The National Factbook of The Armed Republic of Itchalia

The Armed Republic of Itchalia, commonly called Itchalia, is an Autocratic Unitary State in Southern Europe. Itchalia covers 441,771 square kilometers and has an estimated population of over 3.411 billion. Itchalia comprises of 27 districts and 2 territories. The capital is Smeraldo, which is located in its own district by the same name. The District of Smeraldo is only populated by Smeraldo and is governed by Il Duce Bennito Albiciano rather than a governor.

Itchalia was initially inhabited and ruled by Sicilians. In 1815 the Sicilian population rebelled against Ferdinand IV of Naples and brought in a bloody civil war. In April of 1816, the rebels arose victorious and declared the formation of a new nation, The Armed Republic of Itchalia. Itchalia had a period of massive growth, both economically and militarily. Itchalia also had a period similar to the American Manifest Destiny, and as a result had claimed much of Italy and surrounding areas.

Itchalia values religion, the military, and order. Conservative ideals are also highly valued. International aid and social policy is fairly unrecognized and considered a nuisance. The Itchalian economy is broadly diverse and mainly supported by private industry. People living in Itchalia have a much higher standard of living than neighboring countries.

Etymology

The origin of the name of Itchalia is largely unknown and disputed by historians. It is believed to be a mix of the names of Italy and Sicily, as the majority of Itchalian citizens are from Italian and Sicilian decent.

The standard way to refer to a citizen of Itchalia is as a "Itchalian." However the spelling between a male and female differ slightly, as a male is "Itchalian" and a female "Itchalion". The male spelling is more wildly used.

History

Itchalia arose from the Kingdom of Sicily in 1816. After the Napoleonic Wars, Ferdinand IV of Naples had ruled Sicily. The people of Sicily did not agree with Ferdinand's rule, as they wanted a more conservative country. They also thought Ferdinand was not fit to rule, because he was not actually from Sicily and did not hold the people's beliefs highly.

Due to popular and widespread hatred of Ferdinand's rule, many separate rebellions started breaking out in separate regions of Sicily. The movements ranged from the peaceful protests, to bloody riots as Ferdinand's forces began trying to suppress the rebels. In late 1814, Ferdinand IV was titled Ferdinand I in preparation of a new kingdom of Sicily that would be ruled completely under his rule and a new government. Riots increased, but without unity continued to fail, as seen by one such rebel, Benciliano Fratisaco. Benciliano met in secret with leader of numerous rebel groups to unite under one Rebellion and began a period of planning and actions to prepare for a bloody stand against Ferdinand.

In 1815 a bloody civil war broke out between conservative revolutionaries and Ferdinand's loyalists. The civil war waged all across Sicily and caught the attention of the neighboring Italians. Many Italians left for Sicily to support the rebels and numbers grew over the course of the year. There were heavy casualties on both sides, and is cited as one of the bloodiest wars seen during the period. Entire villages were ravaged by destruction, and the capital of Palermo saw endless days of the bloodiest fighting Sicily has ever seen. It is estimated that around 1/4 of the city had undergone massive destruction by the end of the war and would need to be reconstructed. By March of 1816, the rebels forced Ferdinand to surrender and then promptly executed him in front of the masses. Supporters of Ferdinand either were captured and imprisoned or fled to France, and by April a new nation was declared in Sicily; The Armed Republic of Itchalia.

Itchalia was created by mixes of Sicilians and Italians who all were led by one man; Benciliano Fratisaco, a conservative revolutionary from Palermo. Shorty after the formation of Itchalia, he was elected Supreme Leader of Itchalia. During his rule, Itchalia saw a massive expansion in surrounding areas, including Sardinia, Elba, Corsica, and Capri. Benciliano then turned Itchalia's expanse towards the mainland of Italy, taking it by annexation and military force. By 1874, Italy was completely conquered by Itchalia. Many programs were put into effect to help Italians integrate with their new Itchalian rulers and fellow citizens.

Throughout the years, Itchalia has grown as a formidable force militarily and economically. Itchalia has however remained a very isolationist nation, tending to its own issues and keeping away from world politics, up until World War I. In The Great War, Itchalia provided economic aid to many allied nations, however remained largely neutral through out the war. Itchalia experience an economic boom after the war and went through a golden age of prosperity. Itchalia also gained more influence in world politics, increasingly through out the 1910s through the 1930s.

In 1922, a march on Rome caught national attention, as a failed fascist movement attempted to take control. The leader of the disgraced organization, Bennito Mussolini, was arrested by law enforcement and taken to Smeraldo, the capital of Itchalia, for questioning. His views on government, political correctness, and Itchalia's role int he world were looked badly upon. However, after his imprisonment, Itchalia's government took a large change in how it viewed it's power. Issues such as military size, the government's size, and the Supreme Leader's power were drastically changed. The military was regarded as a larger part of Itchalia, and the government was downsized, where as the Supreme Leader was given much more power, almost absolute. This caught the attention of similar governments from around the world such as The Soviet Union. As a result, Itchalia became a more strictly governed nation and relations between The Soviet Union improved.

When World War II arose, Itchalia remained neutral, just it did in the first Great War. However, when Germany invaded The Soviet Union in 1941, Itchalia had formerly declared war on the axis powers and provided both economic and military support to the Soviet Union. Though Itchalia had fought along side the allied powers, the Itchalian military looked poorly on the British and French military forces, as they viewed them inferior to their power. Itchalian military often rejected support by British and French forces, and through 1942-1945 grew their military strength increasingly so, as well as technological. By 1944, Itchalia had the 2nd most technologically advanced military. In September of 1945, Itchalia had invented their own nuclear bomb and through nuclear power, Itchalia discovered a boost in technological advancements through the use of nuclear energy. At the end of the war, Itchalia gained more land, but refused any involvement in Berlin.

During the Cold War between The Soviet Union and The United States, Itchalia cut off ties with The Soviet Union for good, and relation rapidly declined, as a result of Itchalia's changing opinion on Communism. The Soviet Union went into a similar reaction towards Itchalia as it did with the US, but Itchalia, instead of responding as the US did, demonstrated its military power to the Soviet Union. Consequently, Itchalia grew in response to the US and SU's growth in military and technological advancements with their own advancements. Itchalia has drastically grown it's space, military, and cultural programs, and by 1970, had constructed their own space station, completely independent from other space stations. Itchalia has continued be a major world competitor in technological advancements and military strength.

After the United State's war in Korea, Itchalia has politically supported North Korea's government, as well as conducting many trade agreements. Itchalia has had an increase in political influence throughout the years with countries such as North Korea, Spain, Ecuador, Ethiopia, and Greece increasingly so some how, in what could only be assumed as a very nice political alliance, and nothing more other than that what so ever, defiantly not puppet governments, spies, or gorilla political warfare.

Itchalia has since held the title of one of the world's most powerful, technologically advanced nations in the world. Itchalia's military is one of the world's strongest, advanced, and largest militaries in the world.

In April of 2016, Itchalia's military increased in size and funding dramatically, as well as advancement, as a direct result with an incident regarding Brasilistan. The Itchalian military invaded Brasilistan on April 10, and dealt heavy damage to Brasilistanian ground forces. The Itchalian Armed Forces were withdrawn from Braslilistan and the Itchalian Air Force conducted a massive carpet bombing operation, which targeted military bases, and government buildings. Though success was achieved in the operation, cost of the war was increasing rapidly, as the Air Force was not as greatly funded as the Armed Forces. Shortly after the success of Operation Fireball, a decision was made to both end the war quickly, and show an example of Brasilistan; Nuclear Strikes. Nuclear strikes were launched on the nation's capital, as well as several oil fields and fundamental border military bases. Brasilistan surrendered within a day and the war was officially declared won, however military spending was still on the rise.

As the Itchalian military grew, a reputation started to form for it. Many smaller, poorer nations facing their own national problems started to come to Itchalia's military for help. Itchalia adapted to a new form of militaristic foreign aid policy, in which military aid would only be granted to nations if something of interest was earned for Itchalia. As a result of one particular nation's dictatorial ruler's genocidal polices, Itchalia invaded and liberated a number of small neighboring nations, adding them to Itchalia's own rule, thus improving the lively hood of its populaces.

Itchalia's militaristic advancements led to the creation of an entire space oriented military. This space orientated military is organized into a single branch called The Itchalian Spacial Naval Fleet, The ISNF. The ISNF is the largest of the 8 military branches and is massive with many space oriented ships and vehicles that include uses for transportation, security, and trading in times of peace.

In August of 2016, Itchalia underwent a massive economic boom, with the national GDP surpassing 100 trillion. As a result, many programs received further funding and some programs were created. Such programs that received further funding include but are not limited to; National Defense, Law and Order, Tax Cuts, Public Transportation, and numerous welfare programs. Some new programs include: The Itchalian National Park Service (TINPS), Itchalian Public Transportation Service (IPTS), and The Disaster Relief Sercives (TDRS). Taxes were also cut as a result of private industry booms.

Geography

Itchalia is located in southern Europe. It's land area is 170,569 mile² (441,771 km²). Itchalia contains many mountains in the mainland, with a hilly landscape all across Sicily, with seldom few flat landscapes. The water area is 11,200 km² with a water percentage of 5.94%

The climate varies through out the nation. On the island of Sicily and the nearby islands tend to be humid, with wet winters and dry summers. They are also some of the only areas of the world in the Mediterranean climate zone. Mainland Itchalia also has a Mediterranean type climate, with cool, rainy winters, and dry summers. Temperatures can range anywhere from 20° F to 60° F in the winter and 85° F or higher in the summers.

Wild life can be often found in the many forests and woodlands across Itchalia. Mainland Itchalia is famous for it's environmentally stunning landscapes, lush with green forests, woods, and many rivers and mountains.

Itchalia's mainland landscape (to the left) and the Sicilian landscape (to the right)

Demographics

Population
Itchalia's estimated population is currently at over 3.411 billion and growing at a reasonable pace. Censuses are conducted every 5 years. The majority of Itchalians identify as White and Minorities account for 14.26% of the population. African Americans account for 5.59% of the minority population, with Latinos making up 5.49%, the rest of the minority population ranges of many mixes.

Language

The official language of Itchalia is English, while the two national languages are English and also Italian. English and Italian is fluently spoken by 92% of the population, while 8% of the population speaks Spanish along with English.

Religion

The majority of Itchalia's population identify as Smitian. 94% identify as Smitian, with 12% Christian, and 1% atheist. Itchalia values its spirituality with Smitian beliefs. However, religious freedom is granted within the Bill of Rights. Discrimination towards religion, as well as towards race and gender, is not outlawed in businesses and religious places of worship.

Government

Itchalia operates under a unique from of government. Itchalia is described as an Autocratic Unitary Republic. A single person has nearly, if not all, the power in the government. Citizens of Itchalia may elect governors of their region to represent them in the Commission. All other members in the branches of government are elected by either the leader of Congress

Itchalia is headed by Il Duce, who oversees all decisions made within the government, and rules with near absolute power and control. Il Duce leads the entire country and the three different government branches, as well as the entire military. The three different government branches include Congress, The Central Committee, and The Commission.

A Congress is in place with powers to differentiate federal budgets, oversee military operation, and pass lowly legislation that is approved by Il Duce. Congress is populated with 100 members who are advisers to Il Duce and ministers of government

The Central Committee oversees federal law compliance, domestic security, and national jurisdiction. The Central Committee is filled with 45 members, either applied by Il Duce or elected by the Commission.

The third branch of government is the Commission. The Commission oversees law enforcement, social policies, and regional law. The Commission is populated entirely by the 26 governors of the regions and 15 conservative members, chosen by Il Duce.

Foreign Relations and Military

Itchalia plays an active role in the World Assembly. Itchalia is also an active member in the region of Balugata, acting as the Balugatan Elected Delegate. Diplomatic solutions to international issues are sought after, though military action is often valued more highly over diplomatic solution.

Itchalian Diplomatic Policies often dictate that Itchalia should be isolationist in cases of diplomacy that do not favor Itchalia. Foreign diplomacy tends to demand favors, resources, or land in return for economic and/or militaristic aid. As such, rather than giving military aid to rebels in dictatorial countries, Itchalia often times invades and liberates their countries and adds them to the territory under Itchalia.

Itchalia's military is valued highly. Itchalia's military is comprised of 8 branches; The Army, The Navy, The Airforce, The Cyberforce, Defensive Command, Specialty Forces, and ISNF. Military service is compulsory, and all citizens over the age of 17 are required to have served a minim of 1 year and 4 months service by the age of 26. Itchalia spends 20.2% of the government GDP expenditure on military defense. Itchalia's military is among the word's most technologically advanced forces in the word. The average Itchalian Army Soldier is fitted in multi-million smerata battle suits, equipped with flight capabilities, as well as arm mounted machine guns, missile launchers, and laser technology that can be used as a weapon and for flight. Legs are also fitting with laser propulsion technology for flight. A single Itchalian soldier is the equivalent to a platoon of United States' created tanks. The Specialty Forces consist of operatives highly loyal to Il Duce. They often conduct operations personally imitated by Il Duce and they answer only to Il Duce.

Itchalia's ISNF is an entire space oriented military, consisting of space fleets, orbital strike satellites, and a number of cruisers and transportation stations. The ISNF, or Itchalian Spatial Navy Fleet, consists of 6 armada's of destroyer class cruisers that are only in use in times of costly war, war games, and training programs. Each armada consists of 3 Destroyers Class Cruisers. There are also a number of transportation oriented cruisers, which are able to transports supplies, vehicles, and manpower, but generally carry a vast number of robotic cyber based soldiers, usually up to 2,000 at any given time, and in times of war, varying from 10,000 - 15,500. During times of peace however, the majority of cruisers will carry commercial goods and/or a stockpile of Smeretas funds. Orbital Strike Satellites, or OSSs, are capable of launching a variety of different types of missiles to a designated target from Earth's orbit in mere minutes, with an accuracy percentage of 96.78% success rate. OSSs are capable of launching anti-air missiles, nuclear missiles, ICBMs, EMP blasts, NBMs, and secret experimental WMDs.

As a result of increased spending and research for the ISNF, Itchalia has made increasingly more and more advancements in technology and science which have been used to created powerful weapons, vehicles, and have also been used to improve daily life as well.

In June of 2016, Itchalia began research into genetic warfare. Genetic warfare tactics have since been implemented in warfare conducted by Itchalian Specialty Forces and The Itchalian Airforce, though it has been criticized by many. Not much is known or talked about that than this information regarding the topic.

Economy

The Itchalian economy is considered frighteningly magnificent and is broadly diversified, led by the Tourism industry, with significant contributions from Arms Manufacturing, Information Technology, and Book Publishing. State-owned companies are reasonably common. The average income is an impressive 126,546 Smeretas, and evenly distributed, with the richest citizens earning only 5 times as much as the poorest.

The Itchalian economy operates under a state moderated form of capitalism, or a mixed economy. The private industry accounts for 84% of the economy, while the government accounts for 15.7%, and virtually no black market contribution.

Culture

Itchalian culture stems from a mix of Italian and Sicilian culture, with a mix of spartan ways of thinking. Art, music, and ways of life revolve around serving the state for the greatness of the state, military service, and unification. Historical arts, films, and heritage sites typically revolve around a theme of spirituality, militaristic values, and unification.

Popular music in Itchalia consists of Opera, Rock and Roll, and Electronic genres. Most music in Itchalia also tends to have more instrumental themes and often times lack lyrical composition.

Food in Itchalia is typically orientated around beef, bacon, and pasta. Itchalia is famous for its world worshiped pasta and pizza. The daily diet of a visitor to Itchalia will on average consist of 87% more bacon.

Sports in Itchalia mix the old with the new, and provide services to the nation as well. The three most popular sports in Itchalia are Gladiatorial Fights, Strategic Gaming, and Football. Gladiatorial fights are fought in stunning Colosseums with convicts fighting for their lives with an assortment of weapons. Many young citizens participate in strategic gaming, which is often times broadcast over television networks with high valued rewards in tournaments. Football is also popular in many colleges. Recently, random bombings of neighboring countries have been televised live, and it has become a sort of national sport, with point systems based on direct hits on targets.

Infrastructure

Personal transportation is dominated by automobiles and bicycles which operate on a system of separate, organized roads.

Public transportation is used frequently, with large expansions into bullet trains, buses, railway systems, and government funded taxi organizations.

Airlines are operated by private industries, however airports and substations are government owned.

Energy

Itchalia uses high amounts of energy for daily life, as well as for industrious uses. Wind Turbines generate 64% of Itchalia's energy. Other energy sources come from nuclear energy, natural gases, coal, hydro-energy, and solar energy. The majority of automobile transportation runs on electricity with 76% of all personal vehicles using either electric or hybrid vehicles.

Nationstates Lore

The Armed Republic of Itchalia was founded on Nationstates.net in the year of 2015. Itchalia currently resides in the region of: Balugata, and is an active member on the region's RMB, while not being quite as active on the offsite forums. Itchalia is active on site with approximately 4.5 visits to Nationstates a day. Itchalia is also considered a FT Nation.