Universalis

Technocracy of Universalis
Official language:	English
Capital:	Aristarchus
Largest Cities:	Aristarchus, Sputnik, Tiberion
Date founded:	August 10, 2000
Number of citizens:	5
Number of active citizens:	3
Independence:	November 28, 2008
Government:	Direct Democracy
Current leader:	Ryan Caruso
Currency:	Credit
Demonym:	Universal
National animal:
National fruit/food:
National drink:
Nation's Total GDP:	{{{GDP}}}

Universalis is a micronation that was founded on August 10, 2000 by Ryan Caruso as the Universe of Allied Nations (UAN). It was originally attached in union to the Audentior Independent Nation, but functioned in a nominally independent manner. When the AIN collapsed in late 2000, Caruso disbanded UAN in order to better help centralize the Audente government and try and regain primary focus on keeping the nation intact. The effort only delayed the inevitable, and as Audentior collapsed, Caruso was appointed "Emperor of Audentior" and the UAN was left to history. It made two brief re-appearances over the course of the next several years, but all with a lackluster reception that ultimately ended in the project again being shelved. In November 2008, the UAN was again re-debuted with a totally new look and name. It was now called Universalis - based on a shortform name suggestion by Bill Dusch - and had a unique technocratic hybrid form of government, and an ambitious website, and forum. While not the activity star of micronationalism, it nonetheless managed to gain some citizens and has trudged through its first year as a new nation successfully. Its most notable achievements thus far have been an expansive space program, and a strong diplomatic effort that has led to the restoration of fifty-percent of its original territory on Tapfer.

Government

Universalis is governed by a unique hybrid combination of technocratic principles and direct democracy. Into this mix it infuses elements borrowed from classic science fiction writers such as H.G. Wells and Isaac Asimov. The head of state and government is the Chairman (or woman) of the Science Governing Board. The SGB is a group of scientists who specialize in a particular field; and that field in turn represents a particular need of the nation. For example, one seat is held by a Doctor of Biology. This seat is charged with speaking on the behalf of environmental affairs, health, welfare, and other such aspects as would be affected by biological sciences. Obviously there is some overlap between positions; but this is to ensure the needs of the population are adequately met. Seats are filled based on credentials rather than elections. If a person has proven themselves sufficiently skilled in a particular area, their peers may allow them to fill a seat on the board. Likewise, if someone is not fulfilling their duties, then the board may dismiss them for a better candidate. Actual politics play little role in the government. From amongst the board, the scientists choose the best qualified to hold the position of Chair of the SGB. Ministerial positions are appointed by the board.

History

The Universe of Allied Nations

This made some of the first Lovely nations look good...

Universal Soldier

Really bad movie...

Universal Soldier: The Return

Sequel to a really bad movie...

Universalis Reborn

Finally they get it right!

Culture

Universal culture is based on science fiction and borrows from such elements as Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri, or from literature such as Isaac Asimov's Foundation Series. The nation's culture also imbues the moral principles of many humanitarian and diplomatic organizations, such as the United Nations, Red Cross, Sierra Club, and so forth. The combination of these factors is intended to give both resident and visitor a sense of a futuristic society that has moved beyond racial and other segregation and established a better community that cares about its future, its people, and the environment they live in.

Within the context of micronational history, Universalis was the first nation to ever occupy its current lands on Tapfer. Following its initial demise the land was occupied by Lavalon, Paulovia, and Natopia respectfully. Koloniatsk, at the far southeast corner, was settled by Russian immigrants from Interland. Today, Universalis embodies a mix of all these cultures.

Geography

Universalis is a geographically small nation that resides on the planet Micras, on the southeast peninsula of Tapfer. It also holds a major colony in Leng in the far north. Aristarchus, the capital city, is an impressive suburbia that displays modern arcology (architecture combined with ecology) techniques. The Gandhi Memorial Humanitarian Center (GMHC) is also located in Aristarchus, which houses the first organization devoted purely to micronational population studies and aid programs. Outside of Universalis is the Tiberion Spaceport, located on the tiny equatorial island of Tiberion. The spaceport is the launch point for vessels departing from Micras for the Tarsican colony of Monolithos. The spaceport used to utilize the Hurmu Jumpgate as a means of transit between the Atos (Micran) star system and Aura; the latter however was abandoned by all major colonizing powers.

Terra Universalis

Terra Universalis is the political heart of the nation situated along the extreme easterly shores of southeast Tapfer. It is bounded in the south by the subdivision of Koloniatsk. The province is home to Aristarchus, the capitol, which is the main urban center along the coast. In the north, Point Sitya is a commercial port that serves Aristarchus and the small communities that exist between the two cities. The climate is temperate with snowy winters, humidity throughout the year, and warm summers; typical of, for example, New Zealand's weather.

Koloniatsk

Koloniatsk is a small enclave, located at the extreme southeast corner of Tapfer and adjacent to Terra Universalis. It is populated primarily by Interpolish, Transocians, and Kyberusski. The region was originally colonized by Universalis early in its history, but was later vacated and re-colonized by Interland, a Polish micronation. Many Kyberusski (Russian Interlanders) moved to the colony, followed by Transocians (Russian Ocians), along with a number of others of similar Slavic backgrounds. The region has thus developed a very Eastern European flair and is widely regarded for their fine food and academia. The capitol city, originally called Koloniatsk as well, was renamed Sputnik. The other major city is Mirgrad (City of Peace). Koloniatsk is administered as an extension of Terra Universalis province.

The Celestial Isles

The Celestial Isles are a group of islands off the southern coast of Tapfer. They constitute a province unto themselves, but are mostly uninhabited save for Copernicus Island; all the others have been designated part of the Wildstar Nature Sanctuary. Copernicus has two older cities; St. George and Scodland-Tresport. St. George is the regional capitol and was initially founded by Paulovians, serving as their national capitol. Scodland-Tresport was founded by Lavalonians at a later date. While St. George has become the residential and tourist center of the island, Scodland-Tresport has become the the industrial and commercial port. St. George also has the St. George Observatory, which attracts academia and tourists. The islands are perpetually cold, similar in climate to Iceland.

Tiberion

Tiberion is a small island located along the equator of Micras, northeast of Eura in the Orange Sea, and at the southwesterly extreme of the Skerry Isles. It is tropical, but due to its small size has been mostly denuded. It is home to the Tiberion Spaceport. A vast sprawling structure that combines several different types of launch systems for getting shuttles and satellites into orbit.

Leng

Leng is a cold plateau in the farthest northern reaches of Micras. Located northeast of Hyperborea, it was unknown for many years despite not being geographically far in distance from populated areas. It is perpetually locked in cold and ice save for a small harbor enclosure on the south side of the island that allows the sea water to keep from freezing. The region has not been colonized due to its natural hostility. When administration took over ownership of the island, it was found to already be inhabited by a very sparse population of pagan deity worshippers. The island is considered a strange anomaly and is generally kept from mainstream affairs; either on purpose or simply by virtue of its nature. The island is known to hold strange and undocumented native flora and fauna, such as the notorious Leng Spiders.

Relevant External Links

• Universalis' website

• Universalis' Forums