laws belongs to the Sovereign Princess, while the National Council gets to modify and adopt them. This shared legislative power is also applied for every revision of the Constitution.

Foreign relations

Sancratosia's presentation table at MicroCon 2022.

Sancratosia adheres to the declarative theory of statehood, every states that have a defined territory, a permanent population, a government and the capacity to enter in relation with other micronational states is de facto recognized by Sancratosia. However, de jure recognition is not given out to States which have views aligned with the far-right. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a list of states which received official mutual recognition from Sancratosia.[14]

The Principality is also a signatory of many conventions and accords such as the Wrythe Convention, the Edgbaston Convention, the Augusta Accord and the Protocol of Klöw.

On 20 February 2022 (2022-02-20), Sancratosia became the second Canadian-surrounded nation to be admitted as a member in the Conference of Santiago. On 3 October 2022 (2022-10-03), the Principality was admitted as a member state in the Grand Unified Micronational. The nation is also involved in the francophone micronational world, its been a member of the Organisation de la MicroFrancophonie and of the Laurentian Micronational Cooperative Union, a regional union with the Newgraviate of Saint-Castin and the Principality of Beremagne.

The Principality was represented twice by Princess Cloe at MicroCon 2022 and MicroCon 2023, establishing informal relations with many micronations such as the Ambulatory Free States of Obsidia, the Principality of Aigues-Mortes, the Kingdom of Ruritania, the Republic of West Who, the United Slabovian Empire, the Aerican Empire and the Republic of Molossia.

Geography

Fog forming above the river on a winter morning near the Sancratosian extraterritorial territory.

Sancratosia is located in Northern America and is completely surrounded by Canada, and entirely within the province of Quebec. It is on the Saint-Lawrence River and neighbours the region of Montérégie.

It is geographically located near the Newgraviate of Saint-Castin and the Aerican Empire.

Time

The Principality of Sancratosia is geographically located in the Eastern Time Zone. By law, the legal time in Sancratosia is that of its immediate neighbour, the Province of Quebec.

Climate

Sancratosia's climate is exactly the same as the southern part of Quebec. It is classified as a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfb)

The government of Sancratosia takes its climate data from Canadian official sources for the region of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

Climate data for Sancratosia
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) −5.4
(22.3)
−3.2
(26.2)
2.3
(36.1)
11.2
(52.2)
18.7
(65.7)
23.8
(74.8)
26.1
(79)
25.3
(77.5)
20.6
(69.1)
12.8
(55)
5.8
(42.4)
−1.4
(29.5)
11.4
(52.5)
Daily mean °C (°F) −9.6
(14.7)
−7.8
(18)
−2.2
(28)
6.3
(43.3)
13.3
(55.9)
18.7
(65.7)
21.1
(70)
20.2
(68.4)
15.6
(60.1)
8.6
(47.5)
2.2
(36)
−5.1
(22.8)
6.8
(44.2)
Average low °C (°F) −13.8
(7.2)
−12.3
(9.9)
−6.7
(19.9)
1.3
(34.3)
7.9
(46.2)
13.5
(56.3)
16.0
(60.8)
15.1
(59.2)
10.6
(51.1)
4.3
(39.7)
−1.4
(29.5)
−8.8
(16.2)
2.1
(35.8)
Average Precipitation mm (inches) 74.8
(2.945)
59.3
(2.335)
61.9
(2.437)
77.3
(3.043)
82.9
(3.264)
94.7
(3.728)
97.6
(3.843)
92.5
(3.642)
82.6
(3.252)
92.0
(3.622)
85.7
(3.374)
76.8
(3.024)
978.0
(38.504)
Average Rainfall mm (inches) 24.2
(0.953)
19.9
(0.783)
31.9
(1.256)
70.3
(2.768)
82.9
(3.264)
97.4
(3.835)
97.6
(3.843)
92.5
(3.642)
82.6
(3.252)
90.6
(3.567)
74.4
(2.929)
33.1
(1.303)
794.7
(31.287)
Average Snowfall cm (inches) 50.6
(19.92)
39.3
(15.47)
30.1
(11.85)
7.2
(2.83)
0.0
(0)
0.0
(0)
0.0
(0)
0.0
(0)
0.0
(0)
1.3
(0.51)
11.3
(4.45)
43.7
(17.2)
183.5
(72.24)
Source: Environment Canada[15]

Territorial status

Sancratosia has two territorial statuses, its operating territory and its symbolic territory.

Sancratosia has made a symbolic territorial claim in the Montérégie region of an area of 574.20 km (356.79 mi). It corresponds with the limits of the Beauharnois-Salaberry Regional County Municipality, a region that has been historically inhabited by members of the House of Sancratosia. The Principality does not have control of this territory. The claim was formalized on 1 December 2023 (2023-12-01).

For its day to day operations, Sancratosia considers the place from where it operates to be an extraterritorial territory from which it exercises its sovereignty. There has been no official recognition of its extraterritoriality status by the government of Canada.

Administrative divisions

Map of the administrative divisions of Sancratosia.

The state consists of only one municipality, the municipality of Sancratosia. There are no geographical distinctions between the principality and the municipality. The only difference being in the separated administrative competences between the two.

Municipal Districts

For administrative purposes, the municipality is currently divided in five districts:

  • Altia Maria
  • Costa Sabosa
  • Jenoveva
  • La Curiosia
  • Sancratosia-Site

Economy

"Validi de produi orijinal de Sancratosia" label in the "Comunica" notebook produced by RBR Sancratosia.

Sancratosia does not have a sustainable economy. The Principality is entirely dependant on the personal fortune of the House of Sancratosia. According to the Constitution, the Sovereign Family must be paid first on the national budget before any other expenses are made, which, for the moment means that the entirety of the state's revenues go directly to the Sovereign Family. The 2023 National budget foresees expenses of 37 625◊ (CAD 18 813$).[16]

Taxes

Sancratosia has a 25% value-added tax (VAT) on most goods and services. Prices are normally presented with the included VAT. There is no income tax on citizens.

Currency

The official currency of Sancratosia is the Sancratosian impresa, colloquially known as the Simpresa.

Because of the close proximity of Sancratosia with Canada and the United States, the Canadian dollar and the US dollar are both accepted for affairs in Sancratosia.

Stamps

Posta de Sancratosia is responsible for the emission of postage stamps in the Principality of Sancratosia and plays an important part in the economy and diplomatic affairs of the nation. The sale of stamps represent one of the main source of income for the Principality. Although the Principality has its own postage administration, it relies on Canada Post for the mailing of letters and packages.

Original product certification

Saluta Sancratosia is responsible for the creation and management of the "Validi de produi orijinal de Sancratosia" program (English: Certification of original product from Sancratosia), a country of origin labelling program similar to the "Made in ..." labels. The program has guidelines for companies to acquire the certification for their products.

Labels are produced by Saluta Sancratosia and sent to companies who acquire the certification. Certification is given to a company and inspections can be done randomly to ensure compliance with the program.

Population

Demographics

Sancratosians by status

  Sancratosian nationals (17.72%)
  Sancratosian residents (82.28%)

Sancratosia's population was 3 in 2021 and counted more residents than nationals. At the beginning of 2022, the Principality made official and publicized its naturalization process and citizenship program.[17] On 30 January 2022 (2022-01-30), less than a month after the opening of the program, Sancratosia reached a population of 10 citizens.[18]

Citizens of Sancratosia, residents or nationals, are called Sancratosians.

Citizenship

The Principality of Sancratosia classifies its citizens into two categories: nationals and residents. Sancratosian nationality is mutually exclusive with that of other nations and the acquisition of the nationality from another nation will result in the loss of Sancratosian citizenship.[b] An exception is made for individuals which may not renunciate their nationality.

Residency[c] is open to everyone but there are some limitations to the accession of political functions within Sancratosia.[19]

The acquisition and reacquisition of nationality is the prerogative of the Sovereign Princess.

Language

The Constitution determines that Lingua Franca Nova, also know colloquially as Elefen, is the official language of the state, while French and English are recognized as national languages.

Gestuno is a promoted language in Sancratosia. Previous to this legalization, Quebec Sign Language was often considered to be the de facto official sign language of the nation, due to the lack of a signed version of LFN.

Because of Sancratosia's relations with some Brazilian micronations and the personal interest of the Sovereign Princess in Portuguese, was made a promoted language in Sancratosia alongside Italian and Gestuno.

Religion

Sancratosia is a secular state and the monarch does not source its power from a God, contrasting from traditional monarchies. By sourcing its power from the people of Sancratosia, the Principality is unique in this way that it's a modern secular monarchy. The Principality guarantees the freedom of religion.

Public holidays

Public holidays[d] are celebrated in Sancratosia normally by taking a day off. If it falls on a weekend or if there is no work scheduled during the coming holiday, the day off is taken on the closest business day.

List of public holidays

  • 1 January: New Year's Day
  • 15 January: George Boeree Day
  • 10 February: National Flag Day
  • Third Monday of February: Sancratosians' Day
  • 1 March: Sovereign Princess Day
  • 21 March: Elefen Language Day
  • 15 April: Duchess Maria I Day
  • 1 May: Workers' Day
  • Fourth Friday of May: Friendship's Day
  • 10 June: Chives Day
  • First Monday of September: Goose Day
  • 21 October: Emergence Day
  • 11 November: Martlet Day
  • 1 December: Independence Day
  • 17 December: Maple Day
  • 25 December: Winter's Day

Culture

The culture of Sancratosia is heavily influenced by Canadian culture, more specifically Quebec culture, but also by Monégasque and French cultures. It is however distinct and shaped by the use of Lingua Franca Nova as the official language and its population composed of naturalized people from around the world.

National symbols

A mockup of the national flag of Sancratosia.

The national flag, the princely flag and the coat of arms are the only national symbols specifically mentioned in the Constitution. Other symbols such as the national anthem are determined by law.

Flag

The national flag of Sancratosia is quartered of red and white, in the same pattern found on the coat of arms of the Principality. The princely flag consists of a white field with the coat of arms in their greater version charged at the center. The national flag is used in every capacities while the princely flag is mostly only used in the presence of a Sancratosian official such as the Sovereign Princess or the Minister of State.

Coat of arms

Signature of the government of Sancratosia.

The coat of arms of Sancratosia is the symbolic representation of the House of Sancratosia, the current reigning house of Sancratosia. It is the most commonly used symbol in Sancratosia, being present on almost every official documents. The official signature of the government features the smaller version of the coat of arms.

Sports

The official sport of Sancratosia is the flying disc but other sports enjoy a relative level of popularity such as football, cricket and various forms of hockey like floor, roller in-line and ice hockey. The Sancratosian Sports and Games Confederation is the regulator organ of sports in Sancratosia and is responsible for the organization of local leagues and tournaments and for the national teams of Sancratosia.

Sancratosia is a member of the Micronational Olympic Federation, and is represented by its Micronational Olympic Committee.

Fantasy sports

The Principality participates in some intermicronational fantasy leagues such as the MicroNations League Trophy. Sports team like the AF Sancratosia represent Sancratosia in these leagues. The Sancratosia Rompejelos used to represent the Principality in the MIHF Ice Hockey World Cup.

Cuisine

A typical Goose Day meal.

The cuisine of Sancratosia is categorized as a fusion cuisine that is mainly influenced by Quebec, French and American cuisines.

Some staple foods from Quebec cuisine that are included in the Sancratosian diet are the poutine, the soupe aux pois, the pizza-ghetti and the sucre à la crème, the latter being the official dessert of the Principality.[20] Maple syrup is also used a lot in Sancratosian cuisine, especially on deserts such as crêpes.

Certain meals are tied with national and public holidays in Sancratosia such as Goose Day, where meals related to small birds are eaten. Meals such as foie gras or duck meals are a staple of this holiday. Meals are also adapted to the season like during the winter months when richer meals are eaten.

The most popular drink in Sancratosia is coffee but tea also enjoys a relative popularity.

Chez Chloé, a restaurant and bar became the first registered company in Sancratosia, a demonstration of the importance of cuisine in the Principality.

Museums

Sancratosia has a network of public national museums, maintained and operated by National Museums of Sancratosia. The Principality is also home to some private museums, notably two dedicated to personal collections of the House of Sancratosia.

The Duchess Jana I National Museum and Archives, features items from the history of Sancratosia and the micronational community in general with items such as a 1994 Sealand Half-Dollar, being part of the featured items from the museum. It is also where the Crown Jewels and the signed copy of the Constitution are kept. The Duchess Maria II National Museum of Visual Arts, features visual art exhibitions from Sancratosians and other micronationalists.

Two museums are dedicated to personal collections of the Sovereign Princess of Sancratosia and they both concern Canadian history. The Rhys T. Eyton Princely Museum[e] covers the history of Canadian Airlines, former airline giant that was in operations from 1987 until 2001. The museum features memorabilia from the airline, as well as internal items from the company belonging to former employees. The Nadia Comaneci Princely Museum[f] features an extensive collection concerning the 1976 Summer Olympic Games in Montréal. Some of the most notable items from the museum include an official participation medal and a signed gymnastics ticket by Olympian Nadia Comăneci, first-time gold medalist at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

Other museums are privately operated and cover various topics, such as the Arthur Stanley Eddington Museum, which covers the topic of worldbuilding, the John Z. De Lorean Museum contains some elements related to the history of the DeLorean Motor Company and more specifically the production of the DMC DeLorean car, and the Johannes Gutenberg Museum, covers the history of typography.

See also

Notes and References

Notes

  1. Languages that are promoted by the government in certain capacity but have no Constitutional recognition.
  2. Sancratosian nationality is not mutually exclusive with that of macronational states.
  3. Physical residency is not a requirement to apply for Sancratosian residency.
  4. The preferred term in Sancratosia is "recreational days", considered to be more secular.
  5. Formerly the Rhys T. Eyton National Museum.
  6. Formerly the Nadia Comaneci National Museum.

References

  1. Principality of Sancratosia, "The Principality of Sancratosia declares its independence", sancratosia.org
  2. Principality of Sancratosia (2 December 2021), "Sovereign Ordinance no 1 of 2 December 2021 on the temporary exercise of absolute power by the Sovereign Princess of Sancratosia", sancratosia.org
  3. Principality of Sancratosia (13 January 2022), "Law no 5 of 13 January 2022 on the provisions against discrimination", sancratosia.org
  4. Principality of Sancratosia (11 January 2022), "Sovereign Ordinance no 29 of 11 January 2022 on the nomination of the Minister of State", sancratosia.org
  5. Desaintes, Dominic (24 March 2022), "Le Ministre-president Desaintes rencontre la Princesse Cloe de Sancratosia.", L'Union de Saint-Castin
  6. Principality of Sancratosia (19 October 2022), "Countdown to Emergence Day.", Twitter
  7. Principality of Sancratosia (26 November 2022), "New permanent stamps! They will always remain valid even if mailing prices goes up.", Twitter
  8. Principality of Sancratosia (30 November 2022), "The Sovereign Princess gives her 2022 State of the Principality Speech", sancratosia.org
  9. Principality of Sancratosia. (2 December 2022), "Tonight, "Chez Chloé" will hold its opening night. This restaurant and bar is the first private business registered in Sancratosia", Twitter
  10. Principality of Sancratosia (1 December 2022), "New stamps for the one year anniversary of Sancratosia.", Twitter
  11. de Sancratosia, Cloe (12 March 2023), "Sancratosia joins the LMCU.", sancratosia.org, La Ganso Coronada
  12. de Sancratosia, Cloe (28 January 2023), "Official diplomatic relations between Sancratosia and Saint-Castin.", sancratosia.org, La Ganso Coronada
  13. de Sancratosia, Cloe (4 April 2023), "Three new members join the MicroFrancophonie.", sancratosia.org, La Ganso Coronada
  14. Principality of Sancratosia, "International recognition", sancratosia.org
  15. Government of Canada (31 October 2011), "Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Climate", Environment Canada
  16. Principality of Sancratosia (30 September 2022), "Primitive budget of the 2023 fiscal year", sancratosia.org
  17. Principality of Sancratosia (7 January 2022), "The Principality of Sancratosia unveils its citizenship program", sancratosia.org
  18. Principality of Sancratosia, "History of Sancratosia", sancratosia.org
  19. Principality of Sancratosia, "Citizenship", sancratosia.org
  20. Principality of Sancratosia (5 January 2022), "Law no 1 of 5 January 2022 on the national symbols", sancratosia.org

External links