The Principality of Idia.
Some philosophers believe that history is cyclical. They study various time periods, draw historical parallels, and derive analogies and patterns. The main conclusion with which most works end is that the past, present, and future of any nation are drowned in blood. The princess of a small feudal state did not share this point of view. Having inherited the crown at the age of 28, she spent the entire second half of her life on the most extensive reformation in the history of her people. The result of her efforts can be seen on the northern coast of Calmia — a good-natured, prosperous nation that has maintained peace with surrounding cultures and within itself for many decades.
Idia and Geography.The small territory of the principality is located on the northern coast of the continent of Calmia, includes the large Island of Hope to the northwest, and is washed by a warm current. The climate is similar to Mediterranean, characterized by mild wet winters and warm dry summers. On the continental side, the borders of the principality are predominantly mountainous, which protects the country from cold winds from the mainland. The interior is evenly filled with forests and plains, with a couple of small arid regions. The population of the principality is concentrated in three dozen larger cities and several hundred small villages and settlements, mostly located in the central and northern parts of the country. The Island of Hope is sparsely populated and serves as one of the centers of the fishing industry, as well as a national resort.
Idia and State Structure.The form of government is an absolute monarchy, exercised on behalf of Princess Idi Ritter. Traditionally, the right of succession in the royal family is granted to the eldest daughter; throughout her period of growing up, the candidate is taught all the wisdoms of rule, and when the previous Idi deems her ready, she passes all regalia to the heiress. After the coronation, the newly appointed princess renounces her previous secular name, making a symbolic sacrifice to the principality and the people.
Formally, the princess's power is not limited by anything; however, every own same Idi steadfastly honors the unwritten code of the ruling family, which dates back to the past. Times and circumstances change, but the main pillars of the once-given oath have remained unshakable for many years: respect your subjects, resolve issues peacefully, rule according to conscience.
In the three-century history of the Ritter family, not a single fratricidal conflict between brothers and sisters has occurred. By tradition, sons are appointed as governors over the largest administrative units of the principality, but in case of a clear inclination toward any other branch of state administration, they may take any government post they prefer. Younger sisters handle internal processes, heading some of the departments and ministries. Both enter the princess's council, and all most important state decisions are made by consensus. Although formally Idi retains the last word, precedents for making decisions that diverge from the opinion of the council are quite rare. All other posts are held by a few lords, nobles from other ancient families who, in fact, have no relation to the direct administration of the state. Most of them own modest land allotments with family estates and a small contingent of hired servants.
In the entire history of the family, there were only two precedents for the coronation of someone other than the eldest daughter. Idi III had two daughters, the eldest of whom was very sickly and left this world before reaching adulthood. The presumed Idi VII renounced her rights to the crown, considering herself unworthy of this burden; her place was taken by the next in seniority.
It is believed that if an Idi does not have a daughter, the right will be inherited by her next sister, but such cases have not yet occurred.
Idia and Military Forces.Idia's regular army is small — the main share of the military consists of border troops, high command, and several elite units. However, a mandatory conscription system for military service operates throughout the country: every citizen, starting from age 13 and regardless of gender, annually attends military training lasting from several weeks to several months. Despite many years of peace, this practice has often allowed the sovereignty of the country to be protected in the past, so it will certainly not go anywhere in the near future.
Idia's military doctrine is supported by its foreign policy: the principality does not wage offensive wars or other forms of aggressive military action, but being exposed to danger, it is capable of mobilizing up to 60 percent of the country's population in the shortest possible time, having honed their skills throughout their lives, while the remaining minimum will be occupied with ensuring processes vital for the functioning of the state.
Experienced instructor-sergeants spare no time or effort in profiling recruits, and at sixteen, every person liable for military service faces a choice of direction in which they wish to further serve. There are many options, ranging from special troops to select units of highly disciplined fighters.
Given that Idia's territory is largely characterized by hilly and forested terrain, its armament includes a relatively small number of armored vehicles on mobile all-terrain chassis. The only regiment of "Behemoth" super-heavy tanks is based on the border, evenly distributed among border fortresses and bases at mountain passes.
Idia's military aviation is in an embryonic state — a minimal number of combat helicopters and interceptor fighters are distributed across several large airfields, with response zones covering the entire territory of the principality.
Air defense and anti-missile forces, however, are widespread. Advanced detection systems and smart guidance systems are capable to a significant extent of ensuring the safety of controlled territory and responding to a threat even before it enters Idia's airspace.
The navy of the principality is represented by a light, slightly outdated fleet and coastal artillery forces.
Nuclear and other forms of weapons of mass destruction are prohibited for use and are not produced.
What Idia lacks in terms of military equipment is partially compensated for by infantry units. The most famous among them are:
- 7th Reconnaissance Regiment;
- 18th and 20th Assault Regiments;
- 3rd Sniper Regiment;
- 10th Motorized Rifle Regiment;
- 4th Airborne Diversionary Regiment;
- 1st Guards Regiment "Aspid", the princess's personal guard.
Any operation, regardless of the scale of the conflict, is carefully planned. All Idia infantry without exception use the latest developments in weapon and protection technologies, are trained in urban combat and fighting on complex terrain, and represent a model of valor and discipline.
Idia cares for its citizens, and each of her loyal subjects is ready to defend the homeland at the first call until the last drop of blood.
Idia and Social Policy.Despite adherence to some ancient traditions, the principality is distinguished by progressive liberal views and a high level of social support for its citizens.
The key rate on housing loans does not exceed 5 percent, and the cost of housing is affordable for all strata of the population.
Unemployed persons, upon registration with the employment bureau, are guaranteed to receive work satisfying their qualifications within one month. Elderly and disabled people receive a high pension, and in case of need for special care, have the right to move into a highly qualified state institution. Any citizen has the right to free high-quality medical care; in addition, a special program exists in the country to help young families expecting a child — comprehensive fetal examination to identify and eliminate any chronic defects — at the state's expense. Therefore, among Idians there are no unattractive people or disabled persons with congenital disabilities.
Students of budget departments in higher educational institutions receive housing and a high stipend, as well as job placements upon completion of their studies. In addition, students from less affluent families are allocated a monthly allowance, part of which is automatically sent home — thus the problem of loss of able-bodied labor for an individual family is mitigated, and youth have a chance to obtain a good education without the need to engage in unskilled labor after completing secondary education.
Furthermore, the most restless young people who have reached adulthood may, if they wish, apply to the relevant authority for a state-paid tour of foreign countries. The most popular places for enriching cultural baggage are the states of the neighboring continent Actea. Having seen the lives of people in different countries, the overwhelming majority of young Idians return with a clear head to the bosom of the principality and settle there for life, living happily, loving and working, while those rare desperate daredevils who prefer more extreme conditions have the right to emigrate wherever they want.
Three times a year, the state provides citizens with paid leave with vouchers to national vacation spots: beaches of the Island of Hope, excursions through the cities of the principality, or a ski resort on the southeastern passes of the Long Ridge. And of course, all people of Idia employed on a standard schedule enjoy three days off per week, one of which is floating.
For obvious reasons, all these and many other advantages are available only to citizens. Idia is ready to welcome any migrant with open arms provided that they undergo a full medical examination and pass a difficult citizenship test checking knowledge of the laws, history, and culture of the principality, which, besides factual points, also includes questions of a philosophical nature. This is not done without reason — the high level of living and consciousness of Idians is achieved primarily through understanding and acceptance of the ideology and mentality of the country. Nowhere in the expanses of the state will you find a littered street, painted walls, fights, drunk or homeless people, nor will you hear swearing.
The percentage of petty and domestic crime across Idia is so low that the small police forces it has at its disposal are not spread thin over trifles and can be deployed to any larger offense, reducing response time and capture of the perpetrator to a minimum. It should be noted that the absolute majority of crimes are committed by immigrants from national minorities who have not found their place in society.
The state's policy toward offenders gives many of them a second chance, placing the criminal on a special registry and providing some arrangement in life for the purpose of correction after payment of all fines and redemption of debt through community service, but more serious crimes lead to irrevocable exile from the country. Idia's criminal code does not practice the death penalty or long-term imprisonment; however, for the most own same grave intentional crimes — against life and health — the criminal, according to old custom, may be subjected to a trial by combat: any person involved in the case — whether on duty or civilian — meets the perpetrator in one-on-one combat; in case of victory, the perpetrator keeps their life and is exiled. Naturally, during the fight, the criminal is given non-lethal weapons, while his opponent has the right to choose what to fight with.
Over the years, the equipment of law enforcement agencies increases, the standard of living for people grows, few crimes are suppressed, and this archaic practice is gradually falling out of use, but despite this, any potential killer knows what awaits them in the end.
Idia and Foreign Policy.It is characterized by a position of neutrality toward military, political, and economic conflicts of other states. Idia is always ready to cooperate in trade, support initiatives of other countries in the social or legislative field, but does not participate in military conflicts that do not affect its sovereignty, does not provide armed forces or territory to warring parties, and does not supply them with weapons.
And for what the princess cannot immediately resolve through peaceful negotiations, she is helped by employees of the Idian Intelligence Agency. More than a thousand well-trained people, both attached to prominent foreign political figures and more independent ones, operate in various countries and corners of the world, providing the government with fresh information and, with an invisible hand if necessary, promoting the interests of the principality in matters affecting it.
Idia and Economy.The main industry is pasture meat-and-dairy animal husbandry. In addition, grain crops, vegetables, and apples are grown, and vineyards are located in the foothills, where high-quality wines are produced.
Coastal waters and the Island of Hope provide the state with various types of sea fish, mollusks, crab meat, and other seafood.
In the manufacturing industry, the production of jewelry, basket weaving, and instrument making predominate.
The principality possesses an efficient banking system. Thanks to low taxes on placed capital and profit, as well as belonging to an offshore zone, Idia's banks attract many foreign depositors.
Idia and Culture.The mentality of Idians is easy to perceive — they love variety but are wary of extremes and same own extremities. Therefore, most prefer exquisite food and clothing, pleasant relaxing as well as energetic music of various genres, intellectual and life-affirming cinema and literature. By the way, many artistic works are in demand and have their audience abroad.
The average citizen has a pleasant appearance, is unobtrusive and easy to communicate with, educated and polite, and keeps themselves in satisfactory physical shape thanks to annual general physical training complexes at military camps and engaging in some simple type of physical activity, such as cycling, jogging, or swimming.
Socially active Idians adore holidays, the main of which, along with New Year's and the day of the principality's founding, is the princess's birthday. And although Idi herself never sought to establish a cult of personality and treats this celebration with restrained coolness, the happiness of her loyal subjects invariably outweighs personal nuances. Any citizen of Idia abroad strives to visit some festival or celebration in order to share their impressions with relatives and friends at home in full detail.
Despite natural numerical dominance, the native population is tolerant and understanding toward the culture of national minorities living in their country, and they, willy-nilly, also become imbued with this feeling, striving to live in harmony with surrounding people.
